Kilimanjaro

Friday14-10-05.

Today O!

I will lift up my hands in praise

For I know

You are always there for me

Almighty God

You are my all in all

No matter what I face

When trouble comes my way

I will praise you Lord.

This Wale Adenuga wey write this song. May God bless am well well.

In good spirits today. Having breakfast when a scream rent through the air. We saw a group of porters running down hill with a strecher held up high. On it was a White lady in her early fifties screaming. Suddenly it went silent.

I wondered if she had broken a leg. Our two group doctors ran off to see what was going on. Next minute there was a frantic rush for the medical bag. I left the table with another nurse.

It looked bad. A cardiac arrest at 3,000m. Work start. All the camp watched from afar as we battled for almost half an hour or so to bring back this woman to life. I have seen many deaths during my medical career but this one was painful. I have my sunglasses on so I could cry some more in peace. I was absolutely drained. Just who send me message? All my problems seemed so far away (as Beatles talk). I just dreaded to think that someone will ring her relatives with this news. It was too much for me. I just put on my headphones and listened to Micheal W Smith. That one sef wan make person cry more.

Brief

Ray our oga gathered the group and explained what had happened. It was time to go down. The mountain operates a one way system. You go up an ascent route which differs from the descent route. This makes sense as some of the paths are quite narrow.

Going down hill was not easy. My toes were squashed at the front of my boots and painful blisters ensued. The thought of Ameg Lodge spurred me on. It was down through beautiful forests to Mweka Gate where lunch awaited. Most didn’t eat as we all wanted to get back.

It was nice to be back in the real world again. In the Lodge we had a welcomed shower. My neck was well burnt. That night was the celebration dinner and award of certificates.

When I see the certificates of those wey reach Uhuru peak wey say- congratulations for reaching Africa’s highest peak then come look my own wey say – this is to certify that Dr W Orhiunu attempted the highest peak in Africa- my eye come red. Attempted ko attempted ni.

Me I dey go back next year! (And I need a big Naija sponsor like Glo or MTN or or or…)

That night I stayed in and read The call to a performing generation till 2am. The passion of the Christ came on. The beating scene fear me. I know say na acting but make comot face after a while. I learnt a lot tonight.

Saturday 15-10-05

Off to Moshi town for gifts but first we had to change money. When with Ruth, Carol and Douglas from Glasgow.We looked like JJCs in town. Found a bureau de change and changed at $1 to 1000 Tanzania Shillings. Local guys no gree us rest. Everyone had something to sell. I got gifts and music and then it was back to the hotel. Packed as we get up 3am for flight back. Goodbyes to those staying behind for Safaris and extended holidays. A few staying back for charity work.

Sunday 16-10-05

Up at 3am. In the coach at 3.30am. Got to airport and had to sit around after checking in.Then its take offat 6.20am to Daressalam (like Molue to pick up passengers) which is south. We then come back pass Kilimanjaro to Nairobi. Then it is off to Addis Ababa. We arrived at 10.45am. Hung around the internet café at the airport till take off by 12.50 pm . Offwe go to London via Rome. We wasted about 40 minutes in Rome before heading to London. Touched down by 9pm.

Got to Q Park and was sitting in my car by 10.30pm. Walahi, I had forgotten how to drive but ‘pole pole’ I made it home.

Dr Wilson Orhiunu

Babawilly

Babawill2000@naijanet.com

View Pictures of trip on http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/2040682

On line donations to Sense on http://www.justgiving.com/mount2climb

Or Post cheques to Dr W Orhiunu. PO Box 12835. Sutton Coldfield. Birmingham. B73 9ED.

Quoted Music from

Bobby Benson- Taxi Driver

Fela Anikulapo- Army Arrangement

Prince Nico Mbarga- Sweet Mother

2Face Idibia- Nfana Ibaga (No problem)

Wale Adenuga (Fountain of Life)- Today O.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to all who made my trip possible. God bless my children who constantly inspire me to be the best that I can be.

Thanks Eddy Arouturefor the Tanzania Visa forms, all my patients for their love and concern, (dem fear say I fit no return), Shelagh for the extra bag, Sutton Coldfield News, Sutton Coldfield Observer, Doctor Magazine, Resurection Life Assembly Birmingham for love and prayers and God almighty for saving my bacon up that mountain.

God almighty na you biko!