Summit Update – 9/23/09
We’ve dubbed the new vehicle Kubwa, which means huge or really huge in Swahili depending on inflection. I’d hoped to call it son of a bomba, but no one else seemed to see the humor as much as I did, and “huge” really seems appropriate for this vehicle with it’s wheels straight out of a monster truck rally.
We’ve just left Mobility Care, which will manufacture our donated wheelchairs. After the climb we’ll meet the first three wheelchair recipients. To me, this is as exciting as our climb of Kili, for which we’re now driving to the Marangu Hotel for an early morning start.
I don’t think that I’m a typical wheelchair user. It’s funny that my life didn’t take an obvious turn after my accident–whatever that means. I realize that I’m a participant in not taking an obvious path, but I’m also the product of some great opporunities. Many people aided me from doctors, nurses, family, friends, and total strangers. We just never know what twists and turns our lives will take. With our Mobilty Care relationship and with the climb and documentary film I hope that we can provide some twists and turns for people who’d long ago assumed an obvious
straight path.
As I lay in bed last night unable to sleep with anticipation, I wondered how I could find that quiet place that would allow me to rest, to relax, and to nod off. I wondered if it was a person, a memory, maybe just counting backwards from 1000 by 3’s. Nothing soothed the disquiet, until I thought, I need help. Ease finally came. As my friend Nate, our doctor on the trip, said, “If you don’t ask for help, we don’t have a purpose.”
17 comments17 Comments so far
I’d be all about Son of a Bomba; because if things get tough you can yell at the SOB! Come on – that’s funny. Nice try Chris.
Thinking of you. Can’t miss with Chris! xo Aunt B
Jambo Bwana Mkubwa~!
I will be following your journey daily. I’m more excited about your summiting than I was about my own a few years back. Repeat after me, “pole pole!”
Kurt
Cheering for you from Atlanta. Can’t wait to read the updates along the way.. Good Luck!!!!!
Brenda
Best of luck Chris…our thoughts and hopes are with you…
Eric
Wishing you and your team Good Luck and Safe Journey!!! Aunt Beth tagged “Can’t Miss with Chris” when you were born. Still true today!!! Love you. Mom & Dad
Wow! You really are amazing, keep up the good work and good luck!
Thinking of all of you, Chris. Go for it!
Chris, I know there are two angels watching over you on this journey, one who we know would be so proud of what you are doing. My thoughts and hopes are with you. Good Luck and can’t wait to read all about it. Beth
Chris,
Best of luck with the climb! I spoke to you in the Safari Lodge hotel (I was with all the mad English people – I was the Irish one!)…
Let me know how you get on big man…
Simon
KILI 09 Climber.
Best of luck I will be following daily wishing it was me. Do it for those who wish they could!
Chejon Greece
Wishing you an amazing journey. I’ll think good thoughts for weather and your appetite. Don’t forget to take in the majesty of the breathtaking views up there in between the grinds. It will help breath new life into those sore muscles. Cathy and I send you our love!
Hi Chris,
Just wanted to say good luck with the climb. Like Simon, I’m also one of the English people you met in the Iboru Lodge on Tuesday, having summited on Sunday. It’s damn cold up there, but it’s beautiful. You’re doing something absolutely amazing, and massively inspirational so good luck to you. I hope everything goes well and you enjoy the sunrise on Uhuru!
All the best,
Adrian
Kili ‘09 with Across the Divide
Your spirit and sense of humor inspire me beyond words. You have already give to me than I ever imagined. SOB is an apt moniker. Crank on! I am with you every revolution and every inch of the journey. Can’t wait for your next update. Tell Amanda I wish I were part of her team. Jambo. DELL
SF with be chearing you all the way Brutha!!!!
a friend of mine has you on facebook so i just got it yesterday that you might make the top today. i was so excited (for some reason – ha) then i just now heard you made it!! inspire people dude! that is obviously one of your main missions, and… MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!
love and delight,
aureya magdalen
metaphysics teacher in marin (sf bay area)
I just wanted to post and say Hi and congratz from your favorite Otto I am so proud to have meet you