Thursday, October 09, 2008

Short Update


This is really what it is all about for me. These beautiful kids that we have been able to help through our effort.
This photo was just sent from Sister Marybeth who is in Brazil right now and these are some of the Orphans.
It is not all about the running or the bike it is so much about the commitment to try and help others have a better life, opportunities that they would never have if we did not help.
I am still working on processing the 508 race and when I do you will be some of the first to know. I don't feel well but I am going to be fine.
I so enjoyed training for the 508 and the process of it all. To be honest I love the bike and I look forward to more of it.
We learn, we grow from everything.
These kids, my own kids..this is the reason why I do what I do.
Here is an email to share from Sister Marybeth and I have found out she was praying for me at 10:30 pm just about when I pulled the plug on the 508..
You see, I had a dream but God had another plan that I did now know about..I am ok with this.
Lisa...there is no finish line!!! nike has a shirt with this on it...

you have accomplished all that God has wanted you to do at this moment...and you learned that you are human...

it will help you a great deal while you are training others...

thank God you had the wisdom to stop...

I would love to know the time...because I sat up in bed and started praying non stop for you...

so thank you for your tremendous effort...you reached your goal...we have plenty to help the kids...
and where I am right now boy do they need help...so God has put us both in the right place at the right time...

I am very proud of all you have accomplished...
and privileged to be your friend...

God has a lot more for us to do together...dump the bike...you are better on foot!!!

wish I could give you a big hug...

love to all...

God bless you.
Sr.MB
I would like to thank all of you for your SO kind donations. We are over $508,000 as of today and of course you can still make a donation at anytime on the www.lisas810.com web site.
Thank you all for your time, effort and energy to write such amazing emails and send blog posts.
Your prayers, love and support mean more to me than you will ever know.
Have a great day
Lisa

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Lisa,
Just as I said to you in my email yesterday (and what Sister MB wrote to you), God has decided you have already done SO much, more than you really should. The children are what this was all about, and you have achieved your goal (and so much more!!). So please don't be too hard on yourself.
Thank you for being so amazing, the world is a much better place because of you!!
Love and hugs,
Tess

Anonymous said...

Lisa - your light will always shine bright. So sorry you are not feeling well - hunker down girl and get better! You know that's all your friends and students want... kiss, kiss Gramma Marcy

Anonymous said...

God love you Lisa

Mel

Anonymous said...

Lisa

I'm sorry you weren't able to finish your ride. In the big scheme of things that wasn't the important thing to finish - the main goal was to raise funds for the AIDS orphans, and you definitely met that goal. That's what really matters. Although, I know how attached we get to those physical goals, especially when you're in the middle of it, it becomes all consuming and is the most important thing in the world... or it seems that way.

Mel

Becky said...

I think this post is great and really puts things in perspective. Miles or finishing times are not what's important - It's helping each other and making a difference that counts. You are always a true inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Lisa
I am thankful that these things
do not break your spirit Lisa, they are life-lessons. These experiences can
allow others see that even great athletes can have serious health problems
or even just bad days, whatever the reason. It is NOT failure. You can
complete your goal. Your dropping sometimes says more than your finishing.
It speaks of your humanity, as Sister suggests. It is in these times of
humility that our mighty God works miracles in our lives. May this
experience be a miracle of joy and revelation to you and in turn that this
might spread to others for the good of all ----- especially for the child's
lives you work so hard to help.

With love always,
Denise

Rumble Girl said...

Lisa, just wanted to say that when I had my accident in 2007 after years of working towards Ironman and then had that nasty crash, there was one person who managed to find the right words at the right time and that was you. You said something to the effect of "if you have never had a bad race you haven't raced enough." You made me realize that it's not always about achieving every single goal we set. It's about dreaming up the goal and the process of going after it. As you wrote today "I so enjoyed training for the 508 and the process of it all." You have taught me so much through your struggles -- maybe more than through your sucesses. You've shown me how to get back up and keep going with dignity. I finished IM 2008 mostly because you were an example to me of not having to win but having to do my best and to never quit. It's not about the answers we get, it's about the questions we ask. Keep chasing dreams and your focus is in the right place -- on humanity not hardware.
--Connie

Anonymous said...

You go back to finish up the 508 course and we will all ride it in with you. Would be our greatest pleasure.

Phil

Anonymous said...

LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT.

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

I AM SENDING THIS TO YOU, LISA, BECAUSE BELLA AND GABBY HAVE WATCHED YOU DO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THESE THINGS...WHAT AN AMAZING WAY TO SET AN EXAMPLE!!! You share so much love, never forget that!

Lisa Smith-Batchen said...

I am over the top reading all these comments tonight.
Connie you brought me to tears..I thought about what you went through with your bike crash..you are one of my heros..and who ever sent the little eyes are watching...thank you..so beautiful.
I wish you all would let me know who is posting so I can thank you.
God bless all
Lisa

DouBt KILLS DReaMs said...

No matter what Lisa you'll still be an amazing inspiration for myself, and others!!! YOU GO GIRL! It blows my mind that you were able to raise $508,000 for something so important!!!! AMAZING!

Anonymous said...

Lisa,
As a friend and one of your Doctors
I think it is safe to say that you have pushed your body to the maximum of what is humanly possible (especially with asthma and valvular heart disease), and now you can enter a new phase of your life. I am excited for you. You should be proud of what you have accomplished with what God gave you. But I don't think he would want you to push it at this point!!
Love Annie