Just before my 50th birthday I told my wife Pam that I wanted to try to run a 5K. I had never been a runner, so 3.1 miles sounded like quite a challenge. The following Sunday our pastor announced that we would be supporting a mission to help provide people clean water in impoverished around the world. To do so, we would join Team World Vision in running either a half or full marathon. Pam gently elbowed me and said “You should try that half marathon thing”.

Now I have always loved missions, but 13.1 miles is just slightly more than the daunting 3.1 miles of a 5K. Although a bit reluctant, I said “Yes”.

Fast forward to today and I have now logged 100’s of miles on the running trails. I have had a chance to run in places like Canada, Mt Hood Oregon, Utah, Washington, Indiana, Florida, Michigan, and so many more beautiful places. Some of the most amazing experiences however, have been the conversations with friends, new and old, along the trails.

It’s these conversations that reminded me that stories can bring encouragement, laughter, tears, guidance, clarity and so much, but only when we share them.

Hope you enjoy a few of mine. - Rusty