48 year old Grandma trains for her first Marathon!!!!

Hello, my name is Bev and I live in Draper Utah.  I am a mother of 5, mother-in-law to 3 and Grandmother to 2 adorable little boys.   I have a husband who loves and supports me and our family. We love the Lord and are happy to serve in anyway we can.  I am truly blessed!

We attend South Mountain Community Church (SMCC).  Last fall, as a church family, SMCC decided to sponsor Children though World Vision in the village of Marafa, Kenya.  The picture on this page is our sponsored daughter, Rose.  As you can see, she is a sweet little girl.  She shares the same birthdate as our son, my mom and my sister.  We have received a couple of her "drawings" (so cute) and her latest report card from Kindergarten.

Our church also decided to partner with Team World Vision for the Chicago Marathon on Oct 12, 2008. World Vision is joining with SMCC to allow our team (there are 12 of us running) to raise funds that go specifically to our village, Marafa!  This really spoke to my heart.  Not only are we helping to support our Rose, but can you imagine....we could raise money that would benefit all her little friends that she plays with each day!   Maybe there will be safer water, school supplies or a new playground!   How AMAZING would that be!

Well, being a fairly non active type person (I hated PE all through school!!) some family and friends were alittle shocked that I want to do such a thing as running a marathon.  It's hard, it's scarey, and often times hurts, but I believe that God wants me to do this.  I could not and can not accomplish this challenge without a strong Faith that God is carrying me along and holding me up (sometimes literally!) 

Training for this Marathon has been quite a learning experience for me.  I have more in me than I ever dreamed possible.  When I get to the end of a long training run, I can hardly believe that I DID IT!  But I know I had help. God planted a desire in me to accomplish something BIG, and this is my something BIG!   Running 26.2 miles is the craziest thing I could ever imagine doing...but I'm going to do it!

Please join me by supporting my efforts to take care of Rose and her little frends!   You can pledge to support a child or you can simply sponsor me with a donation.  Either gift goes to our efforts as Team SMCC to take care of our kids in Marafa.

Please email this message to all or your friends, family and associates.  Spread the word that this Grandma needs their help and support!  Thank you so much!  God bless each of you!

Beverly Tessin

World Vision works to tackle the root causes of poverty by working with children, families, and their communities to provide things like: clean water, health care, nutritious food, education, and economic opportunities.

You can support my efforts through Team World Vision:

Click on the SPONSOR ME NOW button to make a one time donation.

or

Click on the SPONSOR A CHILD button below to change the life of a child for $35 per month, and be changed through your relationship with that child.