Final Update from KIL 4!
July 20, 2026
Jambo from Arusha, Tanzania! It is with a bittersweet feeling that I announce our last trip update. A wise man once said that we must be glad for the good times that we had rather than sad that they have passed. The last three weeks have been an adventure of a lifetime. We made new friends, experienced new cultures, climbed the tallest mountain in Africa, and saw magnificent wildlife. During our last moonup Ethan said, ”traveling and achieving is great, but it doesn’t mean anything when pursued alone.” His words were both wise and representative of the theme of our trip. Now, as we sit at the airport, our hearts are growing more and more grateful for and sentimental of the carpe diem flavored adventure that we have lived with this crew. We can’t thank you enough for sharing your rockstar kids. Before signing off, let us tell you about the last few days…
After getting off the mountain, we took off to Arusha to have a good rest. With tired legs, we unloaded from the bus to be surprised by a pizza dinner. No better way to celebrate our incredible accomplishments. We tucked into bed early that night after a reminiscent moonup with dreams of Serengeti wildlife in our heads.
The next day we woke up and migrated west, in rugged safari land cruisers past the Mungere school (where we did service) and to the famous Ngorongoro Crater. The car ride was equal parts nap time and singalong party. We pulled into our camp on the ridge of the crater and before we could unload the truck, Sophie spotted a herd of zebras grazing all around us! It was at this moment we realized what was headed our way. We slept soundlessly at the ridge of the crater.
Day 1 of Safari! We were up before the sun began to light up the sky. Don’t want to miss the animals! After a quick breakfast we loaded up into the safari trucks and took off through the mist and fog along the rim of the crater. Eventually, we turned right and zig zagged our way to the floor of the crater. By this point we were below the morning fog and we could see the beautiful landscape of this natural wonder. So we stealthily rolled down the road, listening quietly to This Land (Lion King score) per Zeke’s recommendation, keeping our eyes peeled for wildlife. It wasn’t but a half hour before we spotted our first find: the black rhino. Two of them. What a sight. Not long after we spotted a few male lions basking in the sun. We learned that male bachelor lions form teams to hunt. But most of the hunting happens at night, so this morning they seemed a bit lazy. We saw gazelles, zebras, buffalo and many birds. The wildlife in the crater was so abundant. Right before lunch, we even saw three female lions stalking a pack of zebras. It was crazy to witness how wild and raw this place has continued to be regardless of human presence. After an action packed morning we began to made our way back toward the rim of the crater. Just when we thought all the action was over, Addy spotted a serval, a rare and small cat. The serval, while not part of the big five, is a very rare and sought after finding on the safari. She said it looked like the cat she wanted to have as a pet some day. Great eye, Addy! We made our way back up to the rim for lunch before driving to the Serengeti National park. The Serengeti is the neighboring park to the Ngorongoro Crater conservation area. So for a good part of the afternoon we bounced along the remote road that connected the two. The vastness of the landscape made us feel miniature. On the way, we saw our first pair of giraffes, standing heads taller than our safari car. Eventually, we rolled into our new campsite in the Serengeti in time for a snack and card games. We settled in for the night and got excited for another day of safari in the famous Serengeti.
During the second day of safari we were lucky enough to get both a morning and an evening drive. This morning we rose with the sun which felt much more natural. With us also rose the hot air balloons, levitating above the acacia trees playing host to those who wished to view the Serengeti from the air. We were content with staying on four wheels. Before taking off, however, Sandy and Jake surprised the crew with face paint, which Pickett later turned into full body paint. We had to wash off the paint later in the day because people began to look at us rather than the animals they came to see. We spent the morning meandering through the plains on dirt roads. We learned much from our guides about the antelope, elephants and lions. Their eating and breeding patterns, their hunting strategy and so many other things. We saw baby elephants. Shila decided she was to bring one home. We also saw a male and a female lion resting beneath the shade of a sprawling old tree. Henry captured a masterpiece piece of footage, capturing the beauty of the lions. We retreated to camp to enjoy a pizza lunch (our favorite) and hide from the unforgiving Serengeti sun. As is customary, the cards were unsheathed and games of golf and president commenced. All the while we feasted on popcorn and sipped on tea. When the sun cooled off a bit, we felt it was the right time to man the vehicles and head out on our evening game drive. There are few more beautiful sights than an orange sun gently lighting the planes of a Serengeti and silhouetting a family of elephants as they stroll beneath an acacia tree. But sure enough, this is one of the views we enjoyed this evening. Simply breathtaking. But of course there had to be a cherry on top. Just before heading back we came across a solo cheetah feasting on a gazelle. We admired from afar with reverence for the hard working predator. After cruising around during golden hour we made our way back to camp for dinner. And after dinner we all packed into one tent to enjoy our last moonup in the Serengeti. Zeke and Bridget, our LODs, challenged us to reflect on the times during the trip in which we were challenged and what we learned from these experiences. This reflection was powerful and many of the takeaways explained how we all felt more capable of continuing on when we felt we didn’t have much left to give. To add to the sacred feeling of the night, Franki paused moonup at one point to tell everyone that a hyena was patrolling a couple dozen yards away under the light of the moon. This was the animal he had been waiting to see all day. There’s always something going on in the Serengeti. We fell asleep that night to the sound of far off thunder, elephant calls, and lion cries. It is a crazy feeling to sleep soundlessly in a tent in such a wild place.
Day three of safari was a beautiful cruise back across the Serengeti towards the gate. We saw more giraffes, impala, and elephants. I have a vivid and sweet memory of our truck jamming to a song from Mumford and Sons that Mary Blake suggested. It is a song that is partially sung in an African language that can be translated roughly to: “life brings both joy and pain. Circumstances may change from morning to night, but our love remains constant, strong, and true.” The beauty of these lyrics wil, stay in my heart as a backing track to this beautiful moment, but also as words that characterize this group and the adventure we’ve shared. After exiting the Serengeti, we tracked back over the rim of the Ngorongoro crater and to Karatu, a town about halfway between the Serengeti and our home base, Arusha. We stayed at an epic campsite in Karatu that had a pool. We took the afternoon to bask in the warmth of the sun and each other’s company – listening to tunes, reading books, and playing cards (naturally). After a hearty dinner we circled up for one last moonup. This one was so full of gratitude for the places we had been, the people we had met, and the friendships we had made. It was full of laughs as we exchanged accounts of ridiculous moments throughout the trip. It was full of affirmation for each other’s character and their future. If I remember correctly, the nug jug actually did overflow. What a way to close out our last section of an unreal trip.
I can’t believe that this morning we woke up in tents. Now most of the crew is halfway to Amsterdam. But even our last day together was an adventure. We made our way back to Arusha from Karatu just in time for our banquet lunch at the five-star Garden Inn Cafe. Here, we feasted on steak frites, gourmet sandwiches, delicious smoothies, and every flavor of cake you could imagine (including Chandley’s choice of red velvet and carrot cake). This was the perfect cap to our time together. We weren’t in any rush, enjoying each other’s company for the last moments. After packing in the afternoon we made our way to the airport (took the scenic route). Now, as we sit here superset for the first time in three weeks, I am quickly becoming aware of the quality of the company I have found myself a part of. This crew is deeply cared for and will be deeply missed. But I can say for certain that the adventure is just getting started for them. It is with grateful hearts that we, Jake and Sandy, wish KIL 4 all the best in adventure and in life. So, until next time… or see you later… or anything but goodbye!
With love,
Jake and Sandy
Trekking up the Mountain!
July 19, 2026
Jambo again from Tanzania! Boy do we have stories to share from the past week. The trip has taken us up, down and all around the great wonder of Tanzania: Kilimanjaro!
After wrapping up our community engagement at the Mungere School, we migrated East, back to Arusha and a step towards the mountain. When we arrived in the evening we had a barbecue dinner to fill up our bellies before heading into the wilderness. After packing and prepping we stored up some z’s for the mountain. The next morning we boarded the bus and headed East!
Day 1 on the mountain we wasted no time. Shortly after lunch at the gate we were trekking through the lush rainforest that surrounds the base of the mountain like an emerald green skirt. Up and up we went! The afternoon was enjoyable as it gave everyone a chance to acclimate, find their mountain legs, and enjoy the first few trail conversations. After starting at 5,000 feet of elevation we made it all the way to Machame Camp, which sits at almost 10,000 feet. This was our first stop along the famous Machame Route. Upon arrival we were greeted with hot tea and pop corn. We took in a wonderful meal in the dining tent and we were all amazed at how much gear our remarkable porters were able to haul up the mountain.
On day 2 we were woken up with tea and coffee. This wasn’t the only treat we got this morning. Henry was the first to notice the stunning view of the peak we had on that unusually clear morning in the forest. It was the first time we were able to see our objective. After breakfast we continued our quick ascent up the southern side of Kilimanjaro. As we climbed, the trees became smaller in stature and more sparse. The trail became rockier and it became increasingly obvious that we were climbing a volcano. An excited energy carried us all the way up to our next camp in time for a late lunch. Shira camp, which is situated at 12,500 feet above sea level, was our home for night two. Here we shared great conversations, Franki and Addy both sharpened their guitar skills, and we all enjoyed a beautiful sunset above the clouds. After dinner we had an encouraging moonup and then tucked into our tents to shelter from a brisk and whipping wind who’s whistle worked to lull us to sleep.
Just like that it’s day 3! This day was one of the most eventful trekking days we had. In fimiliar fashion, we were woken up with warm drinks and enjoyed a breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, crepes, and porridge. The wind persisted through the night, which encouraged us to saddle up quickly. Bridget, one of the esteemed LODs for the day, cleverly opened our morning huddle with a comedic weather report as a means to deliver the plan for the day. Then we were off. The trail led us steadily up hill and pointed us straight towards the snowy peak. The goal of day three was acclimatization. So we climbed and climbed all the way up to the lava tower, a geological wonder. We ate a hearty lunch here at 15,190 feet. Acclimatization complete. Now, back down towards Barranco camp. As we walked this afternoon, we embarked on another conversational journey. We chose partners and did our best to tell our life stories in as much detail as possible in 4 minutes. Every group disregarded the 4 minute rule completely and enjoyed long form life stories all the way to Barranco camp. This camp was a fan favorite, as it is situated in a massive ravine that looks up at the peak of the mountain and makes it seem as if Kilimanjaro is looking back down at you. We also got to observe the magnificent Barranco wall, which is how we were to start our hike the next day. At Barranco camp we took it real easy before dinner time. More tea and pop corn. Chandley and Zeke spurred the others into a fierce golf (the card game) competition. As we left the dining tent after dinner and moonup, we were awestruck by the magnificent stars. Sandy took this opportunity to capture the star trails. Your going to want to look forward to seeing that video! We tucked in and slept soundlessly in the safety of the barranco canyon.
On day 4 we had a shorter walk, so we were treated with a much needed opportunity to sleep in and recharge our batteries. We started the morning by climbing up the barranco wall. We scrambled up all 1000 feet with grace and ease. We had a photo opportunity above the clouds atop the wall then we descended to our next home, karanga camp. At this point, we are getting used to the altitude as we rested around 13,000 feet.
When we woke up at karanga camp… electricity in the air!! On this day we would head to base camp and prepare for our summit bid. Crazy. So we skipped up the hill all morning along a landscape that, according to Shila, looked like Uranus… Anyways! We made it to base camp for a big pizza lunch. The perfect fuel for climbing. We took the afternoon easy, Prepping and fueling for our big day. After an early pasta dinner and an inspiring moonup, we were in bed before the sun had even fully set.
Good morning! Or evening? Not quite sure, but let’s go climb a mountain. We kicked off our sleeping bags and threw on our parkas for the climb. It was before midnight when we enjoyed a pre-hike snack. Time to hit the road. Encouraging words were shared in the team huddle before we started walking. Game time! By the light of headlamps we climbed and climbed and climbed. We listen to all the greatest singalongs that set the tempo for our steps. Pickett and Ethan showered the group with encouragement, drawing from their seemingly unending well of positivity. Either from altitude or exhaustion, the time was blurred into one moment and just like that the sun was coming up – an emotional relief for all. Finally, we made it to Stella’s point which marks the finish line of the long steep climb. At the top we were overcome with emotion, blessed with the most beautiful sunrise. We enjoyed a warm drink, long hugs and maybe a few tears. Mary Blake led a heartfelt prayer, thanking God for the opportunity to take on such a magnificent challenge. Sophie, demonstrating her incredible empathy and kindness, sought out one of our guides, Papa John, for a warm embrace. I could swear I saw a tear brought to his eye. After a brief, but powerful celebration, we continued along the ridge towards the true summit. The trail leveled out, allowing us to pick up our heads and enjoy the views from the top of the world. Then, around the time our alarms usually sound, we made it. We climbed 4,010 feet to the roof of Africa. 19,431 feet. I’ve never been prouder. A monumental accomplishment. Well done, KIL 4, well done.
After pictures, thank you’s, and more hugs, it was time to head down. So we bounded down the mountain, exhausted but exuberant, back to base camp. We packed up, enjoyed a brunch, and hit the road. Over the next 24 hours we descended 10,000 more feet to Mweka Gate, the finish line.
With exhausted legs and triumphant spirits, we enjoyed a victory lunch and celebration with our wonderful porters and guides. We couldn’t have done it without them.
Though we are past the pinnacle moment of the trip, the party is not over quite yet. We are now headed to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti to see what kind of wildlife is running around the wild places. Stay tuned! And remember – hakuna matata!
Peace and love,
Sandy and Jake
Now some shoutouts from the crew!
Sophie- Hi Mom,Dad,and twins! I can’t wait to tell you about all my adventures! Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity!💗 I love you guys! PS- Wait for me to go to ER!
Pickett- Heyaaa, Mama, Daddy, Web, and Sister!!! This is the most amazing experience ever! Thank y’all so much for sending me and cheering me on TO THE TOP!!!! I have the best group and leaders ever! Kili and Tanzania are the coolest places ever. I can’t wait to tell y’all every awesome thing about the best past weeks! I love y’all dearly, still don’t ever want to leave here, and Roll Tide! Love P🦗
Franki – Hey everyone! Hope y’all are all good. Thank all of you for making this trip possible. You guys are the best! Hiking definitely kicked my butt, but it was the most rewarding experiences of my life. I am having a really great time with the group and all the leaders. Time is flying and I am really excited for the safari, but mostly I am really excited to see you guys soon! Love y’all! – Franki
Ethan – Hi everyone! I hope everything is going great at home. I had an amazing time climbing Kili, and I can’t wait to tell you more about it. Ankle didn’t bother me at all. Mom and Dad, thank you so much for making this trip possible. I’ve made so many great friends and grown a lot. I love you guys! -Ethan
Mary Blake – Hiiiii!!! GUESS WHO SUMMITED KILIIIIIIIII!!! I thought of each of y’all during every silent moment and the belief y’all were alongside me gave me more motivation then y’all even realize. I’m reveling in every moment here but with each joy filled moment I just get more excited to tell yall about how much this adventure has meant to me. I couldn’t be more blessed to experience this so thank you so much mom and dad for providing me with the opportunity and courage to face this adventure. See you so very soon! I love you more NO TALKBACKS!!
Bridget- I summited Mt. Kilimanjaro! Thank you so much for this opportunity I am having a great time! Love you all!
Zeke- Hi mom and dad, we peaked Kilimanjaro and I’ll tell you all about it later but I’ll see you in a couple of days. Love you and thanks for sending me!
Henry- Hey family, kili was awesome. I’m still in disbelief about it. Thank you so much for sending me on this trip. Can you bring some krispy cream donuts when you pick me up? Love yall!!!
Addy- hey yall!! Kili was insane. Im so overwhelmed with emotions. I couldn’t be more excited to tell you guys everything. I’m beyond thankful you guys sent me on this trip!! Thanks soooo much 💗 see yall so soon get ready for some Jaliscos!!
Shila – Well… I summited Kilimanjaro. I’m ecstatic to detail the entire experience to you all. Infinite gratitudes going your way for granting me the opportunity to embark on such a life changing adventure. A massage appointment is in order😉. I love you guys so very much! I’ll see you soon!! Xoxoxo
Chandley- Hey guys miss yall so much and can’t wait to talk all about my trip in a couple of days! I have so much to tell you guys. Thank you so much for giving me the chance to be able to go on this amazing trip I have had the best time. I’ll talk to you guys soon!! And be prepared for my hundreds of chipotle runs.💗❤️
Jambo Jambo!
July 9, 2026
This is KIL 4 checking in from Mto Wa Mbu. We are wrapping up an eye-opening and impactful week spent with the students at the Mungere School. The week was full of getting our hands dirty, competing on the soccer pitch, and other adventures that served well to familiarize us with the beautiful land and people that we are calling home for three weeks.
Almost a week ago, with fresh eyes, curious minds, and perhaps some lingering jet lag, we pulled into the Mungere school for the first time. The group was hardly a day familiar with each other, but it seemed like a family already. Now it was time to meet the rest of our new family… The initial introduction to the Mungere students was not without a bit of discomfort – a different way of life, a different language, different hobbies. However, within a matter of minutes, this discomfort turned into curiosity, and we had a blast getting to know our new friends. As we worked in the garden, the two groups became one, and bonded over a common goal of digging raised garden beds and planting seeds. This was the first way we learned to communicate with the students. The second and most obvious way of communicating was to learn some Swahili. Pickett could count to 10 in Swahili before lunchtime! Ethan was also quick to learn an impressive amount of Swahili, and he led the charge working in the garden. Sophie was quick to make friends with the students, pulling them into great conversations about the similarities in their lives. After lunch, we took it to the pitch to play some soccer (or futbol). Zeke demonstrated his experience and his speed, bagging a goal right off the bat. Frankie also demonstrated his goalkeeping prowess by becoming a brick wall between the posts. I experienced pure joy watching two groups of students from different walks of life go at it. Our third method of communication: sport. We also had great fun hearing and analyzing all the World Cup games that are going on. After wearing ourselves out, we went back to camp for a slow evening of relaxing by the pool, reading books, and enjoying a hearty dinner before a joyful moonup. Off to bed!
Day two at the school was full of more good work in the garden and more soccer. However, we unlocked yet another way of communicating and bonding with our new friends… After about an hour of work, we grew a bit tired. There’s a good cure for this: music. Mere moments after the music began, so too did the dancing. Mary Blake was quick to encourage a dance circle, and Bridget dragged a few of the more timid boys into the fun! We danced and danced to both unfamiliar, but groovy African hits and some familiar pop songs, too. This brought us to lunch and then, after a tasty lunch… You guessed it… more futbol. The competition was as fierce and fun as the first day, leaving us satisfyingly exhausted. Then, we returned to Migombani camp and enjoyed another relaxing afternoon.
We started day three out differently- instead of driving to the school, we stopped in the neighborhood where most of the kids live. We then got a chance to walk to school with them. The walk was beautiful and eye-opening. Some kids have to walk nearly three miles to school every day! During the walk, we brushed up on our Swahili vocabulary. When we got to school, we did more gardening and played some hackey-sack. Then, after lunch, we had the incredible opportunity to visit a Maasai village. The Maasai are an indigenous tribe of East Africa that is distinguished by their rich culture and traditions. They are clad in recognizable red Maasai shuka. This chance to have a look into and ask questions about their lives was a crazy dose of perspective and taught us that there are so many different ways to live life – to work, live, and play that are equally joyful, rich, and sustainable.
Day four, our last day of community engagement, started with a chance to wrap up some of the good work we had done in the school garden. We put on the final touches by planting the final seeds and watering all the beds. We enjoyed lunch, satisfied with and proud of the work we had completed. It feels good to get your hands dirty. After lunch, we played our last game of soccer with the students. Another beautiful and fulfilling day at the school is complete. Instead of heading back to camp today, we took a detour into town to do some shopping! We visited both an artisan wood carving and a painting shop. While at these places, we got to observe the artist create their paintings or wood carvings firsthand. They were amazingly talented. Everyone got a chance to pick up a souvenir or two. Henry and Shila demonstrated their craftiness and persuasiveness as they bargained for the best prices on these goods. After shopping, we made our way back to camp. We shared great conversations, played cards, and picked guitars as the sun went down over Lake Manyara. After dinner, we had another moonup, where our LODs (leaders of the day), Chandley and Addy, challenged us with a question that encouraged vulnerability regarding past scars in our lives. It is amazing that after just a handful of days, we shared enough trust to let each other in on the hard parts of life and carry each other’s burdens.
Last day, best day! We began the morning with a beautiful hike to a waterfall. We got pictures with all the wonderful friends we had made over the last week and enjoyed the views. After taking it all in, we made our way back down the ridge and to the Mungere School. We ate lunch and said our bittersweet goodbyes. We left grateful for an incredible opportunity to make new friends in a new place and gain a new perspective. We took in our last evening at Mungere camp, enjoying the pool and a scenic sunset.
Now we are off to our big challenge for which the trip is named: KILIMANJARO! Anticipation and excitement fill the air. Pray for an exceptional time full of breathtaking views, great laughs, rich conversations, and unforgettable memories. We are so thankful to be here with this group!!
Cheers,
Jake and Sandy
Now- some messages from your kiddos!
Mary Blake- Hi hi everyone!!! Just wrapped up week one of Kili and wow it’s amazing. Spending time alongside the children and learning about cultures here has literally been a once in a lifetime experience. But I do I already have my heart set on coming back to Tanzania when I’m older. The countdown is on for KILI so I GOT THIS!!!! I miss you alll very much and love you immensely (no talkback’s mom). 💗💗💗
Addy- Hey guys!!! I miss y’all all so sooo much! We just finished up our first week helping out at one of the schools near here. I’ve met so many awesome people, seen so many cool things, and have learned so much just in a week! This is truly an experience like no other. I cant help but feel so blessed every day to be here. Now we are off to Kilimanjaro! WISH ME LUCK!!!! I seriously miss all of y’all so much and the dogs! Can’t wait to tell y’all all the stories 💗
Sophie- Hiiii Mom, Dad, and twins+ WUWU😉! I’m having such a great time here and honestly I don’t want to leave…. we are starting Kilimanjaro tomorrow and I’m sooo HYPE! Love and miss you guys! Have a great time in eagle river! PS- Miss you Elle! See you in OBX!(hopefully)💗💗💗
Pickett- Whats up Mama, Daddy, Web, and Sister! I am having the absolute best time ever! I have the best group and leaders in the world. I’ve met so many amazing people and I can’t wait to keep exploring Africa! Thank y’all so much for sending me on this amazing adventure!! I’m having the time of my life! Love y’all bunches but I want to stay here forever! Love ya!!! P 🦗
Franki – Hey mom, dad, Nina, Marie, and Anna. Hope everyone is good. I am having such a great time on Kilimanjaro, the group and the leaders and all super nice. We spent this week doing service and are starting the hike tomorrow. Missing all of you and home. Thank you so much for all you do make this trip possible. Grateful for you guys and miss yall.
Henry- Wassup family, this first week has been lit. We got to meet some super cool people and do some cool service. Unsurprisingly I’m still awful at soccer. I’m ready to do Kili now and I’m gonna have a good time with that. Love yall
Zeke-Hi mom and dad. I am having a great time in Africa and the first week has been awesome doing some super cool service and meeting some cool kids. We’re heading for Kilimanjaro right now but I’m sure it’s got nothing on the maroons. I miss you guys and love you.
Ethan- Hi guys, hope you are doing well. We had a great week hanging out with the kids at the Mungere school, and now we’re getting ready to do Kili. My ankle has been improving, so I’m feeling optimistic for Kili. I got my bag back three days later, but I was surviving just fine. Don’t know when you’ll see this, but happy birthday dad! I love you all, and I can’t wait to see you.
Bridget- What’s up fam! Love you all! Special hello to Ridley and Allie. Having a blast! Time for Kili!
Chandley- Hey family! I miss and love y’all. And I hope you are all having fun in your travels. This past week of service has been life changing and I am so excited to yall all about it! I have been having the best time here but I’m still excited to see yall when I get home! Special shout out to Kylie! Now it’s time for Kili!
Shila – Greetings, family and friends!! Tanzania is truly a beautiful place. The vast landscapes and genuine communities here are so refreshing to experience. I’ve been having a wonderful time thus far. Next up we take on the mountain. Wish me luck! Love you guys!💛💛
Safe Arrival!
July 1, 2026
Hello Kilimanjaro Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has landed safely! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from their adventure! Please remember our leaders and students will be unplugged during their trips, but we will be posting trip updates throughout the next week! This will allow you to follow along with the trip. You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to!
-Moondance HQ
