The plane from Amsterdam to Africa was crowded. As three passengers stood in the aisle, you could tell they were hikers. Awkwardly, they stuffed heavy backpacks into already overloaded bins. Excitement seemed to emanate from them. Their conversation was animated as they laughed and focused on their climb up the fourth highest mountain in the world.

As the plane flew over the Alps, they strained their necks to catch a view of the majestic mountains. Clouds enveloped the tops of their summits. Soon they would stand at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, straining their necks at another cloud covering that summit. Weary after the long hours spent in the air, they found it hard to sleep as their dream soon would become a reality. They were ready - prepared in body, mind, and spirit. What was next?…