Countdown to Two Oceans Marathon Back to Back Challenge

In just over 48 hours, I will be embarking on a 112km. Some have deemed it silly while others think it is outright insane. There have been moments when I have weighed these statements to find some reason not to go ahead with the challenge but the desire to see the millions of orphans in our country and continent by far supersedes what the body will have to endure for those long hours on Saturday 30 March 2013.
A certain numbness has come over me, something of a peace that surpasses all understanding. My back aches and my neck in knots but the race will be run.

I am thankful to the many individuals and organisations who have offered support right from the beginning. Newkidz on the Block for spurring on what started out as a mere concept. Radio Tygerberg, Hectic Nine9, Daily Voice, Runners' World and many more for helping us get word out about this initiative. If one child finds a loving family and home then this Mission Possible would be deemed a great success.

 While looking for inspiration, I found some in the words from Chariots of Fire said by one Eric Lydell;
"You came to see a race today. To see someone win. It happened to be me. But I want you to do more than just watch a race. I want you to take part in it. I want to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe you're dinner's burnt. Maybe you haven't got a job. So who am I to say, "Believe, have faith," in the face of life's realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, "Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me." If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race."

Eric Lydell

A eulogy for Chinua Achebe

When I heard that Chinua Achebe had passed on, fond memories of high school flooded back.

My mind reeled back to literature classes with a staunch teacher who viewed a slight mispronunciation or misuse of language as a grave injustice to mankind and disservice to literary greats such as William Shakespeare and Chinua Achebe. Reading through the novel, Things Fall Apart, gave birth to a deep love for African literature, while at the same time kindling a passion for the fight against social injustice. 

Chinua Achebe was a brother, friend, father above all teacher to many despite never having met him personally. Anyone who encourages critical thinking and engages audiences across the world with artistry genius that transcends generations is worthy of praise and honor.

His literary voice will echo in time, inspiring generations of writers, poets and revolutionaries from all walks of life. We may not have had the opportunity to thank him enough while he lived, but my hope is that the way we live our lives as the human race, may be befitting an honor to a life well lived. 

For my hero

When we said goodbye to him

The future seemed so bleak and dim

Our hopes and dreams momentarily shattered

Like lost sheep abroad were we all scattered

Each one engrossed and trapped in the realm of thought

So freshly made were memories from long ago brought

Another arrow has finally upon its mark landed

 His tenure as man of flesh and blood ended

Behind him he leaves both legacy and a legend

Within the books of history his name is embedded

Upon the tablets of our hearts forever engraved.

For years and years the arrow soared

To defend his own, like a lion he roared.

In the face of adversity always bold,

Held up his head and wore courage untold

Day and night the brave warrior our own battles fought

Optimism his fill, gave no room for negative thought.

As all stare and begrudge the mound of earth

All can but marvel and take a deep breath

For beneath the mound lays a great man

And every soul present, his greatest fan.

Though death has purposed to tear us apart

From our hearts he will never depart

For here lays an arrow found its target

And in glory he shall walk the red carpet.

Mission Possible Coast to Coast

Easter Weekend is set to be a thriller. While some hunt for eggs and feast on hot cross buns, we will be making friends with Cape Town's coastline and inner city in a race against time. The challenge has been made and with open arms, accepted. While the journey will be epic, trying and gruesome in many ways, the news-headlines and daily reports of crimes against vulnerable individuals spur us on to do whatever it takes to ensure no child grows up to be a victim or perpetrator of crime.

With nothing but willing hands and feet, the 112km journey will begin at 6:30, Saturday March 30. When the 56km official race ends for some, it will only be the beginning of yet another 56km lap for Mission Possible.

This Mission Possible will need all the support members of the community can give in the form of donations on the activist's page, moral support along the way as well as volunteers for upcoming projects conducted by Newkidz on the Block.

 This would not be Mission Possible without the human spirit that flows from the depths of you and I.

If you are an adrenaline junkie looking for a mission with a purpose or a cheerleader willing to spur us on from the sidelines, please drop a line on 0799390026 for more details. 

To make a donation or find out about Newkidz, please visit the page:

http://www.givengain.com/activist/90569/projects/

Happy Women's Day

Because I am unbreakable

I know I am able

Because I am untouchable

I am more than capable

Because I am unshakable

I will not fall with the ruble

Because I am strong

I will acknowledge when I am wrong

Because I am invincible

I will live and let live

Because I am a mountain

I will withstand the pouring rain

Because I am a soaring eagle

I will see through the eye of a needle

Because I have the heart of a lion

I will stand firm like mount Zion

Because I have courage

I will start all over regardless of age

Because I have zeal

All the open wounds I will let heal

Because I am alive

I will embrace the gift that is life

Sweet smell of success

Once the dust settles from a great adventure one needs to calm down and take stock. The first edition of Mission Possible was a success, not in the sense of having the numbers but in that we all left feeling change was coming. Ascending up Lion’s Head were men, women and children who had one thing in mind, the vision of a better city, better lives and better homes for the underprivileged children we may never get to see face to face.

While sitting and waiting for people to arrive, a million thoughts were reeling through my head. Questions about whether anyone would turn up were put to rest when the first individual arrived. That was the greatest victory of all and had no one else turned up, the mission would still have been regarded as a success.

Though I thought I understood what Mission Possible was all about, Saturday 2 March brought about a whole new revelation. Success is not necessarily being the richest, smartest or most beautiful but it is doing what you can to the best of your ability and being able to sleep at night knowing you did all you possibly could. 

Furthermore, success is not simply a lack of failure but it is the ability to see a new opportunity at every turn. The first edition saw us gain ground towards our target. As we continue building our little Rome on Behalf of Newkidz on the Block, we hold our heads high not for pride’s sake but because we embrace life and the mandate placed upon each individual to live and let live.