Greetings! I’m thrilled to share my story with you about “why” I’ve committed to taking an eight-day trek up the highest free-standing mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. As a lover of life, I am committed to the power of positivity and am confident I will make it to the 19,500 plus ft. summit. Three reasons are driving my desire to climb Kilimanjaro: Love, Sisterhood and the Opportunity for education.

LOVE: In February, I had the honor to hold space for the love of my life, My Dad, as he continued his sacred journey, drawing his last breath with me at his side, holding his hand. The experience of watching my dad pass before my eyes was in some ways truly beautiful and also deeply painful and has left me with an emptiness in my heart. The moment sparked in me a reminder of what little time we have in this world, and it gave me a new perspective on life and what true love means to me. My dad always encouraged me to be myself and reinforced that I could succeed in anything I put my mind to. As I embark on this journey to Africa, I’m filling this empty space within me with love and positivity. Step by step, I am climbing Kilimanjaro with my dad in my heart.

SISTERHOOD: I’m joining this adventure with an amazing group of thought leaders, “warrior goddesses” and we will be creating a sisterhood, a safe container, where we will hold hands, support, empower and motivate one another to move mountains and rise together to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Different personal reasons are engendering each of us and we also share in common a philanthropic motivation that is much bigger than all of us.

OPPORTUNITY for EDUCATION: I am raising funds to help finish building a school in Ifakara, Tanzania, the Eugene English Medium School. This will provide an opportunity to children to learn English and transform their communities. I am so grateful to have this chance to do something BIGGER than myself that will have a positive impact for the future of Ifakara.

I can’t wait to board my flight, cross this wide world and land on the amazing continent of Africa! Fingers crossed, maybe I will see a Lion or two. Thanks to each and every one of you for reading my “why” Kilimanjaro story. It is truly heartfelt.

With only love and positivity,

Kendra Krauss