Welcome ... Just what is this blog all about anyway?

Updated 07/24/2008: Why are we doing it? Because we are a World Vision family. Our family extends beyond these 4 walls, our roof, and the four people living here. Our family extends beyond the 7 year old boy we sponsor in Guatemala. It extends beyond the family we sponsor in Ghana. And it extends beyond the 7 year old boy, whom we recently visited, in Ethiopia. We have seen first hand the awesome work World does, and the hope and joy they bring to communities in need. Why are we doing it? Because we are blessed here in the United States. Whatever our own personal circumstances are, however dire, we are all blessed beyond our means. Why are we doing it? Because as the bible says ...to whom much is given, much will be expected...
Updated 05/13/2008: We have a new goal, but it is a part of the same story, the same mission. This blog continues to journal the adoption journey for our second son (aka E2). At the same time, the blog chronicles Ted's athletic journey as a member of Team World Vision. The races he trains for and competes in, and the support and awareness he, and Team World Vision, is trying to raise for improvised families and children in AIDS impacted regions of Africa, particularly from Ethiopia (E2's home). So grab a seat, buckle up, and enjoy the ride...

Updated 09/13/2007: As Ted's 2007 Event/race season comes to a close with the Chicago Marathon on October 7th, 2007. This blog will begin to focus more on the progress and events associated with the adoption of our 2nd child. We are currently waiting for a referral for an infant boy from Ethiopia.

What would you do, how far would you go, how much would you sacrifice to aid your family, to save a loved one?

For the past few years, I have enjoyed running, biking, and swimming, especially in Sprint distance Triathlons. But the excitement and satisfaction was also somewhat empty. That is why this year; I am dedicating my whole year to a greater cause, for a purpose that goes far beyond personal satisfaction.

For me, I hope that by pushing myself to my very limits, physically, and mentally, that I am able to touch someone’s life, to help a child, to come to the aid of a family. If I can do that, then all the blood, sweat, and tears would have all be worth it.

In 2007, with your prayers and support I will persevere through:
• May 6: my 1st Great Western Trail ½ marathon (13.1 mile run)
• June 10: my 4th Batavia Sprint Triathlon (400meter swim, 14.7 mile bike, 4.1 mile run)
• July 22: my 1st Spirit of Racine ½ Ironman Triathlon (1.2mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run)
• August 4: my 1st Copperman Sprint Triathlon (0.5mile swim, 18.5 mile bike, 5 mile run)
• August 26: my 2nd Accenture Chicago Triathlon (.93mile swim, 24.8 mile bike, 6.2 mile run)
• October 7: my 1st LaSalle Chicago Marathon (26.2 mile run)

This blog will chronicle my progress, motivations, and inspirations.

To help this goal become a reality, I have teamed up with my favorite Humanitarian organization, World Vision. World Vision is a Christian Humanitarian Relief and Development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty.

In Africa
• an entire generation is dying. Mothers. Fathers. Teachers. Farmers. Even pastors. Working men and women. Dead.
• 15 million children have been orphaned due to AIDS (That's around the same as the total number of high school students in the U.S.)
• 6,000 people die everyday of the disease.
• In 2005 more than 2.8 million people died because of AIDS - That's equal to a plague killing off the entire population of Chicago.
• Every day more than 29,000 children die, mostly due to preventable/treatable diseases and lack of clean water.

But this is not a hopeless situation. Not if people like us are willing to stand up and use our One Life to Do Something about it.

Even a little money can go a long way to help! Here are some examples:
• $30 can feed a child for a month
• $50 can give 30 medicine sets to clinics in Africa
• $100 can provide a low interest small business loan for an impoverished mother
• $360 can feed a child for a year
• $500 provides 20 orphan care kits
• $1000 can educate 10 AIDS orphans for one year

Two simple ways that you can help to support my efforts:
1) You can pray for me, and for all the children and families I am trying to help
and
2) You can click on the "DONATE NOW" button on the right hand side of the blog

Won’t you help me to make that difference?

May the Peace of our Lord be always with you,
Ted