Jesse
Jesse Penna
Jesse Penna
Why did I decide to run a half marathon, and why do I think the Eighth Day Institute is a worthwhile non-profit? These are the two main questions I am seeking to write about in this short piece.
Before I attempt an answer, I want to share a brief story. One of my first memories of Eighth Day Books and Erin Doom, involved a conversation about a Ford truck. I do not recall when this conversation with Erin took place, but I do recall it taking place at Eighth day books when Erin was working there behind the counter. That initial conversation turned into a friendship, which then turned into financial support for EDI. Since that initial conversation, I have attended numerous EDI gatherings; especially the Hall of Men, the annual Symposium and the Inkling Festival.
A few weeks back, I found myself in conversation with Erin Doom once again, only this time our conversation revolved around running, losing weight, and financial support. Since moving to Haviland, Kansas and changing jobs, it’s been one of the most difficult seasons for me personally in all the ways that transition and change can cause difficulty - financial, emotional, spiritual. After moving 3 times in 4 years, having our 2nd child, moving from Wichita to Haviland, moving from 2 incomes to one, moving from a house that we loved, into an old farm house with green carpet, to a new job, I found myself depressed and needing a change!
Running for renewal? The mission of EDI is: “The renewal of culture through faith and learning.” This is a mission I believe in deeply and have supported for years. However, given changes in our family’s budget, I haven’t been able to financially support EDI as I have in the past. With a strong desire to continue supporting EDI, coupled with a desire to put my own faith and learning in action, I decided through a conversation with Erin to do something I have NEVER done before, and start training for a half marathon! Since making that decision to run for renewal – both cultural renewal on behalf of EDI and personal renewal – I have enjoyed conversations with others as I have run and have also enjoyed the morning solitude as I watch the sunrise.
I believe this decision to run will continue to bear fruit in my life as I intentionally plan for renewal and restoration with each morning run, each conversation and each moment of solitude, along with seeking to benefit and raise financial support for an organization I love and believe in! Will you join me in this endeavor as I seek to renew and restore my own life and health, while at the same time raise funds for Eighth Day Institute?