In 2008, the first group of Explorers researched world landmarks. The goal was to visit all 20 that were selected. In February, I flew the Explorer flag at the top of one of them…Mt. Kilimanjaro! The opportunity to climb Kilimanjaro was presented by a long-time Explorer sponsor, Janene Phirbhai, a co-founder of Kalamazoo Safari Company. The adventure company provides experiences to Tanzania for the climb to Kilimanjaro and/or unique safari trips.

Sasha Hollins and Bette Boulding (an Explorer volunteer) also took part in the eight-day hike. While Sasha and Bette did not summit, their experiences were life-changing. After the “big climb,” all 16 Girlfriend Hikers, took part in a safari. The opportunity to see the exotic animals in their original habitat was new to everyone on the journey.

After the safari, Sasha, Bette, and I visited WoteSawa Domestic Workers Organization in Mwanza. The Explorers have sponsored girls of WoteSawa for over three years. We visited the schools attended by the students we support and brought gifts of backpacks, pens, journals, and personal hygiene supplies to the girls who live on WoteSawa’s campus. We also provided the first-ever fingernail painting session for the girls.

The entire physical, mental, and emotional adventure was one we will never forget. Now…where next?

Of our 20 landmarks, we have visited the Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls, The Leaning Tower of Piza, and the Eiffel Tower.

Still on our list:
Amazon Rain Forest
Taj Mahal
Victoria Falls
Sydney Opera House
Stonehenge
St. Basil’s Cathedral
Petra
The Great Mosque of Djenne
The Great Wall of China
The Great Pyramids of Giza
Big Ben
The Golden Gate Bridge
The Panama Canal
Mt. Everest

Can you help the Explorers get to one of these or other exciting places around the world? Merze Tate traveled the world twice. We can do it too!

To discuss how you can help the Explorers through new, hands-on adventures in travel, media, college, or career exploration, contact Sonya Hollins at contact@merzetate.org.