Run for Joy!

As many of you know, I am planning to run a 1/2 marathon this June with my family. Training has been a great experience thus far. It definitely has its ups and downs, but things are coming right along. Here is a little background on why we are running this race:

April 2nd marked 11 years since my family lost a beautiful sister, daughter and friend in a tragic car accident. God has been faithful to us individually and as a family over the years and we are truly blessed by the work he has done in all of us. The past 11 years have been painful and difficult to endure at times, but God is healing our hearts and we are grateful.

Breanna had a heart for orphaned children and in her memory we started the ministry of Joy to the World Outreach under The New Horizons Foundation. Joy to the World Outreach began as a vision for young girls in Northern Thailand that were at risk of being sold into prostitution. This vision included prevention, protection and discipleship. Breanna’s House of Joy (BHJ) opened its doors in 2002 with 14 little girls from all over Northern Thailand. Over the years, BHJ has grown into a wonderful place for over 45 little girls and teenagers from five different tribes! The ministry of BHJ is a ministry of healing and restoration, prevention and care, and discipleship and love. We are often humbled and awed by God’s provision and care for this ministry. For more information, you can check out our website here: www.joytotheworldoutreach.org.


Here I am pictured with the first 14 girls at BHJ in 2003!

Chris and I had the privilege of spending our second year of marriage living in Thailand, working with these girls and for this ministry. It was an incredible experience for us and for our marriage! Although our commitment to the ministry was only for a time, we often think of returning to Thailand to be reunited with these girls. The bonds that we have formed with them run deep and we look forward to going back someday soon!

Pictured in 2005 with some of the older girls at BHJ, shortly before Chris and I moved home

The ministry of Joy to the World Outreach has given my family a common interest and outlet for processing and healing. It has been a uniting force for us and has allowed us to pour ourselves into something while honoring Breanna’s memory in a unique way.

This year I will be participating in the Run for Joy! fundraiser with my family in Seattle, Washington! This is a half marathon and Joy to the World Outreach has officially registered as a charity for this run! Chris is excited to support Amy through this journey. We see this as another step in staying involved and connected to this ministry that we feel so deeply invested in. Amy’s goal is to raise $5000 before race day on June 27th. If you are interested in sponsoring Amy as a runner, donations can be made through the Joy to the World Outreach Website here:
www.joytotheworldoutreach.org

I ran 6 miles today and am feeling pretty good about continuing my training! I'm not sure that come race day I will be running the entire race (given I will be 20 weeks preggo!), but I am hoping to run at least half and walk the rest of the way! unless my midwife forbids it (which I highly doubt!) I WILL finish by the grace of God!

Thank you to all of you who have supported me thus far with fundraising. I am well on my way to my goal and I am encouraged by those of you who have contributed!