It started out hot, and the temperature only grew hotter as the hours passed. It was almost 100 degrees, and the humidity felt like a heavy blanket. People were already thirsty for a cold drink just by the walk from the parking lot, but that didn't stop the excitement or the anticipation for the 5K that was about to start.
As people began to check in, I realized how much this event has grown.
It was our 5 year anniversary, and I was moved by the team spirit so many shared this year.
One change I felt most was how in past years, people had come just because they were invited, needed volunteer hours, or because they simply enjoyed doing local walks/runs. This year, there was a unity in the air. People had come to support the foundation in its goal to raise $10,500; but this year, they genuinely shared the passion to support this cause. Over the last five years, our Walk For Water family has truly come to care about the people of Ghana.
It was our 5 year anniversary, and I was moved by the team spirit so many shared this year.
One change I felt most was how in past years, people had come just because they were invited, needed volunteer hours, or because they simply enjoyed doing local walks/runs. This year, there was a unity in the air. People had come to support the foundation in its goal to raise $10,500; but this year, they genuinely shared the passion to support this cause. Over the last five years, our Walk For Water family has truly come to care about the people of Ghana.
Each year, I'm always surprised by things that happen with people while they're walking the 5K trail. This year was no different. It was incredibly hot, so we had to pick up a few who couldn't finish the walk due to heat exhaustion. As we sent our "first aid" driver to rescue the overheated, one by one, the rest of the walkers started to come across the finish line.
We had our highest number of walkers to accept our bucket challenge. This year, Chay C. finished with two buckets, as he carried his friend's bucket for part of the walk, in addition to his own. The reality is that Chay's walk was more realistic of what a real walk for water looks like. Many walkers in Ghana, and other parts of the world, carry more than one container, and the climate is just as hot.
Our walkers were greeted one by one, with big cheers and hand claps as they made it across the finish line. A cook out meal and cold bottles of clean water were ready for walkers as they cooled down.
While it was hot, muggy, and exhausting, it was still an amazing day!
Thank you to all who came and walked; to those who donated; and to all who volunteered in helping us support the thirsty in Ghana. We reached our goal, and now three clean water wells will be provided as a result! My heart is forever humbled and grateful, and I can't wait to see you next year!
Shawna
Thank you to all who came and walked; to those who donated; and to all who volunteered in helping us support the thirsty in Ghana. We reached our goal, and now three clean water wells will be provided as a result! My heart is forever humbled and grateful, and I can't wait to see you next year!
Shawna