Krysta:
Dear Nick,
I am so excited to take on this incredible journey with you up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Not many people can say that they have climbed the tallest freestanding mountain in the world with their best friend never mind their fiancé. I’m lucky that you take both of those roles, and I am able to join you in this great life adventure for an amazing cause. I know that there are going to be obstacles that we may face, but here are ten things that I would want you to know as we prepare to hike:

1. Keep your head up – literally and figuratively. There will be times where you want to look down and give up but remember to keep your eye on the goal and keep moving forward as the patients on our team do every day.
2. You are strong inside and out. Your strength can move mountains! So radiate that strength because you will lift the spirits around you.
3. Don't be afraid to lean on me if you need me. I know I may be smaller than you, but I am able to carry you if you need me to. I am your climbing partner, and I will always be there for you with whatever you need.
4. Remember why we are here and who we are climbing for! Judy and Fred, this is for you!
5. There may be some moments where you may feel defeated, but defeat only happens if you let it take ahold of you. You have me and an amazing group of teammates to lean on.
6. Take it slow! I know you, and you love to push yourself and go quickly, but this is a journey that will require pace and patience.
7. You have obtained all of the right skills and resources you need. Trust the process and you will have success!
8. Most importantly, we are in this together. I am here for you. The team is here for you. You are never alone in this journey!
9. WE CAN DO THIS! Go big or go home. Well, in this case, we will go big and then go home!
10. “You can either go to bed satisfied with your efforts today or stressed with what you left for tomorrow. You can either work hard to take on the hill or never know what it is that people see at the top.” - Joe De Sena

I love you dearly,
-Krysta

Nick:
Dear Krysta,
I am so incredibly excited to have you as not only my climbing partner, but also my life partner. I want to share ten things with you as we prepare for the biggest adventure of our lives yet. As it is only the beginning of our adventures together, I want you to know that these things will hold true no matter where we are, who we are with, and what challenge is in front of us:

1. You’re an inspiration to others. Your energy and love for others is contagious and has allowed me to push through life’s challenges.
2. You’re a leader among leaders. You surround yourself with individuals who are just as amazing as yourself and always find a way to lead them to a goal.
3. Don’t ever doubt yourself. You can truly do anything you put your mind to (and more!)
4. Breathe! Keep calm and climb on! #KCCO.
5. Keep the jokes coming! I love how you find a way to make jokes at the toughest times.
6. You’re a strong woman.
7. Together, we can do anything. You alone can succeed, but imagine the things we can achieve if we combine our strengths.
8. Go big and go home after!
9. Just keep climbing, just keep climbing. You’re the pace master, I will follow.
10. You truly are an amazing person. You have been told “you can’t do that,” “you’re not good enough,” and “you’re going to fail,” yet you continue to push through and find ways to succeed. Your determination and strength is obvious to those who admire you. Don’t let yourself forget just how awesome you are. You are my rock. You are my person.

Love,
Nick