Emily here at 11:30 AM - of course, the journey doesn't truely end until you step foot in your home town. Hopefully Deb and Gary are safely on their way home. The rest of the group is stuck in Dar Es Salaam after the plane had engine malfunctions that could not be repaired after 4 hours. We are trying to patiently wait to find out when we will return after being split up to various hotels in the city - but hopefully this message gets out to some of you who may be wondering where we are tonight. We are hoping for the best, and now.....most ready to get back home.

Hi Matt and Charmagne Flanigan! The second graders will be back in school on Monday eager to hear about your climb. We wish you energy and health for your trek and are sending extra twinkles of our best wishes to keep your spirits up when the oxygen level goes down. What you all are doing for cancer awareness will go "up" in history and we are so proud to have our Harley School flag going with you. We hope the weather is kind to all you climbers this week. From teacher Nancy Barrett of The Harley School Second Grade.

Hi Linda, Linda and Paul, I am thinking of you as you begin your journey. I am with you in spirit! Enjoy!! Sharon R

Hi Bonnie, I located the web site in newspaper and have been trying to sign up. Finally figured it out and here I am in Victor NY wishing you Great Luck on your adventure. Serenity House will miss you and eagerly awaiting to hear about your climb. I will be keeping track of your group. Blessings and prayers to you. Diane Bennett

Dear Diane, today's the big day, the beginning of the long trek upwards.

We are thinking of you !!

Good luck to all you courageous climbers!

Marilyn and Dieter

Diane, I will make sure Osher is aware of your progress. As I taught prenatal class on Wed. eve, I remembered I should have reminded you not not be afraid of the altitude sickness. Fear only spoils things, and you have experienced guides watching you. I'm proud to know you, you know that. You are a model of inspiration. By the way, I learned recently that Deb Zimmerman is one of your group. She knows me. I'll be wearing my travel angel pin all the while you are climbing. Tinkerbelle (Carol Samuel)

Hi Jack,

I miss you already but I am so proud of you and can't wait to hear about the rest of your journey. We have had several friends call wishing you the best and will be watching your journey.
I spent the afternoon watching R news, some great interviews. Love Always. Patty

Sis,
Ruth sends her prayers and her love. She knew you were on your way. I did not remind her. ILMbs Hugs, Big Sis

It's 9:00 P.M. Friday night and I am still so very excited for the whole group. Blessing are flying your way almost on the hour.Good luck. Dorothy

We're thinking of you each day. Justin's so proud of his "Grandpa". All 5 of your Grandchildren send hugs & kisses. We love you! Deb

Dad- We're very excited for you and are watching for updates on the site. Have a safe and amazing hike. We're praying for you. Good Luck, can't wait to hear all about it and see the pictures. Love, Laura, Johan, and Joshua

Hi Dr. Mudd, Thinking of you during your climb and your fellow climbers. We are all proud of you and are in great admiration of what you are now doing!Your enthusiasm for life and adventure is awe inspiring!! God Bless all of you!!Kathy Klippel

I get overwhelming feelings every time I think about what you're about do (are doing now). My prayers go out to you and everyone that is taking this journey. Just unimaginable what this journey is meaning to each and everyone. God Bless you all. Love Sylvia

Wow! only a few of the group are here and look at all the emails. I pick up 30 people tonight , saturday. I will tell people tommorrow sunday to blog on here. The first major post will go up on Monday when we are on the mountain.

Sunday the people will be eating a traditional african breakfast of chia and mandazi and lunch of cassava and other traditional foods. Sorry the last group got stuck in Dar.

Diane went to town and had an africa dress made today.

Hugs,
Rick

Tom and Good Luck and keep us posted.
Your Friends from Great Lakes Controls of New York

Dear Matt and Char,

All of your friends from Camp Stella Maris are thinking of you and praying for you as you begin this amazing trek.

Lots and lots and lots of love,

FW & the whole CSM Alumni Association

Found an envelope in my purse when I went to the store this morning. Forwarding to you at home. She was a tad late. Wed. morning BS praying for you. You are always in my prayers. prayers for strength, safety and clarity. May our Father bless you. ILMbs Big Sis

Hey Kevin,
Thank goodness you guys didn't go through NYC, you might still be trying to get out! Thinking about what you are up to now...probably catching zzz's, getting ready for your first climb. Keep in touch and out of trouble...we are rooting for you all the way!
Take care, Peggy & Bob

Dave bet getting used to new time zone wasn't easy

Dear Friends,

I walked disney while you were climbing kili.

Hope that you have a nice and safe journey.

What's it like on mount kilimanjaro? Can't wait to hear!

Love,
Ryan & Charlene Woodhams

Hi,
I scored the only, winning goal of the Livonia tournament, and won it for my halve of the team. I miss you guys. Everything is fine here. Alex had a birthday party and EM and I are going ice-skating with the Lazeroneys today. Father John says "hi". I miss you. Have fun up there!
Bi,
Tessa

Dick just left with Murphy in tow. She wasn't happy about the cold weather -- and neither were we. We're glad to note that you've completed the first stage of the climb and that you'll be getting underway tomorrow. What's the steepest angle of climb? I thought our closing hymn in church this morning was most appropriate -- "God Be With You 'til We Meet Again!"
Gram & Papa

Hi you two,
I sent a message while in Birdsboro, but I don't see it here so I don't know if you got it. I just got home to Canandaigua safe and sound, I hope you can say the same that you are now both in Tanzania!!! I am praying that Chris is feeling good and getting stronger every day. So sorry he missed the connection in Amsterdam. We are keeping you all in our hearts. Miss you tons and tons,
Love, MOM (Janet)

You have an amazing daughter!!!! She is absolutely wonderful and doing very, very well. Not a tear yet!!! We are having so much fun - went to the play today and she was riveted the entire time. She's sleeping very well (I had to wake her this morning) and has a great apetite. When Andie arrived today, she told her all about your trip. When we got home from the store yesterday, she walked in and said "This is nice, I like it here" so put your minds to rest. She's happy and feels secure.

I hope you have a "great" time and know how proud I am of you both.

Love, Mom

Hello you two... wanted to send you the biggest hug I could... enjoy the climb. I look forward to hearing all the great stories when you return. I know there will be great laughter on this journey, keep your chip up and your feet moving. I am very proud of the two of you and think it is great that you are doing this. Wish I was there. I am in thought and prayers. Oh and Robin - NO WORRIES … ALL VERBAL…. Love you both, Michelle

Just starting my day Monday and you are well on your way on your incredible journey. I'm praying for and thinking of you both. Love you both very much. Good luck and hope you got some rest! Kelly

Hi Kevin - We wanted to let you know we are so excited for you. We will be thinking of you and pulling for you the whole way. Enjoy this awesome experience!! Love - Mary, Larry & Luke

Wow, what an inspiration you both are to the folks of Lakes! This is amazing! It would have been too hard for me to even make the long plane ride, so I cannot imagine adding that to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro!\

Watch out for those LIONS!
Robin Ferrin-Travis

Matt and Char,

Been thinking of you since Friday...each step of your journey and where you might be. I think doing this together is awesome. Please take care of each other and have a great time! Can't wait till we hear about your adventures!
Debbie V.

What a great adventure for you both!! All is well on the homefront. Lissa now
waits to be tied up and untied upon coming in!! I have informed Addy she is on
a "paper" diet!! And we all are getting on just fine. The girls are great!
I will attempt to follow your daily progress... Embrace it all! LinH

Not sure if you got our message from 2/25/08- we did not win Mega Mils- we are all still here. You have a tough climb today--be strong. XRT room and back hallway tiled, some of the panels painted and delivered. All the patients say "HI" and some are following you on website. More tomorrow.
Sue & gang