Lisa Maheu 
Joel’s Chance 

Joel found out that Barafu is the Swahili word for ice. Feeling the bitter cold clinging to his body, Joel had no doubt the locals knew what they were talking about. As they were hiking closer to the summit, the air was definitely chilly and thinner. It took a lot of strength and determination to move each foot. Joels leg muscles were aching with pain, mainly, because he was exhausted from lack of sleep, and his body trying to fight off the harsh cold. His breathing was becoming more labored as the climb was ascending higher and higher, with little oxygen to take in.

Joel kept thinking to himself, This is harder than I thought! Why did I even want to climb this mountain? I read all of the facts, but no one prepared me for such challenges. I almost wish I had stayed at one of the other camps. NO!!!!! I can do this, I think? With each step, the trail was becoming very steep.

When Joel decides to take a chance to climb the majestic mountain Kilimanjaro in Tanzania Africa, he encounters all kinds of challenges, wild animals, harsh weather conditions, but mostly fear! Through each hardship, though, Joel finds courage and strength. A courage that can only be found when one has a relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Lisa Maheu has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Southeastern Louisiana University and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies at Grace College of Divinity. Lisa works for a church in Mandeville, Louisiana where she coordinates the weekend curriculum for children ages eighteen months to fifth grade.

She lives in Abita Springs, Louisiana with her husband Van and their three grown daughters and son-in-law. She has been working with children from infancy to twelve years old in children’s ministry for over nine years.