Carrabba's Half Marathon Race

Race: Carrabba's Half Marathon Race
Distance: 13.1 miles
Goal Time: None
Actual Time: 02:08:27 (9:48 min/mi)

Mile 0: I looked for Emily, one of the girls I normally run and pace with, but did not see her. Oh well. On the other hand, I saw the girls relay group and military mens relay group from my club. I also saw Leroy, another one of the guys I run with. Since this race is chip time, I have no desire to start "on time" therefore, I waited a good 3.5-4 minutes before starting. This allowed people to go crazy fast, and other people to separate and move out of the way, as this race was quite crowded. I was able to run immediately and not start off walking or dodging people.

Loop 1: This was the longest of the four loops and I felt good upon completion. It was nice to be cheered on by John, one of the guys in my running club! In fact, he cheered me on for three of the four loops!

Loop 2: This loop went by relatively quickly and I was surprised in some ways when I had finished it. The longest "half" of the run was over, and I had finished in under an hour. I was pretty happy with my timing.

Loop 3: This was by far a challenging loop for me. I never really like mile 8. Even in training runs, they just don't seem to mesh with me.

Loop 4: Stopped for a restroom break. Wished I was a guy and could go anywhere. Alas, God has blessed me as a woman.

Finish: 2:08:27

My time is good, considering the heat and humidity here! I am pleased to have finished with that time and tomorrow I will do my first Triathlon.

Thank you letter

16 June 2010

Dear Friends:

When I first wrote you in December 2008, I asked for prayer concerning:

· That God would be glorified through my words and actions

· For opportunities to build Christ-centered relationships with students

I believed those prayers have been answered, although not in the way that I originally expected. I believe that God has been glorified through my words and actions. I have used opportunities afforded me to build Christ-centered relationships with students on the Westside of San Antonio. Thank you for your prayers that helped sustain me through this unexpected turn of events!

My passion for teaching high school mathematics remains and I look forward to being in the classroom again this fall. I am now interviewing for high school mathematics teaching positions in and near to San Antonio. I ask for your continued prayers that I will find a position soon. I look forward to expressing God’s love through teaching, and having an income allowing me to support other missionaries.

This year has been challenging emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. My health has improved tenfold, and I am running long distances again. The doctors never came to a solid conclusion regarding my health issues. As much as I want answers, none have been forthcoming, despite pursuing the best medical minds available. I am glad to report that God is healing me.

I want to once again thank all of you who have supported me financially – both through one times gifts and the ongoing support I have received. When health issues forced my return to San Antonio, I was concerned that my support would dwindle, but instead I was continually blessed by your ongoing concern and support. This allowed me to redirect my mission efforts to San Antonio. Thank you! Please note: As of the end of June, I will no longer be employed by The Mission Society, so any support you send after the end of this month will go to support other missionaries.

If you would like more details about my ministry and life, please read my blog at http://fullafaith.blogspot.com, which I update frequently. My blog is to tell you and remind me of the great things that God is doing, both in my life, and around me!

God’s blessings!

Faith Thomson

Just a couple recent pics...

Ready for church! :)

Red Hat Society! I am under 50, therefore my colours are pink and lavender.
Clearly, I am not wearing lavender in this picture. I'll throw on the cardigan later.

Call to Confession

Every Sunday at church, we have a "Call to Confession." More recently, this time has become poignant in my Christian walk. I have posted part of Sundays prayer below:

We are grateful that you did not create the world and leave it to fend for itself. Thank you for reaching out in love to us. Forgive us for being complacent when we should have been diligent. Our commitment to you has been shallow...

After we pray as a congregation, we are given some time to spend in personal prayer and reflection. For years, I just kind of skipped over this part of church, it never really seemed that important. I find now that it is both healing and cleansing, and changes my mind frame for the duration of our worship service.

This weeks opening prayer for the First Cup readings is another great hymn...you can hear a rendition below. I was only able to find the contemporary version, which excludes the majority of the strong theology found in the hymn. I invite you to watch this video, and reflect on Christ and his commitment to each of us.

I hear the Saviour say, "Thy strength indeed is small! Child of weakness, watch and pray; Find in me thine all in all." For nothing good have I whereby Thy grace to claim--I will wash my garments white in the blood of Calvary's Lamb. And when before the throne I stand in Him complete, Jesus died my soul to save," my lips shall still repeat. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain--He washed it white as snow.