November 9, 2006

Dear Heart Havens,

My name is Berta Presby. I am a 70 year old widow, mother of 7 children, 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Eric Vaudt, my associate pastor, announced he was going to run 500 miles to raise money for Heart Havens and he invited anyone to join him. So here I am – I can do that, too.

I got started running only 3 years ago (I’m a late bloomer) when my two daughters talked me into doing the Rock & Roll ½ Marathon (13.1 miles) in 2004. Never even walked before that! Anyway, I got “hooked” on running, having done a total of four ½ marathons and numerous 8k & 5k races. I’ve raised money in the past for good causes, so Eric’s invitation was a must for me.

A little more background; I’ve gone on 2 mission trips: Jamaica, 2003 and Russia, 2004. I hope to go to Brazil/Paraguay in 2007. The Lord keeps nudging me.

I enjoy sewing, and dancing and I play on the church’s co-ed volley ball team and am a member of the bell choir. I am an avid sport “nut”...baseball, football, and even basketball rounds out most of my TV watching.

Hopefully, because the Lord has blessed me with excellent health, I can run for Him and raise lots of money for Heart Havens.

Berta

Berta has run over 700 miles! Her personal goal is 800, but she has to take a break to go to Paraguay and Brazil for a mission trip. We'll catch up with her Aug. 25 to find out how her trip went and how many miles she racked up. My guess is she ran in Paraguay and Brazil....something tells me she has a hard time sitting still.

8/24: Supplemental. Yes, she ran more than 40 miles on her mission trip....and did dentistry! Stay tuned for new information and a new look for Berta and Eric Vaudt's pages.