240 miles later, we are done. Rolled into Lake Conroe area at about 5 AM this morning. Nothing short of one of the most amazing things I've ever been apart of. Truly blessed and honored to have been on this team. Lots of miles, crazy stories, laughter, hills, pictures... and lots of Ghana children one step closer to rescue. More to come...

Check out www.mercyproject.net for more information and please consider donating to such an amazing cause!

And so it arrives... the weekend we've been planning for and anxiously awaiting is here. It's time to Run For Their Lives!

I spent some time out at White Rock last weekend and couldn't help but be reminded of the stark contrast between the lake here in Dallas and the one I know of in Ghana, West Africa. While White Rock isn’t the cleanest and most picturesque spot, it does boast a nice view of Downtown and provides a bit of an oasis in the middle of the busy city. The lake is lined with million dollar homes, many undergoing new construction and landscaping. Out on the water you will find equally expensive sailboats and rowing/skulling teams practicing together. There are people everywhere – families enjoying picnics and birthday celebrations, friends smiling and sharing, teammates encouraging and cheering, children playing and laughing. Here you will find life and wealth and a glimpse of happiness.

Though I’ve yet to witness it, I know that Lake Volta boasts a very different environment. Dirty. Poverty-stricken. Far from a safe haven. Children out on the water, fishing and working all day long. No picnics and smiling faces. Here you will find death and pain and no glimpse of hope.

And so, I was reminded.

I'm excited and blessed to be apart of the team of 8 that will leave Lake Ray Hubbard tomorrow evening and head to Lake Conroe. While there is always the pressure I put on myself to perform well and not be the "weakest link", I am excited. I am excited because I know this is about so much more than me. This is about our chance to do something a little bit "outside the box" to give life and hope and smiles to some very special kids.

Please pray for our team and drivers this weekend. If all goes according to plan, we'll begin our journey at 7 tomorrow night and complete the route sometime around 10 Saturday morning. Of course pray for safety and health and endurance, but also pray that not a mile would be run without us stopping to be reminded.


(photo taken by C.Field)

Trunk or Treat was a hit on Sunday night. We were able to get in a few hours of cake-walking, face-painting, ring-tossing, picture-taking, cupcake-decoration, craft-making, and trunk-visiting before a massive thunderstorm rolled in and sent us running for cover. Because of Amber’s love for Buzz Lightyear and all things Toy Story, we dressed up as Jessie and Woody and decked out the back of my car like Andy’s room. Pretty fantastic, if I do say so myself. (We were missing the Bucket O’ Soldiers, but didn’t want to get too political with the décor.) Anyway, everyone went all out and there were some fabulous costumes and decorations. Hope the kids had fun; we sure did!







The next few days include a little bit of actual work at the old stomping grounds, last minute errands, laundry, rest, and final preparations for heading to Houston on Thursday night. Woohoo!

So on Sunday, the Heritage clan is putting on a little Carnival/Trunk or Treat/Halloween Extravaganza for some of our friends at an apartment complex in Rowlett. I must say, I'm pretty pumped. I've never decorated a trunk before for this kind of thing, so I'm excited to see how it goes. Amber and I spent some quality time last night working on our costumes and decor. It's gonna be amazing. Here's a little preview:

So I went out for a run earlier this evening, dodging runners and walkers and battling it out with the gale forces. Rounded a corner and totally got attacked by one of these:



At the time, I was certain it was a cross between a black bear and Snuffleupagus (see the resemblance?), but I couldn't be sure.



All I know is, the thing veered into my path and was pretty solid upon impact. (No, I wasn't going to move out of the way for the beast; it was taking up the entire sidewalk!) Anyway, I totally could've taken it, but I figured since it was on a leash, the fight wouldn't be fair. So instead, I glared at its "handlers" and continued on my way...

What a day.

Here's to the next post being a bit more meaningful...

Hmm... what to write... something brilliant... something profound... something catchy... I got nothin'.

We did have an A/C pipe sorta explode in our bathroom yesterday. That was fun. Picture vomit all over everywhere, smell and all, and you get the idea. But, the beauty of living in an apartment is that I simply backed away, closed the door, and made a phone call. By the time I returned from running errands, everything was fixed and at least somewhat cleaned up.

In weekend news, the craft show was a complete bust. Complete. BUT, we certainly had a fun time and enjoyed setting up our little booth and experiencing all that is "the craft world". It's one of a kind! Let me know if you need Christmas presents. I have 3 huge tubs stacked up in my room with various options, not to mention things tucked under my dresser and bed!



14 days out from the relay! Woohoo! Shirts are in and look pretty cool, a few more fundraisers in the works, and all the last minute details falling into place. Gonna be fantastic!

Watching the Food Network while on the treadmill really isn't the best idea. I think my stomach is still reeling...

If I ever have the need to clean up after a dead body someday, I will certainly utilize the vacuum at the Shell station down the street. I went to clean my car out this afternoon, and darn, that think will suck the life out of you if you're not careful! (Perhaps I should not have watched Sunshine Cleaning this week... It was terrible anyway.) For $1.25, you too can wipe the evidence clean...

If I had a quarter for every time I thought about sitting down to update the 'ole blog, I'd have enough funds to operate the previously mentioned vacuum for the rest of my life...

Moving on, last night at Conversation Cafe, we discussed some really great stuff. Some really tough stuff. Like what it means to be radical in living out our faith. And how our generation has become too "safe" in our Christianity. I was convicted and challenged. And I think that's where it all begins. I'm grateful for times like that and for people who are willing to dig deeper...

Brown paint does not cover as well as black, and white covers even less. This I know, but it was once again impressed upon me as I have undertaken hours of painting this week in preparation for the big craft show extravaganza this weekend. Market in the Meadow. Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 11-5. We'll be in the center gym area; come by and say hello!

Scrambles eggs at downtown diners... yes, please...

A few nights ago we enjoyed having some people over to cook out and celebrate Kathleen's birthday. Three things stuck out to me from the evening. 1: $1.50 "single-serving" grills actually cook much better than I initially thought. 2: I want to be more intentional about having people over for dinner and conversation. I forget what a blessing that really is and was glad for the reminder the other night. 3: You can never go wrong with chocolate cake and sprinkles...

Went to the printer this week to pick up another round of wedding invitations I was working on for a friend. Also, our relay shirts are being printed right now. It's really a lot of fun to see design projects in those final stages and then (hopefully!) to have a good final product. Makes the work getting to that point so worthwhile...

Sleep is for the weak...

Three weeks from RIGHT NOW we'll be taking off for Houston on foot. S-c-a-r-y! I mean... E-X-C-I-T-I-N-G! Everything seems to be falling into place really well in preparation for our endeavor. I'm anxious to see how it all plays out. If you are still wanting to help support The Mercy Project, it's not too late! Please send any donations you'd like to contribute; a big thanks to those who have already done so...

Excited about a fun weekend with Mom and M. Pictures to come!