My name is Magreth Mathias, and I am grateful to the APD organization, which is dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, for giving me the opportunity to participate in this extraordinary journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
My travel adventure began on 23rd October 2024, when we visited Ngorongoro National Park, and I enjoyed the beautiful scenery, wildlife, and natural beauty of Tanzania. After marvelling at the wonders of Ngorongoro, we prepared for the great challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on 4th December 2024, filled with excitement and high expectations for the journey ahead.
On 5th December, we began ascending the tallest mountain in Africa. This was not an easy journey; I was filled with great fear as I heard people say that reaching the top could be dangerous or that one could get lost. However, my heart was determined to overcome that fear, and that day, I prayed to God to guide me safely and bring me back alive.
As we climbed, I began to feel exhausted, dizzy, and extremely tired. I often sat down, watching my colleagues continue, wondering if I would reach the summit. But my heart and faith in God gave me the strength to keep going.
When we reached the Kibo Hut on 8th December, my condition worsened: extreme cold, nausea, and vomiting. I lost all my strength and appetite. It was at this moment that I realized my dream of reaching the summit could not be achieved this time. It was a very difficult experience, and I had to descend and wait for my colleagues to return from the summit.
My colleagues who continued to the summit received certificates, but I did not. This was a big challenge for my heart, but it also gave me motivation and new goals: next tour in 2025, if I will be given another chance I will prepare for better, physically and mentally, to overcome fatigue and nausea, strengthen my courage, and confidently reach the summit to earn my certificate.
While descending, I spent that time praying for my colleagues who were still climbing and regained a little strength. I learned that accepting your condition when your body can not keep up with your mind is not failure but wisdom. My condition improved slightly, and I gained strength to continue on another attempt, knowing that another journey would give me the opportunity to achieve what I could not in 2024.
On 10th December, my colleagues were honoured in a special ceremony that concluded this extraordinary journey. This adventure taught me patience, teamwork, and determination and gave me unforgettable memories that I will cherish forever. My dream of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not over; it has inspired me greatly to pursue big goals in life.
Thank you all for taking the time to read my story