Ahhh, I just signed up to run 26.2 miles!!!   at the Chicago Marathon, October 11, 2009

April 2009:

If any of you know me at all - you know I am only going to be able to do this with the grace of God!! I keep telling myself, "with God all things are possible"!! 

I am nervous but sooo excited to be doing this!  You might be wondering, what in the world motivated me to do take on this challenge!?  Well, it was a few things....about setting a goal for myself... to show my children with faith, hard work and a positive attitude we can do anything..... and also for all the families that World Vision helps in Africa. 

We experienced the Aids Village at our church this past winter and it gave me new insight and compassion for these innocent young lives.  I saw we have no control what we are born into but we should all know we deserve to be loved, cared for and empowered. We take so many things for granted, some of these families don't have clean water, daily meals or any education...their life is about survival.  Some of these young beautiful children are left to fend for themselves because their parents have died.   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 know I am blessed!  Blessed to be healthy, to have clean water, a home and to take care of my children-who get to go to school and be educated.  In knowing this, I want to use my blessings to bless others.  If I let fear stand in my way, nothing good can happen.  So ALL my trust is in God!  I will take the step of faith and try to make a positive impact for these children, my family and my heatth. 

I know that times are hard, we are trying to save instead of spend.  I have learned that God will provide, He always gives us what we need.  If you feel moved to donate any amount, it will go further than you think!  Thank you so much for looking at my page.  You can support my efforts through Team World Vision by making a one-time tax-deductible donation.

Thank you so much for supporting me at the Chicago Marathon, October 11, 2009!

Susan

August 2009:

It's not about the destination its about the journey!!! 

Well, I wrote the above the same day I signed up for the marathon.  Wow, has alot happened since then!  I must admit, you haven't seen this yet because I didn't have the courage to send this out to any of my friends or family...I know ironic huh!?  Ok so now I KNOW with certainty that God is totally behind me doing this 110%!!  Last week our team ran 16 miles, only 10.2 more and that will be the marathon!!!! 

I am so humbled and thankful for this opportunity.  I am meeting so many great people. A couple of whom have been my motivators for getting up at 4:45 a.m. to run 9, 10, 16 miles in the early morning hours with.  And Blessed in many ways!!  Like, to be able to see the changes in my life, my family's lives, to enjoy the early morning sunrises and encourage total strangers on the trails everytime we run!! - just to name a few! 

I finally have the guts to send this out to everyone and let you all know I am totally 100% committed to completing this marathon and actually will be sad when my training is over!?!?  I know it sounds crazy but it's so true!  How many times have I heard, its about the journey and not the destination...turns out- it's so true!  The times I have had running, some hard are soo worth it!  I truly will be sad not to see my running friends on Wednesday and Saturday mornings but I am going to keep enjoying each day as long as I can! :) 

I want to do what I can to make up for lost time in fundraising and bring the attention to the other focus of my running now that I am confident we are going to do this things! :)  Please help empower the lives of these children and families so that they are given tools to be able to provide for themselves and their communities!!  Thanks for your support and there is no gift too small!!

You really can do anything you set your mind and heart to doing!  With God ALL things are possible!!!

September 27, 2009

Its only 2 weeks till the marathon and I can honestly say that God has tested me but I am not fading.  I ran my 20 a week ago Thursday, the end was a struggle, but God was there again with me.  Annie and Summer totally kept me going, thank you so much for them!  Since then I have felt really sore, like 90 year old lady sore!  But again, I know that God has a plan and everything will work according to that plan!  I am so grateful to be heading into Chicago soon and help make a difference in what ever way I can!  Thank you so much to those who have helped in our cause!!!  Iowans for Africa are the 2nd largest team in the nation to be running for World Vision!  God is using ordinary people, like me, to make extrodinary things happen!! YEAH!