Worlds Largest Kili Cancer Climb Begins

< Newer | Older > Tue, 02/26/2008 - 07:55 — joi

Rick leaving 4 wd vehicle to begin climbLinda Johnstone here-

It is completely indescribable to be here! It is more then I ever could have imagined. The vastness of the forest, being immersed with the Africans carrying bags on their heads, the jeep ride crashing up the huge, muddy potholes, and stepping out to elephant dung at the trails start.

Just to getting to the mountain, seeing how people live, we are so priveleged, it is hard to put it in words.

Yet once hiking despite the wonderful, exotic forest, I felt at home and familiar after so many training hikes with our group.

Linda
Cancer Survivor

Messages

Kim and Tom Mattice

Kellyherman — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 09:54

So you have now embarked into your second day of the climb. I hope you both are in good spirits and your endurance is holding. I'm so proud of you two and the rest of your team. Sounds like an incredivle journey! Love you. Kelly

Jack

pattylewis — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 10:37

Hi Jack,
I am not sure what time you started your hike, but your first day climb has probably ended. I hope you enjoyed it. I love you . Love always. Patty

the mattice boys

kmattice — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 12:38

Hi Mom and Dad,
we read your e-mails everyday,especially Patrick......
All is ok...Patrick is quite the keeper of the fire! He has it toasty warm in here..
A winter storm is moving in......
Ryan has been sleeping great... Not up til 7am !!
Hoping all is well and you stay safe.....
Love you bunches......

hi haha

Visitor — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 17:12

hi i am nichole walker haha

Hi Boys, We miss you all so

Visitor — Tue, 03/04/2008 - 05:29

Hi Boys,

We miss you all so much. I hope you are taking good care of my doggy! I hope all is well and you are helping Nana. We love you so much and will see you soon! The top of the Mountain was sooooo awesome. I have lots of stories!

Love you,

Mom and Dad

Linda J (and Rick)

Jacky and PJ — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 12:55

Have been thinking of you both -- got an e-mail from one of Marcia's friends, reminding me that we are coming up on the anniversary of Maryanne's passing 3 years ago from breast cancer. Then I realized I hadn't put her name on your banner; could one of you please add it for me (her husband Bernie and her boys, William, Chris and John, would love this) -- Maryanne Beute. So keep climbing (one foot after another); use stopping for the view as an excuse to breathe; revel in every minute!!
Jacky

Greetings, Cousin Pat!

Visitor — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 13:32

Cousin Pat...
All of our thoughts and prayers go to you and your fellow climbers all the way from Houston, Texas!! Real proud of you, cousin. Your Mom will truly be smiling down on you at the summit.
What I would give to be there with you. Please take in some authentic music and drumming for me and know that my students are very interested in this climb. They are not only are learning more about Africa, but also some of our Fourth graders are doing a huge exhibition presentation on Cancer - they are really pumped for you guys.
Take in everything and I can't wait to hear about it. In fact, if you can toss out all the clothes and stuff in your pack, you could probably fit a drum for the Kidd in your pack on the way home.....just a thought.....
Please give my heartfelt best to Todd, Jaima and Rick! And tell Jaima to, "Turn it around!" (little joke from our Pack Paddle Ski experience).

More later - SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Chris

Bonnie

RealFaux — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 13:42

Hello my friend! God has brought you to mind several times each day---and each time I say a prayer for you. May He sustain you, protect you and lift you higher each day!! Thank goodness for this website....what a great way to "share" this adventure!
Blessings to all, Rene

Fro Miss B to Matt and Char

Visitor — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 14:03

Hi Teagan's mom and dad,
I think what you guys are doing is amazing to help fight cancer. - Cody
You are a great inspiration to kids. - Jeremy
Mommy I miss you. - From Jessica speaking for Teagan
I want you to bring me back a monkey. - Teagan speaking for Jessica
Keep your spirits high. - Monica
Good Luck with your climb. - Carrie
$165,000 - Amazing - all of us
We think what you are doing is great for people with cancer. - Cody
We are proud of our climbers. - Miss Bonadonna and her class
Livonia Intermediate School is lucky to have you represent us.

Hello Hikers

dance — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 14:14

Sending my thoughts to you all!!
I will be following your progress . See you at the top!!
Deb!
You go Esther!!

Calvin

BonnieD — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 14:26

By now your first day of hiking is complete! I hope all is going well and continues to do so as your journey resumes. This is an awesome adventure for you all! Your combined strength will make it successful for everyone. We will be looking forward to all the updates!
Love you lots, Bonnie

Hello to Linda J and Esther

Visitor — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 14:30

I hope you guys are taking lots of pictures...Sounds fabulous. You go girls!!!
Love Bonnie and Susan

Rick and Lori Allen

Doug R — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 14:45

Thoughts are with the both of you!

Go get'em !

Patrick N.

rnichol2 — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 15:13

Hi again, Pat! Hope you're all doing well and enjoying yourselves. We went to Connor's play on Sunday afternoon; it was awesome! These kids did a terrific job. We saw Sheri and Connor yesterday on Connor's B-day and had a nice visit. They, Karen, Craig and girls, and Grandma H. send their love and best wishes. We're thinking of you and your fellow climbers. Take good care.
Love ya, Dad & Betsy

Mrs Artruc

Visitor — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 17:23

Hey Mrs Artruc,
This is Kaedynne from period 8. I was wondering how you climb was going and I hope you are haveing the time if your life!! Even though we only have had one class with Mrs. Beady, I think we are going to have the best time these next few weeks. Tell us how you and the other hikers are doing. Also has anyone gotten sick yet??

Write back,
Kaedynne Wilson
period 8

Lynette

Gail-Louie — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 18:00

You're missing a snow storm here at home. I'm sure your surroundings are far more awesome. Make sure you have lots of pictures to record this fantastic journey. You were fabulous on the TV interview. Keep climbing! Gail

Linda Johnstone

janetsails — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 18:29

Hey Linda! We are all thinking of you and wishing you the best of luck on this wonderful adventure. Can't wait to hear all about it and see some pictures! We all miss you. Take care of yourself and remember your father's advice, and DON'T WANDER!! Love,Janet, Helena, April, Dan, Bob, Jeff, Wendy, Diane, Erin, Anita, Nicole, MaryKay, Mike, Katie, and Stacey.

Paul and Linda Artruc

Visitor — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 18:29

We are thinking of you every minute. Yesterday the girls and I took a walk down by the swamp and a bald eagle flew overhead and we KNEW it was you two saying hello from the other side of the world. Hope everyone is WELL!! Love, Barb

Linda Johnstone

Visitor — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 18:34

Linda, I cannot tell you how proud I am of you and what you are doing! You go girl!!! oh yea---give "fluffy" a big hug for me! Love you *Ginger

To Patrick Nicholson -- 2.26.08 USA time 1:43AM

micmin2c — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 18:55

Hey Patrick,
Tuesday 2.26.08 1:43 pm our time... really that is the time... Been thinking of you today about you doing your climb... sending you lots of energy. Pace yourself. I got into work today and my day calendar shows a photo of two giraffes and I can’t help but think it was a sign that you are all doing well. I am going to take it home to show Kiernan he will love it... he walks around with his zebra toy and when I ask him what it is he says Dadee Zebra... I tell him “you’re right... Dadee’s Zebra... Dadee is in Africa climbing a Mountain...” This morning he was holding your photo and kissing you... so he is sending you a lot of them - think of them as encouragement. I am getting a lot of folks here asking how you are doing... all send you good luck... Terri Parsons sent me an email and wanted to let you know: “Congratulations to Pat and the whole group for answering their "call to climb"--truly a worthy cause! Best wishes to them!”...Well enjoy the climb... I believe you are in day three of the climb... since you are 8 hrs ahead of us. I would think the weather is changing. Enjoy God’s gift... it is all around you in every step you take and everywhere you look. Well know we are walking with you in this journey through thoughts and prayers. Give a Hug & Hello to Charmagne F, Matt F, Todd M, Patrick F & Robin F. for me... and tell them they are in my thoughts. Love you Patrick.
Take care of yourself,
Michelle & Kiernan

To Patrick Nicholson - 02.26.08 1:43 pm not am

micmin2c — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 19:00

Hey Patrick...
So Cousin Kidd wrote to you... that is great... you should think of getting drum for him & Kiernan... we can start a band... Keep walking to the beat as you go up the mountain!
Sleep well tonight.
Love & Hugs
Michelle

Hi Grandpa "Jack" Lewis!!

Debbie and Mike... — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 20:03

We're thinking of you and wish you lots of strength to make it to the top! Alyssa, Ashley, Justin, Amber, & Trevor

Greetings to Diane King!

Visitor — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 20:08

Go, Diane, Go! Our whole congregation continues to cheer you on! May God bless you with beauty, strength, and inspiration--and all your climbing companions, too.

Love,
Pat Youngdahl from Downtown Presbyterian in Rochester, NY

Paul and Linda Artruc

Visitor — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 20:30

Hey mom and dad! its Emily. I hope your trip is going well. EVERYONE is asking about it and if you have contacted me yet. well NO!!!! geez whats your problem not even sending a least a message to know how your doing to your oldest daughter!!!...............anyway, have fun and be safe!♥♥

Love, Emily

Linda J

Visitor — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 20:33

Linda! It was great to read your thoughts on the start of you journey! Make sure you document every step of your journey so that Jess and I can help you scrapbook!!
Experience everything!
Much Love,
Mariah (and Brian)

Linda Johnstone

MollyB — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 21:21

Loved reading your words re the experience. Now that yopu are three days into the climb praying you are doing OK. ILMbs

Rick & Lori

Visitor — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 21:27

Snowing....still snowing! I just checked weather in Kilimanjaro - 70's! We could get "10-12 inches"...which means 1-2 inches ha ha! Kayla and I worked on math last night, no luck, math is not my forte. We laughed and Kayla said "we should send the math problems to my dad..." Everyone is good here, anxious to share your experiences! Safe climbing!

Love,
Scott & Diane

Tom And Kim Good Luck, Have

Visitor — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 21:28

Tom And Kim
Good Luck, Have fun and God is with you
Love Mom and Dad

Mon and Dad, Kim and I are

Visitor — Tue, 03/04/2008 - 05:26

Mon and Dad,

Kim and I are doing well. We are hanging around Africa today then headed to Amsterdam tonight. I have to say we are pretty pround of ourselves. Never done anything soooooo hard in my life. Well worth it! Thank you for all of your prayers. See you soon.

Love you both,

Tom and Kim

Paul and Linda

Visitor — Tue, 02/26/2008 - 22:30

Nice time to be somewhere else. All I can say is SNOW. I hope the climb is going well. Paul no responses yet so hopefully you didn't get to close to the edge. Linda, I know you have your hands full with Mr Maps so stay focused on your goals.

Mike, WM

linda j

janetsails — Wed, 02/27/2008 - 00:02

I think my old brain hiccupped and I forgot to sign Andrew's name too! I bet you're more focused than I am! Keep on going girl!

Esther

Visitor — Wed, 02/27/2008 - 00:23

Hope the climb is gong well. We are thinking of you. All of your training should be paying off now. Take lots of pictures so you can share all of your adventure with us when you return.

Michael, Cathy, Dan, and Allie

Pat N and Todd M

Visitor — Wed, 02/27/2008 - 00:32

We are following the climb here at home and school and hope you are having a blast. Can't believe your in Africa!!! That's crazy!!!! What a great thing your all doing!!! Many positive thoughts and wishes from us. Keep driving to the top. Do the Rocky thing when you get there!!! I will say it was kind of strange when Michelle told us you two only packed one sleeping bag between you......oh well, stay warm and come back safe.
-Kyle, Sherry, Brody and Teague

Keep on keepin' on!

Visitor — Wed, 02/27/2008 - 01:12

Hey Kim & Tom Mattice! I'm hoping you're well and the climb is going good for you both. Stay focused (yeah right). Stay healthy & see you when you return!
Love, Peggie Meale

To Rick Allen

Visitor — Wed, 02/27/2008 - 02:32

Rick,
Nice picture today,in front of four wheel drive. You are in a T-shirt and we have more snow today. We are reading all the messages from family/friends
to your group. Sure is quite the hike looking at the map and reading the daily summary of the trek. I am finally getting the hang of looking up info on this
site. Kayla will be proud of me.

To All

Visitor — Wed, 02/27/2008 - 13:15

Hey, i just wanted to wish everyone good luck in there climb. Also i wanted to say i really think it is special what yall are doing and i support yall a 100 percent and we will be waiting for you in rotchester.
Reid Wilson

to the group

Visitor — Wed, 02/27/2008 - 13:17

yo whats up the 315s send there love
thats is amzing that you people are doing this its so cool
well have fun

Linda Johnstone - One Brave Soul

Visitor — Thu, 02/28/2008 - 00:27

I still can't believe you're actually doing this! Way to go! You're in my thoughts everyday. Just keep on truckin' and remember each and every moment of this journey.
Capture as many details as possible for me. Can't wait to read your next moments.
Love you and just remember, God is with you every step of the way.

You're favorites.... :0)
Jessi (& Dan)

Livonia crew

alicemn — Thu, 02/28/2008 - 13:16

dinner to the Allen and Flanigan family tonight...all is well, I think of you about 100 times a day and check the website at least 5 times a day! cold here today 4 degrees F right now!
Love and guts....you go!
Alice and all

PAUL & LINDA

Visitor — Thu, 02/28/2008 - 14:30

We are following you, thanks to Shirley. Also have Carol & Daryl following you at the library. Wishing you the best. Love Mommy & Daddy

Bonnie & Jim

JEmpey — Thu, 02/28/2008 - 16:28

You and all your group are in our minds and prayers. Keep up the good work. Hope you are getting along with the alltitude changes. From the posts we've read that must be a wonderful trip!

keep on climbing to the top Mrs. Artruc!

Visitor — Thu, 02/28/2008 - 18:49

we're rooting for you! have a safe trip DOWN AND UP!
dont freeze on the top though....

well good luck!
Jin-Si

Hi Mrs. Artruc!

Visitor — Thu, 02/28/2008 - 18:50

♥♥Mrs. Artruc,
We all hope you have fun up there and you climb really really high! WE MISS YOU MRS. ARTRUC!!!!!♥♥

Love,
Alea and Gillian

Hey Jack!

Visitor — Fri, 02/29/2008 - 00:36

Wishing you good climbing days and God Speed from HFL! I'll be watching your progress each day! Keep up the strength - Peggy Wehs

Hi and God Bless You

Visitor — Sat, 03/01/2008 - 01:39

Mr. Lewis, I know your daughter in-law Debbie very well. She worked for me when she lived in Connecticut. I don't know your son as well as Deb, but what I do know is they are both very special who have 5 great children (your grandchildren) and I bet theyare all cheering you on. I want you to know I am cheering you on too bcause Deb has touched my life and I want to do the same for her by supporting you.