Saturday Events update

This morning had a great 2nd mini-retreat with the Bicycle Bread Co! This group is a faith-filled bunch, who put in some serious work for their project to deliver the healthiest bread with a life changing message in the neighborhood! Next Thursday we're having a celebration dinner at Paladar - should be a great time!
... btw, Go Butler! Glad to see a 'hoosier' team in the final four!...

Tonight is the Marathon Runners Banquet! This is always a blast. The mentors do a great job of putting together a great event, the seniors have fun stories, and the toasts and stories just cap off the night. Pictures to come.

I'm struggling with my (another, my 3rd of the year) nose infection. My allergies don't like the wet rainy year... I'm hanging in their... Gotta run, to meet up with the runners!

Post Marathon update

A brief update:
Our runner, Gerardo, was released from the Hospital on Tuesday. Come to find out he had a history with stomach virus' and bleeding, but he is doing ok. Please keep him in your prayers. He has been humbled and is really open.
Tomorrow, this Saturday will be out Banquet. This is will be a great celebration. I'm very proud of all the runners, what they've accomplished - and like one of the parents, Jorge Orellana, said best, "This relates to all of life! Now we need to help the students set goals for the marathon of life - and they can do, because they did this!"


This is ruben, whose father passed away earlier this year. He did great. This is him at mile 18. He has been a warrior. It was a very meaningful time seeing his peers support and surround him.

This is Julio - one of our Most Improved! He used to sprint and fade-out - here he is on his last Half mile, and he finished in under 4 hrs - a great accomplishment and his first marathon!

Matt, one of our mentors, at mile 18. He made a huge contribution - as an accomplished runner, who ran this marathon in 3hr. 12min - that is smoking! But he also shared his faith in a meaningful way, especially with Gerardo and gave him a huge boost through all of his difficulties.

The marathon 2010...

Yesterday was truly amazing! It was a really long day! But fun, emotional, tiring, jubilant - With the new course came knew challenges. Dodgers stadium was a zoo. Traffic was terrible - they started the race 30 minutes later. The course was fun and vibrant - very hilly.

All of our runners and mentors finished strong... most 'hit the wall' (as to be expected), but all kept persevering and met or surpassed their goals! One of our gals, Ana, who had knee issues, did great! Our guy, Gerardo, who had knees issues, finished strong, but not without complications. I didn't leave Santa Monica until after 5pm because I spent a few hours with him and nurses - we eventually got him to a hospital - and today I found out he is having stomach bleeding. This guy made some huge steps forward last week spiritually and in his character. All the mentors and I were commenting on Saturday how much we've seen him grow. Please keep him in your prayers. I hope to hear more from him tonight.

This is a big transition week for our runners and their goals. We have them set post-marathon goals. Please keep them in your prayers. A number of them have a godly hunger! I look forward to seeing what is next for them. This Saturday is our annual banquet. It is always a touching time.

New Growth in the marathon of Life...

The Marathon - Is this Sunday! Yikes, it's amazing how this past season has come and went. We've had so many wonderful stories; after the loss of Rubens dad being able to minister to him - and how his testimony of God's love has affect others!, Daniel - a senior - leading by example and actively sharing his faith, and most recently, Ana, who has made a 180 degree turn from hard shell to being open and caring, in spite of an injury, which she has been diligent to take care of and will be taking on the Marathon. Above is a picture from our 18miler event. A cool, cloudy, high of 60 degree day - This sunday is supposed to be clear, sunny, high of 77 degree day. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. For more; Below is a map - yeah!
Our Garden continues to impress us! We've planted butter lettuce, spinach, parsnips, beets, collards... and something else that I'm forgetting (probably because I don't like to eat it ;) We've had some wonderful harvesting - we've had greens coming out our ears! We've shared with friends and neighbors, which is really nice and a great way to bless others. I'm continually amazed at how much weeding goes on! It's a constant affair. There is a good metaphor for my personal life and growth there. Below, our turtle protector and butter lettuce.
-- Julie doing some weeding. --
Ah, yes, Julz just can't stop! She won't Stop! Oh no! Plus she's amazing and amazes me, continually. So, she's now the head swim coach for Foshay. Yesterday was her first day. Here she is with some of her gals. Giving meaningful insights for sure. This more "Swim Club" than swim team, as her gals are swimming for the first time, and have a lot to learn. Plus, the pool where she swims - albiet a grand history hosting 2 Olympics - is home for 6 schools, simultaneously. This is very different than those schools who have their own pool, funding, athletics... things that middle class would expect. Notice the grand USC Colliseum in the background. I'm really happy for Julz - she's getting in the pool today with swimmers to make sure some hands on instruction happens!