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Friday, April 10, 2015

13.1 Here I Come!

As I prepare to take part in my first half-marathon, I have decided to dedicate my miles to help motivate me to finish as strong as possible. In 2013 it was an idea, in 2014 it was a goal, in 2015 it's about to be reality!

Here are my 13.1 Miles Dedication as I prepare to go #miles4change.

Mile 1= Hebrews 12:1 my reminder to run my race, my pace . I'm talking life just as much as running.

 

Mile 2= The Not For Sale Campaign that helped me move from knowledge of human trafficking to action against it.

 

Mile 3= My niece Jas, the "gazelle" who keeps her tia on her toes during our partner runs! Refusing to feel old helps me to stay true to my pace and teach that youngin that slow and steady wins the longer runs! Little speedster...

 

Mile 4= Fighting all forms of human trafficking; forced labor, sex trafficking, debt bondage, child sex trafficking, illegal adoptions, sale of body parts...people are not commodity.

 

Mile 5= My CPE family and all the students who have come across my path and made me a better person and teacher. Even more special since I've been selected as my school's Teacher of the Year for 2015! The second time in my career that I have been voted Teacher of the Year! Truly blessed! My racecation has turned into a celebration!

My county's Teacher of the Year Breakfast 2015 with my Prinicipal and the CPE/CPM Family


Mile 6= For legislation that helps to fight #humantrafficking like SC's bill S.196 that was signed into law by Governor Haley on 4/2.

 

Mile 7= For Operation Cross Country where 168 trafficked minors were recovered and 281 pimps arrested and other actions taken to combat #humantrafficking.

 

Mile 8= Remembering survivors and those forced into sex trafficking or forced labor. I call this the "Freedom" mile. I believe this will be my hump to get over! The hardest mile deserves to commemorate a group of strong individuals!

 

Mile 9= For 5 year old Shaniya Davis whose death gave #humantrafficking a face for me in 2009 and the supporters of my fundraiser #miles4change. We have to see people...when I grow tired, I think about this precious child and the life that was taken from her before it began.

 

Mile 10= For all families and for parents to realize the amazing blessing AND responsibility that comes with protecting and raising the next generation. Our kids deserve our best and don't get it twisted, not birthing or creating children does not let you off the hook. Little eyes are always watching, whether they are your responsibility or someone else's. It takes a village...

 

Mile 11= Sanders/Lewis mile dedicated to my family. Why 11? My grandmother had 11 kids, if she can deal with those challenges and at 83 stay strong I can push through to the end.

 

Mile 12= My sister Val, my reminder that dedication and focus pays off! My nephew Josh, my reminder to stay passionate about what I want to do. My lil nephews Jr. and Matt, may I be blessed with just a portion of their energy as a boost on this mile!

 

Mile 13= My mom, sister, niece, grandmothers, aunts, cousins...to the women in my family who through their lives taught me to hang in there during the most difficult times. I am thankful for the women who have impacted my life!

 

.1= To Susan and Rebekah, comrades from my 4th grade team who inspired and encouraged me with the completion of their own 13.1! This tenth of a mile is for them!

Never would I have considered distance running as I approached and moved into my 40s! Only a cause would motivate me to move out of my comfort zone. Tick-tock...

 

 

 

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