10 More Miles And 2 Years Ago
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10 More Miles And 2 Years Ago

ByTim Nolte
It was great weather for a 10 miles run this morning. As I finished things up I was reminded that just 2 years ago I was blessed to be hanging out with a bunch of children in Sierra Leone. #HWI #Run4Water #WhyIRun #GRMarathon #RiverBankRun I had hoped to return there last year but things didn’t work out. Traveling to Sierra Leone and seeing first hand the hardship of the lack of clean water, as well as the blessings a village experiences when a well is put in, is something that I will never forget. Let me tell you, until you have an experience like that your world view is pretty narrow minded. It’s that experience that has driven much of my perspective on the impact…
What Does It Mean When A Pandemic Hits A Country Already In Need
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What Does It Mean When A Pandemic Hits A Country Already In Need

ByTim Nolte
As I ran another 5 miles this morning I couldn’t help but think about the added struggle #COVID19 is now causing in Sierra Leone. I don’t think anyone complaining about the U.S. hardships has even thought about the fact that we still have it pretty good compared to places like Sierra Leone. With all of our indoor plumbing we don’t have to think about travelling 2 miles to a crowded well to gather water. A country like Sierra Leone is between a rock and a hard place when any epidemic hits. How can anyone survive a stay-at-home order if they don’t have water at home for both drinking and sanitation. The only hope they have is organizations like World Hope, and other NGOs, trying to…
Running The 2018 Grand Rapids Marathon for Clean Water
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Running The 2018 Grand Rapids Marathon for Clean Water

ByTim Nolte
This past Saturday I completed an 18 mile training run for the 2018 #GRMarathon in an effort to raise money for wells in Africa. Would you consider partnering with me? Donate Now – https://timn.me/2t9D4ne I’m about $350 away from hitting the $1000 mark, with another $1000 to go to hit my goal. Someone has stepped up to match all the money raised which means your gift will be doubled. #Run4Water #SierraLeone #Africa #CleanWater
Reflecting On My Time In Sierra Leone
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Reflecting On My Time In Sierra Leone

ByTim Nolte Updated on
The TL;DR is: I am blessed more than I ever understood and I will make every effort to give thanks in all circumstances. Also, where God’s love exists there is always hope for something better. As I continue to process my experience in Sierra Leone Africa I can’t help but feel like I spent a week in another world. What I find simply amazing is that in a place so filled with hardship, and circumstances I can barely begin to comprehend, there are people that still manage to find joy, be generous, and show love and kindness to someone so very much unlike them. I chose this photo of children, not filled with smiles and laughter, but showing that theirs is a life of daily…
Final Day in Sierra Leone And Heading Home
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Final Day in Sierra Leone And Heading Home

ByTim Nolte
Saturday was our last day in Sierra Leone. Ron, Terry, and I started off the day with a short 3 mile group run. It was pretty hot and humid. After showering and breakfast we headed to a market in Freetown. As we we’re on our way we we’re briefly stopped by a small parade or sorts, complete with a marching band. Our driver’s took us to a market that was in a building that had 2 floors packed with vendors. We all did a bit of haggling and purchased some items to bring home to friends and family. We headed back to the hotel after the market to pack up and head to lunch. We had one more meal at the Basha Bakery and ran…