Now, for a brief catch-up.
- We continue to thank God for no post-election violence! Thank you to those of you who prayed.
- I went home over Christmas for my annual home leave- and enjoyed one of the warmest winters in history!
- I returned to Liberia with a new position- one of which I am continually learning and growing through!
- April 1st, I flew back home for my brother and sister-in-laws wedding, which has topped my list of favorite family memories! I had an absolute blast throughout the weekend witnessing Kyle and Tricia reciting their vows surrounded by family and friends. I am excited for my new sister and getting to know her better!
Five days after returning to Liberia from the wedding, I left again for London for nine days to cheer on and photograph my friend Bev, running the London marathon. I was able to go last year, but this year, there were five of us besides Bev, that decided to make the trip and cheer her on!
The London Marathon is considered the biggest fund-raising event in the world. With 36,000 runners (yes, you read that right!) that is a lot of causes to run for! Bev was running this year for our Church Mobilization Program, which leads pastors and church leaders through an envisioning curriculum on the ministry of Jesus. As a result, these churches begin to respond to the needs of their community, using their own resources- being the church that Christ calls us to be.
CLICK HERE for a 2 minute video to see why Bev runs.
I'm telling you--- you can take the girls out of the bush, but you can't take the bush out of the girls! London had no idea what was coming...
Danielle, Bev and myself were the first to arrive to England. We made a presentation of our Liberia projects at our Samaritan's Purse UK office, and then it was off to the marathon expo!
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| Bev, myself and Danielle waiting for our train to the expo. It was quite a bit cooler than what we are used to in Liberia! |
Along with hundreds of booths and shops, the had a photo booth. After taking your picture, you could add it to the thousands of others who were running, with a personal message. Danielle and I made a sign that said "you make Liberia proud!" and Bev is holding her number.
Our photo among a few of the others.
Sunday morning was race day, and after hearing nothing but rain and wind in the forecast, we woke up to clear, blue, sunny skies. The perfect weather for this marathon.
While Bev and the other SP runners headed for the start line, we split up into groups and left to get some good spots at various points along the race. Taya and myself headed to mile 5, where one of our SP co-workers has an apartment with a nice balcony to overlook the race.
First, the elite women come through. This is actually the second group of elite women (I took video of the first group FLYING by)
Followed by the wheelchair participants, and the elite men.
Soon the masses start to pour in. Where Bev is at the start, there are so many people that it takes a full 15 minutes to even reach the "start" line! We were able to anticipate when Bev would come by us by going off of her estimated finish time- but it is a lot of people to scan in the meantime!
One thing unique to the London Marathon, is that elite runners run, but it is also considered a "fun run" also, which also means participants really get into it and wear all sorts of different costumes. Not only is the atmosphere throughout the city fantastic for the marathon, but it is quite entertaining to spot crazy costumes as you watch 36,000 run by!
This guy was dressed as a cockroach, but running for a cure for Alzheimer's... not sure of the connection there!
This woman's balloon, which was attached to her arm, says "In memory of my mum."
I'm not sure how this guy finished, because he was struggling at mile 5 with this entire fireman's outfit on!
This guy hit a field hockey ball the entire time!
Every year there is about 5-6 rhinos... I can't imagine running 26.2 miles in this!
And then, as we scanned the crowd again, we saw Bev and Andy!
Last year, I was at four different spots around the course and never saw Bev once. I had a great experience and enjoyed the marathon, but was just really bummed that I never once saw her run by. BUT, it was very different this year, and we were all excited when we spotted each other throughout the race!
Taya and I were holding a very large Liberian flag to help her find us a little easier.
I can't believe that Ray would be all that comfortable for 26.2 miles either...
26.2 miles on stilts? why not?
My equipment caddy Taya.
Even the tin man and lion ran!
After mile five, we moved to mile 14-15, where we spotted Alison, another SP runner looking strong!
We tied the Liberian flag to my monopod and held it in the air so it would be easier for Bev to spot through all the people.
And there she sees it! Looking great at mile 15!
Andy stopped over to give his wife and kids a kiss.
And off they went again!
It was a lot of people to maneuver through, so we were looking for anything we could to stand on. From here, we knew we needed to start to make it to the finish line since the trains were going to be packed! And they were- we finally got to the station that was closest to the finish and we ran our own race to make it in time to see Bev cross!
Last year I spent so long at the finish scanning and scanning thousands of people, hoping to see her cross the finish line, but it just wasn't meant to be. This year, we sprinted to make it there, and ten minutes later she came through looking like she was on mile 8 or 9!
So proud of you, Bev. Not only for running another marathon, but for why you are running. Congratulations on your new personal best!
Yep, it's real!
The Liberia crew- Danielle, Taya, Bev, Elizabeth, Alisa and myself!
CLICK HERE to watch Bev cross the finish line! (I apologize for the shaky camera work- I was letting the camera run while I was searching for Bev for fear that I would miss her like last year!)
The marathon was only the beginning of our adventure... stay tuned for more!
