Claire Díaz-Ortiz - Hope Runs

2014 by Claire Daz-Ortiz and Samuel Ikua Gachagua

Published by Revell

a division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www . revellbooks .com

Ebook edition created 2014

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

ISBN 978-1-4412-4531-1

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

To protect the privacy of those who have shared their stories with the authors, some details and names have been changed. For ease of reading, some events have been simplified or condensed.

One restless woman from America seeking something ... and one homeless boy from Africa seeking someone ... write a story that has your heart colliding with what youre looking forright where you are.

Ann Voskamp , author of the New York Times bestseller One Thousand Gifts

This book isnt just a story, its an invitation to love extravagantly. Its the voices of Sammy and Claire telling us that the power of Gods love trumps our fears and circumstances. Its about relentless hope and tremendous love. Buckle up, youre about to be changed.

Bob Goff , Honorary Consul for the Republic of Uganda; New York Times bestselling author of Love Does

Claire knows firsthand what it means to really give of her time and talent, and in this book she challenged me to do the same. What a brave step of faith she tookand continues to live. My heart sings that there are people in the world like her.

Tsh Oxenreider , author of Notes from a Blue Bike

This is a beautiful story, beautifully told. I could read Sammys and Claires stories for days on end. This book is a timely reminder that love and hope can bridge continents and create family anywhere.

Shauna Niequist , author of Bread & Wine

If youre looking for a life that matters, if youre craving something you cant quite put your finger on, maybe start with this book. And the story of how extraordinary sometimes looks nothing like climbing Everest but everything like quietly connecting with one persons story. And watching how yours multiplies into something that satisfies way beyond check marks on a bucket list. Claire and Sammy invite us into their story with the comfortable familiarity of old friends, challenging us to see beyond the borders of what we thought life was supposed to hold and how detours are often the best storylines of all.

Lisa - Jo Baker , author of Surprised by Motherhood ; community manager for (in)courage

Hope Runs is a powerful reminder of what God can do if we obediently listen to him. Claire is a change maker, has lots of influence, and runs in influential circles, but she still makes sure to focus on what is most important. This book is timely, heartfelt, and honest. I appreciate the grace, hope, love, and adventure lived out through this journey, and now you get to experience it as well!

Brad Lomenick , president of Catalyst; author of The Catalyst Leader

I read Hope Runs in two days (and I am not a fast reader). I cant think of a more unlikely pair than Sammy and Claireyet somehow, after reading their story, I cant imagine one separate from the other. Theirs is a powerful, unforgettable story, and Im truly grateful for their willingness to tell it.

Emily P . Freeman , author of A Million Little Ways

Hope Runs is a beautifully moving and heartfelt story of how two lives were completely rearranged by hope and love.

Crystal Paine , founder of MoneySavingMom.com; author of Say Goodbye to Survival Mode

Claire Daz-Ortiz has always led with wisdom and heart, and this book is no exception. In her and Sammys story we have a powerful witness of what happens when we learn to be sensitive to Gods voice and step out boldly in faith. Hope Runs inspired me and gave me hope; I know it will do the same for readers around the country.

Joshua DuBois , author of The President s Devotional ; founder of Values Partnerships; former executive director of the White House faith-based initiative

Claire and Sammy are two lovely people who tell their story of hope with such incredibly moving authenticity. This book will inspire you!

Alli Worthington , strategist, speaker, and author

Hope Runs brings the feeling of a downhill sprint: your heart will pound, your spirit will rise, and youll be caught up in the rush that comes from stepping out in faith and letting life run away with you.

Scott Williams , church growth/leadership consultant and strategist at Nxt Level Solutions; author of Church Diversity and Go Big

Sammy and Claire share a powerful story of two lives changed and challenge us to listen for Gods voice and bravely step out in faith.

Rebekah Lyons , cofounder of Q Ideas; author of Freefall to Fly

Stories of overcoming impossible obstacles move me, but Hope Runs did more: it changed my cynicism to hope. I dare to believe that people who are hurt in and by this world can rise above and run a new, life-changing race. Sammys voice and Claires story reminded me of everything good about the human spirit.

Mary DeMuth , author of The Wall Around Your Heart

To all the children in this book and all the children in orphanages like this one.

And to Lara.