Thank you to everyone who supported us in prayer and encouraging texts and Facebook messages! Those of us who have been nursing injuries, slightly undertrained ;), and running for the first time felt the power of your prayers with each mile.
To our family who gave up a weekend, arranged childcare, booked hotels, abused their bodies and are still feeling it today, we are forever grateful. We seriously could not do this adoption thing without you guys. Your excitement and enthusiasm and desire to help in any way have fueled us so much!
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Anna and David: Andrew's twin brother and his sweet wife traveled from Chattanooga with us to participate in the race. For Anna, this was her first competitive 5K and she gave up precious time with her family to prepare. In addition to creating our awesome shirts, David also was willing to abuse his body for over 4 hours for Levi. I describe it as such because David did not exactly train for this (full) marathon, as in he hadn't run a mile in at least 3 months. He gets the "Stupid Stud" award for this marathon (and to clarify he is an excellent runner and typically finishes in close to 3hrs). 
Andrew was the one who came up with this crazy idea. My legs thank you babe! He rocked Knoxville with a finishing time of 3:19.
Cheri: Andrew's sister and my running partner. Its likely I would be passed out somewhere around mile 10 without this girl. Cheri trained despite some serious back/hip pain. Thank you for running with me...you know you could have broken 2hrs without me. It was such a blessing to pray through the list of prayer points with you along the way.
See that guy in the jeans and Chacos?...that's Cheri's husband Ben. Even though he is an excellent runner, he chose not to participate so that he could assure that one of them was back in Chatty for their daughter's gymnastic recital Sunday afternoon. He was our moral support...when he spotted us around 10.5 he ran with us to the end, I'm not even kidding when I say I probably would have finished 10 minutes slower without him!
B.J., Elena, Will and Joslin Flora: You guys rock!!! We loved getting to spend a little time with you and were unbelievably touched by your generosity and sacrifice to be a part of this sweet family time.
Connie and Bill: You guys are awesome! Cutest 5K couple, by far. In all seriousness, you have been right there all along encouraging and supporting us....from Chatty Crafty to this race. Levi doesn't yet know what a grandparent is - we are thrilled that you will be his living definition!
Beth and Rob (& Lily) Palmer: I wish everyone had best friends like these guys. They drove up from Chatty Sunday morning to cheer us on (and take all these awesome pics)! We love, love, love you guys!
We are so grateful to Stephanie Craft for caring for these munchkins back in Chattanooga while we were away! It was such a relief to not have to worry about their well-being: we were certain they were having a blast!! (By the way, don't worry - Chloe and I will be starting "how to sit in a skirt" classes tomorrow morning!)
There's so much more to say...but I think I will leave that to future posts. We are so grateful for each of you!
Love,
Robin & Andrew
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God bless you on your adoption! I spoke to you on the course and asked about Levi. What a blessing you are in for! I have eight neices and nephews from China and seven from Khazakstan. I cannot imagine a higher calling than to be entrusted to raise children that otherwise would have little chance of a Christian life. I use running as prayer time and felt that need when I asked about Levi. I will continue to pray for you and Levi as you continue the Race.
ReplyDeleteThis is so awesome, Robin! You and Andrew are so amazing. God has truly blessed Levi (and your other little ones :D). Continuing to pray for you all in this journey. Let me know if you ever need anything.
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