I'm quitting my goals

I quit.

I'm officially quitting my goals.  I'm done training because I'm done feeling defeated, lack of ambition, and especially failure.  I miss running for fun.  I want to focus on purpose.  So I have decided to put away the training plan and focus this year on enjoying the run and focusing on the "WHY."
Every morning as I make my coffee, I see this sign.

Today it hit me.
The last few months have been really difficult for me.  I can't really name why, but I can tell you it's not normal.  I've been feeling defeated and lack of ambition.  I miss finding the small joys in life.
As everyone begins this new year with resolutions, I began thinking about what this year brings, and how I am already feeling behind.
So...with that...I have decided to give up my fears, my failure, and to choose joy.
This means I have decided to no longer run the marathon in March.  I will be there on race day, in sneakers, and on the course, but I can't tell you the distance I'm going to go until I'm done.  Right now, I'm going to choose to enjoy the journey, run for fun, and run for purpose.  I'm going to focus on the goal of bringing 750,000 clean water.  I'm not going to focus on the fear of failure, but I'm going to succeed in purpose.  I'm no longer making it about the course, but am making it about the kids.  I'm going to focus on relationships with my team.  I'm going to share the story of why I run.
I'll be there on race day, I'll set a personal goal, but right now I'm telling you...I need to refocus.  I have focused too much this past year on feeling like failure.  Today I put 2018 behind me and choose joy and choose purpose.

Why LEGACY means so much to me

Today I received my second legacy patch.

This may not seem like much to anyone else, but to me it is a BIG deal.

I'm turning 40 this year.  Honestly, I never thought I would make it to 40.  And if I did make it to 40, I never thought I would be here still single and with no kids.  But life has taken me a completely different route than I ever imagined.

The word LEGACY has taken on a whole new meaning for me as well.  I always thought my legacy would be in the family I leave behind, but what if I have no family behind me?  What if no one carries on my name?  What if I'm the end of my line?  Those thoughts used to bring me down, but over the last few years I started doing something with them.  You can go back to past blog posts where I talk about wanting to live and leave a legacy, and this year it has hit me hard...I AM!

This year has been a weird year.  It has me tired, worn out, slothy, and yet energized about the life I am living.  I know, none of that goes together!  But let me be real and be vulnerable here.  This year is ending in what my mind wants me to believe is failure.  In 2018 I attempted 2 marathons.  This is after running the race of a lifetime in 2017 with a PR (personal record) and being on the marathon high.  My first marathon of 2018 I got sick for and couldn't run.  I have some incredible friends and supporters who ran in my place and finished like rockstars!  Each person took on a few miles to cover the 26.2 that I promised to run for clean water.  I couldn't do it, but my community did.

My second race was supposed to be the race of a lifetime, and 3 miles in to it I got sick and couldn't finish the race.  It was such a let down, especially knowing that I was so worried about the time cut off, but would have made it.  But, you can't run...you can't walk...you can barely waddle if you're sick.  That feeling of failure is still raw, but there was also a great success that came with it.  10 children were sponsored through that attempt.  Again, my friends, my family, my community stepped up and finished the race for me!  You took those kids and loved them like your own, and because of you they now have clean water, education, safety, their families are able to take care of them, and so much more that we will never know!  THAT is the legacy!

So I'm finishing this year still feeling physically down.  I failed in two races and so I don't want to run anymore, because I don't want to fail anymore.  That's what my body is telling me and what my mind is telling me.

My heart?  My heart is another story.  My heart won't give up!  My heart sees this little patch, and realizes that THIS is the legacy I am going to leave!  I may not have kids of my own, but because of my commitment (sometimes my commitment to trial and failure), 10 kids have sponsor families, 160+ have clean water, and countless others are being taken care of in a variety of ways, including being saved from slavery, witch doctors, FGM, and so much more!  They may never know my name, and they may never know my heart, but because you do, their lives are changed!  YOU are making this world a better place!

So, THANK YOU!  Thank you for joining me on this journey.  Thank you for your countless moments of encouragement!  Thank you for your donations, for sponsoring children, for loving these children as your own.  Thank you for being a part of my life and for leaving this legacy.  Thank you for giving my life meaning, and reminding me on a daily basis of the legacy I live both locally and globally.  

We're not done yet!  There is still a clean water project to be built!  You have already helped me to raise $2575 of my $15,000 goal!  Thank you for your donations and for taking time to read/listen to my heart.  I am not just a legacy runner, but I am reminded of the legacy you leave in me that I then get the joy of sharing with others.  I guess this is what being in the Kingdom of God is really about!

If you would like to donate to the well/water project, visit my donation page to learn more at www.teamworldvision.org/participant/carlypowne

If you would like to sponsor a child go to http://www.teamworldvision.org/sanantoniosponsorship and then tell me about the child you choose to sponsor!

Thank you for giving my life meaning and for being a part of this legacy team!

Crying is good!

My emotions are on high.  I don't know if it's because I finally talked to Liz about what to expect on race day.  I don't know if it's because I'm realizing that in 2 weeks from this minute I will be running the New York City Marathon with over 51,000 of my closest friends.  Or maybe it's because I'm seeing God work left and right in these God sized goals.  As one of my sweet middle schoolers always says, "All of the above!"

Today I cried.  I cried hard.  Tears of joy!  I was sitting in service thinking about the $2100 that I needed to raise to meet my goal, knowing that God was going to provide, and when I got back to my office, I got a message that I had made it.  Did you catch that?  I MADE IT!!!  $10,000 has been raised to protect children worldwide!!!  That means that there is a girl somewhere right now being pulled out of terrible conditions, who has been separated from her family and sold.  She is getting the help she needs to get her life back!  She is being taken care of and someone is fighting for her to get her sellers thrown in jail, thus keeping her and other kids safe.  She will be listened to and fought for.  She is getting the justice she deserves!

Another kid is being searched for because their village has been given a way to alert each other when someone is taken.  This child is being saved from human sacrifice!  Another girl is being saved from FGM.  The list goes on and one.  Kids are getting rescued!  They are being protected!  They are being given another chance at life!

This thought makes me want to run!  I want to run for these kids, for their freedom, for those who can't run for themselves.  I want to rejoice knowing they are being saved.  I want to hug every kid I see and help them to enjoy their childhood.

I am so excited to see what God is doing, and I am so thankful to be a part of it!

Thank you all for supporting me, for listening to my cry, and to believing in this cause as much as I do!  You can still give!  Every dollar helps to protect a child, so the fundraising doesn't stop just because I reached my goal.  You can still give!  

These last 2 years have moved my heart in ways I never could have imagined.  Who knew that I could combine two of my passions in such a way!  I can help children worldwide while running for them, that's quite a deal!  Maybe your next step is to run with me!  :)

Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

That's all I have left to say!

Thank you!

I made the front page! And other news...

When I started this journey almost 11 months ago, I took on a God size challenge.  I remember walking with a friend in January talking about how I was going to raise $10,000.  I had these big dreams for fundraising, and I had these big dreams for my health.  I was setting out to run the New York City Marathon, and nothing was going to stop me.

Things don't always go as planned.  My big fundraising ideas fell through.  My health is the same.  And I am no where near what I'd thought I'd be in November.  But that's okay!!!  Let me repeat that...THAT'S OKAY!!!  Because God is GOOD!!!  Nothing went according to MY plan, but it is all working out for GOD'S plan!

I'm just $3,165 from reaching my goal of $10,000.  Can you believe that?!?!  That's just with your help!  You, who have read my blog!  You, who have put up with an overwhelming amount of facebook posts!  You who have supported me on this journey!  Because of you, I woke up today and found that I was in 9th place as a fundraiser out of the 52 on our team!  What an achievement!  But more than that, our team is rocking it!!!  It's not about the money we've raised, or about what place we are in, but about how many children are getting help!  They are being saved from circumstances that we can't even imagine!  Kids...KIDS...are being saved from slavery!  SLAVERY!!!  KIDS!!!  

Yesterday someone gave my friend a hard time because we were out of creamer in the coffee area.  Creamer.  Free coffee and your mad about creamer.  I get it, I'm being kind of rude about this, but as I learn more about kids in slavery, it's really hard for me to get upset about creamer.  When I'm learning about children being used as human sacrifice, children being caught in sex trafficking, children being killed because of their gender, and so much more...It's really hard for me to get upset about creamer.

I've been amazed over these last few months at how God has kept me in check on my runs, and in life as I've learned about why I'm running.  I tend to listen to a lot of books and podcasts as I run, and so often a message of children being caught in slavery or being trafficked, or a message of people needing clean water, pops into these stories.  It's amazing how God continues to teach me and remind me of the importance of this run.

I know that NYC has been a dream of mine, but this event has changed from running the NYC Marathon to running to bring children life.  To bring children their childhood.  To let kids be kids.  I can't necessarily go and help every child, but I sure can learn and educate people about what's happening in this world, and in that, I can help some children.

In the last 3 years I have had 3 failed marathons.  2 I signed up for as marathons, but competed as half marathons, and 1 that I didn't finish, so I finished from home.  I told myself that I couldn't sign up for another marathon until I lost 50 pounds, because I'm tired of not finishing.  I'm talking a big game but not following through.  When I was given the opportunity to run NYC with Team World Vision, I had this fear that I wouldn't finish, but I said yes anyways.  Honestly, I'm still scared I won't finish.  I've spent the last few days timing my runs, looking up times from last years finishers, and comparing my times with theirs.  Anything can happen on the course.  I went in to this year ready to train.  I knew if I trained well, the weight would melt off.  Well, that didn't happen.  Yes, I trained well, but I look the same as I did in January.  In fact, I've even managed to gain some weight.  You try telling someone that you're training for a marathon when you look like me.  But even in that, God has reminded me that this isn't about me!  I'm sharing my story!  People are donating!  Kids are being rescued!  Good is happening in this world!  It's not about me, I just get to tell people about it!  And THAT is exciting!

Now when I tell people I'm running a marathon in 2 weeks I get to explain why!  I get it, I don't look like a marathon runner, but I've got a purpose and a mission, and nothing is holding me back!

Will you help me share my story and help me to reach that final goal of $10,000?

As for my time, right now it looks like I'll be at the tail end of the race, but I'll finish on time.  I'm okay with this!  This means that even though I didn't lose weight, I gained health.  I might be slow, but I can go...and I can go far!  My long runs have been good, I'm making decent time.  I've got 2 weeks left to gain strength and build speed.  Please pray for me as I now taper off my training.  Please pray for my strength and for health.  I'm in the final weeks and I'm ready to go.  

And, on another note, I may have already said yes to my next marathon!  I'll be running for water in April!  (That is, after my next half in December!)

Want to know where these donations are going?

Through World Vision’s work in child protection,

• $20 is enough to help a child who is a survivor of sex trafficking to be adequately represented during a police investigation. (Cambodia and Bangladesh)
• $45 is enough to help 2 child survivors of labor trafficking receive free legal support during trial. (Cambodia and Bangladesh)
• $90 is enough to help 2 girls to go through an Alternative Right of Passage and avoid FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) (Kenya)
• $500 is enough to help provide 2 cell phones for the village Amber Alert System to combat child sacrifice (Uganda)
• $1,310 is enough to help to provide school scholarships for ten girls vulnerable to FGM and child marriage (Kenya)
• $5,000 is enough to help fund a 2-year, village “Amber Alert” Radio Program to decrease child abductions and combat child sacrifice  (Uganda)
• $3,500 is enough to help to fund a province-wide community event to promote Gender Equality and the fight against prenatal sex selection (Armenia)

The blessing is outside of your comfort zone

People often talk about the spiritual journey of running.  I don't know that it's the running that's getting to me or the purpose.  Either way, I am experiencing God in exciting ways.
I figured that since this isn't my first race, or even my first time training for a marathon with Team World Vision, that I had kind of seen and experienced it all.  I kept focusing on the physical, but God is surprising me in the spiritual.  I don't even care about my physical shape anymore, because I'm out there doing it, I'm confident I'm going to cross the finish line.  So now I'm just along for the journey.  And what a journey it has been!
I've been on this journey in one way or another for almost 7 months now, but each day gets more exciting.  My friend, Clare, shared this podcast with me about running as a spiritual practice.  I've been listening to a lot of podcasts and books while I run lately, and I am amazed how God is using each and every one of them to meet me where I'm at.  In today's podcast a quote that kept being repeated is "The blessing is outside of your comfort zone."  I'll tell you, it took me a long time to figure out what was outside of my comfort zone!  I'm pretty comfortable with most anything.  But trying to raise $10,000...outside of my comfort zone!  I love sharing about why I'm raising the money, and I love sharing about what I'm learning, but the actual ask is very difficult for me.  But, God has called me to this purpose, so I am trusting that God will deliver!
It's interesting because as I ran this morning, all of these thoughts were running through my head, and I wrote them down as soon as I got home.  I almost sat down then to blog, but decided to wait.  Boy am I glad I waited!
Pastor Lupina's message today was spot on with what I was listening to and thinking about on my morning run.  It was amazing!  It's like we had all sat down together to decide a theme for today.  But we didn't.  That's how I know this is a message from God that is coming through.  Today's message was "The Kingdom Assignment" and was about Matthew 25:14-30.  The question that was asked was "What do we do with the talents God has given us?"  On my run, one of the speakers on the podcast talked about how she was the slowest on her cross country team, but that she ran for joy.  It made me think about how I don't have the gift or the natural talent of running, but I sure enjoy it!  I've always been one of the slowest, but I usually have a smile on my face.  I don't believe that God put me out here to run, but to learn and share the word about child protection and the clean water projects of Team World Vision.  It seriously keeps coming up everywhere, even in podcasts and books I'm listening to!  It's crazy...and it's God!
Anyways, when Matthew talks about the talents, he's not talking about "talent" but about money.  Which is where this comes in even more to what I'm doing.  It's about using what we have to make it grow.  We were challenged at church today with $100 to see how we can grow it and use it for God's Kingdom.  I think I'm in the midst of that now!  I started with nothing, but by sharing my story we have raised $2,000 to protect children worldwide!  I truly believe that I am going to make that $10,000 mark.
Our team is just $10,000 from making our first goal of $100,000!!!  With just a small donation of $5 (giving up coffee, soda, or ice cream for one day) you can help us get closer to that goal!  Our goal is to meet the $100,000 mark by the end of this week.  Feel like you can give more?  Donate what you can and know that your donation is going to impact children worldwide!  Want to know more about how your donation is being used?  Read this.
Somewhere in the midst of the podcast, sermon, or discussion today, I was reminded that if God calls you, He has given you the gift you need.  I believe God has called me to help protect children, and will provide the money.
I believe that God is calling me to help children not only world wide but also locally.  I spent the weekend learning about the foster care system and what I can do to help.  I've been moved by discussions I've been having, videos I've seen, and articles I've read.  So as I'm running to bring child protection worldwide, I'm also being trained and used to make a difference here in my community.  God is really doing something here!  I expected this all to be about the run, but it is about so much more than that!  Sometimes I forget that this is even for a run.  The run part just seems silly now!  But, I enjoy the run, I enjoy how God is moving in these runs, and I am excited to share more about this journey with you in the near future!  Great things are happening, and it is all coming together!

If you would like to donate to Team World Vision, or just would like to learn more, please go to https://www.teamworldvision.org/participant/carlypowne

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and learn more about what I'm passionate about and what you can do to help!

Training, fundraising benchmarks, and what God is teaching me through it all

I guess now is as good a time as any to update!  Today has been kind of a big day!
I finished my pre-training on a high note.  I had a very good run this evening.  My time is still slow, but I'm okay with that because I find myself enjoying my runs more and wanting to go longer.  The trick may be to become an evening runner.  Tonight's run was awesome!  It felt cool, had a nice breeze, but in reality was still 90 some degrees and deep in the heart of Texas.  My light went out through my run (good thing I changed my course to a more lit course at the last minute), so I ended up walking more at the end in fear of tripping, but all in all, it felt great.
More importantly, as I ran tonight, people from all over my life continued to donate, and got me to my June benchmark!  So far I have raised $2,000 out of my $10,000.  July is our $3,000 benchmark, and when I meet that I will officially get the link to register for the NYC marathon.  No turning back!
As much as this is a dream of mine, I'm also reminded daily of why I am doing this.  I'm running for the children.  I'm running for those who can't protect themselves.  And in the process, I'm listening to books and podcasts that are teaching me more than I could ever imagine.  My heart is being broken for children all over this world, both across the world and here in my community.  I'm being called to minister to these children in a variety of ways.  Running is just a part of my story.  I'll be sharing the rest of what God is teaching me soon, I just have to wrap up a few loose ends.  All I can say is, it's really exciting!  When God puts something on my heart, God REALLY puts something on my heart!  And right now, that is protecting children near and far.
Thank you for joining me on this journey!  Thank you for supporting me!  Thank you for donating to this great cause!  And most importantly, thank you for praying for me!
(Also, thank you for keeping me accountable and asking how my training's going.  It's because of you that I keep going, because I don't want to look lazy!)
I couldn't do this without you, and for you I am grateful!

Last week of pre-training

Today I began my final week of pre-training!  Next week I begin the "official training" for the NYC Marathon.  Basically this just means that I go from running in minutes to running in miles, and my skipping days are long gone!  But that's okay, because I've tried to not skip many days in this pre-training as well.  Last week I took my shoes on our mission trip.  I only got in 2 good runs, but that's 2 more than I would have if I left my shoes at home!
This month has been tough, because I've had to take time off of fundraising.  I've been out of town the majority of June, but I have faith that it will all work out.  Today I laced back up and hit the pavement.  I had a great run this morning, and am going to finish this season of pre-training strong.  As I ran, I listened to this podcast.  It was a great reminder of why I'm running.  The podcast is called "Happy Hour with Jamie Iverson" and today she spoke with a friend that was on her recent Kenya team.  They were working with Compassion International, but so much of the work is the same.  It was inspiring to hear about where they were, what they were doing, and how me hitting the pavement is changing the world!  Yes, it may have been a different organization, but they are all so similar and really just are bringing Jesus, health, and healing to the world, and I'm so happy to be a part of that!
So far I have raised $1243 for Team World Vision.  My goal is $2,000 in July, but I have to raise $3,000 by August to get the official registration link.  I believe it is going to happen, so please keep praying for me!  I've hit a few road bumps in fundraising, but some people are stepping out offering help, so I'll be meeting with them now that I'm back.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement!  It's happening!
To donate and/or see my updates, please check out the thermometer on the right side of this page!

Today's view from my run.  See the precious deer on the right?  They were all over the park this morning!

Can I do it? And other doubts.

I'm having a bit of a freak out moment this week.  Did I take on too big of a goal?  Can i actually raise $10,000?  Can I actually run a marathon?  I'm not in the same shape I used to be, what if I fail?  What if I took on too big a dream?  What if I disappoint everyone?  What then?
What if I don't finish?  What if that van picks me up because I'm too slow?  Why isn't my time what it used to be?  What if I don't even raise enough money to get there in the first place?  What then?

I'm freaking out.  It's Summer.  For everyone else, summer seems to be about health.  For me, it's when I'm the unhealthiest.  As hard as I try, I can't always get a run in when I'm on a mission trip or at camp.  And eating healthy?  It's really hard when sugar, sweets, and fried food is being thrown at you from every angle.  I'd love to enjoy the farmers market and cook a healthy meal for myself, but the reality is that I'm stopping at Whataburger on road trips to and from youth events.  I feel so gross.
I was finally able to run this week, and my pace is the slowest it can be to finish the marathon.  That means, that I have to stay consistent or speed up for the next 20 some miles!  Usually there's room to slow down, but that's not the case here.
So, I'm freaking out.  I'm trusting God that I'm going to be able to raise the money, but honestly, I'm scared.  I need a big idea that pulls from the community, and not just people I know.  I've talked to a few restaurants, but even then I would have to sell tickets, and I only know a small group of people in SA.  Does anyone have any grand ideas?  My old house was the perfect place to have a garage sale, but I don't know if anyone could find me here.  What's something that you've seen done in the past that could be an epic fundraiser?

Really, I just need prayer.  Prayer that it all works out.  Prayer that my training gets stronger, that I get healthier, and that each run gets better.  Prayer that a big fundraising idea will come my way, and that it will be something I can do.  Prayer for these summer months that are busy and stressful, may I find time to train and to share my story with those around me.  God is in control.  For one reason or another, I am on this journey.  My plane tickets and room are reserved.  I'm going one way or another.  But I'd really like to be there to run.  I'd like even more to finish.

It's not about me, it's about the children.  It's not about me, it's about the children.  It's not about me, it's about the children.

Time to change my focus.

Fighting Evil

Today we had our team meeting to learn about Child Protection and why we are running.  One comment stuck out to me.

"This is where we are combating evil.  We are fighting against the harm, abuse, and neglect that adults bring to children."

Ouch.  That hurt.

As adults we are supposed to protect our children, not harm them.  There is so much hurt and pain in the world, and this is just a little thing I can do.  I've had the dream to run the NYC marathon for 7 years now, but the more I learn about the cause, the less it becomes about the run.  With each conversation, book, or documentary, my heart is being changed.  I want to do something, and this is a good start.

Today I learned more about the countries we are running for as well.  This is what we are raising money for.  World Vision is actively at work in these countries and this is where our fundraising will go:  (forgive me if it's not spot on, my notes aren't as great as I thought they were)
Bangladesh/India- kids work in dangerous conditions.  Many working in dumps and being pulled out of school to work.  Team World Vision is working to make safe labor laws, to keep kids in school, and to create safe work conditions for all.
Cambodia/Vietnam- to protect and rescue kids from sex trafficking and to offer healing and counseling to those who have been rescued.
Mozambique/Kenya- (Mozambique has a special place in my heart, it's where I first fell in love with Africa) To protect and rescue kids from child marriage.  Often families sell their children to pay off debts or for money to pay bills and live.  Kenya also is trying to recreate rights of passage and put a stop to FGM (Female Genital Mutilation)  To learn more about FGM, listen to this podcast.  It's hard to listen to, but so important to learn about and put a stop to.
Uganda- (my other heart)- putting a stop to child sacrifice.  Witch doctors have begun sacrificing children for more money and "better cures"  It's heart breaking and can be stopped.  Value on children and alert systems are being put in place.
Armenia- Armenia doesn't value girls, so many are terminated in utero.  Our goal is to teach the importance of girls and bring gender equality.
Honduras- Refugee children.  Children are fleeing violence in their community.  World Vision is working with unaccompanied children that have traveled to LA and Houston, but wants to protect children where they are at, so their families do not feel the need to send them away all alone, just to keep them safe.

Child protection is anything we can do to protect, rescue, serve, and love these children.

It was such a good meeting, and I'm embarrassed that I took such bad notes.  I'll be listening to the recording again, it was filled with good stuff.

But the main thing that stood out to me is that we are here to protect the children.  We are fighting against true evil and harm that is being done to these children.  I've lived such a safe life, and these kids are fighting for life day by day at such a young age, its unimaginable.  But together, we can do something!
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
This is the change I wish to see.
My goal is to raise $10,000.  Here's how your donations work:

$20 is enough to help a child who is a survivor of sex trafficking to be adequately represented during a police investigation. (Cambodia and Bangladesh)

$45 is enough to help 2 child survivors of labor trafficking receive free legal support during trial. (Cambodia and Bangladesh)

$90  is enough to help 2 girls to go through an Alternative Right of Passage and avoid FGM (Kenya)

$500 is enough to help provide 2 cell phones for the village Amber Alert System to combat child sacrifice (Uganda)

$1,310 is enough to help to provide school scholarships for ten girls vulnerable to FGM and child marriage (Kenya)

$5,000 is enough to help fund a 2-year, village “Amber Alert” Radio Program to decrease child abductions and combat child sacrifice  (Uganda)

$3,500 is enough to help to fund a province-wide community event to promote Gender Equality and the fight against prenatal sex selection (Armenia)

Will you pray about donating to this great cause?

Our final comment in the conference call was this:
"It's dark stuff, but there is hope!"

YOU can be the light to someone!

Starting at the finish

Today I took a field trip to the finish line of the New York City Marathon.  In just over 6 months I will be running 26.2 miles to raise money to help protect children.  Up to this point I've been doing a lot of research about the cause, and learning a lot.  God is moving in my heart and I am excited to make a difference.  If that means I get to run 26.2 miles at my dream race in New York City, well, that's an added bonus!
I took some time at the finish line today to think about my journey.  Right now I'm just in pre-training, but in just a few weeks, training begins!  Already I am feeling stronger, and know that if I keep up with this I will be good to go!  So that's my goal!
In the meantime, I'm also thinking about fundraising.  I've got a big goal and a long road ahead of me, but I know that with God's help, it will happen!
If you have any fantastic fundraising ideas or would like to be a part of my fundraising dream team, please let me know!  The more the merrier!  It's a big job ahead, and I need help!  I'm so excited for what we will accomplish and for the many children who's lives will be saved because of it!
Thank you for your support, your prayers, and your encouragement on this journey!

Here's a few pictures from my run in Central Park today to sign out!

It was a beautiful day for a run, but it will be even better the next time I'm here!

Run for water Run for LIFE

Today I did three things.
1.  I said YES!!!

2.  I laced up!

3.  I put back on my jersey!

So why did I do all of this?
Well let me tell you...
This story goes back a few years (almost 18) so bear with me!

In college I took my first over seas mission trip to Venezuela.  I fell in love with Venezuela and the people there.  It was the first time that I felt a sense of call to mission.  Somehow, I knew someday that I would return.  This was in the spring of 1999.
In the fall of 1999, or maybe the spring of 2000, I don't really remember, I was offered the opportunity to join a mission team to Mozambique, Swaziland, and South Africa.  Since I had the travel bug and was feeling out this call to mission, I jumped at the chance to go!
We spent most of our 2 weeks in Mozambique, where again, I fell in love with the people, and I fell in love with the land.  I joked then, and I still joke now, that Africa and Texas are very similar!  I have a love for both!  Again, I didn't know when or how, but I knew one day I would return to Africa.  My heart was calling me "home."
In college I majored in Special ministries with an emphasis in youth.  I knew God was calling me in to youth ministry, but I sure loved the mission classes that I was taking on the side!  After graduation I decided to take some time and explore this passion for missions.  I chose to return to Venezuela where I could stay with a family that are friends of mine and had taught my missions class.  I went to Venezuela for almost 6 months, and loved every bit of it.  While I was there I prayed about my call to missions.  God made it clear to me that I was supposed to return to the US and use my passion to give students experiences in missions.  It was tough, and I tried every way around it, but God made it clear that I was to return home.  I knew I had these two passions for a reason, I just didn't know quite how God was going to combine them.
I came home and settled in to youth ministry.  I love working with students and I love sharing local mission experiences with them.  Youth ministry is definitely my calling and my passion.  But there's always been this little voice in my head whispering "you'll go back."
Fast forward to 2012 when I felt the overwhelming call to return to Africa.  Many of you know this story, but it's always fun to share.  I was in Zumba class at our church and the song "This time for Africa" came on, and as we danced around, I turned around to see our giant map on the wall.  It suddenly hit me "THIS time for Africa!"  It was time to go!  God was calling me back!  FINALLY!!!
So I set out on a journey to find out where to go and what to do.  My church was incredibly supportive and approved a sabbatical so that I could go and serve 2 months.
Through much prayer and many conversations, and a seed that was planted many years earlier, I decided to team up with Village of Hope Uganda and work with them for 2 of the best months of my life.  I love Uganda.  I love the Village of Hope.  I love my boy Elijah and the many friends that I made there.  I am so lucky to have friends and family all over this world!  I loved my 2 months there, serving in a variety of ways.  I loved it so much that I went back 2 years later and served again.  The Village of Hope is definitely my home away from home.  But even as I was there that second time, I couldn't figure out why God was calling me to a passion for missions and for youth.  Why did God keep calling me stateside?
Even recently, I had a conversation with one of our pastors who always mentions my heart for missions.  And each time, I ask God "what are you doing with this?"
Well, I think I found my answer.
I have never once doubted my call to youth ministry.  I knew that my passion for missions was a side calling, and something that I thought I might settle in to later in life.  Recently, God is showing me that it is something more than I imagined.
Just over a year ago I got involved with Team World Vision.  TWV works with the Rock'n Roll marathon and half marathon in San Antonio to bring clean water to children around the world.  One of these places is Uganda (my heart).  Having found joy in running, I joined the team, and it was not at all what I expected.  I was much more out of shape than I thought I was, and I had more issues than I thought I would, and in the middle of training I took off for Africa again.  Excuses, excuses.  The marathon I signed up for ended up being a completely different marathon experience than I got!  You can find the whole story here.  The experience I got ended up being so much more when I was encouraged to tell my story.  Even now, as I shared my story at our team dinner this year, it was odd to me that we would celebrate what I felt was a failure, but God used for His glory!  This was the first time that I became truly aware that I was running for something more than myself.
This year I set out for redemption, and to run the marathon.  Training started out strong, and I was on the right path when one of our students needed someone to walk with her so that she could be a part of the team.  (Again, you can find this story here).  I decided to run/walk with her instead, because it was more important for her to catch this passion, and since it wasn't about my run, it was about bringing awareness and raising money to bring clean water to children in Africa, it was an easy choice to make!
So this year I set out to reach a goal of $3,000 for clean water, to bring clean water to 60 kids.  At this moment I have raised over $2100, bringing water to 42 kids!!!  What an exciting time to be a part of something bigger!
I feel like I am finally understanding this passion for youth and for missions!  It's not about me traveling around the world, but it's about making a Kingdom difference around the world, and I feel that this is one way I can do it.  I can help worldwide missions while serving here stateside!
So, this is a really long story to get to this short finale, but it's been blowing my mind to see God bring this all together!  This next part gets a little jumbled, because it's currently in process.  I apologize for those of you who have read this far that it might get a little confusing, but here goes...

In 2010 my grandparents passed away.  My grandma had battled Rheumatoid Arthritis for years, so has my dad, and many other people in my family and close friends of mine.  On a journey to become healthier, I decided to sign up for a 5k for Arthritis and started running in my grandma's honor.  Once I finished my 5k, I thought, "I could double that", and I kept running!  I finished a 10k and thought, "I can double that" and I kept running!  I ran my first half marathon in 2011 and my first marathon in 2012.  And although my health has changed, my love for running hasn't.  More important than running is running for a cause!
So, I love running.  I love missions.  I love running for a cause.  I also love TV.  Somewhere in the beginning of this running journey, I saw an episode of "How I met your mother" that talked about the New York City Marathon.  This was at the beginning of my 5k training, but it put a bug in my ear.  Somehow through that episode, through visiting New York, and through having random conversations with people, running the NYC marathon has become a dream of mine.  I don't know for how long, but I know for over 5 years.  I've learned all about the lottery system (because there's no way I qualify for the time trial!) and know when to put in applications, etc.  I hoped that one day I would run the NYC marathon.  I think that's mainly why I haven't given up running, even when my health became poor again.
Volunteering as a captain for Team World Vision has been an incredible experience this year.  I love what they are doing in Africa, and I have been moved by the books I have read and speakers I have listened to.  One thing that has been sticking out to me is that while I have been raising money to bring clean water to children in Africa, I have been learning more about the importance of this goal.  I had been focusing on the health of the children, on the children being able to go to school, the danger of terrain and animals, etc.  One thing that my eyes have been opened to in the last few months is their physical safety as well.  Johnny Huddle was our speaker at the team dinner and he spoke about girls being taken and sold while they were on their walks to get water.  I read the book "Running for my life" by Lopez Lamong (incredible book!  Check it out!) and he talked about his sister being raped on her way to get water.  Story after story about these kids and their safety and the importance of having water close to home so that these risks can be eliminated.
At the same time as learning this side of the importance of local, clean water, our students at the Village of Hope are home for vacation, and this is a time that we pray extra hard for these girls as they are at risk of being sold to older men.  This is a very real problem all over the world, and World Vision is one of the many organizations working to do something about it.
So, in all of this, I'm questioning this call to mission.  I'm loving being a part of TWV.  I'm learning about child trafficking, and I learn about TWV having a team at the NYC marathon.  As it turns out, the team at the NYC marathon doesn't raise money for clean water. New York is one of the only TWV teams that doesn’t fundraise for clean water projects in Africa, but instead fundraises for Child Protection projects in Kenya, Uganda, Cambodia, Mozambique, and Bangladesh.

Did you catch that?  Two of these countries already have my heart, and I get the opportunity to run for them and their safety!
Here's what Team World Vision says about this specific event:

CHILD PROTECTION
An estimated 85 million children are engaged in hazardous work that threatens their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Millions of children are forced into such work, including sexual exploitation. And many more suffer abuse in their homes and schools—often by someone they know.
If we are to achieve any significant or lasting progress in improving children’s well-being, we must first keep them out of harm’s way—whether we are working in our development areas, nearby communities, or fragile contexts. Feeling safe and secure is the primary factor in a child’s own sense of well-being.
That’s why World Vision is expanding our work to help protect millions more children from exploitation, abuse, and violence—helping them move from vulnerability to the life of safety they deserve.We want all children to be cared for, protected, and participating in decisions that affect their well-being.

So all this said, and this very long blog.  It seems that a lot of my hopes, my passions, and my heart are coming together for one Epic event!  I will be running the NYC marathon in 2017!!!  I am beyond excited!!!
I'm excited to learn more about Child Protection and to be a part of what Team World Vision is doing around the world to bring safety to our children. I love that this project teams up with the water projects.  It's overall safety and health for children.
The title of this blog is "Run for water Run for Life" and As I keep running for water, I am now also running for life in a new way.
God is really doing something on my heart with this child safety stuff.  But that could make this blog never ending.  So, I'm not really sure what to say, except that I am so excited to be a part of this team and to be a spokesperson for children in Africa whether it be for the Village of Hope or World Vision.  Our children's safety and health is first in all of our minds.
So, there it is.  Today I said yes!  I laced up my running shoes and started training!  I hope you will join me on this journey!

I want to live and leave a legacy

There aren't many things in life that I really want.  I don't think I'm very materialistic.  Things in my house don't cost much.  The things that matter most to me involve a memory or a loved one.  These things aren't very valuable to others, but extremely valuable to me.
That is until this weekend.  Last night at our team dinner, Brian (the director of Team World Vision for our area) mentioned a hero medal.  This is a medal that finishers will get if they raise $3,000 and bring clean water to 60 kids.
I want that medal.
I REALLY want that medal!
I thought about it today, and I was asking myself "Is this just something that looks cool that I can hang on my wall?  Why do I want this 'THING' so much?!"
I was kind of upset with myself for getting so materialistic all of a sudden, but then I realized why.  I want this medal because it means I did something beyond myself, I did something for someone else!  I've spent so much of my life focusing on myself, and now I'm realizing that there is this legacy I can leave behind.  These kids will never know my name.  They will never know that I ran/walked to bring them clean water.  It means nothing to them.
Well, not nothing, because it means life!
These kids will no longer have to miss school to get clean water.  They will no longer have to fight off mud, animals, disease, etc to get clean water.  They will no longer live in fear of being kidnapped and sold to human trafficking while fetching water.  There is a safety that comes with clean water, and having a clean water source close to your home.
Our speaker last night told us stories of girls being raped or sold to older men while they were out getting water for their families.  These girls had to walk anywhere from 6-12 kilometers each way and face all sorts of dangers.  I want to be a part of giving these girls a new life.  I want to bring water to them.  I want them to be able to go to school, be a kid, focus on studies.  I want them to grow past 10 years old.  I want them to never have to worry about clean water for their children.  I want to be a part of something bigger.
It's not about me, it's not even about the medal.  It's about changing lives.  I want to be a part of that.
Nichole Nordeman has a great song called "Legacy."  Her lyrics include "I want to leave a legacy, how will they remember me?"  This song rings in my head.  I don't have kids.  I may never be married.  Sometimes I wonder about the life I'll leave behind.  But then I think about the love I'll leave behind.
Running/walking for Team world vision is a part of my legacy.  Giving kids clean water is my legacy.  Sharing about the Village of Hope and the children who need sponsorships, that's my legacy.  Loving the youth here in the US and around the world is my legacy.  I want to be remembered for doing something greater, for giving to something greater.  Thank you for helping me to live and leave this legacy!
I don't have $3,000 to give on my own, but you have helped me to reach this goal!  As of this moment we have raised $1877 and brought clean water to 37 kids, which is awesome because that's my age!  I still have a week to make my $3000 goal.  Thank you for investing in this cause and for giving to these children.  You are helping to wipe out the water crisis in Africa!
If you haven't donated yet, will you prayerfully consider making a donation here?
Thank you for joining me on this journey, for loving these kids, and for leaving a legacy!
Love,
Carly

The Kingdom Experience

As a youth director, I often notice that whatever I am speaking on becomes a deep part of my life.  Currently, my eyes are being reopened to Kingdom living as we study the Beatitudes.  It's not about me as an individual, but about us as the body of Christ.  

One of my favorite quotes about the Kingdom comes from Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Earth’s crammed with heaven,

And every common bush afire with God;

But only he who sees, takes off his shoes,

The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries

I love this quote because it is a reminder that the Kingdom is all around us.  Every moment is holy, if we'll be aware of God's work in it.

Anyways, all of this "Kingdom Living" has reminded me of why I am running for Team world vision again in the first place.  It's to bring water and health to the world, to change lives, and to see God at work.  Currently, I am seeing God work in my life through this.

There is a 13 year old girl from our church that wants to run for Team World Vision.  She reminds me a lot of myself when I was 13.  She started training and working hard for this goal, but needs someone to join her.  After much prayer and talking with her and her mom, I got really excited about joining her on her journey and being with her as she finishes her first half marathon.  Because of that, I have decided that I am not going to run the full marathon this year.  Instead, I'm going to be a part of this Kingdom experience and run with her, finish with her, rejoice with her.  I'm really excited about this!

I know this was my year to "make up for last year" but again...It's not about me.  It's about the Kingdom.  And running with this girl is going to mean so much more to the Kingdom than my training alone would.  Together, we are setting out to raise awareness for those who do not have clean water.  We are running to raise money through Team World Vision to bring clean water and sustainable water resources to the world, especially to Africa where the other half of my heart is.  It's not about me, it's about the Kingdom.

Run for water, run for life.  Run for joy, run for Jesus!  This isn't about me, but it's about something greater, and I am excited to see God at work!

Thank you to all of those who have donated to Team World Vision.  $50 gives a child clean water for life.  It doesn't stop there.  It also allows them to go back to school instead of walking 3-7 miles a day to get water that is dirty.  It gives them health, as they are able to drink, eat, and wash with clean water.  It is sustainable, so it will be there for their families and future families.  It's a part of the Kingdom experience.  One little donation goes a long way and saves more lives than we will ever know.  If you would like to make a donation please go to 

http://www.teamworldvision.org/participant/carlypowne

Thank you!

Carly

Something bigger

This time of year I am reminded of a journey I set out on 3 years ago.  In a giant step of faith, I left my job in the hands of people who cared, left my family, left my home, and went to Uganda to follow God's call.  So many incredible things happened on that trip and around that trip, but one little conversation has rung in my ears forever.
To help send me, my good friends and "hot mamas" put on a fundraiser to support the trip.  At the end of the night we had raised $1233.51. You can read about that night here.  As I stood in shock, one of my friends said "we can't go.  You can go.  This is our way of being a part of something bigger."  That phrase stuck with me.  "We can't go, but you can go."
Not everyone can run a marathon.  Not everyone can even train for a marathon.  So with them in my heart I will run for all of us.  The marathon is such a small piece.  The something bigger is why I run.
I went for a run Monday night through my favorite park.  As I ran, lightning bugs lit up the path.  I realized that the last walk my dad took was in that park.  My parents had just flown in to town and I convinced them to go for a walk with me so that I could try out my new shoes.  As we walked we talked about the work we were going to do on the cabin, and about the vacation planned around it.  That was a Tuesday.  On Thursday we were up at the lake when my dad fell off a ladder.  He broke his leg in 4 places and hasn't been able to walk since.  Our story is a story of hope, he hopefully has one more surgery and will be walking again in a few months, but our reality is also that he has been in a chair now for 2 months this week.  As I run, I run for him.  I think about the time we ran our first 10k together and I couldn't keep up with "the old man in front of me."  But I was out there.
I may be slower than a herd of turtles trampling through peanut butter, but I'm out there.  I'm running for my dad who can't run, but I'm sure will beat me when he can again.  I'm running for the kids who don't get to run because they are sick from drinking bad water.  I'm running because I have the ability, and God has called me to use it for something greater.
It's a journey of faith.  I've made the goal to raise $3,000 for Team world vision.  That will bring a lifetime of water to 60 children.  Imagine how the generations behind them will be changed by this clean water.  It's not just for a day, it's clean water for life, for them, their families, and their future families.
I have raised $1012 so far.  Will you give up a cup of coffee today and use that $5 to bring someone clean water?
Thank you for joining me on this journey and being a part of something bigger!

Training in Texas

Training in Texas is TOUGH!
I've been learning this week all about hydration.  And did you know that you're supposed to take salt supplements when running here?  Running in Texas is crazy!
I've been listening to the suggestions about what to eat, what to drink, and how to fuel on a run, and I'll tell you, it's making a big difference!
Today I had my 5 mile run.  Now, let me tell you, I am not ready for 5 miles!  I know I should be getting ready for 10 miles this weekend, but I am just now hitting my stride and finding the joy in running again.  I am slower than a herd of turtles tromping through peanut butter, but I'm out there! And, with each run, my time is getting better and better.  Today I shaved almost a minute/mile off my run time.  With times like these, I'll have no problem crossing the marathon finish line this year!
Now I just have to keep going and build up the endurance.
I've got my joy back, I'm learning how to fuel for these, and I'm enjoying the process once again!

Today I was working on a few projects for our "summer share" event that we had tonight.  Because I was trying to get so much done, the only block of time that I had to run was at noon.  So I laced up, ran a few errands, and headed to the park.
There was this one curve that every time I passed it I was reminded of the woman at the well.  I think it was something about the heat of the day, no shade, and how no one was in that area.  I began to think about that woman and how she was shunned from society to where the only time she could get water was in the heat of the day.  That must have been miserable.  Then I began thinking about how many girls can't go to school because they have to trek to dangerous areas in the heat of the day to get water for their families.  I take so much for granted.
I've felt hated before, but I've never been shunned.  I've never had to trek in the heat of the day anywhere, I've always had a car, public transportation, or a friend to help out.  I've never had to fetch my own water.  Even when we went backpacking, I had others to help.
Then, as I was having these thoughts, I passed a dry creek bed.  I thought about how people pray for rain just so that they could have water fill up a creek bed and they could have something to drink.  I noticed the signs for flash flooding, and realized that I have a safe way out, but people fetching water don't.  I also crossed an area of standing water that looked disgusting, but was water.  If I were desperate, would I drink it?  Probably.  Others do it every day.  There are so many dangerous situations that they are going through, be it terrain or disease.  Hydration?  They don't have nuun.  They don't have shot blocks.  They have a job to do, and they do it.  I have no idea of what they go through.  I've seen it, but I've never fully experienced it.

When in Uganda, we would take our morning walk and often times see people come out of the brush from a nearby pond with jerry cans of water.  Children were carrying the cans, sometimes on bikes, sometimes on their heads.  Even then, I watched, but I went back to a well.

I need to do something.  I want to help.

All of these thoughts made me push harder and keep going.  I'm not running for myself.  Yes, it feels good making better time than last year, but it's never been about me.  I'm running so that these people don't have to miss school and hike in the heat of the day.  I'm running to bring life to individuals, to families, to communities.

I'm running for water and running for life.

I've made a crazy goal this year to raise $3,000 for World vision.  My team goal is $26,100.  If $50 brings sustainable water resources to one child for life, imagine the impact we are making!  I have the chance to raise money to save 60 lives.  Our team can save 522 lives!  Can you imagine!  That's a whole village!  That's many villages!!!

Consider sponsoring me!  With each donation, I will write your name on my shirt and you will run with me.  Your donations are going to change the world and save a life!

Thank you for joining me on this journey!
http://www.teamworldvision.org/participant/carlypowne

 

Flood warning

 

Would you drink this?

  

Standing water

 

Ironically, this came on when I wanted to quit.  Nope!  We are far from over!

 

The Dry creek bed

Why?

6 years ago I lost my grandma to what we thought was Rheumatoid Arthritis.  My dad and my aunts also have RA, so when we lost my grandma, I decided that I wanted to do something to honor her life, and also somehow help my family who suffers from RA.  I ended up finding the "Jingle Bell Run" which raises money and awareness for the Arthritis foundation.  During this run I found a love for running, which I never thought I would have.  It ended up being the healthiest year of my adult life, and I lost 50 pounds and loved running!
I thought that love for running would stick around, and the weight would stay off.  But, as life happens, we know we don't always get what we want.  I ended up gaining my weight back, and although I still thought I was a runner, I had quit and not even noticed.
Last year I was challenged to join Team World Vision and participate in the Rock'n Roll marathon and half marathon.  My pride got the best of me, and because I had done a marathon before, I knew I could do it again.  So I trained.  I went running every day like I was supposed to, did most of the group runs (or at least the distances), but when it really came down to it, I wasn't really trying like I had hoped.  I had trained to walk uphill, and run downhill, which isn't always helpful.  I ended up with plantar fasciitis for the first time, but figured that was from the weight I had gained back.  Anyways, even though I thought what I was doing was enough, it turns out on race day that it wasn't.
Race day came, and I thought I was ready.  I was excited and nervous, but knew that I could finish the 26.2 miles, even if I walked more than I wanted to.  I had spent the night before looking up old times and comparing them to my current times, and all was good.  Or so I thought.
The morning of the race, everything went wrong.  I cramped.  I had to stop at the bathrooms every mile (even though I wasn't sick, I just couldn't hold my water!) and thing after thing set me back.  But I wasn't about to give up.  The moment of truth came when I hit the split mark, where marathon runners go straight, but half marathoners turn left.  Something didn't seem right, but I had been watching the clock, and although behind, I had just hit my stride and should have still been okay time wise.  But I wasn't.
The officials had closed the course just minutes before I got there, and I was rerouted to finish the half.  I was devastated (which is kind of frustrating because a half is still incredible and something to be VERY proud of!)  But I had set out to finish a marathon, and had donors who had supported that last mile.
I finished the race (in tears) and thought about what I was to do.  People had paid to see me finish, or so I thought.  So, I called home and got the greatest advice.  Go finish.  So I did.
I went to McAlister park and walked (at a nice, slow pace) 11.1 miles, until the sun went down.  Then I went to the gym to finish my final 2.  All in all, I went to bed having finished that 26.2 miles!
But what I learned is even greater.  The race isn't about me!  It's not about me crossing the finish line.  That's just pride!  The reason why I did this was to bring children in Africa clean water...and I did that!
So, I'm doing it again!  This is my redemption year!  But that part is just for me.
The real reason why I am running is because I believe that every person deserves clean water.  I'm running for water for children in Africa, and running for their life and my life (because I need to make some changes to my health.)  I'm very excited to begin this journey, but I am stepping out on faith.  There is a fear in me that I will not finish, but this time, that's okay, because it's not about me.  It's about the children, and I run for them.
Speaking of that...I'm running late, so I'll finish up later, but continue to follow me on this blog as I take you along my journey.

 Our Northern Hills Team on race day

At the "finish" after many tears.  I wasn't done yet!