That's the question my friends and family are asking and thinking about me participating in the Chicago Marathon this October.  That's the question I keep asking myself!!! 

 

On March 25^th, the minister at Community Alliance Church discussed the opportunity to participate in the Chicago Marathon to raise money for 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.

 

I have felt an overwhelming call to participate in this event, and so here I am.  I am morbidly obese, out of shape, have asthma and a bad knee, and weight 325 pounds.  All that said, there are people dying every day in Africa who don't even have safe water to drink.

 

The biggest thing I have to give right now is myself, and so I will prepare myself to walk 26.2 miles in the Chicago Marathon on October 11^th.  I am overwhelmed by this task, but give myself willingly to God to serve as best I can. 

 

I am asking for your support through prayer, encouragement, and donations to World Vision.  You can join me by making a one-time tax-deductible donation.  If 75 people donate just $1.00 per mile, I can raise my goal of $1965.  These blessings will literally help save lives, quite possibly including my own. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4/16/2009 - Well, I'm moving my feet every day.  I got the medication I need to treat my asthma this week, and am finding it much easier to walk.  Because of a knee injury and my weight, the doctor recommended that I keep walking, so that's what I'm doing.  I received my marathon shirt in the mail last night, and it made it more of a reality that I am really doing the Chicago Marathon.  This is unbelievable!!! 

 

4/27/2009 - I walked my first 4 mile training Saturday and feel great.  So far I've lost 27 pounds, and feel as enthusiastic as ever.  What a gift to be able to finally take care of myself and give to others in the process! 

 

6/8/2009 - I'm up to a 8 mile walk this week.  I'm definitely feeling it at the end, but am steadily getting stronger each week.  When I started, I could barely go a mile, so I'm a little amazed at the progress when I look back.  I'm even more amazed by the generosity of friends and family, who have contributed about 1/3 of my fundraising goal already.  Thank you to all who are contributing through funding, encouragement, and prayer!!!  Please pass the word to friends and strangers - anyone who may be willing to help with this effort!

 

7/9/2009 - Well, I did my first 10 mile walk last weekend.  It's difficult to take the time to walk, and I have to remind myself how inportant this mission is and what it's really all about.  When I think of it that way, it doesn't seem like much of a sacrifice at all.  I am so grateful to all of my supporters, and the continued encouragement is what is keeping me going!  Keep the donations coming for this worthy cause, and I'll keep logging miles over the summer!

 

8/10/2009 - The miles are getting longer, but somehow I keep getting them behind me.  I walked 14 miles Saturday - the farthest I've walked in my 46 years of life.  I was sore at the end, but felt I had more in me.  I am continually reminded of how blessed we are in this country, and of how easy it is to forget that.  There are so many families in Africa who have no food, water, or shelter.  I had the comfort of ice cold water and a recliner when I completed my walk.  Remembering this makes my sore stiff joints seem pretty insignificant!

 

9/7/2009 - Saturday, I walked 18 miles for a Maple Creemee.  It was the best Maple Creemee I have ever eaten!  We started at Oakledge Park in Burlington, and walked to Allenholm Farms in South Hero.  It was a beautiful day, and I was able to enjoy the lake and watch the boats as we crossed Malletts Bay on the Causeway.  How blessed we all are to live in such a beautiful area, and what a reminder of how rich we are - in both finances and blessings!

 

10/5/2009 - Yesterday was my last long walk before the marathon.  It was 8 miles, and really felt short - hard to believe.  I am excited and feel ready for Chicago next weekend.  What a journey it's been.  I am very close to my goal, and need just a few more donations.  If you haven't done so yet, PLEASE contribute to this worthy cause.  Thanks SO MUCH to everyone who has support and encouraged me over the summer!!!