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.

Hi all, 

Let me tell you how out of character it is for me to take this amazing challenge that have been laid before me.  My head shaken quickly side to side when our Pastor asked, "Would you go...would you take this step for those that can't?" My thought was, I can't run..no way!  My next thought was, You can do it but not by your strength alone...by the strength given to you by God when you said, Yes!

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon....can you believe it? To see how far one person may have to walk to get clean water, food or medical help, has driven me to say, YES, I will go!!  I am 30 lbs over weight, have not ran in over 30 years....until this week, (What a feeling!!) but I know that I can do this with Gods help. I have 6 months of daily training on my plate and I am more excited to wake up in the morning then I have been in years.  I really hope to be able to do some great running, but if not, I know that my feet will carry me in walking this marathon, if that is what it takes.  26.2 miles.....yippy!

This fundraiser is so very important in changing the lives of the men, women and children in Africa.  To know that for you and me a glass of clean water is just around the corner and yet for many,  water is hard to come by.  The turning point for me was the joy I saw on the faces when fresh, clean water was poured into their hands. This is their survival.  How blessed we are in this Country!

I have heard about the work of World Vision in Africa for years.  At Soulfest, in New Hampshire, the musicians that play there have been raising money to drill wells for water and have been taking mission trips to discover all the many needs. The joy that each person shares about the way that they support this huge endeavor always has touched me.  So, now it is my turn to show that joy. To have the chance to be involved in this fund raiser with my best friends and the joy that we will share together is so big it is scary....in a good way. 

So, please help in supporting me in helping World Vision make huge strides in Africa and around the world.  Remember, we are rich!! 

Thanks and Love,

Diane Lampman

Update 9-4-09

Hi everyone,

Boy it has been a long road with ups and downs that could brake a young person.  I completed a 16 mile run 2 weeks ago and I will be doing a 18 mile this Saturday, 9-5-09. 

 Update 9-20-09

Well, we did our 20 mile yesterday and it was great!!  Donna and I completed it in 3 hours 45 minutes and I still had life in my body at the end.  I know that God was carrying me through some difficult parts and he showed me that I am prepared to finish this Marathon with Him on my side.

You can support my efforts through Team World Vision by making a one-time tax-deductible donation.