A day after 9/11/2020, I completed the 100 Miles for Hope challenge, sponsored by The American Legion, which started in early August and ends this Veterans Day. I decided to walk the 100 miles, since I had already begun walking safely while social distancing with a face mask on ever since strict COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in the beginning of May. On average I walked 3 miles daily, especially enjoying my weekly walk to our Marsh Post 422 building on Saturdays. During the rest of the week, I took different routes to explore the rest of my neighborhood, like Harvard University, the local city park and other areas of our community.

The challenge requires discipline: the discipline to leave home, starting with that first step. In the beginning, the hardest part was not the walking itself; rather, it was the struggle to muster up the willpower needed to get out of the house instead of settling at home to do other things. Once that first challenge was overcome, I would thoroughly enjoy the walk, arguably my favorite part of my daily routine. I am glad I accepted the challenge to finish the goal of 100 miles two months ahead of schedule.

As the Post 422 chaplain, I dropped in the building after finishing my goal today. I was glad to see a dozen post members relaxing there, many of whom I had not seen since the COVID shutdowns several months ago. As I greeted them, I announced that I had finished the “100 Miles for Hope,” pointing to the red campaign shirt I had on. They were excited about the news and showed their approval with two thumbs up. Since I came along with a couple of my church members, I introduced them briefly. As the chaplain, I wanted to encourage our veterans in every way possible. God knows what they need most in life. We all need hope in Jesus Christ. He is our living hope. Even the name of our challenge is “100 Miles for Hope.” The Bible says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

I would like to continue walking in Phase 2 of “100 Miles for Hope.” Could I encourage you to take your first step and join this challenge till Veterans’ Day 2020?

Blessings,

Chaplain Paul Kim