running for hope

A couple of years ago, I ran the Maine Coast Marathon. I loved this small race and the mostly coast-lined course. I've never run the same marathon twice so I didn't think I'd ever get back to this course... Recently though a friend of mine asked if I'd like to run the (newly named) Shipyard Maine Coast Half Marathon with her and a few other friends in support of a great ministry. I'm always looking to run with friends - and I love being able to support causes I believe in - so obviously I said yes!

So on May 14th, I'll be heading back up to the beautiful Maine coast to run/race my very favorite distance: 13.1mi. I can't wait to tackle this course again with some running buddies!

Like I mentioned above, I'll be running for Hope For Our Sisters and would love to raise at least $500. Here's a little about what HFOS does:

We advocate for women and girls suffering from fistula by sharing their stories and raising support for the effective treatment and prevention of this hope-destroying condition. We partner with doctors, foundations, and others committed to caring for these women and girls and bringing an end to fistula. Our goal is for hope to be renewed in each woman and girl’s heart.

Take a moment to find out more about Hope For Our Sisters, and consider donating via my fundraising page here!

Thanks for your support!

this saturday

Readers!  My friend Bonnie is the co-founder and director of Route One Ministries.  Here's a brief synopsis of what they do:

Mission

The vision of Route One is to minister to women exploited by the sex industry on the North Shore and the greater Boston area.

Through building relationships with the women, we hope to be the light of Christ and provide for physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Providing for their physical and emotional needs might include helping them leave the sex industry and securing employment. Further our goal is that they have the tools to establish a healthy lifestyle, redeem broken relationships and have a fuller view of who they are as women created in the image of God.

Ultimately our desire is that the women would experience the breaking of chains and healing of wounds through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Essentially, they love people.  They show women Christ's love with no strings attached and pray for them to be released from the bondage that this industry holds over them.  It is said more eloquently in the mission statement above than I could ever say it.  But this is something that I fully believe in and fully support.  

How do I support it?  Good question.  What does this have to do with running?  Even better question.  This Saturday, Route One Ministries is hosting it's 2nd Annual Freedom 5K Fun Run and Walk!!!!  And guess who is welcome to come?  EVERYONE!!!  If you're a runner, a jogger, a wogger (jog+walk), a walker, a waddler, a mos-ier, no matter how you get from one spot to another (save for on wheels), you are invited to come.

Here are the details:  

When - Saturday, Sept 30th at 10am (come by 9:30am to get registered)

Where - First United Methodist Church in South Hamilton, 391 Bay Rd.

What - a 5K run/walk (duh...) but there's more!  A cash raffle will take place, there will be lots of food, and prizes for the top male and female.

For more information and a registration form, email Bonnie at routeoneministry@gmail.com.

And if that doesn't entice you...check out how much fun we all had at last year's inaugural race.