Summer is over. And I just realized I have not touched this poor blog in a while. We are still here. We are still whittling away at our fundraising goals. We are still training for a run. And we are still coping with the whirlwind of life. You know, the I-have-4-kids, school-just-started, adoption-paperwork, mixed with the soccer-season-again, parent-teacher-conferences and back-to-school-night craziness that all us parents know is coming every August.
But, it's time for an update! Time is passing and we keep inching closer to China.
Here's what you missed over the last 2 months:
another 144 training miles run (between Brad and I)
another $720 raised through a second fundraising garage sale
countless hours worked on side jobs after regular business hours which translated into:
another $833 added to the adoption fund through Brad's side business Honey-Do Helpers
and last, the decision to adjust our original goal of running the full 26.2 mile marathon to the 13.1 mile half marathon
That last one was so frustrating. But the reality is our time is precious. And we can still participate in this race and fundraise for our adoption without running the full marathon. Daddy is needed in his new business. And Mama is needed by the precious ones already home. My competitive side really wants to finish the full marathon. But it's just not going to happen this time because training takes hours and hours away from home. So we continue to train for our 13.1 miles. And we rejoice in the ability to travel to Texas cost-free thanks to airline miles accumulated during our trips to Russia.
I am down right giddy looking at our little fund raising thermometer and seeing the total over $7000! That means we are already 1/5 the way there! More than 20%! I am still running to China, one mile and one penny at a time.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Monday, July 1, 2013
Training for a marathon
Some days I wonder what the heck we were thinking when we signed up for this run. It is hot. Training is not fun. Long runs take f-o-r-e-v-e-r. I could be doing so many other things other than hours of running!
I am not a 'runner'. I don't enjoy running. Unless there is some kind of ball around (soccer, basketball, softball, football, any ball) I don't ever 'feel' like just running.
The longest distance I have ever run is a half marathon (13.1 miles). I agreed to do it with a friend and our pace was super relaxed and easy and we took frequent walk breaks. The goal was just to finish. While I do remember feeling really good after that 'race' and thinking "I could totally do a full marathon", I am starting to wonder what got me so excited about this full-marathon idea?
This time I am training with none other than my hubby. Let's just say running with a 32 year old guy who happens to be in pretty good shape despite his desk job is just a wee different than training with my previous partner. I am super competitive. Which means when I am supposed to be running shoulder-to-shoulder with Brad and am trying desperately to look like I feel great, what's really happening is my mind and body are whimpering like a little girl begging me to just admit I want to walk.
And while we are totally doing it: following the training plan and shocking myself with the ability to actually run these distances at a decent (albeit slow) pace, I am still struggling to convince the whimpering little girl in my head to shut up and run!
I am not a 'runner'. I don't enjoy running. Unless there is some kind of ball around (soccer, basketball, softball, football, any ball) I don't ever 'feel' like just running.
The longest distance I have ever run is a half marathon (13.1 miles). I agreed to do it with a friend and our pace was super relaxed and easy and we took frequent walk breaks. The goal was just to finish. While I do remember feeling really good after that 'race' and thinking "I could totally do a full marathon", I am starting to wonder what got me so excited about this full-marathon idea?
June 8, minor's ravine trail, 7 miles, 8am, about 83 degrees, pace-10:44/mi
This time I am training with none other than my hubby. Let's just say running with a 32 year old guy who happens to be in pretty good shape despite his desk job is just a wee different than training with my previous partner. I am super competitive. Which means when I am supposed to be running shoulder-to-shoulder with Brad and am trying desperately to look like I feel great, what's really happening is my mind and body are whimpering like a little girl begging me to just admit I want to walk.
June 22, folsom lake, 8 miles, 9pm, about 85 degrees, pace-11:12/mi
And while we are totally doing it: following the training plan and shocking myself with the ability to actually run these distances at a decent (albeit slow) pace, I am still struggling to convince the whimpering little girl in my head to shut up and run!
June 29, Granite Bay, 9 miles, 5:30am, about 80 degrees, pace-11:05/mi
All complaints aside we are running. And I will finish that race. But I'm willing to bet the whiny little girl will show her face at some point on race day... It won't be pretty... And I am not looking forward to it... But she can't stop me.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Yard Sale
We had the opportunity to piggy back into my parent's neighborhood garage sale this weekend. This sale is done once a year and always gets a good turn out. So, much like last year, we asked friends if they had any items they would be willing to donate and we got to work sorting and preparing.
We had about 10 families donate items and only spent about a week gathering and sorting. Compared to last year it was a walk in the park. And since my parents were participating we were able to set up the night before instead of having to get up at 3 am to move everything like last year.
The girls and Drew got a kick out of sleeping beneath the stars with us to make sure nothing disappeared in the night.
And we lucked out this year with beautiful weather. Nothing like the 109 degrees we endured last year.
All together this sale generated another $750 for China. Not bad for a half-day sale. We are inching closer to the $1900 goal for our home study. Once it is complete we'll be able to submit the USCIS docs (another $1700) and prepare to receive a referral. This will be a very exciting summer.
We had about 10 families donate items and only spent about a week gathering and sorting. Compared to last year it was a walk in the park. And since my parents were participating we were able to set up the night before instead of having to get up at 3 am to move everything like last year.
The girls and Drew got a kick out of sleeping beneath the stars with us to make sure nothing disappeared in the night.
And we lucked out this year with beautiful weather. Nothing like the 109 degrees we endured last year.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Now is the time!
We just received notice that during this week of June 3-June 9 we have the opportunity to earn a cash bonus for our running team! The team who adds the most runners during this week will be awarded a significant bonus to their grant. The reason this incentive is being offered now is this week marks the beginning of the average training program for marathons. Now is the time for runners to commit to a race and get training!
So, if you or someone you know is interested in running a marathon, mention this race. Mention our team. And mention this contest and the end date of June 9. If you and everyone you know are not interested in running a half or full marathon, consider registering as a 'sleep walker'. Sleep walkers still count as team members but do not participate on race day.
Already running another marathon in October? Wouldn't ever dream of even walking a half marathon? Don't live anywhere near Texas? No problem, be a sleep walker!
If, by chance, you would consider joining our team as a sleep walker but you don't have the full registration fee available you could also consider getting your friends to pitch in with you. Would your Bunko group like to help bring an orphan home? Maybe you are active in a Meetup? Perhaps your bible study group? Or your extended family? If your initial response to the Chosen Marathon is, "I want to be a part of that!" but then cost or location deter you, do not give up! Be a sleepwalker!
Spread the word and start running, or sleep walking, to China with us! Register here and join team Running to China!
So, if you or someone you know is interested in running a marathon, mention this race. Mention our team. And mention this contest and the end date of June 9. If you and everyone you know are not interested in running a half or full marathon, consider registering as a 'sleep walker'. Sleep walkers still count as team members but do not participate on race day.
Already running another marathon in October? Wouldn't ever dream of even walking a half marathon? Don't live anywhere near Texas? No problem, be a sleep walker!
If, by chance, you would consider joining our team as a sleep walker but you don't have the full registration fee available you could also consider getting your friends to pitch in with you. Would your Bunko group like to help bring an orphan home? Maybe you are active in a Meetup? Perhaps your bible study group? Or your extended family? If your initial response to the Chosen Marathon is, "I want to be a part of that!" but then cost or location deter you, do not give up! Be a sleepwalker!
Spread the word and start running, or sleep walking, to China with us! Register here and join team Running to China!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
And just like that
He provides:
Our agency offered to accept the first half of our fees this Thursday to begin the process with the agreement that the second half will be ready at our next step. Our total agency fee will be $3500 so we needed to provide $1750 today.
Here is how He provided:
In-person marathon sponsor #1- $50
In-person marathon sponsor #2- $100
Unexpected escrow check- $602.58
Unexpected insurance check- $268.74
Unexpected business reimbursement check- $25
"Change For China" returned in the past 4 days- $35.51
Cash donations- $60
Personal items sold- $150
Mary Kay party- $91.25
Donated furniture sold- $140
Psalm 37:5 "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."
Our agency offered to accept the first half of our fees this Thursday to begin the process with the agreement that the second half will be ready at our next step. Our total agency fee will be $3500 so we needed to provide $1750 today.
Here is how He provided:
In-person marathon sponsor #1- $50
In-person marathon sponsor #2- $100
Unexpected escrow check- $602.58
Unexpected insurance check- $268.74
Unexpected business reimbursement check- $25
"Change For China" returned in the past 4 days- $35.51
Cash donations- $60
Personal items sold- $150
Mary Kay party- $91.25
Donated furniture sold- $140
Psalm 37:5 "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."
Thursday, May 16, 2013
A new goal
It would seem my timeline never seems to match the timeline of the One who is really in charge of our adoptions. I created this nice little plan thinking I was setting big goals and showing faith. I felt so good about that quaint little plan but still said with my heart, "If this is not your plan, just show me and we will do what you ask." Little did I know...
Since laying out that quaint little plan we have experienced a job change. But through the confirmation of the Spirit, and a clear work of God himself in our lives, we continued to just put one foot in front of the other knowing with 100% clarity that we were indeed meant to continue this path of adoption. Even though we understood clearly that we are to continue on the path of this adoption, it turns out our expectations were still just a little off. God does not want us to "just" move forward with the adoption process at our leisure. He's got something in mind, and we're supposed to get to it now.
When we first started the process of adopting from Russia in October of 2011, we didn't understand why, but we had an unusual feeling of urgency. We knew we needed to not drag our feet. It was not until 8 weeks after we got our son home in 2012 when the Russian adoption ban passed that we realized why. God had a timeline. That little boy needed to be home in time. We could not wait.
So here we are again, not understanding our Father's timing. But we know we are supposed to have our agency fee ready to go by next Thursday, May 23. God has a timeline. And as of yesterday, I finally caught up and realized what His timing is. So I have 9 days to put together about $2500 for our agency fee. Impossible? No. All things are possible. Intimidating? A little, yes. We just got our running team off the ground (and even received our very first donation!!) today. But the funds raised by our team will not be sent to our agency until after the race in October. This $2500 needs to be raised now and in our hands by next week.
So, here are the latest fundraising ideas for the next 9 days:
#1- My fantastic Mama (who also happens to be a Mary Kay Sales Director) has generously offered to donate 50% of sales generated by yours truly to our adoption account. So, I have a good old fashioned party planned next Wednesday and have opened online ordering at www.marykay.com/beckyk. All orders accompanied by the comment "shopping with Kim Krinke" will contribute to our adoption.
#2- I am selling "Helping Hands" to friends, family, and others. These little certificates are purchased in advance of service. It's a donation with the agreement to provide a service in the month of May. Friends who participate by donating will receive a "Helping Hand" certificate that is good for a service valued at the amount they donated. For example: mowing a lawn, washing a car, cleaning a toilet, etc. The donor will chose the value of the task (if they want to donate $5 for a clean toilet or $50 it is up to them) and the service will be provided before the end of the month.
#3- Good old fashioned charity. It is hard to be humble enough to admit you can't reach a goal on your own. It is hard to be humble enough to accept the help of others without offering something in return. One of the reasons I originally set this goal ($3500 agency fees) for July 4 is I really thought I could put together some fun events by then. If Heavenly Father wants to show me this is not about what I can do, but what He can do, I am trying to accept the generosity of others and bring glory to my Heavenly Father by showing His power, not mine.
Watch that thermometer over the next 9 days 'cause here we go!
Since laying out that quaint little plan we have experienced a job change. But through the confirmation of the Spirit, and a clear work of God himself in our lives, we continued to just put one foot in front of the other knowing with 100% clarity that we were indeed meant to continue this path of adoption. Even though we understood clearly that we are to continue on the path of this adoption, it turns out our expectations were still just a little off. God does not want us to "just" move forward with the adoption process at our leisure. He's got something in mind, and we're supposed to get to it now.
When we first started the process of adopting from Russia in October of 2011, we didn't understand why, but we had an unusual feeling of urgency. We knew we needed to not drag our feet. It was not until 8 weeks after we got our son home in 2012 when the Russian adoption ban passed that we realized why. God had a timeline. That little boy needed to be home in time. We could not wait.
So here we are again, not understanding our Father's timing. But we know we are supposed to have our agency fee ready to go by next Thursday, May 23. God has a timeline. And as of yesterday, I finally caught up and realized what His timing is. So I have 9 days to put together about $2500 for our agency fee. Impossible? No. All things are possible. Intimidating? A little, yes. We just got our running team off the ground (and even received our very first donation!!) today. But the funds raised by our team will not be sent to our agency until after the race in October. This $2500 needs to be raised now and in our hands by next week.
So, here are the latest fundraising ideas for the next 9 days:
#1- My fantastic Mama (who also happens to be a Mary Kay Sales Director) has generously offered to donate 50% of sales generated by yours truly to our adoption account. So, I have a good old fashioned party planned next Wednesday and have opened online ordering at www.marykay.com/beckyk. All orders accompanied by the comment "shopping with Kim Krinke" will contribute to our adoption.
#2- I am selling "Helping Hands" to friends, family, and others. These little certificates are purchased in advance of service. It's a donation with the agreement to provide a service in the month of May. Friends who participate by donating will receive a "Helping Hand" certificate that is good for a service valued at the amount they donated. For example: mowing a lawn, washing a car, cleaning a toilet, etc. The donor will chose the value of the task (if they want to donate $5 for a clean toilet or $50 it is up to them) and the service will be provided before the end of the month.
#3- Good old fashioned charity. It is hard to be humble enough to admit you can't reach a goal on your own. It is hard to be humble enough to accept the help of others without offering something in return. One of the reasons I originally set this goal ($3500 agency fees) for July 4 is I really thought I could put together some fun events by then. If Heavenly Father wants to show me this is not about what I can do, but what He can do, I am trying to accept the generosity of others and bring glory to my Heavenly Father by showing His power, not mine.
Watch that thermometer over the next 9 days 'cause here we go!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
The Run
This is what's got me so excited lately:
This is our run. This is going to be our "big" fundraiser. With our last adoption I got really excited about our yard sale. I knew it was going to be our "big" event. And it was. Success doesn't even begin to describe how well that fundraiser went. When I began planning the yard sale, I felt so excited. I knew it was what we needed to do. That's the way I feel about this run. I know it is what we are supposed to do. And I cannot wait to start "Running to China."
In case I have not managed to catch you and blurt out all of the details yet here's the gist: the Chosen Marathon is a USATF certified marathon put on by a non profit organization called ABBA Fund. Adopting families can fundraise for their adoption by participating in the race and forming a team. Each team member who registers for the race (even those who register as "sleep walkers" and do not participate on race day) adds funds to our 'bucket' through their registration fee. Participating in the race also allows us to create a 'family page' where we can receive tax deductible donations that will also be added to our 'bucket'. All of the monies raised through registration and donations will be distributed to our agency for our adoption after the race.
We chose the team name "Running to China" because we plan to create a team that will run the equivalent distance from our home to Guangzhou, China where our adoption will be finalized. All together we are striving to run a total of 6,879 miles before the end of our race day, October 26, 2013.
Check out our YouTube video:
We're running to China, wanna join us?
This is our run. This is going to be our "big" fundraiser. With our last adoption I got really excited about our yard sale. I knew it was going to be our "big" event. And it was. Success doesn't even begin to describe how well that fundraiser went. When I began planning the yard sale, I felt so excited. I knew it was what we needed to do. That's the way I feel about this run. I know it is what we are supposed to do. And I cannot wait to start "Running to China."
In case I have not managed to catch you and blurt out all of the details yet here's the gist: the Chosen Marathon is a USATF certified marathon put on by a non profit organization called ABBA Fund. Adopting families can fundraise for their adoption by participating in the race and forming a team. Each team member who registers for the race (even those who register as "sleep walkers" and do not participate on race day) adds funds to our 'bucket' through their registration fee. Participating in the race also allows us to create a 'family page' where we can receive tax deductible donations that will also be added to our 'bucket'. All of the monies raised through registration and donations will be distributed to our agency for our adoption after the race.
We chose the team name "Running to China" because we plan to create a team that will run the equivalent distance from our home to Guangzhou, China where our adoption will be finalized. All together we are striving to run a total of 6,879 miles before the end of our race day, October 26, 2013.
Check out our YouTube video:
We're running to China, wanna join us?
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