We did it! After weeks of planning and stress (for me, not them), West Nairobi School's 6th grade class finally climbed Mt. Longonot. After studying volcanoes, it was great to climb one. This one happens to have a huge crater in the middle because its top blew a while ago. We left school Friday morning (May 18th) in the pouring rain. We just kept praying that it wouldn't rain while we were hiking, and it didn't! It was cloudy the whole time, but that made for ideal hiking conditions. No one got too hot, so we were quite thankful for the cool weather. After the hike, we went back to school for a sleepover. We had a water balloon fight (I think I still have welts on my back from the boys throwing at point blank), ate pizza, had a campfire, made smores, and then slept as much as we could in our big chapel room. It was a lot of fun, and now I am quite tired. Here are some pictures that I hope you will enjoy.

This is my class at the bottom of the mountain before we started climbing.

Jack and Caleb were my faithful hiking buddies. They stayed with me the whole time. Of the steep parts, Caleb said, "I am happy and terrified all at the same time."

Naomi and some others taking a rest

Of 26 kids, 16 made it to the very top, and this is not an easy climb! I am so proud of them. Notice how many girls made it!

Some of the most beautiful smiles in Kenya

the class and me

Jack and Alec are enjoying the amazing view from the top. Well, as much of it as they can see through the fog.

Harriet, David, and Jack

Amy and Priscilla were a little tired. I don't know if they'd be happy knowing I put this picture on the internet for the whole world to see...

Michael and Wendy Burner have a daughter, Julia, in my class. Without their help and presence, this trip wouldn't have been possible. They helped me out so much!

J.T., Meitamei, and Teddy are ready to go home.

The boys are back at the school, playing basketball.