In Her Own Words: Meet A Hero On The Other Side of The World
We have always said that you don't have to be a runner or even live in Nashville to be an Ellie's Run Hero, and Jill Pawlin is a perfect example. You can read in her own words why she has chosen to be a Hero while she is living in Doha Qatar!
In May 2010 I was given the opportunity to travel to Kenya with the Mocha Club. I had been to Uganda, Liberia, and Ghana previous to that trip but was so excited to visit Kenya and visit the ministries that I had been supporting through the Mocha Club. Mike and Tiffany Lewis were the leaders of that trip. Throughout our time in Kenya the entire group learned of Ellie's Run and heard about the ways that they were supporting New Dawn. On that trip we got to spend four days at the school and I was blown away by the New Dawn staff and students. Sitting in the midst of the Haruma slum, New Dawn is a shining light of hope and love. The atmosphere is contagious. I was amazed and convicted when I saw and heard the dedication of the staff and I was so encouraged when I heard the hope and excitement of the students. I left New Dawn so excited about what the Lord was doing there and so challenged to allow that same excitement into my life back home.
In May 2011 I returned to New Dawn as the leader of the Mocha Club trip. This time I spent most of my time with Irene and the other school administrators. They have an amazing desire to serve the Lord and to serve their students. On our last day at New Dawn the students put together an assembly for us. They sang and spoke of their love for the Lord and their desire to be successful. Our group had brought 350 Bibles with us to Nairobi and we had the opportunity to hand one to each student as they cheered and cried with joy! It took us close to an hour to say our goodbyes, the students hugged us and thanked us and we thanked them. New Dawn is a very special place. It was an awesome afternoon and one I will never forget.
During both trips I became friends with Carrie Vermillion. I am currently living in Doha Qatar because of her. After the trip in 2011 she knew that I was looking for a job and she was able to offer me one working under her at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival. At the end of the film festival, Doha Film Institute offered me a full-time job. I arrived here about 2 months ago and I am thrilled to be here. I am also much closer to Kenya which hopefully will allow me to spend even more time at New Dawn throughout the year.
I was checking my facebook and saw a link to be a hero for Ellie's Run. After hearing the story and seeing where the funds go, I couldn't help but be a part of it. New Dawn is home to the real heroes. Irene and her staff are the ones that are giving everything to serve those students. Ellie's Run provides an amazing way to be a small part of that! I know first hand that the money raised is going to good use. New Dawn is creative and functional with their spending. They are creating a culture that is sustainable for the future and available for their students. New Dawn works in the long-term and by doing so are creating opportunities for students for years to come. That is exciting! New Dawn is one of my favorite places in the world. Not only is New Dawn impacting their students but they are also impacting people around the world. This is true ministry!
If you would like to be a Hero like Jill click here to sign up!