Mass at Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, blessing of the AKUA Run/Walk
Participating priests, with a parishioner on left
Bishop Larry Silva and participating Sisters
Fr. Cletus Mooya 
Finishers 
Finishers, Bishop Larry Silva, 4th from left
More than two weeks had gone by since the AKUA Run for Vocations, yet the memories are still alive -- especially for me, since it was the first time I joined the event. Our youngest son, TJ, will be ten years old this year. My husband and I figured this would be the start of a family journey of facing the 8-long-mile-challenge GAR (Great Aloha Run). Besides, TJ plays tennis. He's strong and shouldn't have a long list of excuses.
For Joe and me, it was a different story. Were we ready for the challenge? We went to Ala Moana Beach Park for pre-walks and small pre-runs, but never got close to 8 miles! Were we really up for the 8-mile test?
Our family of seven left home to be at the parking structure of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace at 4 a.m. on Monday, February 21, President's Day. We tried to sleep in the van to kill time, but the excitement was too much. We quickly ate the breakfast we packed and joined the group of priests, sisters, and the other AKUA walkers for a quick fellowship and prayer led by Bishop Larry Silva.
Our four teenagers, Cyrene, Ashley, Joseph and Faith, left in a flash with the Daughters of St. Paul, Sr. Gioan Linh and Sr. Ann Mei. They were nowhere to be seen afterwards. They had done this before! If you didn't know, those Sisters from the Pauline Books and Media Center in Honolulu have the quick feet and stamina of a cheetah. Well, almost.
The goal of the AKUA Run/Walk? For an increase in vocations to the Roman Catholic Church of the Diocese of Honolulu. With this in mind, though pain on our legs and feet tried to distract us, my husband Joe, TJ and I trudged along. Onward soldiers for Christ!
How could we not have made it when Christ led the way?
(Mahalo for the pictures, Dann Ebina and Dominic Olaso!)
