Life...its so much bigger than us!

There are moments in life when you pause, look around, and realize just how important community is.
We have had a few chances in the last couple to witness the beauty of humanity helping humanity.  Here's a snapshot....

Relay For Life

Its just running. Around. In Circles. For 24 hours. Straight.  But, even here, on a peninsula far away from where the spark of inspiration for Relay for Life began, we felt how powerful walking circles could be.

Our squadron fielded a team in support of a fellow Fiendette whose family has been significantly impacted by cancer, and a crew of us represented the 36th FS for all 24 hours on the track.  The Markowski family pitched a tent, and the kids took turns running and walking with me around the track from 9am on Saturday until 9am on Sunday.  Our tiny community raised over $96,000 for the race against cancer-- and it was remarkable to witness this base sacrifice time, energy, and sleep for people they may never know, but needed to help.

Lance was like the energizer bunny, logging a remarkable 28 miles during his time on the track.  I certainly wasn't capable of completing a marathon at his age, but when that kid gets a mission, he sticks to it!  As the sun rose, and 5 bleary sets of eyes peeked out at me from behind the tent screen, I was invigorated by the energy on the track.

Sleep deprived, motivated by our favorite playlists, cheered on by survivors and caregivers, nursing blisters on our heels, and still wearing 4 layers to combat the early-morning chill...... we walked.  we laughed.  we talked and shared.  we loved.  And, halfway around the world, a whole bunch of people were doing the same thing.  United by a desire to help.  Driven by a need to reach out.  Motivated by something so much bigger than ourselves.  Relaying for a beautiful thing called LIFE.

Locks of Love

Our beautiful Raylie has been growing her hair out for a couple of years, and it was getting to the point where her lovely locks were approaching the middle of her back.  Waves of golden brown hair cascading down, over her shoulders....I know it sounds poetic, but it really challenged my hair dressing skills-- and I learned how to do all kinds of crazy braids and up-dos.  Mad skills (as long as I had enough hairspray to help!).  In any case, these long locks were not without purpose.....

Raylie had been patiently watching the inches accumulate so that she could cut it all off and donate it to Locks of Love.  For those unfamiliar with Locks of Love, its an organization that makes custom hair pieces for kids who have chronic hair loss, and who wouldn't normally be able to afford a wig or hair piece.  The beauty of the product that Locks of Love creates is that it seals to the child's head allowing them to play sports, wash their hair, run around-- without the worry of a wig falling off or becoming lopsided.  In any senses, Locks of Love gives these kids back their childhood, and takes away the stares and taunting that sometimes come with chronic hair loss.

It's amazing how God's timing works out because, we have a friend here who is trained as a hairdresser, loves our family as much as we love hers, and offered to do the honor of cutting Raylie's hair when she was ready.  Having Susan a part of this beautiful story made it even more special.