Today is National Running Day, a day when those of us running crazies celebrate the many reasons why we run!
Why do you run? (Or why don't you run?)
I started this blog last summer, after I committed to running a marathon with Team World Vision to raise money for water projects in Africa. This journey, complete with unexpected blessings along the way, has been one of the most enriching of my life. Team World Vision created the short film below to remind us of many of the reasons we run and to invite us to join them in running to change lives. Please take the time to check it out, even if you don't currently enjoy running or see yourself as a runner. A small step today may be the first on a path to life change for you and for others.
Showing posts with label Team World Vision. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Team World Vision. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Getting Involved
In my last entry, I wrote about a book. I was unable to walk away from what I read on the pages of that book and not do something, so I joined Team World Vision, which for me involved registering for the Philadelphia Marathon and starting an effort to raise money for water projects in Kenya and Ethiopia.
I would love it if you would join me on this journey in whatever way(s) you are able...words of encouragement, prayer, marathon training advice, news about water to add to my blog, etc. You can also take part in changing the lives of others by going to my fundraising page and donating whatever you are able...any amount is helpful. Thanks so much for considering this invitation, and thanks to those who have already been so encouraging!
I would love it if you would join me on this journey in whatever way(s) you are able...words of encouragement, prayer, marathon training advice, news about water to add to my blog, etc. You can also take part in changing the lives of others by going to my fundraising page and donating whatever you are able...any amount is helpful. Thanks so much for considering this invitation, and thanks to those who have already been so encouraging!
Bathroom Inspiration
Here's the continuation of the story told in an earlier blog entry...the next part of the story began in my sister's bathroom. That's where my husband was when he picked up a book, started flipping through it, and found the same photo that I used for the drawing I discussed in the earlier entry. Dave was very familiar with the photo at that point. He came downstairs, book in hand, and showed me the photo. I started skimming through the book, which is called The Hole in Our Gospel and was written by World Vision President Richard Stearns. A few days later, I purchased it and started reading.
(A little background...by that point, I was already familiar with World Vision through our sponsorship of Simon. And I was already familiar with Team World Vision. In recent months, I came across a several articles and was involved in a couple of conversations where people were talking about running for Team World Vision. In fact, a few weeks before I read the book, I told my sister that she should check out a informational session for Team World Vision in her town).
Richard Stearns writes of his own journey from hot shot CEO to World Vision President to broken advocate for the world's poor and orphaned. His story is nothing short of amazing...that God would care enough about this rich, white, Christian man to invite him to leave his position of entitlement and connect him with some of the most materially needy people on earth is truly compelling. Richard Stearns had the courage to say yes to God, even when he didn't want to. And his decision is changing his life and the lives of countless others forever. His book invites others on this same journey.
Did you know that God is like Martha Stewart? If Martha walked into a room with a crooked painting, she would need to straighten it. That is who Martha is; it is her nature, her character.** In the same way, it is God's character to set things right...to comfort the grieving and broken, to care for orphans and widows and poor people, to heal the sick, to give grace where it's undeserved. God says it much better than me through the prophet Isaiah (a little context...God is talking about being displeased with religious people who do all of the right religious things, like fasting, for all of the wrong reasons)...
6 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
and remove the chains that bind people.
7 Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
8 “Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
9 Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.
“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
10 Feed the hungry,
and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
11 The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring."
Isaiah 58:6-11, New Living Translation
That God wants to set things right in our lives and in the lives of people all over the world is comforting. That He invites us and chooses us to share in the action of setting things right is awesome and humbling.
**I wish I could take credit for this illustration! But it was Sherman Snow who shared this during an InterVarsity urban program Bible study several years ago.
(A little background...by that point, I was already familiar with World Vision through our sponsorship of Simon. And I was already familiar with Team World Vision. In recent months, I came across a several articles and was involved in a couple of conversations where people were talking about running for Team World Vision. In fact, a few weeks before I read the book, I told my sister that she should check out a informational session for Team World Vision in her town).
Richard Stearns writes of his own journey from hot shot CEO to World Vision President to broken advocate for the world's poor and orphaned. His story is nothing short of amazing...that God would care enough about this rich, white, Christian man to invite him to leave his position of entitlement and connect him with some of the most materially needy people on earth is truly compelling. Richard Stearns had the courage to say yes to God, even when he didn't want to. And his decision is changing his life and the lives of countless others forever. His book invites others on this same journey.
Did you know that God is like Martha Stewart? If Martha walked into a room with a crooked painting, she would need to straighten it. That is who Martha is; it is her nature, her character.** In the same way, it is God's character to set things right...to comfort the grieving and broken, to care for orphans and widows and poor people, to heal the sick, to give grace where it's undeserved. God says it much better than me through the prophet Isaiah (a little context...God is talking about being displeased with religious people who do all of the right religious things, like fasting, for all of the wrong reasons)...
6 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
and remove the chains that bind people.
7 Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
8 “Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
9 Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.
“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
10 Feed the hungry,
and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
11 The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring."
Isaiah 58:6-11, New Living Translation
That God wants to set things right in our lives and in the lives of people all over the world is comforting. That He invites us and chooses us to share in the action of setting things right is awesome and humbling.
**I wish I could take credit for this illustration! But it was Sherman Snow who shared this during an InterVarsity urban program Bible study several years ago.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Searching for Simon
Some disclaimers totally unrelated to this post...I don't view myself as being particularly tech-savvy. I'm also not an expert on running marathons, the world's water crisis, or engineering related to developing wells. And I don't think I've done any kind of creative writing since college (and I didn't do much of it there).
But, I am excited about each of these things and trusting that in sharing what I'm learning, I can inspire action and hopefulness. Or at least remind myself of the reasons I have to be hopeful.
Now on to Simon. Simon is the child we started sponsoring after I attended the World Vision experience at a local church nearly 3 years ago. It was challenging to walk through that exhibit and to be confronted by the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. I wanted to be able to hide my eyes...to turn away, but I couldn't. And I'm grateful. I confess that I haven't been faithful in my communication with Simon, but it's been super encouraging to get pictures and letters and updates and just to be connected with someone in another part of the world. Honestly, I knew nothing about Zambia before Simon. Sounds horrible, but I didn't care about Zambia before Simon.
A few months ago, I was reading my Runner's World magazine when I came across an article about Ryan and Sara Hall, well-known U.S. distance runners, and their trip to Zambia with Team World Vision. Oh, that's nice, I thought. Then I noticed that they were in an area called Musele. Isn't that where Simon is? I pulled out my picture of Simon and started searching for him in the magazine pictures. At some point, as I was studying the magazine photos, I realized that the Team World Vision runners were raising money for water projects that are directly impacting Simon. I care about Simon, and so I care about Musele, Zambia. I am thankful for the water projects that are granting this community access to a reliable source of water. I am grateful for the donors who supported these projects. I like to run. That's nice.
When I was searching for Simon, I didn't have any idea that I would join Team World Vision. It was just part of my story. Isn't it crazy to look back and see how seemingly insignificant connections and circumstances can result in actions and stories that are big and purposeful?
But, I am excited about each of these things and trusting that in sharing what I'm learning, I can inspire action and hopefulness. Or at least remind myself of the reasons I have to be hopeful.
Now on to Simon. Simon is the child we started sponsoring after I attended the World Vision experience at a local church nearly 3 years ago. It was challenging to walk through that exhibit and to be confronted by the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. I wanted to be able to hide my eyes...to turn away, but I couldn't. And I'm grateful. I confess that I haven't been faithful in my communication with Simon, but it's been super encouraging to get pictures and letters and updates and just to be connected with someone in another part of the world. Honestly, I knew nothing about Zambia before Simon. Sounds horrible, but I didn't care about Zambia before Simon.
A few months ago, I was reading my Runner's World magazine when I came across an article about Ryan and Sara Hall, well-known U.S. distance runners, and their trip to Zambia with Team World Vision. Oh, that's nice, I thought. Then I noticed that they were in an area called Musele. Isn't that where Simon is? I pulled out my picture of Simon and started searching for him in the magazine pictures. At some point, as I was studying the magazine photos, I realized that the Team World Vision runners were raising money for water projects that are directly impacting Simon. I care about Simon, and so I care about Musele, Zambia. I am thankful for the water projects that are granting this community access to a reliable source of water. I am grateful for the donors who supported these projects. I like to run. That's nice.
When I was searching for Simon, I didn't have any idea that I would join Team World Vision. It was just part of my story. Isn't it crazy to look back and see how seemingly insignificant connections and circumstances can result in actions and stories that are big and purposeful?
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Dishwashers, Dunkin Donuts, and Distance Running: reflections on 24 hours without water
So what does a dishwasher replacement have to do with me signing up to run a marathon?
Good question.
It all began this past May. We wanted to replace our very old (like as old as us) dishwasher and found a good deal during an Earth Day sale. Dave insisted on installing the new dishwasher by himself. We estimated that it would involve some minor inconvenience and limitation on our use of the kitchen for one Saturday afternoon. No big deal. As Dave pulled our old dishwasher out from the wall, he discovered that there was no water shut off valve to the dishwasher. We would have to turn off the water to the house for a couple of hours, tops. OK...most house projects turn out this way...a little more inconvenient than we initially thought. But we are flexible! We can make this work! Again no big deal.
As Dave delved into the project, he discovered more and more issues. I was getting very anxious. When could we turn the water back on? I still hadn't showered after running in a race that morning. I had a pile of dishes waiting for me in the sink from a post-race get together. The kids would need baths before church. We would need to figure out what to do about dinner.
How could I get a shower and some drinking water?
I swallowed my pride, called some friends, and asked if I could use their shower. They of course said yes and even sent me home with some water. Awesome!
But the next morning, I had another pressing question...where could I find a toilet that I could flush? I drove across town and found an open Dunkin Donuts and was able to use their bathroom.
I am blessed. While my mind was consumed with coming up with ways to gain access to water and its associated conveniences, which was uncomfortable, I had some options. And my problem was short-term. Others are not so privileged. There are many places in the world where there is currently no access to running water. Some walk miles and spend hours to gather water that is not clean, healthy, or life-giving.
I recently signed up to run the Philadelphia Marathon this November to raise money for Team World Vision. This money will be used to finance clean water projects in Kenya and Ethiopia. Please consider becoming a part of the Team by donating money toward the clean water projects. Visit my fundraising website for more information.
Back to my dishwasher story, a couple of hours after my visit to Dunkin Donuts, Dave successfully installed a water shut off valve, and we were able to turn on the water to the rest of the house. I arrived at church just in time to hear a couple talk about their water projects in Bolivia. They began their message with a question: have you ever thought about what it would be like to go without water for 24 hours?
What about you? Have you thought about what it would look like to have your water turned off for just 24 hours? Maybe some of you have experienced this and have a story to tell. I would love to hear from you!
Good question.
It all began this past May. We wanted to replace our very old (like as old as us) dishwasher and found a good deal during an Earth Day sale. Dave insisted on installing the new dishwasher by himself. We estimated that it would involve some minor inconvenience and limitation on our use of the kitchen for one Saturday afternoon. No big deal. As Dave pulled our old dishwasher out from the wall, he discovered that there was no water shut off valve to the dishwasher. We would have to turn off the water to the house for a couple of hours, tops. OK...most house projects turn out this way...a little more inconvenient than we initially thought. But we are flexible! We can make this work! Again no big deal.
As Dave delved into the project, he discovered more and more issues. I was getting very anxious. When could we turn the water back on? I still hadn't showered after running in a race that morning. I had a pile of dishes waiting for me in the sink from a post-race get together. The kids would need baths before church. We would need to figure out what to do about dinner.
How could I get a shower and some drinking water?
I swallowed my pride, called some friends, and asked if I could use their shower. They of course said yes and even sent me home with some water. Awesome!
But the next morning, I had another pressing question...where could I find a toilet that I could flush? I drove across town and found an open Dunkin Donuts and was able to use their bathroom.
I am blessed. While my mind was consumed with coming up with ways to gain access to water and its associated conveniences, which was uncomfortable, I had some options. And my problem was short-term. Others are not so privileged. There are many places in the world where there is currently no access to running water. Some walk miles and spend hours to gather water that is not clean, healthy, or life-giving.
I recently signed up to run the Philadelphia Marathon this November to raise money for Team World Vision. This money will be used to finance clean water projects in Kenya and Ethiopia. Please consider becoming a part of the Team by donating money toward the clean water projects. Visit my fundraising website for more information.
Back to my dishwasher story, a couple of hours after my visit to Dunkin Donuts, Dave successfully installed a water shut off valve, and we were able to turn on the water to the rest of the house. I arrived at church just in time to hear a couple talk about their water projects in Bolivia. They began their message with a question: have you ever thought about what it would be like to go without water for 24 hours?
What about you? Have you thought about what it would look like to have your water turned off for just 24 hours? Maybe some of you have experienced this and have a story to tell. I would love to hear from you!
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