my wedding pics....enjoy!!!

http://jfimagedesign.com/51907/

Part Two:

I found my mom, cousin, and her boyfriend around mile 14. Man it was good to see my mom this time. When I did this two years ago, my mom and dad were out of town and I it was hard for me to not be upset that they missed that race. My dad was with us this time, but was watching the race and taking care of the dog at the condo.

All seemed well to this point. I seriously thought I was going to beat my pace and actually get right around 4 hours. Then I hit a wall physically. I don't know exactly what it was, but man did I start hurting. I found it hard to not think of my physical pain. Mentally I was like you gotta keep going, there is a lot of race left. So as any stubborn, prideful man would do I kept fighting along. I didn't want to be one of the small group of people who didnt' finish.

Mile 16 my cousin jumped in and ran a few miles with me. She did a good job of keeping me focused on running and not my pain. I had to stop twice to cut the tape off my ankles, because they had gotten so swollen that I was in even more pain.

After my cousin left, I was on my own again till mile 20. One thing you do when you run a long race is write your name on your shirt. It helps you mentally hearing your name and keeps you going through so much. Well I had reached the point that I was getting pissed, because I was in so much pain and people kept cheering me on. I know they were only helping and I truly felt that they were there for me, but when you are so physically hurting at times, all I could do was think, leave me alone.

It's not everyday you have friends that will do things for you like running 6 miles with you in jeans. I had that friend at mile 20 on. Dave and I have only known each other for about a year, but what a true friend. Side note, Dave had a shirt on that said, "I love Dougy and Wacker Drive(another joke)." Everyone who came to watch me made shirts, TEAM DOUG. He did exactly what I needed, someone to run with. I got pissed at him while running, because he talked so much, but he did a great job of turning my physical hurt to being pissed that he wouldn't shut up. Honestly man, I just wanted to quit and cry, but no one would let me. Not my family, girlfriend, or anyone who cheering me on would let me quit and I am so thankful.

I reached the city limits again after being down by US Cellular field. I knew now it was only a matter of time till I was finally done. The crowds got bigger and bigger and still I was hearing, "Go Doug, you can finish the race." 1 mile left and I decided to take off running. Oh did I mention that I had another friend jump in with Dave and I. Thanks Rob also for being there for me when I was running. So I knew what was ahead of me. The hill on Roosevelt Rd. It sucked this year and man did it hurt. My knees and ankles just killed and running up a hill didn't help, but I made it up and turned that corner.

This year was so much more emotional for me. As I was nearing the finish line, all I could think about was seeing Brittany and my family. I think I had tears in my eyes as I could vaguely hear the crowds still cheering me on. I returned the favor by clapping for them and I crossed that line. Right away I saw my cheering section and those tears just kept coming. I did it....again. This time was more difficult, but also more special. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my family, girlfriend, friends, and the city of Chicago for again doing what you do best, cheering on a group of idiots who find some kind of joy and accomplishment out of running 26.2 miles.

I was more nervous this time than my first marathon. Did I train enough? Was I mentally ready? Will I see everyone that was going to be there to cheer me on? For some reason I got emotional again as they were starting the race. I remembered two years ago when I did it the first time, the tears of hearing the national anthem and being a part of something so big that I felt again, what am I doing running a marathon. My adreneline was ready, but was I?

Here we go again. Can I tell you how amazing it is to be a cheered for by thousands and thousands of people. People I don't know or will probably never know. Is that what heaven is like? I mean just the fact of 1.5 million cheering all of us runners on makes the world of difference.

So I take off running. Man did I feel good for the first 13.1 miles. I was on pace to beat my goal from two years ago and I had mentally prepared myself for how much water to drink, when to eat something, and honestly thought I was taking care of my body. I missed seeing my family at mile 5 and thought where the heck were they. It is one thing to have the crowds cheer you on, but when you see that familiar face, that one face that just lets you know all is okay, I hadn't seen that yet. I kept running though.

I reached mile 10, only one minute off my goal pace. There she was with my sisters waiting patiently to see how I was feeling. My sisters knew right away something was wrong with me, so they told me later. They knew I was already in some pain, but just told me I was doing great and keep on going. Britt, didn't say much either, just gave me a smile of love and re-assurance that she was proud of me. My two other friends just made me laugh and got my mind off of running for a second. Did I mention how many people were out in the 40 degree weather cheering all of us runners on. In so many places all I could do was clap for them as they braved the cold and kept me going.

Mile 13.1, halfway done.

Made it painfully through 26.2 miles in Chicago again. I finished the race.

Listening To: U2 and whatever is on the ipod shuffle, going to by new DVD from ZOO STATION tour.

Reading: Revelation Rhapsody for class and Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley.

Writing: Endless thoughts on Revelation 7 for class. Hebronics to gain insight of how to actually learn this "stuff"

Running: New shoes this week. At about a 4:00-4:15 pace for the marathon in a five weeks. Need to get back into speed runs and looking forward to 22 miles on friday and then tapering off.

Eating: still jacked up. Need to figure out what I can eat and run with. Note to self no Gu or Marathon Bars....puked both...NICE!!!

Beginning to wonder: If anyone else is going to quit soccer now that we have a team of eleven.

Watched: New show Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Thought it was a great show with amazingly true beginning of how television is today.

I need to get serious for a second....

Do I really need to learn Hebrew? This ef%!#$! sucks.

How can anyone like learning this?

I walked out of work last night with mixed feelings knowing that I just finished my last night working in retail for a while. It was kind of that feeling, I am so glad to be done, but what the frick am I going to do now. Two years doesn't seem like much, but it was long enough for me. Most of the associates I worked with completely understood. I worked with a group that didn't always know how to make work enjoyable. How do you teach a 19-21 year old to take a part time job in retail seriously?

I am excited to be done. It will become more and more refreshing everyday. I gained a lot from what I did and a few lasting friendships will only continue to grow. The thing I will miss most is are those people that came in to shop. Over two years you learn and see how people live and change, that is what I will miss.

I know I did the right thing at the right time. I honestly don't know what I am going to do next. I start my third year of seminary next week. I am also coaching soccer for the time being and hope to substitute teach when possible. I am also going to enjoy not working nights and having weekends to do what I want.

Another chapter in my life done with.....kind of wonder what is next....

Here we go again.....after running in the Indy Mini-marathon this past weekend. I am now going to do the chicago marathon all over again. Should be a great few months of training. Makes a difference when you have others that you know running it with you. See you in Chicago Oct. 22!!!!!!

Well it finally happened....my olders sister got married. It was a great weekend in Chicago. Everything went so well and she looked so beautiful. Here are so pictures from the weekend.


Rehearsal Dinner


My dad seeing Nicole for the first time in her dress. Notice her reaction of excitement.


Cole peeking from the balcony to see who is there.


The Happy Couple: Greg and Nicole

Best line of the trip in Florida.....

"I AM DISGUSTED!!!!"

my moms thoughts after seeing my tattoo....

I missed the tornados by a few hours.

Spent a week in 85-90 degree weather down in Florida.

Missed the clean-up and everything at home.

Got home and now staring at about 5 inchese of snow.

Plus school got cancelled today and no class tomorrow.

I should have stayed in Florida......

Thank God for Grandmothers. Mine turned 87 today.

I am and always will be a full-blooded University of Kentucky basketball fan. I live BLUE, even when times are tough like this year.

I believe that JJ is one of the best ever on this team i love to hate

JJ is good, really good.......

I got bored and tagged myself........

Four jobs I have had

1. Retail - J Crew & Express
2. Graphic Designer for Advertising Co.
3. Graphic Designer for Lieutenant Governor of IL
4. Sports Store Retail

Four movies I can watch over and over

1. Wedding Crashers
2. Top Gun
3. Anchorman
4. Braveheart

Four places I have lived

1. Ghana, Africa....for a few months
2. Chicago, IL
3. Lexington, KY
4. Rochester, IL

Four TV shows I love

1. SportsCenter
2. Prison Break
3. Alias - when it is on
4. Grey's Anatomy

Four places I've vacationed

1. Sanibel, Florida
2. Maine
3. California
4. Europe three times

Four of my favorite dishes

1. Pizza
2. Any Italian Dishes
3. Popcorn for Dinner
4. Homemade Mac and Cheese

Four sites I visit daily

1. AOL
2. ESPN
3. YAHOO MOVIES
4. BLOGS

Four places I would rather be right now

1. Anywhere with a beach
2. Back in Africa
3. Going on an Expedition with the dogs from 8 Below
4. Living in Chicago again

I want to be found.

The other night I was over at my cousin's playing hide and seek with Drew and Lydia. They are two of the most beautiful children that I know. It was so much fun playing. As kids we always got a thrill of hiding and even being found. As I played with them it was never hard to find them, they made noises, because who likes to be in a dark place for a long time, not these kids. So I would start looking and not even two minutes in, giggles or some kind of noise would be heard and to see the faces of Drew and Lydia was so much fun.

This weekend was ICTC(Illinois Christian Teen Convention) for those that don't know. It was a great weekend. We had the privilege to hear Mark Moore from Ozark speak. The theme this year was Hide and Seek. I didn't know what the theme was going to be about, but if you think of the hide and seek as a game, it made sense. Growing up hide and seek was one of my favorite games, still is. It seems we are good at playing hide and seek with God. When we hide so does God. When we want to be found, he finds us or better yet we find him.

Like I said, I want to be found.

Your Career Type: Artistic

You are expressive, original, and independent. Your talents lie in your artistic abilities: creative writing, drama, crafts, music, or art. You would make an excellent: Actor - Art Teacher - Book Editor Clothes Designer - Comedian - Composer Dancer - DJ - Graphic Designer Illustrator - Musician - Sculptor The worst career options for your are conventional careers, like bank teller or secretary.

What's Your Ideal Career?

This is pretty darn close to who i am. Let me list off what I have done:

Consider myself an actor sometimes
Taught some art
Done some editing for a advertising company
Still working in retail
I find myself to be pretty stinkin funny
have tried to compose some music i have written - no luck so far
I got some sweet dance moves also.....
Whicky-whicky on the turn-table
Graduated with a degree in graphic design
Illustrated for a few advertising companies
still learning how to play guitar, want to pick up piano again
haven't sculpted for a long time now....

Not to shabby on who I be.

Sometimes it takes the smallest push from someone to get a fire lit within your heart and mind. I thank my friend for that. The life of Doug continues to push along. School continues to make me think differently. I just spent a week in a class about worship in today's culture. The big question that still lingers within my thoughts is, what is worship? Wish I had a great answer for it, but right now I don't. One of those thoughts that will be around till I can come to a conclusion someday. Just add that to the many, many other questions that I continue to get at school. Good questions though.

I spent about two months assistant coaching soccer up at Lincoln, though it was frustrating at times. I had a great time playing and coaching this group that knew very little about the game when we started, but throughout the season got so much better. I was proud of the girls. I am now getting ready to play and coach indoor. Should be good also.

On a different note and subject here are a few pics from my trip to Africa. I know it has been a while, but I finally figured out how to upload pics. I hope you enjoy the few I put up. I hope to continue putting more and more up to show the beauty of Ghana and the surrounding countries of Africa.

The scenic view of Africa:

I miss this the most!!!


The beautiful children of Africa:

Aren't they amazing!!!

I have been home for almost a month from Africa now. So much of who I am already feels that I have allowed myself to get back to the "American" way of life. Which frustrates me. But so much of me has completely seen the lifestyle that I know and admit like has changed. To put Africa in one word, I think I would go with passionate. I use that word, because of the people, the places and how God truly is working through the nationals and other leaders of the countries I got to visit. As I sit here and continue to reflect on everything, so much of me is still in Africa, which is good, because I believe someday I will be back there doing more work. I say that with confidence knowing God has some really cool things planned for me and everyone around me. Not that Africa is for everyone, but I know that I can find a place for anyone to serve, whether in a church, clinic, or business. God is doing great things all around the world.

One of the best things about the trip was that God was taken out of the box of America that I put him in. Seeing what is going on around the world was the best thing for me to see and understand.

This whole process of reflection of this summer has been encouraging, tough, exciting, and exhausting. I have had some great days reliving things and some extremely tough days where I want nothing more than to be there again. I hope those that have heard me share see and hear the excitement that I am feeling on the inside.

I don't want to lose this passion and pray that I never do. I ask those that read this continue to pray that God continues to direct me back to Africa someday. I want to take that step and rely on God to get me back to the community and life I have fallen in love with. Until then I will continue to serve around home and just started the second year of Seminary in Lincoln.

Always wanting to be In His Grip!!!!!

Greetings from Africa!!!! What an amazing trip it has been. I wish I could share everything with you in this blog. Africa is an amazing country, not only for the need of God, but the beauty and the people in general. The need for servants is big, especially in the country of Burkina Faso and Niger, which I will be visiting hopefully on Tuesday. We have seen God work in the people we have come in contact with and also dealt with spiritual warefare, which for me is something new. I have a new family of friends and been blessed to do so much and see so much growth in us all. God has been good in protecting us and leading us. I hope everyone that reads this is doing well. I ask for continued prayer and support. Thank you for all that you have done for me to getting to this point. Peace and love from Africa.

I have almost said all my good-bye's. I have just about hugged everyone that I have needed to hug. Tuesday begins what is going to be a life changing time for me and eleven other students as we set out for Africa. The anticipation is killing me, I want to leave now. The saddness of missing everyone and a summer at home also will take me a while to truly get, but what lies ahead is something that I have been preparing for and wanting for so long. This is me getting out of the boat and trusting God more than I have or can remember. I know it will be great and life changing. I want it to be life changing for the people I come in contact with. I feel I have already changed through this process of preparing. For the next two months, my blog will go unused and probably untouched by me. I have one thing to ask of those who read this. Please pray for Africa and the this trip. Pray for the twelve students and the leaders. Pray that God shows me things and breaks from a harden heart that I have had for over a year. I thank those who have been able to keep in contact throughout the process of preparing for the trip. God has humbled me in ways of seeing how many people believe in me and have supported me financially and through prayer. Thank you to all of you. I appreciate you more than you know. I finish this with the verse that I wrote right after I sent out my first letters for support:

Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:3-4.

Peace out y'all. Have a great summer and see you in August.

Congrats Shelly on getting married!!!! Sorry I can't be there. I will be praying for you and Tony