Kristi Thompson
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Child Legacy International, Inc is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, click here for documentation. Donations are tax-deductible and designated to Child Legacy’s Clean Water program.
Friends, Family and Donors:
In 2014 I came across the Clean Water Climb (CWC) and the opportunity to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. A posting on my company’s, (Southwestern Energy) intranet site inspired me to learn more about the CWC and Child Legacy, so I reached out to my co-worker Mike Navolio to express my interest. I ended up receiving a call within several minutes, “in true Mike fashion”. Mike was so eager to give me some background on Child Legacy, the CWC and why he is so passionate about the people of Malawi. I was sold right then and there. For more detail on how the CWC came to fruition, check out Mikes Bio.
2015 Trip
My trip to Tanzania and Malawi was one of the most amazing and rewarding things I have ever experienced in my entire life. I learned so much through the process leading up to and during the trip. I formed bonds with some of the most selfless people who also made an impression on me during the trip. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro was one of the most difficult tasks I have ever set for myself. So difficult, that I commented “this was worse than childbirth” after returning to base camp. However, it was so worth every bit of the physical and mental strength it took to conquer Mt. Kilimanjaro. After the climb, we departed to Malawi to repair water wells, tell bible stories and see all of the wonderful things Child Legacy is doing for the communities. The wonderful people of Malawi were so inviting with smiles on their faces and beautiful songs they would sing. Such inspiration in such poor conditions.
Last, but certainly not least, I was baptized in a tilapia pond in Malawi, Africa! Thanks Mike!!
Appalachian Trail
After returning back to Houston, I had the chance to help Mike with several video projects that summarized the 2015 and 2016 climbs. Being around the pictures and memories of the Africa trips, I really wanted to do something more. What could I do in the U.S. that takes less time commitment than going overseas and that can be continued year over year? Hiking the Appalachian Trail section by section and year over year from Georgia to Maine! ~2,200 miles
The first annual Appalachian Trail Clean Water Climb was an experience like no other. There were many challenges such as the terrain, bad weather and how to manage everything I needed all in one pack. Life gets much simpler on the trail which gives way for reflection on how we manage our daily lives.
Malawians have to walk miles (depending on the water source) to get clean water each and every day. The miles and terrain we hike on the A.T. is nothing compared to the miles walked for such a basic human right.
Section Two – 2019: The Great Smoky Mountains 74 miles – Fontana Dam, NC. To Davenport Gap, NC.
