I have wonderful people in my life!

As I approach the last week of life pre-Ghana, I am struck by how many places and spaces that I am blessed with generous, kind, thoughtful, and giving friends and family.  This came most directly into focus as I looked at the afternoon transportation needs of my two delightful sons, one 14, one 11, and panicked with the realization that Richard would not be able to be in 3 places at once.  So, I put out a general request to some of my closest "mom friends", and they all said "Just tell me who, what, when and where, and it's covered."  So, I set about trying to put people in those slots between pick-up at the middle school in the afternoon, ride to football practice at 6pm, then pick-up from soccer practice at 6pm (yes same time, different place), and getting homework done, etc., etc.  It only took calling on four of those "mom friends"--- JoAnn, Mary Cay, Catherine and Helen, and the whole seven days are not only covered, they are covered and have back ups in case people have unexpected "issues" that always come up when you least expect them to!  I can't thank these friends enough, they are just tops in my world!
I'm also told that Uncle David (Richard's brother) is coming into town the night before I leave for Africa to cook up some of his best meals, and I mean the brother can cook, so that Richard will have ready made meals he can just heat up when the three of them walk in the house at 8:15-8:30 some nights.  That will help out a whole lot!!!  I hate to miss the smorgasbord ;>))

My church family will pray for me this Sunday, and I've asked for special prayers on Sept. 26, at 5:30am Ghana time (1:30am eastern time), so that I will be equipped and blessed with the strength, stamina, endurance and safety to run my race, and complete my goal of running and finishing my first marathon.  How blessed am I?  Everyone at our beloved school, Collegiate, is just so excited for me, wishing me the very best, rooting for me, keeping me in thought and prayer as well.  And one of my coaches from the Richmond Marathon Training Team sent me a lovely message that they are all rooting for me and know I will do great!!!  She said just keep those mantras going, and putting one foot in front of the other!  I mean, WOW, how much more support can a girl get. 

I must mention my many sponsors who have donated toward the charity Project Longevity Africa.  They have helped me raise $1,460.00; they are Heyden, Sally, Micheal, Susan, Pat and Sue, Jennifer, Annette, Ron, Stephanie, Rosann, Jo-Ann, Beth, Susan, John and Carrie, Carey, Angela, Kipley and Steve, Beth, Ann, Jenn, Steve and Peggy, Carol, Pattie, Chris, Ellen, Molly, Beverlie, Mary, Catherine, Cathy, Kathy and Jay, Jerry, Craig, Marella, Patti!!!   You are all my heroes for supporting me and showing your love and confidence in this adventure and mission of mine.  I love you all and appreciate you so very much!!!   

I could go on and on, as I think about all the ways that people in my life are behind me.  I'm just one super lucky girl on an amazing journey, that is unfolding each and every day--- and I haven't even left American soil yet!