Ho'amau

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith….let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)

On October 11, 2014, my friend, Debi Wess, competed in the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona in the Hawaiian Islands. The race consisted of a 2.4-mile swim (against ocean waves and currents); a 112-mile bicycle ride (in winds that blow cyclists off their bikes); and a marathon (a 26.2-mile run in scorching heat) – raced in that order, without a break. There is a strict time limit of 17 hours to complete the race. It is widely considered one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world.Debi, competing in the female 60-64 age group, finished the race within the allotted time. Debi has been competing for years in triathlon races, including seven Ironman competitions - two in the last 7 months! Her ultimate goal was to qualify for, compete in, and finish the IM World Championship. Goal reached! An amazing physical and mental feat by any standard!Finishing strong at IM Kona required ho‘omau, the theme for this year’s race. It is the Hawaiian value of perseverance and persistence. In practicing this value, one becomes more courageous. Ho‘omau means to continue in a way that causes good to be long lasting. Those who ho‘omau do not give up easily.Reflecting on the values of perseverance and persistence, Debi says, “It is what gets me through endurance races, (and carries) me through life. Perseverance has been an intrinsic part of who I am since childhood; the first word my dad taught me to spell was perseverance. My mother demonstrated ho’omau throughout a long-standing illness. She is my hero and the best example of courage I have ever witnessed. Life presents many challenges, some good and others difficult, but ho’omau is what keeps me going.”Running the race and living life with ho’omau can also be daily ascribed to the people in Mathare whom eduKenya serves: A community of people who daily face poverty, hunger, violence, sickness and death with tremendous courage. There are the adults who participate in Community Support Ministry and Skills Training Program; the tenants who live in the apartment building that is part of eduKenya’s sustainability program; the parents who work hard to sustain their families; and our teachers and staff, who go the extra mile. Mostly, there is the future of hope in Mathare, the Kwa Watoto School students.On behalf of these courageous people, who daily make a choice to move forward with ho’omau, I urge you to add them to your holiday/Christmas lists this year. If you are not an eduKenya partner, join us as we give the gift of opportunity that breaks the chronic cycle of poverty and transforms lives and communities. If you are already a partner, please share this email with your family and friends. For more information, please visit our website.Asante Sana! (Thank you!)Kathie FriedeleduKenya Communications Director