As I sat there laying out bags one by one, preparing bibs and shirts, I thought to myself " Oh ye of little faith." Runners for Grace was a prayer birthed last year at my half marathon. For those that don't follow the blog, it was something the Lord put on my heart at the 5th mile that day. Get a group and challenge them to a 5k, and not just any 5k. It was my first 5k for pediatric cancer research, to celebrate the life Gracie led, to get people moving and do something that they would not do, and to support those children still battling.
As time went on, no one joined until one day out of no where Susie joined. As the race approached and we were still a team of 2 the Lord spoke and out of obedience to the Lord if we were the only two, then I was fine with that. Weeks before the run, slowly people started to join. My goal was 15 and Friday night as I laid out the bags, I counted 16th!
When I went to pick up the team stuff, I walked in and a lady asked what team I represented. I said "Runners For Grace" she said oh yes, I received a big packet and donation from your team. In that moment I was blessed. Not only did God bring us teammates, He went beyond and through Francine and hubby Joe they collect over $800.00 for our team. There were many teams that ran or walked, some over 100 people deep, but she knew our team of 16 and that reminded me how good God is.
Sunday morning we set out early, I was still praying and struggling with if I was ready to run. I decided I wasn't ready and I am so glad that I didn't. As our runners got there, Emma, Susie and Mike we prayed they stretched and I walked with them to the start. This was Emma and Mikes first 5k and I was so excited to experience it with them. As they crossed the finish line one by one, I snapped pictures in between tears, because I knew what it felt like to cross the finish line for the first time. They all did so well, all three of them finished under 35 minutes. I was proud.
The walkers started to arrive one by one, with their families to support, and when we huddled in a circle to pray our team of 16 had grew to a team of 20 registered. There in the middle of it all was Anna and Mike Arroz, and it blessed my heart that they would share Gracie with us all. As we all took to the start line I was praying and thanking God for putting all this together.
As we started the walk It was so cool, because we kinda all split up in different groups, but as I walked the course I saw each and every person somewhere along the course. We had the two Mike's who took lead. Then it was the mother/daughter duo Jackie and Victoria. Followed by my hubby pushing our boys. Then the family team of my brother Anthony, my sister in law Sonia, and nephew Christian. I walked with Liz ( her make up), Patricia, Emma and Daisy and holding the rear was Francine and Anna!
I cannot even put into words emotions that I felt. As I sat there at the finish line waiting for teammates to finish, I was so overcome with joy that people spent time and money to come and walk or run. To get out there and do it for Gracie and themselves. I also saw so many others who walked along side of parents, grandparents, siblings, who have stories to share. Stories of their losses and battles. It broke my heart, and I sat there and prayed, that the money would find a cure. Perhaps you donated and it could your dollar that makes the difference. I thought of Daisy, Noah, Nicholas and Elias who are battling and fighting, praying that they would be healed in the name of Jesus.
So whats next? Well because we cant stop here... Runners for Grace is taking on a new challenge, a 10k! Yup.. Before the years end we will be gathering another team together and will be running/Walking under the same name, same mission but might be for another cause. BUT as long as children's cancer is around we will continue to pray and until each of our little warriors are healed, every stride, every mile, every lap and every run will be done in prayer for them!Oh and next year May 5th 2013 we will be at this same run. My prayer is that we have someone representing the team in all events.. 5k walk, 5k run, 10K run, 1/2 Marathon and bike tour.. it is a tall order I know but with God all things are possible, if we ask... I know I did and he delivered.
To our team... Thank you! I love you all.. And you all finished well!
To all those that supported through prayer, money, cheering us on thank you! And for those who are thinking about it next year, do it.. Do it for you! Get up and move, run, dance, crawl whatever.. We only have one life to live so lets live it healthy! Amen?
One blessed Chick!!!!
Moni
p.s. if you were a part of this day, will you share a little something about this day, I would love to hear about it, and it could inspire others for next year!
well since i was the first to sign up, i will be the first to post a comment..lol. This was my 6th Race in one year! Before that i never jogged in my life, so everytime i finished a race, my friends and family would ask me, "what was the cause?", i would always say laughing, "Me"..i was so excited to be part of this team, because even though i didn't know Grace she seemed like an amazing girl and it was so special and more meaningful to run for a cause. Thanks Monica for letting me join this team. I for sure will join you again next year and will possibly do the 1/2 :). Continue to inspire others to run/walk, you are amazing! Keep it up girl! Susie
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