3 Peaks 3 Weeks: Departure from Nairobi

January 8, 2011

Two days ago, 11 women converged in Nairobi, Kenya united by one mission – to begin the 3 Peaks 3 Weeks 2011 Challenge.

Already, this team of incredible individuals, ranging in age from 20 to 63 and hailing from various corners of the world, feel like old friends to me. We will likely become family as we spend the next 21 days climbing Mt. Kenya, Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Although we come from different places, backgrounds and experiences, we are joined by a sense of adventure and a desire to make a difference.

Early this morning, we left Nairobi and headed to the Laikipia Wildlife Forum (www.laikipia.org) – one of the 3 organizations supported by the funds we raise. The mountain deities blessed us with a clear day and we caught our first glimpse of Mt. Kenya – Africa’s 2nd highest peak. We have each been anticipating this for over a year, making the moment even sweeter and somewhat surreal.

Just when we thought things couldn’t get any better, we received another gift: a flight over the Laikipia Plateau, 10,000 square kilometers where LWF works to conserve the integrity of the ecosystem.

We piled into the tiny plane and soared over a vast landscape punctuated by dense forest and rocky crags. In just minutes, we were flying in the shadow of Mt. Kenya. We watched golden light dance on the foothills; 11 faces glued to the glass imagining what it will be like to be on this mountain, instead of above it…..

Chris Kassar is sharing her climbing adventure with 3 Peaks 3 Weeks during January 2011. 3 Peaks 3 Weeks is an annual all-female climbing event to summit three of Africa’s highest peaks in three weeks, raising money and awareness for three issues; education, environment and health. The organization hopes to empower women to make a positive social impact for education, environment and health issues worldwide by participating in global adventure challenges. Since 2007, 33 women have completed the 3 Peaks 3 Weeks Africa Challenge (with a further 24 set for January 2011 and January 2012). Since inception, 3 Peaks 3 Weeks has distributed over USD $600,000 to three non-profit organizations in East Africa. You can view the profiles of all the 2011 team on the 3 Peaks website