The ERFA Blog

Written by Ellie's Run Team on February 07, 2010

Still need plans for this weekend's Valentine's festivities?

We want to invite you to the Fabulous Friends for Africa event on Saturday, Feburary 13, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at the Franklin Factory. 

The Fabulous Friends' story is pretty fun, so check it out!!  Basically, this third annual event started when a group of friends turning 50 decided to transform their birthday party into a fundraiser for Africa.  This year, all proceeds will benefit orphan care in Malawi and study bibles for African pastors. 

See you there!!

Written by Barbara Ambrose on February 06, 2010

Our trip to Kenya in July 2009 was incredible, fun, life-changing, educational, enlightening, etc. and that is just our side of the trip. I believe our Kenyan brothers and sisters in Christ would tell you they were greatly encouraged by our visit.  

For me, one of the highlights was to experience the entire trip with my family watching as each of the kids learn, struggle, pray, play, and bond. I give you their words for what they learned. 

Jack, age 11: I have two things that I learned from our trip that really stand out to me. One is that I found out it is really fun to give. I got to give several soccer things- cleats, jerseys and shorts- to some of my new friends. When it rained a lot this summer, we were all bumming about our sporting events being cancelled. While we complained, I thought about how thankful the people in Kenya would be to get this rain. These memories help me check my selfishness now.  

Margaret, age 12: I think the biggest thing I learned was to appreciate the education I am given a lot more than I have in the past. Before our trip I thought, “Yuck, summer reading” but when I got back I worked to finish my summer reading with a lot less complaining. I saw kids studying and learning in spite of all their struggles.  

Kathleen, age 14: I would like to tell you something about our trip to St. George’s Island with our cousins in August to explain things I continue to learn from our trip to Africa.  

When we were at the beach house we gotten woken up at 4:45 in the morning by a drunk lady beating on the door trying to come into our house. The door was very close to the window that was next to mine and Margaret’s beds. I was really scared when I woke up. My uncle was already on the phone with the police when I woke up. The police got there very quickly and took care of the lady, and we were all safe.  

I thought about how crimes happen in Africa all the time and no one is there to help them. Often times the police are either not around to help or they are not trustworthy either. I thought about a story we heard about from a man who watched his family get killed during the post election violence. No one helped him and no one helped keep his family safe.  

So one thing I learned was to appreciate how peacefully and safely we live. Another thing I’ve learned is to appreciate the things I have more and realize that the things I want aren’t necessarily the things I need. Like I really wanted a high waisted skirt from Forever 21, but I didn’t have the money to buy it. I was bummed, but I also realize that I have so much already.  

While getting to know the people in Africa, I was impressed with how they persevere, work hard, and trust God. I also saw how God works in crazy, mysterious ways, but He is there with them, helping them.  

Ellie, age 16: Even though I have been to Africa twice before, this trip was very different for me. I looked at what is happening there with a different set eyes this time which made the trip harder. I saw how hard their lives are and felt more of a responsibility and privilege to help.

Written by Betsey Ellis, Age 10 on January 26, 2010

Have you ever heard of Ellie's Run for Africa? Ellie's Run for Africa is a race started by a 10-year-old girl named Ellie Ambrose. She got the idea when she heard a missionary talk about kids in Kenya so that they can have books, uniforms, and shoes they need for school. Ellie's Run for Africa is a great way to help raise money for kids in Africa. You should get involved with this wonderful race.

First of all, you can help raise money for kids in Kibera, Kenya. There are some great prizes depending on how much money you raise. And if you go, there are always cool t-shirts. There is a kid's race that is only a mile long, and also an adult race that is three miles long. When you race, you have the name of a child in Africa on your back. The name is of one of the kids at the school that Ellie's Run raises money for. I like this because, it helps me remember that there are real kids there that need school. There are fun activities such as face painting and big inflatables. Before and after the race there is food, drinks and snacks. There is African dancing and carnival-like games as well. Ellie's Run for Africa has raised over $210,000 for the kids.

I love Ellie's Run because I LOVE helping the kids. I think they should have a good education and be brought up to know Christ. I can't wait till my dad takes me to see them. Even if they are on the other side of the world, I still believe we can make a big difference here in Tennessee. Maybe you are not as passionate for kids in Kenya as I am, or maybe you don't like to run, but even if you just like to have plain old fun its a great place to be. And who knows whom you will see there-maybe you will even see me! I will see you at Ellie's Run this year!

Written by The ERFA Team on January 24, 2010

Ellie's Run for Africa 2010 will be hosted on May 22, 2010 at Percy Warner Park in Nashville.  SAVE THE DATE!  Details coming soon!

Written by The ERFA Team on June 13, 2009

Ellie's Run 2009 is finished, and the results are in! You can check your time here. Thanks to everyone who made race-day a success. We raised more than $51,000 today!

 

Written by on June 12, 2009

We will be posting the race results online as soon as we have them. Check back in the next day or two for full race results!

Written by on June 11, 2009

Just like you, the Ellie's Run for Africa team is keeping its eye on the weather. It's calling for on-and-off storms -- but nothing us Nashville natives can't handle. So, please join us at the park in the morning -- even if it means a run in the rain. Since we don't anticipate severe weather, we're a go! Any changes to these plans will be posted on this site. See you tomorrow!

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