Subways, Simon and Save the Date...

On the subway this morning, I was listening to one of my favs Paul Simon and some lyrics stuck with me "These are the very words she use to describe her life. She said a good day ain't got no rain. She said a bad day's when I lie in bed. And think of things that might have been"

When making the decision to take a month of our lives and go to Africa, we had to make a lot of "pro and con" lists but ultimately we couldn't pass up being able to make a difference in children's lives that need it the most. In the back of my head, I knew it would be one of my life regrets if I didn't go. And I reflected back on something a teacher once told me "There are some people that have a fire burning inside them to help other people, if you have that-do not let anyone or anything put it out. You were meant to help." If you feel that too-do something!!! Volunteer at your school or work, help out your neighbor with something or donate to a worthy cause (hint hint). Only teasing, but follow your heart-don't sit back and wait for others to do something, don't ever think of what might have been....

Anyway enough sappiness, our trip is getting so close, and each day we get more and more excited. Right now we are planning a fundraiser (4/30 at Bay Shore Yacht Club-games, music, raffles and lots of fun-Save the Date!!!) And training with the stair master, some long runs and walks in parks-its finally getting nice enough to train outside :) Stay posted for more details about our fundraiser, but mark your calenders now-its sure to be an awesome event!!!

ALL ABOUT OUR ADVENTURE

So I know you've all been waiting anxiously to hear more about our trip. So here goes:

Africa is a continent of contrasts, and nowhere more beautifully illustrates this than Tanzania, where the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro rises majestically above the shimmering heat of the savannah. At 5,895 metres (19,340 feet) Kilimanjaro is not only Africa's highest peak it is also the highest freestanding mountain in the world. This trek is a mental, emotional and obviously physically feat, we can't wait to push the envelope and see how far our bodies can really take us. Climb Kili for Kids is not only a charity challenge, we will also get the opportunity to volunteer at the school where we are focusing our fundraising on. In addition to supporting some of our travel expenses, our fundraising will aid Childreach's ongoing efforts to help every child reach his or her potential in life; specifically by providing crucial learning materials and clean drinking water to the children in the Kilimanjaro Region. We couldn't be any more excited about our upcoming adventure, we just know it will be life-changing!

Itinerary :

Day 1 - Depart London Heathrow (p.m.)
Day 2 - Arrive in Nairobi, cross the border into Tanzania and drive to the foot of Kilimanjaro
Day 3 - Enter Kilimanjaro National Park and trek to the Machame Campsite
Day 4 - Continue trekking onwards to the Shira Plateau
Day 5 - Navigate past the Lava Tower and onwards to camp in the Barranco Valley
Day 6 - Continue trekking upwards to the summit camp at Barafu
Day 7 - Reach the summit for sunrise and a slow descent down to Mweka Camp
Day 8 - Exit the Kilimanjaro National Park for a well earned shower and rest!
Day 9 - A day of visits to the Childreach International projects and programmes
Day 10 - Jump back on the bus and up to Nairobi
Day 11 -The trip continues here- Kelly and I have chosen to extend our trip by about a week to get a little bit more about this once in a lifetime experience (think safaris, exploring, Zanzibar, local culture, etc)

Inspiration

While in college I volunteered for a program called Refugee Youth Project, to help young refugees from different parts of Africa assimilate to Baltimore's culture. We tutored them, taught them American customs and gave them a safe environment to share their fears and dreams. Working with these children was one of the most meaningful chapters of my college experience.

After my classes I would head downtown to participate in a local public elementary school's after-school program to help these refugees with homework and teach them the skills needed to be successful in American schools. What I most enjoyed was the free time where they would tell me stories of their hometown, traditions, and customs. Though some sad, most inspired me to one day visit where these children came from.

After working with RYP, I always dreamt of volunteering with a school in Africa. Working with kids is by far one of the most rewarding things you can do, I hope by going to Tanzania with Childreach International I can make a lasting impact of someone's life. I hope to be a part of giving kids an education, a chance to succeed and to follow their dreams.

-Kels

Wrapping for Kids

Merry Christmas everyone!!! We just wanted to let you know about our first fundraising effort. We are wrapping presents, and offering family and friends some relaxation this christmas season while we worry about the bows, and ribbons. If you (or anyone you know) is interested in taking advantage of our superb wrapping skills, feel free to shoot us an email at Kelly.Padden@gmail.com or KelseyNArnold@gmail.com! Thanks so much for your support, we hope Santa is good to you!!!

Start of our Adventure

Hey, thanks for coming to our page! We are super excited about the challenges that lay ahead. Right now we're focusing on fundraising and "stair-mastering" to prepare for the climb. Stay tuned for updates!