Journey of a thousand thanks

June 8, 2008 | Vetting explained

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Journey of a Thousand Thanks Keela was seventeen years old and a senior at Cicero Seventh-day Adventist Academy in Cicero, Indiana when she visited Washington , D. C. for the first time. The trip was not only to have some fun but was intended to be educational. She was impressed with the monuments, historic buildings and stately adornments. For a kid from Danville, Illinois, this was truly a bold new world. She was particularly moved with a sense of deep respect and compassion as she beheld the monuments dedicated to the US Military Forces. With sincere pride and appreciation, she remarks about that life changing experience, "... the trip opened up to my mind a vast world of history and knowledge, especially about the journey of our country....I am deeply aware of the privileges that I have because of our troop's commitment and sacrifice..." Keela, along with her elder brother Richard, and younger sister Kristianna were raised by their single mom, Stephanie. With much sacrifice, many challenges and profound trust in God, Stephanie raised her children in the fear and admonition of the Lord and taught them to always show respect for all people. Despite her humble, sometimes destitute circumstances, Stephanie sent Keela and her siblings to Seventh-day Adventist schools from kindergarten through college. She instilled in them valuable lessons that would make them productive citizens of society and fit candidates for heaven. Although surrounded by a team of dedicated and competent professionals, Keela's closest and most trusted advisor, counselor and confidant is ‘MOM'. That trip to Washington, D. C., in the summer of 1991, made such a profound impression upon Keela's heart, that she decided she would one day do something to thank the men and women who have given so much to allow her to be part of the land of the free and the home of the brave. What can I do to show my appreciation, has been her passionate quest since that memorable day in Washington, D. C. Keela got the answer a few years ago. As she saw the engagement of our troops in Iraq, the families that have been affected, the lives lost, injuries sustained and dreams shattered, Keela decided that she would run across America simply to say ‘thank you' to the men and women who mean so much to her. Says she, "...In striving to demonstrate my appreciation for our troops, I will begin "The Journey of A Thousand Thanks." She continues, "...meeting them in airports and other public places and always taking time-out to shake hands with the men and women in uniform was just not enough... I always wanted to do something more..." After deep soul searching, fervent praying and much planning, the journey began on Memorial Day in Barstow, California. Here Keela attended the Memorial Day Celebrations held in that city for the men and women whom she loves and admires dearly. She then plans to move through the state of Arizona. From there she walks on to Colorado and then on to Kansas. Keela's Journey of A Thousand Thanks takes her onto Missouri and then through Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia. From there she moves on into Washington, D.C. where she would visit the wounded troops at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The journey ends shortly thereafter at the Arlington Cemetery where she will pause in a moment of prayer for those who have given the ultimate for the freedoms and liberties she enjoys and cherishes. The Journey of A Thousand Thanks, is about 2,700 miles long. Keela plans on completing her token of thanks in approximately 77 days. She is well equipped for task. As a professional Personal Fitness Trainer, her every day task is to help others experience better health and physical fitness. She is the owner of Fit & Wise Company which offers Life Fitness Coaching and Nutritional Counseling. Her motto: "To Teach Ordinary People to Live Extraordinary Lives through True Health & Fitness" Keela not only is grateful for the privilege and honor of being an American; but she gives all the glory of this moment to God. She humbly declares, "... as I travel, it will be my privilege to meet, shake the hands of, and personally thank 1,000 (or more) individual members of our armed services...this is my reason for embarking on the Journey of A Thousand Thanks...and I thank God for the opportunity and strength to do it... this is all for God and country.." Keela is now at Durango, Colorado You can find out more about Keela and her mission at her website http://www.athousandthanks.us/ You may send her your thanks at info@athousandthanks.us Contributed by Aubrey L. Duncan, Editor, the Advent Truth.

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