March 27, 2010, we are sitting at a table in a lodge. We need energy to hit the peak tomorrow, but it is impossible to eat because of the elevation!

We are a group of 7 hikers from Iran and have been in Africa since March 17. After spending a week in Kenya, we are now in Tanzania to hike Mount Kilimanjaro. We have been hiking for the last 3 days in the rain.

Tomorrow is the big day. We need to get some sleep and wake up in the midnight. It is going to be a long day! I try to sleep, but it is too cold! I put on everything I have but I am still shaking in my sleeping bag. My bones are frozen! My toes and fingers are numb!

…

Knock! Knock! It is the time!

…

I am not sure if I took any sleep, but the timing is critical! We must hit the trail right away.

Just then, one gives up.

The trail is rocky and icy. The strong wind is blowing right into my face! I cannot feel my toes and fingertips but as we start climbing the steep slope, I get warmer.

After two hours, two more friends give up.

It is dark and freezing and I start questioning myself: “What if something happens to us?”

More gain and I grasp for oxygen.

Around 6:45 the sun rises and brightens everywhere! We are up here, in the middle of nowhere! The mountains are incredible, huge, and beautiful, covered with snow. What a beauty!

Passing the switchbacks, comes the Gilman point at 18,640 ft. Another friend gives up.

My breaths are shallow, and the wind keeps slapping on my face!

Another friend is about to give up so does my husband and wants me to go back.

I am struggling but I am sure I can do this. I am stubborn and sometimes go selfish! I will summit this peak alone!

An unknown and strange voice draws me up! I choose the peak and keep hiking. I will not give up.

Feeling alone, I turn back to check on them. They are right behind me! They stayed. I am happy but scared! “What if something happens to us?”

Slow and steady we keep hiking and after 30 minutes, we are on Kilimanjaro peak surrounded by huge and gorgeous glaciers, ice, and snow! I am speechless! This is beyond the expression!