Here's to a New Year

Tracy & Kelly - Team OMAAT

Hope you all had a good 2015.  Bet you didn't think you'd ever hear from me again.  In all honesty, I wasn't sure either.  I'd been meeting with a book editor this year who has been encouraging me to publish a book, but it's been slow going.  My writing came to a screeching halt.  He'll be happy to see me writing today for the first time in over a year.

Just to recap... 2013 & 2014 were such massive years, so it's probably not surprising that I needed all of 2015 to recover from them.  I spent all of 2013 training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free standing mountain in the world.  I did the climb (and got to the summit) in September 2013 and spent an additional 5 weeks in Africa.

In July 2014, I flew from NZ to Vancouver, bought a van and drove over 5,000km across Canada in 60 days collecting warm winter clothing and school supplies to (somehow) ship to Tanzania (I wasn't sure how I was going to do it but thought I'd figure it out when I got there) for the Porters of Mt. Kilimanjaro and for the orphans and Maasai children. You have no idea how many people told me I was crazy and had no idea how difficult and next to impossible that was going to be.  I never listen and I do what I want.

Kelly Friis taking inventory in her garage

I reconnected with my old high school friend Kelly Friis who convinced her husband to allow me to sort the items in their garage. Kelly was adopted so she had a personal interest in the work I was doing.  She shared the story with her friends and ended up doubling the amount!  This woman is a serious super-star.  She has a heart of gold.  I'm incredibly lucky that she is part of the One Mountain At A Time team now.  I couldn't do any of this without her.

Mama Zara, the owner of Zara Tours & Zara Charity, knew someone in the import/export business who ships things to Tanzania regularly, he offered to help us get the items to Africa.  It all came together.  Kelly and her hubby got everything ready to ship and I boarded a plane for Tanzania.

I spent the next 3 months working with Zara Charity on all of their various community projects plus others that I discovered and got involved in as well (and ultimately introduced to Zara Charity who now support them).

• I spent a month in the Mount Kilimanjaro Porter's Society office getting to know the needs of the men and women of the mountain
• I spent my evenings and a number of day trips visiting the children at Kilimanjaro Orphanage
• I visited the elderly
• I spent time with Bibi (the medicine woman) healing people in the village with my Magic Hands and learning about African herbal medicine
• I initiated the Mattress Project at the orphanage - raising enough funds to buy brand new mattresses for every bed (45 total) plus two new bunk beds.
• I found new, worthy charitable projects to get behind and connected them to existing projects for support and mentorship 
• I visited a school for the disabled where the Albino children are also protected from harm
• I gave English lessons to staff and helped to update and edit the Zara websites
• I trained staff in massage and spa techniques
• I spent time with the Maasai in different regions learning about their culture and ways to help with their education
• I met with the nuns of Kisikahaba to discuss community outreach and visited hospitals and medical centres
• I facilitated and helped distribute donations of sporting goods and school supplies to various schools and children's centres
• I organized the Dreamer's & Doers books to be sold in all Zara Properties, with 100% of the profits going to Zara Charity 
• I went to a Poaching Protest 
• I participated in an AIDS Awareness run with AIDS orphans
• I watched a 10 year old boy die from AIDS (which he contracted on the street from being raped by drug addicts as a toddler)
• I took photographs, sharing everything on social media

That's a brief overview.  The time I spent in Tanzania was incredibly productive and extremely rewarding.  I made so many friends who became family.  I was a different person in Africa, it didn't matter that my skin was white because inside I was a black woman.  I felt like I'd connected to my primal soul and reconnected to my authentic self.

I was given freedom to choose the projects I was called to work on.  Mama Zara was my mentor, she trusted my instincts and supported everything I did.  I loved that woman.  She is an incredible role model and I was so grateful to have her unconditional support.

Zulfa and I in the MKPS office

I worked directly with Zulfa who became a sister to me.  Zulfa works in the Porter's office but she also does a lot of work for Zara Charity as well.  She was so dedicated to her work and always smiling.  I enjoyed working with her so much. I'm sure the feeling is mutual (judging by the look she's giving me in the photo).  Zulfa often told me how good I was at making things happen.  She told me that I accomplished more in my first three weeks than she was able to accomplish in three years!  That's the power of social media and being well connected to people around the world.  Zulfa was a single mother, working hard to provide for her daughter and her family.  She brought me to the market one afternoon where she bought a half a dozen shirts and trousers for her father for his birthday and posted them to him in Dar Es Salaam.

Zulfa wanted to do her Master's Degree at university but she was nervous about the fees.  I told her to sign up, to trust that the money would come.  I was teaching her the power of intention and manifestation.  She took my advice and enrolled in university.  Within a few months the father of her child came back into her life, realizing what a mistake he made.  He's supporting his family and paying her tuition. They are getting married tomorrow (December 28th).  I'm delighted for her.

The three months flew past.  I was conflicted because half of me wanted to stay and the other half was ready to return to New Zealand.  My life in New Zealand was packed up in boxes and stored away, I had no "home" to return to.  I was exhausted and run down.  I'd contracted a virus while I was in Africa and when I finally got back to NZ, I crashed. I'd been gone for 6 months and traveled around the globe.  I didn't know how I was going to pay my bills or rent because most of my clients had moved on.  Going away that long was committing business suicide.  Lucky for me, I have the most loyal clients on earth.  I am very very blessed.

The doctors didn't know what virus I'd contracted but it had definitely affected my heart.  There was evidence of damage on the ECG and they suspected I'd had a minor heart attack while I was away.

I had so much work to do but no energy whatsoever.  I found a furnished house to rent while my stuff remained stored away.  I just didn't have the energy to move and unpack.  I felt very unsettled and unsure of where I was meant to be.  This is one of the disadvantages of being so adaptable... my heart breaks a little more every time I connect with people and then have to leave.  I'm convinced it wasn't a heart attack at all, but more likely heartbreak.

My body was experiencing adrenal fatigue.  I had no energy so I slept a lot and when I wasn't sleeping, I felt chronically depressed (even though I wasn't depressed, I was just really really really tired).  Returning from the Western world was too much of a contrast from the work and life I was living in Africa. 

I also experienced writer's block.  I had so much to say but I couldn't write it down.  It was all very frustrating.  I'd lost my mojo - big time.

I wonder how much of that also had to do with the fact that the container carrying all the stuff from Canada was taking much longer than expected to get to Tanzania.  I was starting to lose hope that it would get there at all.  I'd been warned about the corruption at African ports, I'd seen it myself when people sent items via Air Freight.  I had people constantly asking me if it was there yet and I had to tell them that I hadn't heard a word.  I felt like I let people down and it was a terrible feeling.  I knew I'd done my best and that it was out of my hands but I was secretly disappointed in myself for believing I could do what everyone said was impossible.

I gained nearly 10kg too.  No energy, no exercise and eating far too much chocolate and carrot cake (comfort food).  I tried to climb the Mount (which I could easily do, twice) and I barely made it halfway.

Despite my exhaustion, I moved into a permanent rental, enrolled myself in a 36 week Money Management course and learned about Trusts, Property investment, Stocks and Shares, setting up a Will, etc.  I've also started a Life Coaching Course.  I'm preparing myself for whatever is coming next.  I've been going with the flow and accepting that whatever comes across my path is meant for me.  I'm still a yes person... just a tired one.

Zulfa sorting some of the school supplies which were delivered to the Maasai Pre-school in Ngorongoro

Then in September (2015) I got the news that the container had arrived!  It was 7 months later than originally expected.  I couldn't believe it.  Mama Zara had to send people to Zanzibar to collect it from customs.  It was a big deal and one that ended up costing thousands of dollars in customs fees and land transfer costs.  But it brought so much joy and happiness to the communities and NGO's I wanted it to get to.  Mama appointed Zulfa in charge of sorting out the items and distributing them on my behalf.  She did an absolutely amazing job.  It was a pretty major feat!  The items went a long way, I couldn't believe how much we sent.  Every day Zulfa sent me photos of the different people the items were given to and remembering that it was me who sent it.  It was very emotional.

The importer/exporter felt so good helping that he offered to do it again.  I spoke to Kelly in Canada and suggested doing another collection next year but when she heard that he had another container leaving in a few weeks she enthusiastically set out to collect school supplies to send over in time for Christmas. She's like an energizer bunny.  Her goal was to collect about 10 boxes of supplies which she figured would be easy enough.  Within 2 weeks she had collected 27 boxes of school supplies and exercise books, a whole school science lab (microscopes, teachers manuals and textbooks), soccer balls  and more.  Again I was just amazed at what this woman is capable of doing!  She's so incredible.

This science teacher gave us a whole lab including textbooks

Kelly got in touch with Chance to Play Charity

Mama Zara isn't getting involved in this shipment for good reason. I've been working at finding large sponsors to repay Zara Charity but unfortunately timing isn't great as everyone is helping the Syrian Refugee crisis. I feel indebted until that money is raised (about $4,000USD).

Instead, our importer/exporter guy (who's name is Yaquob) is going to help clear this current container from customs and deliver it. Kelly started a Go Fund Me page to help raise funds and so far we have $900 of the estimated $1,500 it will cost once it arrives. The container is due to arrive in a couple of weeks so any extra I will pay out of my savings.

Kelly and I have got some good contacts in Canada who would love to see this project continue. We've started something really amazing which is helping connect communities to each other. Yes, sending money directly to Africa would be easier but money doesn't "connect" us on a personal level.  We are sending them "pre-loved" items that can't be bought in Africa.  They are coming from families who want to see a child who has absolutely nothing, enjoy something their own children loved.

What I have found is that when people give us their things, they want to know who is enjoying them. That's the connection. People are so attached to their "stuff" in the Western world, their "stuff" becomes personal. "Stuff" equals love. People think they don't have a lot of money to give but they certainly have more stuff than they need. Our world is sick. Consumerism can ruin people's lives.

The Maasai children given books, toys and shoes

Supporting an entire community in remote Ngorongoro

This project builds a bridge... by helping the people who are so attached to "stuff" to become conscious and start sharing what they really don't need with others who do.  

I truly believe this is going to bring communities together. As people connect, even if it's through inanimate objects, we are creating relationships.

I saw it first hand when I collected that first container load. People were so excited to see who was getting their things. Children who didn't want to part with their favourite shoes (even if they didn't wear them) were happy to know they were going to a kid in Africa who didn't have a mum or dad and never owned shoes in their life. The Western child felt a deep connection to another child through a pair of Nikes... or a favourite doll... or whatever.  This small act of kindness reprograms a child from selfishness to selflessness.

Papa Joe with his new ruck sack and shoes

Imagine if every year we get one school to give us their old microscopes and textbooks or their old computers? Eventually we will have created a new school in Africa.  That's just one school! There's an opportunity here to reach out to many more.

I know I dream big, I can't help it. Together we can do this. It's really achievable. Besides, I want to get back to Africa as soon as possible.

I saw my friend Dr. Anna Rolleston for a cardiac assessment at the Cardiac Clinic.  I saw her before I climbed Kilimanjaro because I needed reassurance that I could do it.  Most doctors advised me of the risk (due to my high blood pressure and unusual heart condition).  Anna is a different kind of doctor, she knew I was going to do it regardless of what anyone said.  She told me to go for it, because she understands that life is short and it's meant to be lived to the fullest.  Unfortunately I never had a post assessment, which is a shame because when I got back after the climb in 2013, I was in the best shape of my life.  Unfortunately I stopped training after that.  So when I saw her a couple of months ago, I told her that I felt worse than ever.  She hooked me up and ran my test, my blood pressure was at an all time high of 220/180.  It was the kick in the butt I needed to lose weight and get my health back on track.

Slowly, slowly I am building up my cardio and weights thanks to Anna and her team.  I'm finally getting my energy back.  I asked my trainer last week if I could step it up a notch and he kindly reminded me that I am recovering from adrenal fatigue.  Oh right... thanks for reminding me.

After 6 weeks, my blood pressure is reducing at a steady rate.  I can't take medication because I have a very low heart rate so if I take a blood pressure tablet, my heart rate drops even lower and I feel more tired.  The answer for me is exercise and relaxation.  We are working on balancing my sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems through interval training.  It's incredible how exercise impacts blood pressure.  I'll have to write about that.

I need my strength back.  There's a lot of work to do, communities to support and lives to change.

2016 is going to be a very good year.

If you'd like to help us help them, go to our Go Fund Me page to donate.

Do Unto Others

Sometimes I crave an ordinary life.  I wish I could be content working a regular job earning a good consistent wage for a boss who gives me bonuses for my hard work and a work vehicle.  I wish I could be content doing the same thing day in and day out, hanging out with the same friends I've known from childhood.  I wish I could just be happy watching T.V. every night and going to bed and providing a safe haven for my cat.  I wish I was stable enough to have a dog.  That life sounds amazing doesn't it?  I know people who have lives like that!

But not me because that's just not who I am.  I am happiest when I'm independent, doing what I want, when I want.  I've found that the best chance at success is when you need to succeed to survive.  When I depended on others I never felt grounded.  It wasn't until the only choice I had was to survive, that's when I found my purpose.  For me success is about living a life of freedom and having enough money to sustain that freedom.  Finally, as I turn 40, I'm finally understanding who I am, what I need to do to be happy, and stop feeling pressure to be someone I'm not.

Since my return to New Zealand after climbing Kilimanjaro in September 2013, I've been unsettled.  I came back to the news that the home I lived in and ran my business from, which I had been renting for 8 years, was going on the market.  It sold within a month.  My routine and the life I'd become so accustomed to was about to change.

Somehow I knew it would change, even before I left for Africa.  I was comfortable and life was becoming a bit too easy.  I've never liked Easy Street.  That doesn't make me a drama queen, rather, I prefer a life with purpose.  My purpose is to help others.

My life has not been easy and for this reason I have the empathy and compassion for others. Growing up I wished someone would take the time to understand me.  I considered myself a good investment, if only someone would stop to help.  I recognise when another person feels that way and I know that I can be that person for them.  Do unto others what you would have done unto you.

My friends tell me that I inspire them.  They see that the things I do give me a meaningful and purposeful life.  My oldest friends have seen a major transformation from the sad and lonely girl with very little self belief and confidence to the woman I am today. Inner power and higher energy is guiding me.

So that leads me to the topic of God... and what God means to me.

My First Communion

I grew up Catholic and I went to a Catholic School until the age of 14.  I loved Jesus and I wanted to be a nun - until the age of 10 when I met Kevin Tremblay and from then on I knew I could never cut it as a nun.  It was also around that age that I recognised the hypocrisy in the people who attended church.  They weren't acting very Christian and I lost respect for the institution.

When I was 16 I attended Youth Group at the local Pentecostal Church.  I enjoyed the fun activities, there wasn't a lot to do as a teenager in the small town I grew up in. I much preferred doing fun stuff in a safe environment than hanging out with people who were getting drunk and stoned.  I also liked that the Pentecostal chuch had a live band - very progressive compared to the traditional and predictable mass at Catholic Church.  But gradually the fun turned into pressure, expectations and rules to abide by.  The pastor would call the youth to the front to pray over us while the adults watched.  I didn't like being watched and I felt like I was a failure if I wasn't overcome by the Holy Spirit.  This meant that you spoke in tongues or you fell over in a dramatic heap on the floor.  I remember once thinking that I could open my mouth and make something up but I was afraid everyone would know that I was full of shit.  I attended Performing Arts School so it was an opportunity to perform for the adults, but I never did it.  Eventually I stopped going to church altogether.

I don't buy into "religion" as it's just a lot of propaganda created by man.  I started questioning my beliefs and I felt uncomfortable using the word "God".  To me, saying that word meant that I was religious and I wasn't... and I didn't feel comfortable associating myself with anything religious, including the word "God".  So I used the word, "Universe".

But I couldn't deny that "connection" I only seemed to find when I was in the quiet sanctuary of church. When I was in my early 20's, I found myself searching out answers in the Cathedrals of Europe.  I thought perhaps history would help me understand "religion".  I felt more of a connection (to that word I couldn't use) than I did without the energy from these historical buildings.  I could feel the old souls who worshiped there.  I also saw the grandeur and the cost that went into churches, the vast difference between rich and poor.  There was no question that these cathedrals were magnificent but they cost so much money, not just to build but to maintain.  Would God really want that?  No, I didn't think so.

On my travels around the world, I marveled at the beautiful architecture, museums, art, fashion... everything created by man.  When I went to New Zealand I found myself marveling at the scenery, the hills, the sea, the sky...  it was there, I reconnected with God on a new and different level.

I found myself once again searching for a church in my 30's, when I was raising the girls for those few short years.  As their "adopted mother", I felt it was my responsibility to instill values and teach them about God so that they could chose their personal belief later.  If they didn't get to know God, how could they make an informed choice?  Children have a natural wonder for their creator and they want clear answers.  I let them choose which church they felt most comfortable with - they chose Anglican.

I was looking for a community to explore faith and God with.  Church is not a place of exclusivity or judgment.  One should feel welcome to come and go as they please.

After my relationship ended and the girls were no longer part of my life, I continued to attend that church for another year or two but eventually I took a break, choosing to explore my spirituality through Yoga and Meditation.  A year later, one Sunday I decided to go back to that same church but I didn't feel warmly welcomed.  It had changed, and so had I, confirming that my time there ran it's course.

I will occasionally attend a church service but I don't have any desire to attend one church.  Jesus never prayed in one place.  He moved from town to town. All of the prophets were nomadic.  How else will they connect with people?  Some people need the consistency and the grounding of a community for support as they navigate their spiritual path, but maybe not forever.

I have a better understanding of who I am and for that reason I also have a better understanding of God - and what that term means to me.  I don't need a church building to connect to that unconditional feeling of love, although at times I feel myself drawn in to hear a sermon or sing gospel music to raise my vibration and to get a very specific answer to a burning question I may not even know I have been asking.  Plus, I enjoy connecting with people on a deep level and in the past I've found it was easier to find that sort of person at church.  I also feel this when I take a yoga class or attend a meditation workshop.  I am praying less and listening more.  I observe what that voice is trying to tell me and I am always ready for guidance to show me the direction I'm meant to go.   People call this intuition.  It's the deep inner knowing that you are trusting something that is bigger than you are.  Listening to that "gut feeling" that may not have any rational explanation.

Kind of like traveling across 6,000 kms to collect an indeterminate amount of clothing and supplies to take to Africa without any idea of HOW it will work out, but KNOWING that somehow it will and it will change my life.  That seems pretty crazy, but I did it.

Now I am here in East Africa, living in a community that is 70% Muslim.  These people are my friends, I respect them and they respect me.  There is something special about this place where Muslims and Christians live together, study together, work together and most importantly respect each others beliefs.  There is a unity of "one God" here... which doesn't make sense anywhere else.  But I am not anywhere else.  I am here and this is what I am exposed to.  I am learning that the world is not all the same.  Muslims are not all the same.  Christians are not all the same.  People are free to be themselves.  Freedom and kindness are my religion.

I'm not sure there is anything quite as special as a classroom of 8 year olds learning a lesson on "Respect and Manners".  Part of that lesson was learning how to "pray" and watching as the teacher asks the children to demonstrate how they pray.  The children eagerly raise their hands so that they can come to the front of the class and pray - to their God.  They may be Muslim or they may be Christian but it is understood that they are praying to one supreme essence, innocently and free.  We don't know what that looks like to each child, their vision might have a big white beard, or have dark skin resembling their grandfather, He may be a She, maybe a big brown cow, a white elephant with 5 trunks, or simply flickers of gold, or an Infinite Universe.  Or it might just BE whatever is inside their heart.

Children demonstrating how they pray in Moshi, Tanzania

One thing I have learnt is that God is different for all of us.  We are not meant to worry or concern ourselves with others individual paths on this earth or what their God looks like for them.  We are on our own journey, walking our own path.  Knowing the essence of who we are and what our purpose is for this short time while we are here to learn.  Our idea of God can evolve and change.  Let it be free to do so.

This is why it's important to never judge where someone is on their journey, because it is an evolution process which could take one lifetime or many lifetimes to alter their consciousness and awareness of their personal relationship to God.  Our purpose is knowing ourselves and in turn we will come to know God, the Universe, or simpler still, "LOVE".

This is how we will find peace on this earth.

I was Mary in my first grade Christmas pageant.

For Tanzania With Love

I am about to embark on my biggest charity mission yet.  Just when I thought climbing Kilimanjaro wasn't enough...

In two weeks time, I am flying from Auckland New Zealand to Vancouver Canada.  My mission is to drive across Canada to collect unwanted winter clothing to take to the Porters of Mount Kilimanjaro as I team up with Zara Charity.

Handing out nuts to the porters walking past.

I was inspired last year when I climbed Kilimanjaro.  The porters worked so hard, carrying triple or quadruple what we had to carry, the "essentials" us Western people need to be as comfortable as possible.  They carried very little for themselves.  I got to sleep in my own tent while they all slept together in one tent.  I noticed that many of them had shoes that were too big, had holes and I even saw one guy in Crocs!   Their jackets were thin and worn.  Many of them didn't wear gloves or mittens, hats or scarves.  And it gets really COLD on that mountain!

At Kibo Camp - it was sleeting and very cold!  I really felt for the guys who didn't have gloves.

They are expected to walk ahead of us, ensuring that our tents are set up and we have a hot meal upon our arrival.  Our meals are prepared by a qualified cook and are delicious, considering the limited facilities.  We eat like kings and they get the leftovers - if there are any.  They mainly exist on Ugali made from millet which is very filling, yet bland.  It's a favourite amongst Tanzanians.  They are also the last to leave, tearing down and cleaning up our "shit" (literally).  They work so hard and for very little reward.  They earn a meager wage - approximately $5/day depending on the company they work for (in some cases it's less than that) so they rely on tips they get from their group.

I went to Africa prepared.  I took along three extra winter ski jackets, merino long underwear and plastic eating utensils (spoon/knife, donated by Zespri for one of my fundraising events) to hand out.  On the last day, I gave away anything else I wouldn't need to a young porter aged 17 who was just starting his career.  He carried my pack down from Uhuru to Kibo Camp.  I ran down, sliding in the deep scree feeling almost weightless after carrying a 15kg pack for 5 days. He chased after me saying "Mama!  You're so fit!  How old are you again?"  He was shocked when I told him I was 39.  

I didn't have much money to give everyone a tip on top of the $300 we were all asked to give, which was evenly distributed to all the guides and porters.  Instead, I gave him all of my warm merino, a very warm and almost new ski jacket with removable lining and my All Blacks beanie which I knew he admired.  He got tears when I gave him the package.  He was so overwhelmed he didn't know what to say.

That left me thinking, "Such a simple gesture and made such a difference to one young man.... there has to be a way to do more".   Who has more winter clothing than anyone I know?  CANADIANS!

So began the process of this year's mission:

ONE MOUNTAIN AT A TIME  

From Vancouver to Toronto – In Support of Zara Charity  

Tracy Pepper was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the tender age of 10 and was not expected to survive.  Miraculously she did and she has devoted her life to charitable work in support of others.    

Inspired  

Whilst climbing Kilimanjaro, Pepper connected with the local African people who were under equipped and in need of warm clothing in order to support and help the thousands of Western people reach the summit of that treacherous mountain which hits lows in minus 20 degrees Celsius.   She donated her own personal items to a few of the porters who had very little.  That small gesture was all it took to spark the inspiration to appeal to her friends in Canada – to donate unwanted winter clothing for the Porters of Kilimanjaro.    

For Tanzania with LOVE The Objective   

To drive across Canada with an appeal to collect unwanted winter clothing – jackets, hats, gloves, boots, socks, thermal undergarments – as well as school supplies and children’s clothing for the orphanage and children of Tanzania.    

On September 4th, 2014 her journey will continue as she flies from Toronto to Kilimanjaro to work with Zara Charity on their numerous projects across Tanzania as well as helping to distribute the items collected to the people.  

Collecting:   

Lightweight warm winter jackets · Warm boots suitable for hiking · Dry wicking long underwear · Wool or fleece hats, gloves, scarves, etc. · School supplies – pens, pencils, notebooks · Digital cameras, electronic equipment (in working condition)  

Last year Tracy Pepper climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer. She was given the African name “Pendo” by her new friends.  The name means “Love”.  Tracy teamed with Zara Charity from Tanzania who supports the porters as well as orphans and the community.         

I have been working tirelessly planning this, working with Zara Charity in Tanzania.  I climbed Kili through Zara Tours and got to know the owner, Zainab Ansell who is an inspiring and generous woman.  Her family give a lot to the community and they run a very successful multiple charity program from proceeds they earn.  I told Mama Zara that I wanted to help.

I will spend 2 months driving across Canada. I'm very blessed to know so many people who live along the route, which will cut costs tremendously, as my friends have opened their hearts and homes.

I am still working out the "HOW".  I've approached car rental and relocation companies and I'm still waiting for confirmation from anyone who would be willing to help.  Worst case scenerio, I pay for the cost of the trip entirely and hope for donations and a major sponsor to come forward.

I am not going to let money stop me.  It's just money after all, I've had no money before and I'm not afraid of having no money again. I refuse to let money stop me from achieving anything.

I have absolutely no idea how much I will collect along the way. It could be a car load, a truck load, a trailer load... or a semi load!  So the challenge will be to figure out how to transport the goods from Toronto to Tanzania.  If it's a few suitcases, an appeal for sponsorship to pay for the extra luggage will be in order.  If it's a container, then I'll be contacting shipping companies.  But I need to make a start.  This is the exciting part.  I'm not letting fear of the unknown stop me from trying, something I learned from climbing the world's highest free standing mountain last year.  I'm unstoppable.

I constantly tell myself:  One Mountain At A Time Tracy Pepper.  

I will then spend 3 months working with Zara Charity on projects with the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society, developing workshops for the porters and guides on financial management, sustainability, entrepreneurial skills, disease control, alcoholism.  I will spend a month at Highview Hotel where I will teach the staff massage and yoga.  It will be a great experience and life changing stuff.

Monica and Me

I am so excited to get back to Moshi, the small town close to Kilimanjaro.  I can't wait to see the kids at the Orphanage.  There was a special girl named Monica who remains in my heart.  She was so quiet and kept to herself but we connected.  She is 15 years old but is quite small for her age.  She suffered from a heart condition as a little girl and is very lucky to be alive.  I think her parents are both dead. HIV, AIDS and alcoholism are the main reasons the children end up in the orphanage. 

Monica and her school supplies

Before I left, I brought her a package of her very own school supplies.  She was so humble and shy and very very grateful.  I promised her I would come back.  I wonder how often those children hear those words uttered.  I am so glad I can keep my word.  I can't wait to see her face when I'm there as she comes back from school one afternoon and I'm waiting.

I won't return to New Zealand until December.  I will be taking almost 6 months off to pursue this dream.  All of my belongings are packed and stored until my return.  I will miss my cat Mac but I've found him a foster home in the interim.

Here I go... I'm about to climb my next "mountain".

If you'd like to help out with a donation, just click on the charity links above or below.  Give-a-little to help a lot.  I personally guarantee it.