The Day is Here!!

In just a few hours, my sisters, mom, and I leave on an airplane for Chicago! It's time to walk!! I can hardly believe it's time for this. I can hardly believe that we ALL raised our money, we ALL have packed suitcases (with cute new tags!), and we're ALL ready to walk!!

I have to say...I am a bit nervous about this whole thing. Some factors out of my control have put a "possible damper" on this first walking experience. But, I'm trying hard to think positive, and I know once I am there, I'll feel better...I hope. My girls have all come down with a stomach virus over the last 24 hours....which I'm praying I don't get today. They are definitely on the mend, but it makes it hard to leave my little family in a "not so great" state. The weatherman also says there is rain (even some "downpours") predicted for the entire weekend we are in Chicago, including both days we will be walking our 40 mile hike. And, apparently, it will also be a little bit colder than we were hoping.

So, all that together---plus my lack of training for this event---makes me nervous. But, at the same time, I'm very excited to experience what everyone describes as a life-changing event. I've heard that the crowds cheering you along is indescribable, and the emotion of what you are walking for pushes you through those last exhausting miles. Being pregnant, I don't plan to stretch my body any further than it wants to go. But, I also want to push myself to finish even more than I expect that I can.

Please pray for us, if you think about it! Pray for our safe travel. Pray that we have the stamina and energy to go as far as we can (especially with two babies in utero with us on the walk!). Pray that we put our own selfishness aside, as we are wet and cold, and focus on those who are battling this awful disease, as well as those who have survived it and are walking beside us! And, pray for our sweet husbands, who are holding down the fort at home with all of our children for the weekend. (My children, by the way, don't seem too bothered that I'm leaving...they already have plans for a "no rules Daddy weekend", with movies, candy, wrestling matches, swimming, fishing, and ugly clothes that don't match. They are excited to say the least!)

Thank you to ALL who have donated to our walk, and who have made this possible for us. We will take as many pictures as we can, so you can all see what you have partnered with us in!

Whew. Now, I gotta go pack a rain poncho, some shower caps to cover my shoes, and a couple of extra layers for warmth. I can do this!!!