I’ve been to five star hotels around the world. The people who work for you are better and work harder than anyone I’ve ever met. They are by far superior and I’m beyond impressed! I really can’t express how much this trip meant to me.

After several personal challenges and tragedies over the past few years, I decided I was going to “live” my life and not lie and waste what I did have left, which was myself!

Kilimanjaro, whose name I’ve heard means “freedom” became my freedom! Freedom from things back home, and I was determined to make it even if I had to crawl.

From the first day to the last, my days were filled with friendship, laughter and love. Your guides, Andrew, Respicious, Ahi and Deo were beyond anything any of us could ask for! They are polite, kind, compassionate professionals who were always watching us for any signs of sickness, tiredness or even water and bathroom breaks. They were always on top of their game. I can’t say enough about all of their beautiful personalities and endearing spirits! They sang to us when we were tired and kept us all going.

I can’t begin to tell you how hard the porters worked. I felt like a wimp when they basically ran by with huge loads on their heads! Then they would be waiting for us when we arrived. And they never had a fake smile – always genuine.

You should be proud of the people who represent you and it is with great honor and respect that I write this letter. Picking Thomson Safaris was the smartest move I’ve ever made traveling! I can’t thank you all enough, and I truly earned my “freedom” from all the recent past. It was a new beginning for me and I took many lessons home.

I just wanted to say thank you for renewing my faith in myself and my faith in others. I will always be grateful. I’ve realized that even when you have nothing left but yourself, you still have everything!