twomarathons: a potted history

Some of you may be wondering why I'm doing this twomarathons project. (You wouldn't be alone; I've been asking myself that for months now!) With the finish line finally in sight, it seems a good time to reflect on the origin of the idea, and on its evolution.

As most readers will know, I'm a postulant with the Sisters of the Assumption, which is the first stage of formation. I started here (Kensington) in November 2007, and gradually got used to a timetable of prayer, study, and work. It was a big change from my previous lifestyle (renting a one-bedroom flat, juggling my career as a speech and language therapist with a busy social calendar), so it took me a while to settle, but things gradually fell into place. With the arrival of summer 2008 and a review of my first six months, Sister Simon (who is responsible for my formation) and I agreed that I needed something more apostolic in my schedule. Prayer life was reasonably established, community life too, but I didn't have a lot of connection with the world. Simon thought I could look into voluntary activities; I think she suggested charity shops. So I thought, and I prayed, and I investigated. What a huge array of possibilities there seemed to be! Overwhelmed by choice, I proposed the twomarathons project instead.

"Now, what is she talking about," I can hear you ask. "Two marathons? How is jogging in the park a work of outreach?" Needless to say, my immediate response is, "because of the charities!". I may not have had many opportunities to meet people during my training, but then, my training hasn't been what I expected in any respect! The fundraising, on the other hand, has been all about sharing my enthusiasm for these charities. The brilliant thing about enthusiasm is that, when it's shared, each portion doesn't get smaller, but grows, like flames spreading across the kindling in a grate. We are easily dampened, even doused, by the wet blankets of financial crisis, social breakdown, climate chaos, personal and national violence, and all the other struggles we encounter in the media. Yet there is another side to life! Fundamentally, we are all striving for peace, justice, and well-being. We all want to put an end to inequality. We all want to help where we see suffering. I'm in a hugely privileged position, with the time and support needed to make this project a success, to give others the opportunity to be generous and to make a difference. As so often in this blog, I want and need to say "thankyou"! Your interest and involvement have transformed a tentative idea into a spreading fire of enthusiasm. And you have shown me the unquenchable power of good in our world.