When I was thirteen, I fell in love with Africa through Joy Adamson’s stories of the lioness Elsa and her cubs. My visit to Kenya and Tanzania in the summer of 2001 was a dream come true. Over the course of my visit, which included an eight-day trek to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, my admiration for the rich heritage of those living in the shadow of the mountain soared. I thank them for their hospitality, and for giving me the adventure of a lifetime.
I appreciate editor Cindy Cresap’s hard work in whipping this story into shape. If it makes sense, hangs together and fulfills its potential, it’s her fault. If it doesn’t, she’ll get to say she told me so.
Thanks also to Jenny for the technical edit, and to Karen for her uncanny ability to see words that aren’t there, and words that are there, but shouldn’t be.