Yesterday in the Congo, I hiked Mt. Nyiragongo — Africa’s most active and dangerous volcano. After a 6 hour journey up to 3,500 meters, we slept overnight at the stunning crater, and admired the world’s largest lava lake.

It was, without question, one of the best travel days of my life.

But this story is not so much about the volcano itself. It’s about a guy named Elias, who since 1991, has been a porter and chef to cater for tourists who want to hike to the top.

I was randomly paired up with him, and was so astonished by how he carries up to 55 pounds of things with him up and down this volcano, three times a week. For the last 29 years. And he makes roughly $4 a day.

Elias deserves every bit of credit for his determination and hard work. It’s people like him who make the world go ’round.