What if….      

I had the ability to see need in the world, beyond just my own?

What if… I never actually meet the face that needs…What would I do? 

What if… I believe it won’t really matter, so I choose to walk the other way?

What if …I realize that I have the ability to choose to help; that maybe in choosing to do something, rather than nothing, I might just make some small difference?

I invite you to come along on a journey with me!

I have determined that I am able to leave footprints while I am here on earth…footprints that will either walk away from or toward a problem. I believe that when I embrace a problem it becomes a challenge…and only when I am challenged, can I become a part of the solution.  Only then, great things can be accomplished!

I challenge you to become a part of the solution with me!

What if…I tried to imagine myself in someone else’s shoes?

I am a mother with dreams for her son.  I pray he will be happy and healthy, and thrive in all that he does. I hope he will get a great education to ensure that his future will be bright.  Isn’t this what every mother wants for her child?

I can only imagine….what if?

What if….

I lived in a place where I had to walk 30 minutes one way in the blazing hot sun just to gather water? What if my only choice was contaminated water that would continue to make my family sick?  My body is weak, tired…sick. I’m thirsty and hungry, but the food I have is but enough to keep me alive for just one more day….I cannot eat today.  My son, he needs food for nourishment much more than I.  I walk miles toward home with a 40 pound jug of water on my head.  I do this three times a day…every day.  I am weak, but determined.  My family needs me; I am determined to do the best I can just to keep my family alive.

I can not fathom this feeling as a mother, a daughter, a sister, aunt, niece, cousin, a teacher, a friend, a neighbor…but for millions of others around the world, this is their reality.

I can not imagine, but I can choose!

So, I must make a decision.  I am running…running toward this problem, with God’s strength and help.  I am running….I am choosing to leave 26.2 miles of footprints running straight toward these global issues.  I am challenged in a way like never before to do something, anything that might ease someone else’s need in this world.

This October, with hundreds of others on “Team World Vision”, I will be running the Chicago Marathon.  I invite you to make this journey with me. With your support we can make a difference! 

 Now I ask…

 What If Not???

Please consider sponsoring me in the Chicago Marathon 2009.  I have joined Team World Vision in prayerful hopes of raising money to help those in third world countries who are in need of so much. 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 by making a one-time tax-deductible donation.

On behalf of many you may never see the face of, I thank you!

Sincerely,

Shalise HIckman