Hello Associates,
As we begin a new and more focused phase of our work, looking ahead to a full project cycle through 2026; it’s worth reflecting on the journey that has brought us here. This year was not an easy one. It stretched us, tested our patience, and demanded more than what was comfortable at times. Yet, through it all, we stayed committed, not just to the work, but to one another.
We worked hard across different teams and in leadership roles. There were moments of friction, moments when perspectives clashed, and moments when the pressure felt heavy. But there were also moments of laughter, collaboration, learning, and genuine pride in what we were building together. Every part of that experience mattered.
Steve Jobs once used the imagery of a rock tumbler to describe how strong teams are formed. Rough stones placed together in a tumbler collide again and again. At first, the process seems harsh, even destructive. But over time, through constant contact and friction, those rough edges are worn down, and what emerges are stones that are smoother, stronger, and more refined. That analogy perfectly captures our year. The challenges we faced and the difficult conversations we had didn’t divide us; they shaped us. They made our thinking clearer, our systems better, and our results stronger.
Scripture echoes this truth: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). The very moments that tested us were also the moments that strengthened us.
To every associate who contributed across the various teams: thank you. Your dedication, late nights, problem-solving, and willingness to stay the course did not go unnoticed. Each role, visible or behind the scenes played a part in the success we achieved. As the scripture reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).
To our Trustees, we are deeply grateful. Your guidance, thoughtful consultations, steady leadership, and timely emergency funding provided stability when it mattered most. Your support gave us the confidence and the capacity to move forward, even in uncertain moments.
Above all, thank you for believing in the mission and in each other. The work we’ve done together this year has laid a strong foundation for what lies ahead.
May God bless you, keep you always, and reward the effort you have poured into this Amede Christmas Event.
With sincere appreciation,
Isaac Kwame Owusu
Coordinator, Hope Journey.