Will they make it to the Roof of Africa? How and why did the McAuleys prepare for the trip-of-a-lifetime to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania with an elevation of 19,341 feet/5,791 meters? Their inspirational travelogue began with a planned meeting with their sponsored child, Beatrice, a young teenager they’d written to for nine years through Compassion International. It ended with meeting servant leaders who brought them in and out of Kilimanjaro National Park in August 2017. 

Share in their six-day trek on the Rongai Route with two dozen other Compassion Sponsors who became their Kili Family for life. This nonfiction book includes research of faith-based nonprofits, Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WaSH) programs, and Compassion child sponsorship in Tanzania, Africa. The McAuleys shared their tips on training and packing for this unique encounter. 

Cheryl's ten lessons learned provide the reader with her perspective of life as a result of her mountaineering experience. Dr. McAuley also included five academic studies she found while researching material for this book that involved Kili summitteers from around the world. She conducted research of her own by surveying her trekmates about all aspects of the experience: spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional preparation, what happened to them on summit night, and what they recommend to future trekkers. She also highlighted servant leadership in her book, and how organizations can benefit from this leadership style. 

Cheryl hopes this book will help others who may be considering sponsoring a child or climbing Kilimanjaro, two activities that are well worth the effort. Living life to the fullest in retirement can change lives. The proceeds from this book will go to Compassion International’s WaSH programs in Africa. Asante Sana!

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.