Let's Get Running

Last year there was a first annual event held called RUN 143. (You may remember me writing about it.) It was a 143 mile run, from Regina to Saskatoon, to raise awareness about the staggering number of orphans in our world...approximately 143 million...one mile run for every one million orphans. It was also to raise money for a local family adopting from SA and for other organizations who advocate for orphans and children.

So this year, the running continues. We knew that we would get more involved this year, both with running and with helping to raise more awareness and funds, but we never knew the impact that it would have on us personally and on our adoption...

This year, the family who was blessed to be supported by the run last year are organizing the event. They approached us a little while ago and asked if, this year, we would be willing to be the family supported through the fundraiser. We are completely humbled and blown away by this blessing! God has been so faithful in His provision during this process. The Run and this family's generosity and hard work is helping bring our child home and making a difference in the lives of many orphans.

Words are not enough to thank our friends for this gift and honour. Not only will we be blessed by the support, but we are also excited to be raising funds for agencies both local and international who are dedicated to orphan care and adoption. We also believe it's important to continue raising awareness about the number of children in this world who need love.

So, Ian and I have started training for the event and if you know me at all, you will know that I am the most non-athlete around! I have to say though, we went out again today and I ran about 6.5 km straight (my amazing husband ran 10km)! I'm really not trying to brag, but for me, that is quite the accomplishment. We'll see how my muscles thank me tomorrow!

If you're interested in being involved in RUN 143 or would like more information...please visit www.run143.com

Have a great week everyone!

Post From The Future Dad..."Turn Down The Music"..."My Hero"

Well, I am finally putting my first post on our blog. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m not Heidi. Up until this point Heidi has been the ultimate writer for our blog - and for that I am grateful. I thought it was my turn to throw down some thoughts and stirrings, so here I am ready to blog. However, some of what I initially wanted to share in this post will have to come in later post. I have had some other stirrings of the heart as of late.

As you may have already figured from the tittle, there are two parts to this post.

Let's start with with the latter of the two...

Part 1...

..."My Hero"

The process of starting our family through adoption has been one of highs and lows, laughter and tears. It has been one that we wouldn’t trade for anything. To pray for our little one and to hold a vision of what they may look and be like has been incredible. As a future father to this beautiful child, I cherish every moment in the waiting. Through the highs and lows, I have learned much of the two most important things in my life... God and my incredible wife. And to that I have saved this post for her. I have learned that Heidi is my new Hero. Take that Spiderman! Her strength, passion, love, integrity - and let's not forget - her bodacious beauty, has truly inspired me to be a better person each day. Through our journey, I have learned so much about her and truly I am in awe. Thank you Heidi for being the loving and caring women you are. I and our little one will truly be better people because of who you are and what you do. A message to you men, cherish and love your wives with all that you are! Heidi, You are my Hero! I love you.

Part 2...

...“Turn Down The Music”

This is the title of a song written by Shane Everett and Shane Barnard - incredible song writers. If I'm honest there are actually two songs that have been on my mind lately, but I’ll stick with one for now and maybe come back to the other in another post. I’ve known and listened to this song for a little while now. It has always been a powerful song for me, but more recently, it has tugged on my heart more than usual. “Turn down the music”sends the message to literally turn “it” down - what ever “it” may be that is blinding us - and to take notice of the orphaned, the hurt, the oppressed, the sick and so much more.

As I sit here thinking of how to describe the song, I find it hard to put into words the many meanings, parallels and spirituality behind it. So, I will let the song/video speak for itself and hopefully speak to you. Just a note, the video has a speaking intro for the first couple of minutes then goes into the song. Take a few minutes, listen and watch.

A friend of mine gave a challenge this week. In our efforts to try to please and accomplish so much in life and for God we miss out on the big picture. The challenge; stop trying to accomplish the “big thing” for God, but rather let myself simply receive God’s love. I’m learning that when we do this, it really opens our eyes, our hearts and compels us to want to give it away. Turn down the music!