Swamibapa Mt.Kenya Expedition 18-21 April 2014
Year 2015 marks the completion of 15 years of Swamibapa Temple in parklands. To kick-start this occasion, a team of 20 young boys, girls, ladies and gents set on a mission to conquer Mt.Kenya. The youngest in the team being only 15 years and the eldest 55 years.
Their second mission was to create awareness of Grand opening of Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury, London. The festival will be held from 20-24 August 2014. Gururaj Muktajeevan Swamibapa had a vision to build a grand temple in London. His heir, HDH Acharya Swamishree has accompalished His vision by constructing a magnificent temple in Kingsbury, London.
The group left with the blessings of Lord Swaminarayan and posed for a group photo in front of the sihashan displaying the banners specially made for their mission.
The group started their ascent at an altitude of 2600m above sea level on the first day and conquered another 2400m in a distance of just about 28km to reach peak Lenana ( 4985m).
During their ascent to the peak, the group worked as a team, learning important lessons in the process; accountability, dedication, leadership and preservation of eco-friendly environment. The team worked for each other, helping out and encouraging the tired ones to keep ascending. On Sunday, 20th April 2014, the group of 20 members, dressed like Eskimos, started their final ascent to Lenana Peak at 3.00am. Everyone huffed and puffed as they conquered the peak step by step. By the divine grace of Lord Swaminarayan, the entire group reached the peak at 8.00am. They accomplished their dual mission and displayed the two banners on the peak.
By the grace of Lord Swaminarayan and Acharya Swamishree's blessings, the group had a totally safe and an enjoyable trip. The weather was just right for the ascent - no rain or bog on the mountain for 4 days, just unbelievable! because it normally rains almost every day on the mountain.
The expedition was carried out under the guidance of John Ndegwa and his team from Summit Venture Expeditions.