Racing to Change a Story

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

Running a race takes training, time, and endurance. Most people cannot just wake up one morning and decide, "Hey, I want to go run 13 miles this morning." No, it takes weeks of training and running to build your body up for this type of mileage. The same can be said for enduring the race that God has set for us in our lives. Whether it be something you pursued on your own, like another degree or running a race, or a trial that is in your life, cancer or losing someone you love, we are to run with our eyes fixed on the prize of Jesus Christ.

As many of you know, a few years ago I decided to try to run a half marathon in every state. I have run in 22 states so far. In September, I am running in Philadelphia, PA and Providence, RI. For my 25th state, I decided to do something different. I am flying to North Carolina to meet someone who has become like a sister to me. My friend Michelle, who was DJ's host mom, and I are going to run a half marathon in Charlotte, NC. We aren't just going to run though, no, we are going to run for a cause. You see, once you have been impacted by adoption, whether it be a family member adopting or hosting, you are never the same. Your heart breaks for the millions of children around the world that do not have a mom or dad to tuck them in at night and kiss their boo-boos when they get hurt. You have seen children transform in a loving home. Not all stories have a happy ending though, and Little Leo is one of those stories.

Many of you know that I alluded to a big announcement on Friday, well today is that day. I want to announce that we are running for Little Leo. Little Leo was hosted the same summer Shan Chen and DJ were here in America. He was being hosted by another family and we loved seeing the pictures of him thriving inside the love and security of a family. His face just emanated joy and he just loved to be loved. Unfortunately, Little Leo's adoption did not go as planned and he is still waiting for a family to RUN to him and make him part of their family. So, in order to help his future family RUN to get him, we are going to RUN for them! 

Michelle and my goal is to raise $100 per mile, so $1310 each, or $2620 total. If we reach that goal, we will dress as Superwoman and Wonderwoman all 13.1 miles of our October 20th race!! I know that you would love to see pictures of us  dressed like superheroes. Would you consider donating a $1/mile ($13) or more? Help us RUN this race in such a way that draws attention to the plight of millions of children around the world without families. We cannot rescue them all, but we can rescue one at a time! YOU can be part of Little Leo's story! Help us raise the money needed to bring Little Leo how and change his story!

If you would like to donate, please click this link. AdoptTogether is a project of Hoping Hearts Foundation Inc, an IRS approved 501c3 organization. 

https://adopttogether.org/families/?fundraiser=racing-to-change-little-leos-story