His Hands of Hope

Well- that big decision that was being discussed at our house. A couple weeks ago, the choice was made. I will be going to China with a group to volunteer at a Children's Orphange Camp.

It is a wonderful opportunity and one that I feel drawn to being a part of. I have never traveled outside the USA, well if you don't count a Canada day trip in my middle school years. (Which, really you shouldn't, you didnt even need a passport to cross the border for a day back then.)

So, here I am, starting a new chapter in my life, and this year, I will be traveling without the hubby. If you recall, he is graduating College in 51 days. (but who's counting?) Therefore, he will be back to the workforce thereafter. (three cheers for the Hubby!! and a large margarita for me.) So, as much as he wants to join me on this new experience, alas he must wait until another time.

Here are some wonderful details.... (but keep in mind that things are still being decided)

1. The group is looking at 3 locations to volunteer at.... but we are aiming for Xi'an.

(please don't ask me to say this word outloud)

2. We will be volunteering the week of July 18th-22nd. However, I don't know when we will actually fly out or home. The flight time is 24 hours total. With a flight change or two along the way.

(Do you think they allow running laps in the aisles on the planes??)

3. I have recruited a good friend on mine to take the Hubby out for "our" anniversary. Since I will be halfway around the world on July 19th. *Sorry babe :-(

4. I can't afford this "trip" on my own dime. I am going to be looking for any donation to aide me on this journey. The stay at the camp is $750 for the week. And the flight is looking to be around $2000-$2500 round trip. Any assistance I can gain is a blessing.

If you would like to help me get to the camp, and pass on love to the Orphans there, Please email me at kirstendyan@yahoo.com I would be happy to answer any questions further and to the best of my ability.

I am only "running" the path at was laid out for me to follow.

***Learn more about the cause here***

Keep Running.

WE SWEPT!!

WOOT WOOT!! NHS RAILERS!!!

So, last night we played Salina Central. And we did great! My girls made me proud!! It was a double header of course.

The first game we came out and had 7 runs in the top of the 1st inning! AMAZING!! Then we kept up that momentum the rest of the night. Cassaday did a great job pitching the first game. Many mad great hits, great steals, great slides! I was even surprised by Cassaday who somewhere along the line learned how to do a GREAT pop up slide!! (I admit, I was laughing in awh over that one!!) We had some amazing "under the tag" slides into homeplate!! We won that game 13-6

The second game, we had "Critter" come and join us (she played Varsity the first game). *aka Staci - the death girl from SADD posting*  She started the game with stealing second right off the WALK!! Gotta love how Critter absorbs with those fast short legs!! Then she was hit by a straight liner right after that, so she was out. Her next up to bat, well, she made up for the loss. SHE  HIT A IN THE PARK HOME RUN!!! She was so excited! Who am i kidding!? I was so excited! It was great!! Then Alexus hit a triple, and cassaday a double, and Braidyn a double!! WOW! What a night! We ended up run ruling that game 15-0. That makes my JV record 3-1!!

The Varsity did great too, adding 2 wins to their records. They are now 2-2!!

I was even given a great compliment from one of our umpires. He came to me and said "I like your style Coach" So, I asked him what he meant by that and he said "I like your intensity! You go after it!"  So, I was glowing after that comment. :)

Running: Well, it was t-storming this morning. And the "coach" side of me said. "You need more sleep, you are going to be dragging all day as it is." So I listened to her, hit the alarm, and kept sleeping. Plan for tomorrow is that we have 8am practice. SO-- "Coach" will be taking her morning run TO practice.