What is 3 Peaks 3 Weeks?!

Glad you asked.  I'll give you some brief facts, and then the websites where you can go to find out more information if you so desire.

3 Peaks 3 Weeks (3P3W) began in 2004, and Australian woman was like "cool, let's get a bunch of ladies to hike the 3 highest peaks in Africa in 3 weeks, and raise money while we do that".  They completed the hike in 2007, raising over $375,000, which is awesome!  Each year since then there has been a team climbing in January, so in 2012 I will be part of the 6th team of ladies to make the trek.  Including that first climb, 3P3W has raised almost $700,000 dollars for the 3 peak issues in East Africa.  That's a lot of dough, change, cash, moolah, bling, going to great causes.  The sweet thing is that this money is being given to organizations that have been operating in East Africa for a WHILE, and have had massive SUCCESS.  So this money is working hard. And getting results.

 See? Money will work if it goes to the right places!

So, in short, I (we) are not climbing just to say "yeah, Kilimanjaro...I climbed that."  We're climbing for a greater cause than personal glory; we're climbing to give back to the world we live in.  Even though I'm not from Africa, and I don't live in Africa, and I could honestly probably ignore Africa if I wanted to, God has given me a great love for all people.  I'm so glad for that.  I believe that every person deserves to have their physical needs taken care of, and has the right to pursue education and self betterment (is that a word?) if they chose to do so.  We take a lot of stuff for granted here in the US (me included), so preparing for this climb will be a great every day reminder to me that I'm no more special than any other stellar person that's been placed on this planet.  We've got resources people. And I'm not just talking money.  I'm talking health, time, family, positive attitudes, safe homes, friends, jobs, education...let's put these things to good use! 

Kilimanjaro...19,341 feet.  Highest freestanding mountain in the world. Booyah.

Websites:

• www.3Peaks3Weeks.org
• The official home page...with all sorts of good info!
• www.3Peaks3Weeks.com
• The 2011 climb is happening right now!  Check in for updates!