less than 2 weeks away!!

The Out of Darkness Overnight walk is rapidly approaching.  This past weekend was the Seattle walk, and less than 2 weeks now until I will be walking in Philly.  I posted Walking through the night again almost exactly 5 months ago, and I have been moved by the response.  We have to raise a minimum of $1,000 to participate, and I set my goal at $1,500.  As you can see on the right, I'm only $350 from my goal.  I am so so so grateful for the generosity of many, and while I wish I could thank people specifically, most of the donations were anonymous, which is amazing to me.

Someone asked me recently how all of this was coming along, and after giving that little update, they suggested I put a quick post up on here so you all can know how blessed I have been, and the needs that remain, in case anyone is able/desires to help out.  So, defying my pride and listening to motherly advice, I am writing this!  Here is the rest of what I am trusting God to provide logistically:

1. Money for the actual trip and needs while I am gone.  I am road-tripping out there, with opportunities to see a number of friends along the route.  So gas will be the major expense.  Food will be the other big thing.  Thankfully I will not need lodging at all on this trip (God has given me such amazing, spread out friends!), so that isn't an issue.  I am leaving on Wednesday, June 25th, so if you feel inclined to help out with this, you can leave a comment (I think you can even make it private?) and I can get you my address.
2. The remaining $350 towards research and support for those whose lives have been affected by suicide.  Like I said, I have met the requirements to participate, but I would still like to make known opportunities to support this cause that means so much to me.  So you can click on the "Make a Donation" link to the right, or at my page for the walk.
3. Prayer.  As you can imagine, this is an intense event.  There is much emotion inherent in participating, so emotional/mental protection is the biggest thing.  Also, a huge part of the event is the conversations and relationship built throughout the walk.  In addition to these things, please pray for the time on the road, the time with friends along the way, and my knees and the rest of my body during the walk and after.

I just want to say thank you for making this happen for me again this year.  It is so important to me to participate in this each year, and when I first sign up it feels completely out of reach.  And then last year it happened, and again this year it is going to happen.  I am incredibly grateful.

On the website for the walk, it declares why we walk, and I want to share it with you as a reminder of the importance of addressing the reality of suicide.

A suicide attempt happens every minute of every day. Every 14 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies by suicide. These statistics are staggering and yet remain hidden and not discussed. We walk to bring the issues of suicide, depression, and mental disorders into the spotlight and to fund the work of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - work that will truly save lives.