The charm is in particular. So of course it was also when we got the message from Lindsey, whether we want to climb to Kilimanjaro for UNICEF, supported by Autovista. I needed 2 seconds for the answer “Count me in”. I have not regretted this decision for a moment, until today. On the contrary!

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity given to us by Autovista to gain this unique experience, along with my great colleagues, the team The Ascenders, Mount Kilimanjaro and everything connected with it.
The preparation was exhausting, every morning I had to overcome myself to go jogging, always driven to be fit for the Kili on the one hand, on the other hand, to collect donations for UNICEF. Going to the mountains as often as possible, having as much exercise every day as possible, alongside the job for Schwacke and the demands my family has on me. This meant for the whole family and friends to “pull together” with me, to support me and to understand that the most important thing in 2018 is our climb of Kilimanjaro.

Today, after this intense experience, I carry many beautiful memories, emotions and images in me:  No night goes by where I do not dream of our Kili trip.
With all the effort in the preparation, with all sleep deficit, with all climatic changes from freezing cold to big heat, rain showers, hail, snowfall and stormy winds I would like to miss no second!

What remains? A very deep impression in my soul about a very special experience. A very deep inner peace. A deep feeling of happiness. A very deep gratitude. A deep desire for space and peaceful nature. Many happy memories. A deeper self-image. A wonderful experience to have colleagues, or better now friends, in a situation that is out of the comfort zone for everyone. The wonderful experience, as a team to have achieved a goal, which would not have been achieved alone!

Thanks a lot for everything and to everybody!