Busting Through the Line

We did it!!! My goal of $1300 has been exceeded and I still have a few donations pledged but not in hand (therefore not included in the total). I currently have $1592 collected and look for that number to approach $2000 by the time I send the donations in. The founders of camp already send their thanks for your willingness to contribute to this cause. I can't believe I'll be walking the half-marathon in under 3 weeks.

Today's picture is of Sarah and me before the Clue party which was a dance. Sarah had brought a dress for the evening, but decided she wanted to go as Colonel Mustard and found much of her outfit in the camp skit closet. Personally, I finally got to use a dress that I had purchased in college but never wore (and was thrilled that it still fit). The campers all had a great time dancing the night away. For those who did not want to dance, there was a table set up with crayons and paper from which I gained a piece of art done by Mama Sandy. Mama Sandy is the camp's oldest camper and has her birthday while at camp each year. She turned 64 (I think) last year while we were there!! Only 2 months and 1 week before I leave for camp this year. Can't wait!!

Thanks for everyone's continued support. Your generosity overwhelms me.

Almost There

I am completely overwhelmed by the response that I have gotten to my request for this cause. I currently have $1232 that you all have donated! My goal is just around the corner. I feel so blessed to call such generous people my friends and family. There is no doubt in my mind that when I post again I will have exceeded my goal.

Today's photo is of Dahna and me at the riding corral. Each of the campers had to practice reigning a "horse" before they got to ride. As you can see, I was Dahna's "horse". Dahna was my special camper during my week at Barnabas last summer. Even though, as a cabin mom, I was not assigned to any particular camper; Dahna latched onto me partway through the week. Luckily for me Sara, her counselor, did not mind sharing Dahna's wonderful personality. The last day of camp was made extra difficult by Dahna's tears and proclamation that she didn't want to leave me. It wasn't long before I was in tears too. I can't wait to see her smiling face again this summer.

My final thought for today is a request for prayers. Right after all of my donation request letters went in the mail 2 weeks ago, I began having pain in my left knee that is only there when I am doing my training walks. I took last week off hoping that it would help but that has not been the case. I am bound and determined to continue with this but am resigning myself to the fact that it may be at a much slower pace than I was planning. I continue to hope that it will resolve itself (with a little self imposed physical therapy) by April 11.

Until next week.

You Guys are Amazing!!

Wow!! One week ago I sent out almost 70 letters requesting sponsorship for this event and I have already received $560 in donations. To all of you who have already contributed, thank you. When I chose my target amount, I was a little skeptical as to whether I would hit it, but not any longer. Going to the mailbox when I get home each night is so much fun.

Today's picture is of Melanie, our boy-crazy drama queen showing off the flower pot that she painted for her mom in arts and crafts. She was so excited about it. The red and green ribbons around her neck are her special olympics medals that she wore most of the time. Melanie was quite a trip.

A final thought before I sign off for the week: my sister, Stacie, has applied to volunteer at camp this summer too. Please pray that she is accepted and that she has a wonderful experience that touches and moves her.

I'll continue updating on a regular basis. Thanks again for your support.