August 25, 2020. On two separate occasions this week, my kids said (and this really is a direct quote), “Mama, it sounds like you’re using an avoidant strategy!” Clearly, the students have become the teachers. Oh, and, I should note, they were completely right! I was absolutely avoiding this final blog post. I’m finding it difficult to write a post that aptly captures the complexity of our feelings as this adventure comes to an end.
When we began our adventure, 100 miles ago, we set out to raise awareness and money to stop the impact of two pandemics: COVID-19 and Racial Injustice. We, of course, are thrilled to have met our mileage goal! Yet, the work fighting those pandemics seems far from over.
Early on, we hiked to find purpose and meaning together during a time of disconnect and loss. As we hiked, we grieved together, healed together, grew together, laughed together, cried together, and felt renewed hope together. There was so much beautiful time spent together! The many privileges making that possible (flexible jobs, physical ability and health, money to buy good shoes, trails close by, solid family relationships, etc.) are not lost on us. We were privileged and blessed to be together! And, wow, we were together A LOT this summer!
Two days after we completed our 100 miles of hiking, Elijah and Penelope returned to school (brick and mortar). I was thrilled they would be in the same class and share an incredible 1st grade teacher. I was happy for them that they could play with their friends in person once more (albeit only seven other students in their class, desks six feet apart, and all wearing masks). Still, they missed school and I am grateful they get to return!
Despite my happiness for them, sending them back to school also brought a palpable sadness. I missed their giggles, their insight, their loudness, their snuggles, and their beautiful big feelings. I missed them!! I missed being together!
Elijah and Penelope were absolutely correct. I was avoiding this last post. Perhaps because, I don’t really want the adventure to be over. Maybe because, my heart still aches over ongoing police brutality and we still don’t have a cure for COVID.
The summer of 2020 is over and our 100 miles of hiking is complete. Yet, KNEP is not done. This is just the beginning! While we won’t be blogging about our hikes or counting our miles, we will still be growing together, healing together, and laughing together. We will continue to open our hearts and lives up to wherever God calls us from here—that we might be used for good in this world, agents of change, bearers of compassion, and catalysts of hope. What a privilege to journey 100 miles together. What an even greater privilege to be on the journey of life together. This is just the beginning. Here’s to whatever comes next…
KNEP Hikes 