Walk for Life 2009

The experience of adopting Lucy had profoundly grown my and Darin's hearts to find ways to care for women who find themselves in unplanned pregnancies. Lucy's birthmother has a wonderful family and set of friends who gave her the support and encouragement she needed to be healthy and well-provided for during and after her pregnancy. Seeing how much support she had, made me sad to think of how many women in this situation do NOT have the support they need. Now that I am experiencing pregnancy myself, I've often pondered how frightening it would be if I didn't have Darin, my family and the financial stability that I am blessed with at this time.

In the past year I have had the privilege to get involved as a volunteer with Ruth Harbor, a local ministry (right in my own neighborhood!) that provides housing and other support for women in this situation. Women who live in the Ruth Harbor house during their pregnancy, live in a beautiful Christ-centered environment with a house-mother and father. They receive education and support on parenting or placing for adoption, as well as counseling, assistance with finding employment and spiritual guidance. They recieve all of this at no cost.

As I have been involved with Ruth Harbor as a volunteer for several months now, I can't tell you how much I believe in what this ministry is doing. Ruth Harbor doesn't receive government funding to ensure that there will not be any limits on their opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with their residents. On Saturday, May 9th, Lucy and I will be participating in Ruth Harbor's 2009 Walk for Life- a 2-mile walk in Des Moines that is one of their largest annual fundraisers.

Would you be willing to sponsor me as a participant in the walk with a one-time donation to Ruth Harbor? It is just a flat donation (not per mile) that we are looking for. Unfortunately, Ruth Harbor is not able to receive donations by credit card through their website, but you can make a pledge by e-mailing me the amount you wish to give and your home address and Ruth Harbor will contact you by mail to collect your donation. Or you may send your dontation directly to me and I will get it into the right hands.

To set up your donation or pledge, please e-mail me at erikajoyfuljourney@yahoo.com and I will personally work the details out with you.

Also, to learn more about the walk and this valuable ministry, click on the Ruth Harbor logo located on the right column of the screen!