Another Change in Plans - This One is Life Changing!

Dear Friends,

So you may have noticed I have not written in quite a while. You may also have noticed that yesterday was the day of the Northern Central Trail Marathon, which I was scheduled to run. Well, I have some news to share... In October, I learned that I am pregnant, and Ryan and I are expecting our first baby in June! I apologize for the delay in sharing the news with you, but we were just able to hear the heartbeat this past Tuesday, and we were able to share the news with my extended family in person on Thanksgiving, and now I am able to share the news with the world!

So what does this mean for the race? Unfortunately, I was unable to run it. My doctor would not approve running 26 miles. She was okay with me trying to run the half-marathon, but I have not felt well enough to keep the mileage going. I'm pretty sure I was in denial about this until about a week ago. Although I had not been able to really run in almost 5 weeks, I was still telling myself that I would run the half marathon last Saturday! But the reality is that it really was not possible.

Ryan and I have also decided that I will not be taking the trip to Zimbabwe. Given that this is my first pregnancy, and we do not know what to expect, it is best to stay in familiar territory. This was a very difficult decision, but as we both prayed about it, we had a peace that it was the right decision. Ryan will still be going in January, and I am excited that his father has decided to join him on the trip. They have not traveled to Africa together since 2007, so they are very excited. Steve Proctor, the Board chair, will also be traveling with them.

What does this mean for my fundraising and your donation? Although I am unable to fulfill my commitment to run the race, I am hoping to still fulfill the commitment to Forgotten Voices to raise the $7,000. Now, instead of 50% of the funds going to pay for my airplane ticket and food and lodging while in Zimbabwe, all of the money raised will go to support projects. 50% will go towards the project that I will continue to research and help develop, concerning enhancing spiritual and psychosocial support for the children and their families. The other 50% will likely go to pay school fees, which is a great need this holiday season, as school fees have been increased and are due a month earlier this year.

For those of you who have already made a donation, thank you so much for supporting the race, my trip, and Forgotten Voices. Due to the change in my plans, I do want to offer you the opportunity to request a refund. You can e-mail me at katielaine1@gmail.com. If you choose to have your donation continue to go to Forgotten Voices, please know that the anonymous donor who generously offered to match all funds up to $3,500 is continuing this commitment, and so your funds will continue to be matched. If you have not yet made a donation, it's not too late, and I have not yet reached the $3,500 matching limit, so make your donation today, and your impact can be doubled! Help me reach my $7,000 goal and support children who are orphaned by AIDS in Zimbabwe and Zambia!

Check back later this week, as I will be posting an incredible video about a 14-year-old girl, named Neatness. She lives in Zimbabwe and graciously agreed to allow Forgotten Voices to follow her life for three days and share her story with you.

Thanks for reading. And thanks for understanding! We are so excited to share the news of our coming child with you!

Sincerely,

Katie