The Blue Sweater Post 2

Reading this part of the book, helped me make connections between Novogratz' experience in Africa and her lifestyle back in the US. My favorite part of the section was reading about her and her friends' journey to climb Mount Nyiragongo. The endeavors they went through before the climb, and the challenges on the climb, parallel the life endured in Africa and the obstacles you face without warning. "The sky at dawn was nothing like it had been the day before.Heavy clouds portended storms, and the air was thick with moisture. We were exhausted, lacked proper gear and clothing for a climb, and couldn't find anything for breakfast because it was so early Sunday morning." This quote appealed to me because it represented the strength and realized needed in order to overcome a feat and a challenge that may seem unfeasible. The conditions were not good, they did not have everything they needed to continue, and were malnourished, and yet they still decided to take a leap of faith and see what they were made of. The thought process before climbing the mountain is very similar to what one would think of when considering a missionary trip to Africa and the projects ahead while there. It is impossible to predict what the future holds, but regardless of the tough trials you endure, you know the reward will be worth it. When climbing the mountain, the reward was the feeling of success, the test of strength and determination, and the amazing view. When doing work in Africa, the reward for Novogratz was the ignition of hope among the people, the utilization of knowledge for the people, and the act of philanthropy. Although there are many ways to establish one's worth in life, one's greatest value is the altruistic effort they put forth in helping others and instilling value upon them.