I am running the Chicago Marathon on October 9th with "As Our Own" to partner with changing lives in India. I was able to hear the CEO Ralph Borde speak of the agency and felt God's voice calling me to run/fundraise with this organization. The needs are great, but I believe there is something we can do together through prayer and support! 

As Our Own works is a Christ-based, community-driven movement in India that rescues vulnerable children from certain enslavement and exploitation, caring for them for life "As Their Own". (asourown.org).

I am adopting a project called: Operation Schoolbook. This project will purchase the textbooks the girls need to continue their education for the upcoming year. For the girls, education is the bridge to a future freedom from the stigma of a troubled past. Success in the classroom begins with having the textbooks needed for studying subjects outside of class. Your gift to "Operation Schoolbook" covers all the books that 30 Grace Home girls need for the upcoming school year—an investment that will reap a lifetime of benefits for each child

You can challenge me in my training as you give (for example give a dollar a mile or something else to that extent). My goal of $1310 equals $50/mile. This is an opportunity I have been praying for. Running has been a wonderful activity for me since moving to Chicago in the past 3 years. I have had the chance to run socially and encourage those around me and be encouraged through my runs. Also it is a time for me to spend with the Lord and in this great city of Chicago and other places. (ex. California, Florida, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana). This past summer (2010) running was a part of my ministry with some girls at Gateway Woods (gatewaywoods.org). Who knew someday running would be such a big part of my life.

Please join me in changing lives in a global sense. I challenge you to not only donate, but pray for "As Our Own" and my personal training time. I know training and the race will take a great amount of perseverance and discipline. I pray that it can be in no way a glory to myself but that I can humbly return all praise and efforts to our faithful triune God!

Thank you for your support in this endeavor :) 

check out one of their videos (http://vimeo.com/24194864) or their website at asourown.org.