Today has been a good, but really long day. It has been so busy that I am not even posting this blog until 10 p.m., which has been past my bedtime for most evenings of the run.
The day began with a guest appearance live in the studio of the local Christian radio station, KFNW-FM. Pastor Kirk Millitzer from Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church (the area OCC collection center) joined me for some good-natured kidding, including his announcement that I’ve decided what I will do in 2008 for Operation Christmas Child: swim from California to Hawaii!! This was just a joke! I’ll be the one laughing tomorrow when Pastor Kirk has to follow through with his committment to run a few miles with me.
Today, I ran from Buffalo to Mapleton, a tiring 23 miles. I was accompanied all day today by a camera crew from Samaritan’s Purse, the organization that runs Operation Christmas Child. Their team is shooting my story for use on their Web site and possibly in the 2008 OCC promotional video. I was accompanied on the run by two buddies, Brent and Kendall. The run was physically tough, especially the last few miles.
After the run, the camera crew came back to my home for a few hours to interview me and my wife and to get video of our family preparing shoeboxes. I also returned several run-related phone calls this evening, so you can see why I am a little worn out.
Tomorrow is the long-awaited finale at Scheels. I am looking forward to the final, 11-mile segment that will complete my Run Across North Dakota. The camera crew will be there to film it all, and I will be escorted by local law enforcement for my safety and the safety of the numerous runners expected to join me for the last part of run.
I have been feeling a little rough this evening, so please pray that God would provide everything I need to finish strong tomorrow. I am looking forward to an awesome day!
4 Comments
November 9, 2007 at 9:24 pm
You are amazing!!!!! May the “blessings” to Operation Christmas Child, that you have inspired, be returned to you and your family 10 fold!!!!!!
November 10, 2007 at 12:35 am
We are so proud of you, Wade. Thanks for being willing to take the pain so others can feel joy. May God continue to keep you safe on the home stretch.
Maria Weller
Kurt Kooyer
Will, Drew and Ella
November 10, 2007 at 9:59 am
Congratulations Wade…and to Heather and your sons for supporting you during this tremendous challenge. You have set an awesome example of selflessness for the rest of us. Your efforts and your success serve as an inspiration for all of us.
God Bless You!
Keith & Joanne Klev
Fargo
November 10, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Wade and Heather,
I hope that you know that we all realize that this was a huge project for the both of you. This has given us a chance to visit with our son about all the things that he has and should be grateful for. We have also visited about commitment to a belief and cause. You both are examples to our kids about faith, service and dedication. May they and all of us learn from you. God’s blessings to you both for your service.