Today promises to be exciting. I’ve been approached by a ministry team who are running marathon relays through each of Ireland’s 32 counties this year. This weekend is Week 15 and they arrive in County Armagh. It’s a massive undertaking but they are totally committed to completing the challenge, no matter what obstacles or adverse weather conditions they have to overcome.
The ministry leader, Katey, is an inspiring lady, committed to sharing her love of God and his Word with others. I was thrilled to be asked to participate but not quite so thrilled when told I was pencilled in to run the longest leg – 12 miles along the canal towpath from Scarva to Newry. On the plus side it’s a beautiful, and thankfully flat, route which I’ve never run before. And we have been promised dry weather.
My leg starts at 1:00 pm and I plan to be in Newry by 3:00. Hannah is starting the leg with me and I will meet up with Rebecca near the finish line, to pass on a scroll to her, which all the runners carry to represent the Word of God being carried around the island of Ireland. Each relay is started by a church leader and finished by a young person. Rebecca and Hannah are both super excited to be involved.
As ever, Fionnuala will be holding it all together by driving us to and from various locations and keeping us fed. At the finish line there will be a worship event awash with music and colour. I will be the sweaty mess in the corner, nursing sore feet and guzzling water. But it is a worthwhile event and we are honoured to be involved, representing the Father’s Love ministry, led by our dear friends, Graham and Anne McCartney.
It’s been an eventful week and, what better way to end it than this. I’ll post an update later today, hopefully with photographs of us all. In the meantime, any prayers and positive thoughts for Team Black would be much appreciated. I see honeycomb ice cream in my future later this evening. Lots and lots of honeycomb ice cream. What are you all up to this weekend?
Black Thoughts 
Sounds like a great event and an honor to participate. Great looking family! Funny how our ideals of church, all together, clean and freshly-pressed, can differ from the sweaty, exhausting work we are called to do. Have a great weekend.
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Sounds like a beautiful run, have fun!
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Thank you 😊
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What a wonderful event and a joy for you to be a participant. Best wishes for a good run!
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Thank you 😊
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A beautiful family and a wonderful way to spend the weekend!
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Thank you 😊
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Prayers and well wishes.
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Thank you 😊
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Can’t wait to hear about it!
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Just back. Hopefully will post later today.
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Go go go!
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Woooo Hooooo 😊
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What a beautiful family! I love you guys even though I’ve never met you! Blessings from Southern Kentucky!
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Thank you very much Cindy. Very kind of you to say.
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Such a cool idea – a marathon with a ministry! So glad you were able to participate!
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Yes, Katey, the lady leading it is incredible. Are you on Facebook? I could share her page so you could follow their progress.
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Sure, I’m on fb, though not that active. Feel free to share it with me.
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Ok. Just sent you a friend request 🙂
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Sounds awesome!! You really have a beautiful family 🙂
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Love the pictures! I work all weekend. Mothers Day on Sunday here in the states.
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That’s right. Hope the weekend doesn’t drag for you.
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What a beautifully written post! I enjoyed it so much. I caught myself smiling and making little gestures like you were telling me this in person. Beautiful 👌👌
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Thank you very much. I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊
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