Fulfilling dreams

Friends of mine associated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Missouri recently returned from a trip to Kenya. While I haven't had the opportunity to hear many stories yet, the photos are heartbreaking -- pictures of kids that will melt your heart. One series of photos, in Kibera -- the largest slum in East Africa -- reminded me of a short film I saw last year over my birthday weekend at the Manhattan Short Film Festival. "I Want to Be a Pilot" follows a young boy who lives in Kibera with the text of a poem over it. View it at www.iwanttobeapilot.com.

In many ways, this marathon journey has been about my own dream. I wanted to push myself past the limits -- to do the impossible. When I started running, a 5k sounded huge. I thought about that first race this morning -- how I was so proud to pick up my race packet. How I felt the constant need to prove that I was a runner. I hadn't yet figured out how supportive the running community is -- they had never questioned whether or not I was a runner. 

I'll be walking into that same building to pick up my marathon race packet. And, from what I understand, I'll be crossing the same finish line -- running through an open garage-style door into the Bass Pro building. I'm doing the impossible, and next Sunday, my dream will be fulfilled.

But I also race because there are many out there who don't have the resources they need to meet their dreams. Like the little boy in "I Want to Be a Pilot," their dreams consist of regular meals, security and the opportunity to love and be loved. Among my friend's photos was a picture of a World Vision sign -- a beacon of hope. The sign was a reminder that these children and families are not forgotten. And that I - that WE - have an opportunity to help make dreams a reality in a very broken world. 

That photo made me proud to be a part of Team World Vision. My training has made what seemed impossible a reality. I am so thankful for my sponsors who are helping to make impossible dreams a reality for those who desperately deserve it. 

You may also notice that I am nowhere near my fundraising goal. If you have a few extra dollars, I ask you to visit my Team World Vision fundraising page. Not all of us can visit Africa, but we can help make a difference in lives around the world. 

Anything is possible.

World Vision

Marathon day is creeping ever closer. Due to some scary health issues that have creeped up in my family in the last few weeks, my training has been interrupted. Ran for the first time in a week and a half yesterday. Luckily my legs seemed to remember what they were supposed to do. This weekend, we face an 18-miler training run. Since I missed the 16-miler, this will be FOUR miles further than I've run previously. And did I mention Saturday is my birthday?

I think Tiffany and I are both ready for Nov. 3, when the marathon will be over =0) I'd also settle for cooler weather. 

Since Saturday is my 26th birthday, I'll make another appeal for my Team World Vision cause. If any of you have any spare change needing to find a worthy home, I'd appreciate a contribution. World Vision is a fantastic organization that seeks to help children, families and communities in poverty settings. They also provide help for disaster relief -- including the recent hurricanes. I'm running this marathon on their behalf, and have set a rather lofty goal of $1,000. At this point, I am nowhere close. If you have 26 cents, 26 dollars or 26,000 dollars to contribute, you may do so either in person or via the widget to the right of this blog. 

Fundraising?

With all the thought of actually training for the race, I must admit I've not been doing too well at raising funds for -- or awareness of -- World Vision. In fact, I'm really just no good at fundraising! Aside from a blog post here, a ticker on my facebook page and a signature in my "home" e-mail account, I really haven't made any efforts. Anyone have any tips on gaining sponsors?

World Vision is such a worthy cause, and I am truly proud to be running on their behalf. 

The ticker for my fundraising page is to the right if you wish to contribute =0) If you don't like the idea of giving money online, other arrangements could be made (I even accept spare change!)

Team World Vision

For those not aware, I'm running as part of Team World Vision. I've been a fan of World Vision for years, thanks to my buddy Aarik Danielsen. We partnered together in 2005 to organize a fundraising event for World Vision's orphans and widows fund, which helps families torn apart by HIV/AIDS.

World Vision is most known for helping kids around the world. They have a fantastic child sponsorship system -- for $30 a month, you can provide clean water, food and education to help 

end the cycle of poverty in developing countries. 

In addition to helping kids, World Vision helps families by tackling issues should as the world AIDS crisis and water and sanitation. They provide means of living -- livestock and agricultural knowledge -- for families unable to provide for themselves. They also work to provide quick disaster response when natural disasters occur.

I'm added a widget to the side of my blog that links to my Team World Vision fundraising page. The page allows you to sponsor a child or make a one-time donation that immediately goes to work to tackle the causes of poverty and injustice.

If you are a runner, cyclist or triathlete interested in becoming part of Team World Vision, I'd love to tell you more about the program. I'm currently working with the powers that be to become a team leader -- I'd love to have you aboard!