Donation, Rejections and Changing Nations!

Wow!  It has been a whirlwind week!  Our first big donations are pouring in!  And I got butterflies over this race for the first time, which unnerved Rebecca since she's usually the nervous one!  Haha...my head is usually too high in the clouds to worry about the details..afterall, that's what I have her for.  My husband, too, is a planner, and I've realized that God is very smart about bringing people together to complement each other and make up for what one lacks.  I'm so thankful for all the wonderful volunteers that have stepped in to do the stuff I can't!  We have a beautiful new race flier, debuting this weekend, designed by the talented, Lauri Groninger!  I'm so excited about that because I can't tell you how much I detest graphic design...yes, I'm an artist, but spending hours in front of a computer is sheer torture for me.
Our friend, Leslie McCleary very graciously offered to host a garage sale with proceeds going toward Run to Free 5k and the causes we are supporting.  And the donations for that have poured in til our cup runneth over!
We've had a few businesses decline as well, and I expected that, but not really the reasons given why.  So, why should we in Lawrence, KS, be concerned about human trafficking?  Shouldn't we keep our donated dollars local?  These are valid questions, and exactly why Rebecca and I are planning this race..to raise awareness.  She and I had no idea of the horror of human trafficking.  We had no concept of how widespread and organized it is.  We had no idea that it was right here in Kansas.  But when we heard the stories, a fire was ignited in our hearts that made it impossible to turn our backs.  Because now, after hearing their stories, turning my back on the women who are forced into prostitution, turning a blind eye to the children who are handed over to sexual predators, and turning away from the men who are forced into modern-day slavery, is to side with the enemy.  If I sit in my comfortable home and keep my focus limited to my very blessed family, then I am wasting the blessings I've been given, and I'm shirking the responsibility that comes with them.
So, what can two stay-at-home moms do?  First of all, as soon as you find yourself asking that question, "what can I do, I'm just one insignificant person", know that that is a lie.  A heart that is willing and passionate, can be used to move mountains.  I begged God, on my knees, to let me be a part of stopping slavery.  I told Him I didn't think I had any great talents or abilities, but whatever I had, to please use it to bring justice, freedom and healing to the oppressed.  And what I got back was, "you love to run, do a 5k fundraiser".  It was that simple.  And then, because I know I'm a dreamer, and sometimes those dreams need to be bounced off a friend who will tell you if you're crazy, I told my friend, Rebecca..and she said, "let's do it".  And now, when we talk to people about this issue and what we're doing, I see their eyes light up and they start telling me what they know about trafficking and that they felt like there was nothing they could do.  So you see, a couple of willing hearts can make a difference.
I think raising awareness in Lawrence, Kansas is very important, because, hello!  We're home to the University of Kansas.  That makes our little community a very diverse one.  Students from all over the world come to Lawrence...what an opportunity!  These are the policy makers, lawmakers, business men and women, teachers, medical personnel and parents of their countries futures.  What if we open just one student's eyes to what may be occurring in his/her country?  What if they return with a more open heart and greater appreciation of the value of human life?  THAT, can change a nation.

Run to Free logo!

So this is our race logo!!  After viewing hundreds of stock images, trying to find something not too trite, not too "in your face", I described what I wanted to my 8 year old daughter.  And she drew it, and Rebecca and I loved it, so here it is!  We want to communicate our love for running, and our passion for fighting human trafficking, but also hope.  Hope for rescue, hope that there is healing from the past, and hope for a brighter future.
We've partnered with GTM Sportswear, who actually took my daughter's design and made it into this logo, to set up a team store for the race.  You can check out Run to Free t-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops and hats at: http://gtmteamstore.com/runtofree.  10% of sales from the store go to fight trafficking, and provide counseling, healthcare and job training for victims.  So grab some cool gear and support a worthy cause!
thanks for reading!
Heather

  Running a race and organizing a race are two waaaaaaay different things. Okay, this seems obvious, right? A runner just shows up on race day, maybe has some nerves, complains about and/or compliments the way things are set up and then goes on about his lovely Saturday morning. An organizer on the other hand, shows up 6 months in advance, full of nerves and anxiety and naivete, frets over the details that she KNOWS people will complain about and/or compliment, and then spends the countdown to race day according to a timeline of checklists that seem to get longer the more she thinks about them!! I will never again take for granted the thought, preparation, and organization that goes into a race-big or small!! What a learning process this has been!
  When we first decided that we actually wanted to make this happen; that God laid it upon our hearts not to just TALK about, but to actually DO, our first thoughts (as runners) were: "ok, what's the course going to be?" The course is everything!! Not too boring, not too repetitive, not too hilly, not too flat, not too crowded, not too spread out, not something everyone does all the time, not something no one does ever...the list goes on and on!! Heather and I have run quite a few races together, and we usually agree on what is a "good" course and what is a "bad" course. (good=flat and fast, bad=hilly and slow, duh...just kidding. sort of.) We cross-referenced the certified courses in Lawrence with the race calendar and came up with one that we both just LOVE to run. Racing, training, doesn't matter, we both love it!! Don'tcha want to know where it is?! You're dying to know, right?! Can't take the suspense?! REGISTER FOR THE RACE AND WE'LL TELL YOU!! :)
  Heather has been networking her little behind off, trying to get publicity, sponsors and prizes lined up for this inaugural Run to Free 5k. She has really gone out of her comfort zone to talk to strangers, ask questions, and spread the word. God has granted her the words she needs to know (and the ability to fake it when she doesn't) to get us in with some amazing people at Gary Gribble Running Sports, KC Running Company, Hip Mama jewelry and Red Dogs running group! I think with publicity like this, we can make a major contribution to the trafficking efforts!! I can't wait to see the crowd God pulls together for this event. We have a really long list of businesses and individuals that we hope will want to be involved, and can't wait to keep you updated as they join the team!
  The United Nations just recently posted a report from their crime-fighting office that an estimated " 27 million people across the globe are victims of human trafficking at any one time...and only one out of 100 victims is ever rescued" (humantrafficking.org). These sobering statistics are not only global, but also hit close to home: the US government estimates there are between 14,500-17,500 people trafficked into the United States each year (freetheslaves.net). Most of these are in urban areas, but the atrocities are reaching across metropolitan boundaries. Since these crimes are, by nature, hidden, secretive and deeply rooted, our government and law enforcement doesn't have accurate research tools or preventative and proactive measures to keep up with this growing epidemic. It is estimated that less than 10% of police departments across the United States have an equipped, dedicated trafficking force in place. (humantrafficking.org)
  We truly believe God has a plan and a purpose for bringing human trafficking to our hearts and minds.  Heather and I are dedicated to donating our time, effort, prayers, and financial resources to making a contribution to this cause. We hope that you will join us in a walk (or run!) of faith and trust in God's promise to love, care for, and protect His people. If just ONE person is helped by this run, if just ONE person prays to God to end these atrocities, if just ONE person learns more about this cause, then all of our planning, all of our fretting, all of our checklists will be successful. By the grace of God. This Labor day, let's do a labor of love.
 

running and self-esteem

We're getting really close to posting a link to active.com, so we can start race registration!!  we'll be working on that this week and hopefully have it all ready to go over the weekend.
So this whole planning the race is going pretty smoothly, I think, so I thought I would share some funny things Rebecca and I are learning along the way.  Because running is so much like life; overcoming obstacles and that sort of thing, but also because when you push yourself toward a goal, you start letting go of extra baggage as well, and I'm talking about more than just fat.
So Rebecca and I did the Kansas half-marathon this Sunday, and it went well.  We've been training, or at least talking about training for it, for awhile, and I think it went well.  That is, until the race photos were published.  oh yikes!  you see, when you're running and it feels great, you may have this running dialogue going on to pump yourself up, like, "I'm running so fast, I'm flying!"  or, "I must look so athletic because this is feeling really great!"  ok, it's humbling to admit this, but it's true.  And then, you get to view a photo of yourself, not looking like the fitness model you thought, but like the clumsy, floppy-bodied mom you really are.  oh sigh...  But, it's ok.  Because at some point, you gotta let go of those insecurities about your body and just face reality.  For me, I used to be really self-conscious about spider veins on my legs.  And the fact that I'm so short, that when I wear shorts, I look like a little boy, or maybe a hobbit.  It's true.  For those of you who know me, really, when is the last time you saw me in shorts??  except for running, of course.  But, I finally looked my insecurity hard in the face and realized how ridiculous it was.  So, ok, I have legs that look like I'm 80...so what?  If it bothers you, don't look at 'em.  This is the body God gave me, spider veins and all.  And it's working pretty well, so I have no real complaints.  I realized my self-consciousness was really stemming from self-centeredness and this idea that I've got to preserve this body...for what exactly?  I'm so thankful that this ain't the only body I have to look forward to, can I get an amen??  Besides, there are so many incredible people in the world with severe handicaps that are doing WAY more than me with their less than perfect bodies, so everyday I'm able to crawl out of bed and put feet to the pavement is an awesome blessing from God!

My running partner and friend, Rebecca

So, I have to give a huge thankyou to my running buddy and very dear friend, Rebecca!!!  when I told her I felt like we were supposed to organize a race to raise awareness about human trafficking, she said with no hesitation, "let's do it!"  and so it started like that.  She keeps me on track, keeps the impulsive artist side to me focused, and let's just get it out there, kicks my butt on our long runs, every single time!!  Of course, she IS 10 years younger, and I feel every one of those 10 years, believe me!  Anyway, she will more than likely be the one to pretty up our blog, write the posts and keep us on track for holding our race on Labor Day.  I sincerely detest sitting in front of a computer, and even at this moment, am so jittery that this will be a very short post!  She, on the other hand, is a wonderful writer, and is able to juggle 4 beautiful children and a myriad of projects with barely blinking an eye!  So, a HUGE thank YOU to her!!

ok, so I mentioned already that we are in the beginning stages of getting this race organized.  My goal for this week is to chat with a guy about race route, timing chips and whatever else he can offer for our race.  Am I kinda winging it?  oh for sure!  that's just about how I approach everything in life:)  why worry about something until you're right smack in it? and then it's all going to work out anyway....this attitude, by the way, has driven my parents, and my husband, absolutely crazy.  This "que sera, sera" approach to life is not always the best, I admit, especially when prior planning really is crucial.  I spent 11 years in the US Army, about 4 of those as an active duty Chemical Officer, so yeah, I know about mission planning and rehearsing...it just doesn't come naturally!
ok, hope whomever is reading this blog is enjoying it...leave your comments, questions, advice!
thanks!
Heather

  Hey there and thanks for checking out our blog!  My friend/running buddy, and I are planning a 5k race to raise awareness about human trafficking, and funds to support those who are actively engaged in fighting this crime and those who provide help to victims.  For me, this started just a few months ago as I started hearing more stories from victims of trafficking from other countries.  They are heart-wrenching stories.  I wanted to turn away from the reality of this crime, but I couldn't as I thought about all that the victims had endured, and had survived, to tell their stories.  I am grateful when they tell their horrific stories now, because bringing the awful cruelty of human trafficking into the light is the way to defeat it.  This crime isn't just happening in some war-torn third world countries; it occurs right here in the US.  I think I was most angered by that.  That here in the free country that I love, people and children, are suffering under slavery.  It must be stopped.


  I attended a women's conference in January of 2012, led by Carolyn Custis James, author of Half the Church.  She told story after story of oppression against women in other countries, and of how young girls were kidnapped and sold into the sex trade.  At the end of the conference she asked, what we would do with the information we had heard...would hearing these stories change us in any way? Or would we go back to our routines, pretending that life wasn't any different for other women around the world.  Well, I was heart-broken. On the way home, I prayed that God would lead me to do something.  Something that could make a difference for other women and something that would shed light on this subject for other people.  Because with knowledge of this, comes a responsibility to do something.  I really kind of thought this "something" would involve art, because I'm an artist!  But I heard, "you love to run, do a 5k race to raise awareness" !!  So, here we go!  Our race is called "Run to Free 5k", and it's being held on Labor Day, 2012!!  I think it's fitting that as we all take a break from work, we run to free other people from slavery.


  We're in the early planning stages, picking a fun route to run, designing a logo and t-shirt, and looking for sponsors for our race! Stay tuned and watch God bring all things together for HIS good!!