Training for Thin Air
This month, I thought I’d give you a peek into my training — what it looks like, what I’ve learned, and what I’m still figuring out as I prepare to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in support of Africa New Life.
As I’ve been reading, listening, and training, one thing is clear: people of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds make this climb. The common denominator? Everyone has to deal with altitude.
At around 16,000 feet, the oxygen level is roughly 50% of what it is at sea level. At the summit — 19,341 feet — it drops to just 40%. That means your body (and mind) are working with a lot less oxygen than they’re used to, all while you’re trekking uphill.
For me, this hits especially close to home. I’ve lived with asthma since I was a toddler. My first ER visit for an asthma attack was at age two, and I spent high school and college managing it through playing football and track & field. Thankfully, it’s less of a factor now, but I’ve got a deep respect for what it feels like when your lungs can’t get what they need.
Two Core Training Goals
So how am I preparing? My training has focused on two things:
Training my body to function at high altitude
Building strength and stamina for steep climbs
1. High-Altitude Conditioning
Simulating 19,000 feet in Portland? Not exactly easy. But I found a local fitness center with a high-altitude training room. I’ve been logging miles on the treadmill and stair climber at simulated elevations of 11,000–12,000 feet with a 30 lbs. pack.
The first few sessions were rough — lightheadedness, shortness of breath — but like anything, it gets better with repetition.
2. Strength for Vertical Feet
The Kilimanjaro route we are taking isn’t about marathon distances. It’s about sustained vertical gain, day after day. We experienced this firsthand on a trip to Yosemite over spring break — many trails there go straight up, with 1,000+ feet of elevation gain in a single mile. Brutal, but a great training ground.
I’ve been seeking out similar local hikes around Portland: short distances, high elevation gain. Even though we don’t have altitude, we have plenty of hills that train the legs and lungs.
The Lemosho Route: What’s Ahead
I’ll be climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, known for its scenic beauty and smart acclimatization profile. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown:
Why the Lemosho Route?
Diverse Ecosystems: We trek through rainforest, alpine desert, and into arctic zones ending at a glacier on the summit.
Scenic Views: Stunning panoramas from the Shira Plateau and southern circuit.
Smart Acclimatization: With built-in “climb high, sleep low” days, it’s one of the safest, most successful routes to the summit.
What’s Next?
With about nine weeks to go before I board my flight to Tanzania, I’m ramping up my training schedule. More altitude room sessions. More hills. More sweat.
If you’ve climbed a high peak or done altitude training, I’d love to hear your tips and advice — feel free to leave a comment or shoot me a message.
And again — thank you. Your support means the world, not just for me, but for the kiddos we’re helping through Africa New Life. Every step up that mountain is about more than a summit — it’s about making a difference.
Let’s keep climbing.
Fundraising Update
We have currently raised $5,221 for ANSL’s Food & Care Program - THANK YOU. Our goal is $19,341 so we are 27% of the way there. If you haven’t donated yet, please consider helping towards the goal. And remember, 100% of the funds goes to the program - I am paying for the trip itself. Also, please share this adventure with a family and friends!
The Founding Story of Africa New Life
Dr. Tim and Dr. Charles
From Prayer to Purpose
In a powerful conversation with Dr. Charles Mugisha, founder of Africa New Life, and Dr. Tim Robnett (aka my dad), former pastor, seminary professor and the founder of E-Team Global, I had the privilege of hearing the extraordinary story of how Africa New Life began. It’s a story of prayer, providence, partnership, and a vision that has transformed the lives of tens of thousands across Rwanda.
A Divine Appointment
The story begins in December 1999. Dr. Tim was preaching at a church in Uganda, and his interpreter that day was Dr. Charles—a divine pairing that neither of them expected. At the time, Dr. Charles had been praying for four months about returning to his homeland of Rwanda, which he and his family had fled during the genocide. He was packed and ready to go back to investigate next steps when he felt the Lord say, “Not yet.”
That same morning, he interpreted for Dr. Tim, and after the service, they had lunch together. Charles shared two desires: to return to Rwanda and to attend seminary. Dr. Tim encouraged him to follow up and promised to help if Charles ever made it to Portland.
A Leap of Faith
Charles took that encouragement seriously. He sent his transcripts, and four months later—March 25, 2000—he landed in Texas with just $10 in his pocket. A local pastor helped him get a suit and a plane ticket to Portland, where Dr. Tim picked him up and welcomed him into his home. Soon after, Charles was enrolled at Multnomah Seminary.
The financial challenge was steep: $20,000 for tuition and travel for his wife Florence and their newborn son, Isaac. But through what Charles calls “friend-raising,” Dr. Tim helped raise the necessary funds. Florence was hesitant about moving to the U.S., but after a miraculous moment at the U.S. embassy—where their family, last in line, was called to the front and granted visas within 10 minutes—they knew the Lord was opening the door.
Planting a Vision
The first winter in Portland was cold and dark, but the Mugisha family pressed on. Seminary was rigorous, but within the first five months, Charles began to outline a vision for what would become Africa New Life. That summer, Charles returned to Rwanda with Florence and their son. With them, they carried nine donated soccer balls and t-shirts—gifts that opened doors and hearts in a village in Kigali.
The soccer balls gave them favor with local leaders, and the mayor even granted them a permit to start a school. With no funds and no students, they opened a preschool in an apartment. Florence taught. Charles’s siblings helped. They gathered 20 children, took photos, and launched what would become a child sponsorship program.
Building More Than a School
Back in Portland, some were skeptical—especially about the child sponsorship model—but Charles and Florence were resolute. They raised enough support to cover the school’s expenses and eventually returned to Rwanda after graduating seminary in 2003 (Florence would also go on to earn her master's degree).
Since then, Africa New Life has grown beyond anything they could have imagined. Over 18,000 children have been sponsored through the program, and 95% graduate high school—with nearly 40% continuing to college. The organization now includes:
A fully accredited seminary and leadership college
A hospital staffed with doctors and nurses
A church network with over 10,000 members across Rwanda
Women’s vocational programs providing economic empowerment through skills like sewing
The Power of Saying “Yes”
Throughout the story, one theme stands out: obedience. Dr. Charles said “yes” to a call that didn’t make logical sense. Dr. Tim said “yes” to helping a young man with a vision. And together, they built something that has changed the fabric of a nation.
Dr. Charles emphasized that 50% of his role is fundraising and 50% is developing the ministry—releasing others to do the work while he casts vision and stewards growth. That transition—from doing the work to building the ministry—is often the hardest part of leadership, but it’s been critical to Africa New Life’s success.
Faith in Action
What struck me most was the collaboration between people, churches, and cities across the U.S.—from Texas to Oregon to Washington D.C.—all playing a role in what God was doing in Rwanda.
This story isn’t just about Dr. Charles or Dr. Tim. It’s about the Body of Christ listening, encouraging, giving, and saying “yes.” It's about the power of faith, relationships, and relentless hope.
From a handful of prayers to a nation-shaping ministry - Africa New Life is a testimony to what can happen when faith meets action.
Final Reflection
When people ask why I’m climbing Kilimanjaro, I think it comes down to this: the mountain represents a challenge worthy of pursuit, and I am choosing to say YES. Each step is an act of faith - believing that the Lord will meet me in the journey, not just at the roof top of Africa.
I have two simple asks:
Help me raise $19,340 to support Africa New Life’s Food and Care Program, providing essential meals and medical support to children and families in Rwanda - https://www.journeytotheroofofafrica.com/19340
Share this mission—tell a friend, post it online, or forward this message. Every connection makes a difference.
Reflecting on 19,341’
It all begins with an idea.
Today marks my 46th birthday and with that, I launch a website to share my journey to the roof of Africa. This year I’ve declared my theme to be: reflect. Reflection is not something that comes naturally. I’m usually focused on getting to the next thing, and preferably getting there as quickly as possible. But there is worthiness in taking the time to reflect on circumstances, experiences and situations. To allow those experiences to shape us and help us respond, either similarly or differently, in the coming days ahead. All with the goal of pursuing a life that is honoring to God, impactful to others, and contributes to our community.
When the opportunity came about last year to join this group and climb Mt Kilimanjaro there was much to consider. It is an exciting and challenging opportunity to say the least. I gathered information, sat with the idea, and was intrigued by the challenge. At each turn I was affirmed in choosing to go for it, and so here I am, embarking on the task of climbing a mountain.
As I consider this opportunity now that I’m committed, training and in the early stages of preparation, I see how this climb will be an opportunity for reflection. There is no better way to sort out the uncertainty, search for clarity and direction, and review the experiences that have gotten me to this place than being outside, setting one foot in front of another, towards a summit.
Kate came across a Soren Kierkegaard quote a few months ago which we’ve found true in our lives:
“Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Everyday, I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.”
Our personal example is that it’s a quarter mile (1,320’) walk to the end of our driveway. Every week we have garbage/recycling cans to take to the end, and we daily have mail to check. In our early years here we used the quad to drive things back and forth, but in the past year or so (despite complaints) Kate has insisted on walking it. Our dog loves the short, simple outing – she’s probably the only dog in the world that gets excited about the sound of a garbage can being rolled out – and no matter how frustrated, grumpy, or upset any one of the family members is, by the time we’re back to the house – a mere 10 minutes later – the whole mood has shifted positive. Sometimes we’ve had impactful conversations, sometimes we’ve simply walked away from a burden, but they are consistently a
If a quarter mile walk up the driveway once a week can change a mood, what could a multi-day hike up a mountain, through various terrains and with gorgeous views, do? What better way to reflect on my 46 years, ponder the years to come, and enjoy an adventure? And even more meaningful – do it all for a cause with such impact?
So here I am, ready to take on my most challenging outdoor adventure to date. I look forward to sharing the journey with you!