Hi Friends and Family

I am training for the Chicago Marathon, October 11, 2009.  I started training the first week of April, running one minute and walking one minute.  June 28th, I completed the Sturgis Falls half marathon in 2 hours 36 minutes.  Tomorrow Friday, Sept  18th, is our longest training run, 20 miles.   I am so excited for Oct. 11th when we run the 26.2 mile marathon in Chicago.  

This journey has had amazing spiritual, physical and emotional benefits.  Spiritually I have had some great runs where I have felt a sweet connection to God, and some hard runs where I have had to place my body and soul in his hands.  Physically, I actually catch myself saying, " I only have to run 10 miles today", this from someone who had never ran even a mile.  Emotionally, it has been powerful to experience what you can accomplish if you have a plan, commit to the plan and then work the plan.  What a rush, I highly recommend it!

I am part of  a team of roughly 80 people, Iowan's for Africa. We are raising money for Team World Vision.  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.  The money we raise will go for community AIDS relief and digging wells in communities across Africa.

You can support my efforts through Team World Vision by making a one-time tax-deductible donation. My goal is to raise $10 from 100 people.  If you have received a similar request from a teammate of mine please make your donation to him or her!!!   Whether or not you support me financially, your prayers and positive thoughts would be a great encouragement.  

With Thanks

Karla Chestnut