tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36909430470041577082024-03-12T22:11:11.075-04:00Coming AliveInpiring others to use their voice to change the World.Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-84573012476691203852012-05-30T13:21:00.000-04:002012-05-30T13:21:23.158-04:00Join Me At My New Website<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In my process of “coming alive” I have created a
new website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I invite you to visit <a href="http://www.rachelfoxcomingalive.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.rachelfoxcomingalive.com</span></a>,
follow along, leave you comments, and join me on the journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will no longer be posting to this
site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those who started with me from
the beginning, your encouragement has been a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words cannot express my gratitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I began this blog with two of my favorite quotes,
and I will leave them with you here as a reminder of the possibilities…………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Our
deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are
powerful beyond measure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Marianne
Willamson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Don’t
ask what the world needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask what makes
you come alive, and go do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
what the world needs are people who have come alive.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Howard Thurman. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I look forward to having you with me
at <a href="http://www.rachelfoxcomingalive.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.rachelfoxcomingalive.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Together as ONE,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-67378927256360228892012-05-23T20:20:00.001-04:002012-05-23T20:20:51.973-04:00Random Thoughts While Driving 6 Hours Alone in the Car<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Yesterday I was able to hit the road solo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband cleaned up his car for me to drive
and took the day off to shuttle the kids to and from school. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had my tea, GPS, and music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was all set for the drive—time to organize
my thoughts and reflect on the direction my life is taking me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I found was not an organized list, but
rather a smash-up of many things. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Welcome to the World of my random thoughts…….<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
wildflowers along I-40 from Wilmington to Greensboro bring me joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They remind me so much of my wedding bouquet
from 17 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a good day! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Women and Men of the <a href="http://www.unitedwaygso.org/LiveUnited/wip/index.php"><span style="color: blue;">United Way of
Greensboro</span></a> are doing some incredible work to promote community resources
that advance family issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attending
their Women in Philanthropy event left me inspired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is always uplifting to travel other places
and see individuals coming together to do good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*) Everyone needs to buy a copy of <a href="http://www.chookooloonks.com/"><span style="color: blue;">The Beauty of Different</span></a> by Karen
Walrond to be reminded of their superpowers and how they can use them for good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder
how iTunes determines the genius list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It just does not seem right that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Erotic
City</i> by Prince would be followed by the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Phineas
and Ferb</i> theme song.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our tour
guide at the <a href="http://www.sitinmovement.org/"><span style="color: blue;">International Civil Rights
Center & Museum</span></a> radiated passion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To be standing in the room of the lunch counter sit-in was a little
surreal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to fill ourselves with
the courage from these men and women to continue being a voice for social
justice for everyone everywhere!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
meeting remarkable woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Confidence and
poise are words to describe <a href="http://www.centerforhumandiversity.org/"><span style="color: blue;">Valda
Boyd Ford</span></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look forward to
connecting again with her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
time to take my life menu (bucket list) out of my head and put it on
paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to take singing
lessons—my kids would agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to
add piano lessons to that too and visiting San Francisco, New York, Australia, France,
Spain, Italy, Greece…..ok I need to share these thoughts in a different post on
a different day!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need
to start dropping more <a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/10/response-to-quran-burning-a-peace-photobomb/"><span style="color: blue;">Love
Bombs</span></a> to change the World.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">To wrap up and be honest, there were MANY more
thoughts that went through my head on this trip and are continuing today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I am “coming alive” at lightning
pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the thought I want you to hold
with you came from Karen’s dad:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“The World is a small place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to help where you can.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We all have superpowers and the ability to come
alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find your power, find you voice,
and use it to help where you can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peace and love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-79453621702743568092012-05-21T10:02:00.000-04:002012-05-21T10:02:39.791-04:00Not What I Was Expecting: A Family Full of Bloggers<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Not
What I Was Expecting:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">A
Family Full of Bloggers!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A
few weeks ago I attended the <a href="http://www.mom2summit.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Mom 2.0
Summit</span></a> in Miami—my first ever social media conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was time I learned about the online world
I had found myself in since visiting Kenya with the <a href="http://www.one.org/moms"><span style="color: blue;">ONE Moms</span></a> last July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I left there with a clearer
understanding of the inner workings of this dynamic field, but more importantly
I walked away with an awakened sense of my own self-confidence. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, it was another “coming alive”
moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I didn’t expect to happen
was to come home to a family full of bloggers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While
listening to <a href="http://www.brenebrown.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Brene Brown</span></a> during her
keynote address at the conference I wrote big across my paper: “We cannot give
our kids what we don’t have”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the
last several years (probably more than several) I have struggled to find my
purpose outside of motherhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is now
becoming apparent to me more and more everyday—and it’s obvious by what I am
witnessing in my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came home from
Miami to my husband more inspired than I have seen him in years to start
writing again, a daughter with an incredible idea for a blog, a son working
through struggles of being a teenage boy and wanting to write about it so that
it might help others, and a son that the World better watch out for—I am not
sure it is ready for his copious ways!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Needless to say, I am SUPER impressed, empowered, moved,
elated, and proud of each one of them and want to share their blogs here………<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Please
be patient as we fine tune all of our sites, we will continue writing through
the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Join us for our journey……….It
should be a great ride!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://poppiopushover.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Poppiopushover</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My husband, My
forever friend</span></div>
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<a href="http://iamcopious.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">I am Copious</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My youngest son
(who gets tired of being last—so has his blog here first!), My sunshine</span></div>
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<a href="http://dreamthinkliveit.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Dream Think Live It</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My middle son, My
sage</span></div>
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<a href="http://neverlandeffect.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Neverland Effect</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My daughter, My
inspiration</span></div>
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<br /></div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-10173253150537565712012-05-16T22:01:00.000-04:002012-05-16T22:01:18.159-04:00Too Late To Go Back To Sleep<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Too
Late To Go Back To Sleep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Last
weekend, my son and I went to see <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g4ekwTd6Ig"><span style="color: orange;">Wicked</span></a> for his birthday—and
yes, I am still “defying gravity”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
ready to stand up a sing, “It’s time to trust my instincts…..close my eyes and
leap”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry probably would have run
from the theatre horrified, but it is how I am feeling these days!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">So much is always
going on in my head and I feel like I am always trying to sort it out, when I know
that is never necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no
need to ask why all of these experiences are happening or what I am supposed “to
do” with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My blog is called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Coming Alive</i> for a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know my voice has been in me all along and
I have known what to do with it--for some reason I have just been sleeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well not anymore!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
week I have freshened up my blog, added a few pages, and changed my twitter and
email.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My design is a nifty template and
still a work in progress; however I definitely know I am moving in the right
direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am especially excited
about: <a href="http://www.rachelfoxcomingalive.blogspot.com/p/what-i-have-to-offer.html"><span style="color: orange;">What
I Have to Offer</span></a> and <a href="http://www.rachelfoxcomingalive.blogspot.com/p/shining-moments.html"><span style="color: orange;">Shining
Moments</span></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would love for you to
take a look and let me know what you think.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
always I invite you to join me in this leap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is so much that can be accomplished when we do it together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is too late for us to go back to
sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a World that needs some
changing!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">With peace and gratitude,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel<o:p></o:p></span></div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-4076678085424671132012-04-23T23:29:00.000-04:002012-04-23T23:29:27.890-04:00Rise Up and Walk<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Rise
Up and Walk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We
owe it to the present and future generations of all species to rise up and
walk!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>~Wangari Maathi</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">And walk is what we
did!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year the Wilmington UN Women
Walk to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls fell on Earth Day, National
Immunization Week (<a href="http://www.shotatlife.org/"><span style="color: orange;">www.shotatlife.org</span></a>),
and during the ONE THRIVE Campaign (<a href="http://www.one.org/"><span style="color: orange;">www.one.org</span></a>).
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was so much information to share
and so many people there ready to take action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I read the above quote from the late Professor Wangari Maathi,
winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize and founder of The Green Belt Movement </span><a href="http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: orange;">http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">in
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>her <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2006 memoir, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unbowed</i></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I was struck with
that feeling of how we are all connected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not just to one another, but to this Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Professor Maathi was not just a steward of
the Earth, she was a powerhouse for social justice and equal rights for
women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her fearless dedication to being
a voice for justice left me thinking I have to do more!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_qe5NNkAmohIFKkdIRnv5kw9uSKVsNNm1NO08wbiAZDmsMKsQBHkyPL3P39Sl3N60MKozHFAKP2yu4BNn2ZMxi9MRS62TTLu5_MxSE_DQr2p2v-ZEx1GK5351M6i676E5jhgId7JELaN/s1600/UN+Women+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_qe5NNkAmohIFKkdIRnv5kw9uSKVsNNm1NO08wbiAZDmsMKsQBHkyPL3P39Sl3N60MKozHFAKP2yu4BNn2ZMxi9MRS62TTLu5_MxSE_DQr2p2v-ZEx1GK5351M6i676E5jhgId7JELaN/s320/UN+Women+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The Sunday forecast
called for heavy rains here in Wilmington, NC. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sent a tweet the evening before to our
local weatherman asking him to please make a window for our walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well he must be magic—there was no rain and
almost 100 people came to participate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were there to make a statement that gender based violence must come
to an end!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The fact</span> that up to 70% of
women and</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">girls will be beaten, coerced
into sex or otherwise abused in their lifetime was on the minds of the walkers
as they made their way around a 3k or 5k course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing the compassion and energy in these
participants was uplifting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They raised
money and gave their time for this important cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This is still a new event for the community, and with the labor of love put into it I know it is only going to grow larger year by year. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhGlg58Wmf_izTraFIJ6viTPRzXuWPOacN20BYjE9Mx4KT07AWIDjS1uzgteA9SmmE7d8W81suBJmO_Ow0OGd8sYqm6aM-LvSkJTsbOMbQ-qohjFE2HwTiCg54aoRaYuNENq749BB2xPY/s1600/UN+Women+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhGlg58Wmf_izTraFIJ6viTPRzXuWPOacN20BYjE9Mx4KT07AWIDjS1uzgteA9SmmE7d8W81suBJmO_Ow0OGd8sYqm6aM-LvSkJTsbOMbQ-qohjFE2HwTiCg54aoRaYuNENq749BB2xPY/s320/UN+Women+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Participants also took the
time to stop by the ONE table and fill out their carrot seed postcards to the
White House urging President Obama to work with the G8 leaders to sow the seeds
of change and lift 50 million people out of extreme poverty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in these impoverished areas where
violence breeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To end violence against
women and girls we MUST end extreme poverty!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1v80VADaUg7SDk3bD7f4162KRenZIJtJ3dVrA0gHTDrFhGd2gEg0FVwh-eyW2FypxqXGyvFsR39igJBWUOWMCOJrzrOCiHfFGr4t7JrftU5hdJ5O2j2taJFSbUVfUeYMXh6iytX91M0A/s1600/UN+Women+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1v80VADaUg7SDk3bD7f4162KRenZIJtJ3dVrA0gHTDrFhGd2gEg0FVwh-eyW2FypxqXGyvFsR39igJBWUOWMCOJrzrOCiHfFGr4t7JrftU5hdJ5O2j2taJFSbUVfUeYMXh6iytX91M0A/s320/UN+Women+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">What
actions can we take?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*visit
<a href="http://www.unwomen.org/"><span style="color: orange;">www.unwomen.org</span></a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and learn the facts, then look for a local
chapter to donate your time or resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*sign
petitions and send letters to your Members of Congress……when you sign these petitions
you are making your voice heard!! <a href="http://act.one.org/sign/thrive_us/?source=home"><span style="color: orange;">http://act.one.org/sign/thrive_us/?source=home</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*shop
with a conscious—I wrote a post last December with several links for shopping
with a heart: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: orange;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.rachelfoxcomingalive.blogspot.com/2011/12/gift-giving-from-heart.html"><span style="color: orange;">http://www.rachelfoxcomingalive.blogspot.com/2011/12/gift-giving-from-heart.html</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also a HUGE advocate for The Body
Shop!!! Read about their values campaign here to stop sex trafficking:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/values-campaigns/trafficking.aspx"><span style="color: orange;">http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/values-campaigns/trafficking.aspx</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*and
of course.....sign up to be a ONE Mom right here <a href="http://www.one.org/moms"><span style="color: orange;">www.one.org/moms</span></a>!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ONE Moms and ONE Dad are in Ghana this week
for the launch of two new vaccines for rotavirus and pneumococcal thanks to
GAVI.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No mother should have to watch her
child die because of a preventable disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s support women all ways that we can!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Professor
Wangari Maathi faced these challenges and more remaining <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unbowed</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must honor her
by doing the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“RISE UP and WALK”
for women everywhere…………………… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-51712375310919724302012-04-18T06:55:00.000-04:002012-04-18T06:55:48.201-04:00Without a Fight<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Without a Fight</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have three kids in three schools this year; elementary, middle, and high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a challenge to say the least!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As parents we always hope to hear they make it through the day without a fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am talking about the fights concerning who is sitting next to who or who told someone your secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the slum of Kibera we are talking about much more than that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the 2008 presidential elections violence erupted along tribal lines with thousands being killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is what makes the story of the Champions Soccer League, a program within the Sports Association of </span><a href="http://www.carolinaforkibera.org/"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Carolina for Kibera</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, so powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After watching the documentary<span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.withoutafight.org/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Without a Fight</span></i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">you will be left with an overwhelming feeling of optimism of what can be accomplished when we come together as a community.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q1VUElHbCQo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Last summer during our </span><a href="http://one.org/blog/2011/07/29/sacrificing-for-success/"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">ONE Moms</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> trip to Kenya we were able to visit </span><a href="http://cfk.unc.edu/"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Carolina for Kibera</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, a partner of the ONE organization. I instantly resonated with the strong emphasis on programs being community lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With our North Carolina connection I knew I wanted to bring my experience back home to not only encourage support of CFK, but to initiate conversations around strengthening our own community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few days after returning from our trip my family and I participated in the </span><a href="http://powerof26.org/"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">26 Day Challenge</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and—WOW, what an experience!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sharing it on social media ignited discussions and inspired others to join the challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkrMA_t9cgBUvBknVm5VPI4IWloSZ1wXZ3i50ONAj-1SQ9ieHo1jYcacYx7_9TxA29hyphenhyphenmDjc-G0Uwt38tT8J5TpvZS0vYtqLNVhjNqJRgwslQkDFfC99Lo8kzbjuhUe7nLmLeYoInYOWW/s1600/CFK+sleeping+in+a+10x10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkrMA_t9cgBUvBknVm5VPI4IWloSZ1wXZ3i50ONAj-1SQ9ieHo1jYcacYx7_9TxA29hyphenhyphenmDjc-G0Uwt38tT8J5TpvZS0vYtqLNVhjNqJRgwslQkDFfC99Lo8kzbjuhUe7nLmLeYoInYOWW/s320/CFK+sleeping+in+a+10x10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I heard that </span><a href="http://www.withoutafight.org/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Without a Fight</span></i></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> premiered last month at the 11mm Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, I reached out to the producer, Beth-Ann Kutchma, to see how we could bring it here to Wilmington, NC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine my excitement, when I learned we were not only screening it, but Kennedy Juma, featured in the film would be visiting from Kibera as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The film </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">follows the personal lives of Nicholas and Adan as their teams prepare to meet in the title match of the Champions League, a soccer league started 11 years ago by Carolina for Kibera founder </span><a href="http://one.org/blog/2011/04/07/interview-rye-barcott-on-the-battle-between-the-head-and-the-heart/"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rye Barcott</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is based on an experiment to see if putting rival tribes on the same team could help stop ethnic violence.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The end result—over 20,000 games ending “without a fight”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The reaction from my middle school son after the screening:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was REALLY awesome!”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My youngest son recalls his favorite quote: “There are opportunities out there for you, but you have to look for those opportunities for they are not going to be handed to you on a silver platter.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the photos of the event are credited to my teenage daughter, who was eager and engaged in capturing every angle of the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many in the audience wanted to know how to get a copy (it is really that good!) and was directed to join the email list to get your </span><a href="http://withoutafight.org/get-involved.php"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">DVD</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> when they are available and host your own screening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a media world that is focused on the darkness, it is uplifting to showcase the good.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvYHK55o5OfmX_ap7sDa-GxSnj43a4vdU_lFW6XDVo_UZVy-CxiqSSgFaHGGJBXYFx4USzFCYWNG7AwQ3GoqFPuIzTchxtlfg_fxdHelf1mxkUJWrd7WqynPxDpDYctP9mYx5IPsNsQwd/s1600/family+at+WaF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvYHK55o5OfmX_ap7sDa-GxSnj43a4vdU_lFW6XDVo_UZVy-CxiqSSgFaHGGJBXYFx4USzFCYWNG7AwQ3GoqFPuIzTchxtlfg_fxdHelf1mxkUJWrd7WqynPxDpDYctP9mYx5IPsNsQwd/s320/family+at+WaF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-67803338596088582832012-04-01T14:53:00.000-04:002012-04-01T14:53:37.627-04:00Woo!! Hoo!! Fax Machines are Making a Comeback!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was so excited to learn that fax machines were making a comeback this morning!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we can go back to landline phones as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea of sitting in one place and having an intimate conversation with a friend knowing that neither one of us was folding laundry, doing dishes, answering emails, or better yet using the restroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I heard the news on <a href="http://www.one.org/"><span style="color: orange;">www.one.org</span></a> this morning I was thrilled!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some other great predictions as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a look……….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vEUIQd9kk0Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How awesome is that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little April Fools mixed in with a LOT of good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beginning of the end of AIDS is welcome news to the millions of people living with this horrific virus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about no child being born with HIV by 2015.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our generation is responsible for this accomplishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our scientists, physicians, leaders, and US!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, we cannot stop now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are making progress and have to keep the momentum going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please take a moment, sign the petition, and add your voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-62331443103830892402012-03-18T17:44:00.000-04:002012-03-18T17:44:46.305-04:00Three Months to Ponder<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Three Months to Ponder<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">So I have had three months to ponder what to write in this post--that means the pressure is on! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I find so difficult is that every single day something worth writing about happens. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have the most inspiring conversations, read intriguing articles, hear interesting facts, participate in uplifting events, and meet human beings everyday that are living life minute by minute making a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the days turn to weeks and the weeks to months then I have trouble simplifying a topic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really need to post more!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since my last post on December 11 there has been Christmas, New Year, a new job, ONE meet ups, basketball, soccer, DREAMS, battle of books, theatre, date nights, UN Women Walk meetings, science fair, a teenage bonfire birthday bash, Rotary presentation, husband to Italy, polar plunge, UNA events, sick guinea pig, author lunch, orchestra, Links Luncheon, dinners and morning tea with friends, and the list could go on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what do I write about?<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlU7BazCG_MCLmBJxAxKcjrFh1purjEmNPC8j3Qko90PcCSEDC_klGeTDVv5SlIuT2V-UQN5NVL9QMaB2sHq7PEZCWoXvcEJg_U-ppqTeW2ZUlxUE14NPY7gWTopqXfHBFzGVYs6z6QsZQ/s1600/DSCI1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlU7BazCG_MCLmBJxAxKcjrFh1purjEmNPC8j3Qko90PcCSEDC_klGeTDVv5SlIuT2V-UQN5NVL9QMaB2sHq7PEZCWoXvcEJg_U-ppqTeW2ZUlxUE14NPY7gWTopqXfHBFzGVYs6z6QsZQ/s320/DSCI1364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My blog is called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Coming Alive </i>because prior to being a CDL for ONE I was quite content spending my evenings and weekends at home not doing any of the things above. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our first year living in NC I spent every Saturday reading my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Time</i> magazine and playing scrabble or cards with my kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was relaxed, but could feel a little stirring inside of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband and I were (and are) always telling our kids to put themselves out there and make things happen, yet here I was talking but not doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then in September 2010 I was called upon to start a new life….and as one of my favorite authors Barbara Kingsolver continues….”and onward full tilt we go, pitched and wrecked and absurdly resolute, driven in spite of everything to make good on a new shore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be hopeful, to embrace one possibility after another—that is surely the basic instinct….Crying out:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>High tide! Time to move out into the glorious debris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time to take this life for what it is.” (excerpt from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">High Tide in Tucson</i>)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that these many things are happening because I decided to “take life for what it is”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kAn7GgwA1LuaW7CBgxCP1M52hhORYPJl5h1WjgoyF4wcOzDBkCy4op6J_IDvsl4fnpjYrKY_a2wmITPVCrn6JvnXYYjsPXUk5UnYwP2L2HHUpfG49-s0p7QlQCVWrsxKU8KyepIN1mHX/s1600/one+mom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kAn7GgwA1LuaW7CBgxCP1M52hhORYPJl5h1WjgoyF4wcOzDBkCy4op6J_IDvsl4fnpjYrKY_a2wmITPVCrn6JvnXYYjsPXUk5UnYwP2L2HHUpfG49-s0p7QlQCVWrsxKU8KyepIN1mHX/s320/one+mom.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am not sure where these opportunities are all leading me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I do know is that you can put yourself out there, you can be a voice for good things in the world, and you can make a difference!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life—like everyone’s—is every changing and if anything I hope my post inspires others to take what is right in front of them and embrace it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Onward full tilt we go!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh165P7PZpx7PraXoYRyaXxPo7KNWXWDD8qQMkm7O-As5EXoN9TkoLe0Nb36UlwBYzHkcm_Ms-u7wPuCF3mHxQl51YQv9s0TtnyS1SACebFP8EiV9p2q4EZ0poxvY7LUH2mH8ze60iC22mg/s1600/speaking+on+behalf+of+ONE+to+the+farm+cooperative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh165P7PZpx7PraXoYRyaXxPo7KNWXWDD8qQMkm7O-As5EXoN9TkoLe0Nb36UlwBYzHkcm_Ms-u7wPuCF3mHxQl51YQv9s0TtnyS1SACebFP8EiV9p2q4EZ0poxvY7LUH2mH8ze60iC22mg/s320/speaking+on+behalf+of+ONE+to+the+farm+cooperative.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-64087872484223407282011-12-11T16:18:00.002-05:002011-12-12T13:12:07.862-05:00Gift Giving From The Heart<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Gift Giving From The Heart<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUcfB93kb8HQNl35H4UtSWKotJr4ASQxhnLMnU-v56i-8NsINkFaqUVcHe3PFTp-3gJQUEL_8pZcIpRp4o6BojZPxlN1lZ9W1mIcV5AAZZa4ELSeNwHOipRKQBGLpVfxoIawwNQYlSo5k/s1600/heart+izybel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUcfB93kb8HQNl35H4UtSWKotJr4ASQxhnLMnU-v56i-8NsINkFaqUVcHe3PFTp-3gJQUEL_8pZcIpRp4o6BojZPxlN1lZ9W1mIcV5AAZZa4ELSeNwHOipRKQBGLpVfxoIawwNQYlSo5k/s200/heart+izybel.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do you ever feel stumped, overwhelmed, and exhausted this time of year?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exhausted from the constant brainstorming to come up with a creative, simple, economical gift that can be given to the friends, family, and teachers that bring us joy all year long, overwhelmed by the thought of squeezing one more task into an already full schedule, and stumped on what to give!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please tell me I am not alone in this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to be excited to make my giving list and come up with what I wanted to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now between my three kids at different schools we have 20 teachers and little time to spare I am not feeling so jolly!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I love to introduce fair trade chocolate and tea with holiday gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a wonderful, inexpensive way to open up the conversation of how what we buy can create change. My eyes were opened this year to the success stories that come as a result of fair trade and income generating opportunities especially for women living in dire circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When visiting Amani Ya Juu <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><a href="http://www.amaniafrica.org/"><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">www.amaniafrica.org</span></a> </span>in Kenya I was seeing living proof of the power of our purchases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wearing the dress I bought that day just feels good—and we all know when we feel good we look good!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many organizations and businesses that promote fair trade and ONE has brought many of those items to their website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So this year I am gift giving from the heart and I invite you to do the same!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHCUHF-5B4W0Xl0hRVHyExemuxaBhjodXesLBrYZEcSmnTyXgAyZZOBvXHQDq4ctEJxloBzf-ZqWwQNrDIn7SKuE0AX0C5PGK5iD9_XUI-UpP57pT7Jak03Yb_nW-5cS4D8jDbUQrcGpD/s1600/ONE+Moms+in+Kenya+2+184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHCUHF-5B4W0Xl0hRVHyExemuxaBhjodXesLBrYZEcSmnTyXgAyZZOBvXHQDq4ctEJxloBzf-ZqWwQNrDIn7SKuE0AX0C5PGK5iD9_XUI-UpP57pT7Jak03Yb_nW-5cS4D8jDbUQrcGpD/s320/ONE+Moms+in+Kenya+2+184.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The ONE store website has now expanded to include some really great stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My fashionABLE scarf is ONE of my favorites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the fall I was wearing it as a belt and now I am wearing it to keep me warm! This link is worth a visit. </span><span style="color: #f79646; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><a href="http://one.shop.musictoday.com/"><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">http://one.shop.musictoday.com/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-Xx9tXIA1GoAdxfH1oJsdA7NKwxK7_uwFP4hOOT7G7iyCmOb5R2Hj8r39I75DF5llcEAv19ep5OzL3le7vNzJJ0JahmtCFJzn5RUuimOMiJjIynQ1RW4hJ7QniqRzXL8P6irKIb-zUmN/s1600/picture+from+dunga+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-Xx9tXIA1GoAdxfH1oJsdA7NKwxK7_uwFP4hOOT7G7iyCmOb5R2Hj8r39I75DF5llcEAv19ep5OzL3le7vNzJJ0JahmtCFJzn5RUuimOMiJjIynQ1RW4hJ7QniqRzXL8P6irKIb-zUmN/s320/picture+from+dunga+beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For all of the teachers on your list--buy them Beads for Learning from <span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><a href="http://www.leakeycollection.com/"><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">www.leakeycollection.com</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>The Leaky Collection donates 100% of the profits to pay teacher salaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wear my bangles almost everyday!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhbxVYClHw0B29vuiDdulpgKgTJSJCjUv_QnbZ_K7tg2McwjdZI1EdnGktXU4KNIb8NwqxxKCwBqEqIFXNWPNEj1-gRKWsJgvXGpoc6O69YQC8YawL-TsmJ-8SOxooc8l1k9TJQCMz6yz/s1600/ONE+Moms+in+Kenya+2+192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhbxVYClHw0B29vuiDdulpgKgTJSJCjUv_QnbZ_K7tg2McwjdZI1EdnGktXU4KNIb8NwqxxKCwBqEqIFXNWPNEj1-gRKWsJgvXGpoc6O69YQC8YawL-TsmJ-8SOxooc8l1k9TJQCMz6yz/s320/ONE+Moms+in+Kenya+2+192.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If you like African bead work, then you must shop <span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><a href="http://www.katchy-kollections.com/"><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">www.katchy-kollections.com</span></a> </span>!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we met Anthony Mulli in Africa I was in awe of his confidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This 18 year old has it together and his talent for beading is incredible!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Of course my friends all make fun of me for the amount of product(red) items we have at our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For several years in a row the kids would all get a new (red) shirt from the Gap at Christmas time (of course my husband and I would too!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandparents bought us the product(red) ipod and the list could go on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love supporting the Global Fund!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year I am buying product(red) coffee from Starbucks for all of the coffee lovers in my family. <span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><a href="http://www.joinred.com/red/#shopred"><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">http://www.joinred.com/red/#shopred</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxINnUPAczwodUqVUDZCYRxO7vNy0ZxPX7Vh9jvS2M224qRx3x3euRFlWj9Zhui41vDzKoaQE_6QiXjSY8GOBQzHadu1F_d1ylvgx345IHqUGsp2x9vCwBa6tChOS5QPd-Tb8DTgBhDx3B/s1600/Jackson%2528red%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxINnUPAczwodUqVUDZCYRxO7vNy0ZxPX7Vh9jvS2M224qRx3x3euRFlWj9Zhui41vDzKoaQE_6QiXjSY8GOBQzHadu1F_d1ylvgx345IHqUGsp2x9vCwBa6tChOS5QPd-Tb8DTgBhDx3B/s320/Jackson%2528red%2529.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">ONE has many partner organizations that are offering some “gifts that give back” this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So as you are finalizing your list be sure to check these out too…….<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A free download of “Joy to the World” by the David Crowder Band:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><a href="http://one.org/blog/2011/12/05/exclusive-holiday-download-from-the-david-crowderband/"><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">http://one.org/blog/2011/12/05/exclusive-holiday-download-from-the-david-crowderband/</span></a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A CARE package from CARE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><a href="http://www.carepackage.org/build"><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">http://www.carepackage.org/build</span></a>?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">L.I.F.E. (coffee) Jacket from Comfort the Children<span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.ctcinternational.org/shop/life-jacket/life-jacket"><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">http://www.ctcinternational.org/shop/life-jacket/life-jacket</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">MAC Cosmetics or Fidelity Denim’s Special Edition Women’s Jeans via the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation<span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.pedaids.org/Shop.aspx"><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">http://www.pedaids.org/Shop.aspx</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A 4 pack of holiday ornaments from Save the Children:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><a href="http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.dvKSIbOSIlJcH/b.6885579/k.BFD5/Home.htm"><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.dvKSIbOSIlJcH/b.6885579/k.BFD5/Home.htm</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Childrens’ toys, books or holiday cards from the U.S. Fund for UNICEF<span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.unicefusa.org/shop/"><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">http://www.unicefusa.org/shop/</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Jam Box for Charity Water<span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://jawbone.com/charitywater"><span style="color: #f79646; mso-themecolor: accent6;">http://jawbone.com/charitywater</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So after writing this post I am feeling my old self come back. I know exactly what I am doing for my holiday shopping and I hope you do too. I am wishing you all a holiday full of love, laughter, peace, joy, and warm hearts!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Together as ONE,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-66130944537083999042011-11-26T16:56:00.000-05:002011-11-26T16:56:41.870-05:00Finding Balance<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Finding Balance<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange;"><i><span style="color: #330000; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f79646; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: accent6;">So divinely is the world organized that every one of us, in our place and time, is in balance with everything else. </span><i><span style="color: #f79646; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Johann Wolfgang von Goethe</span></i><span style="color: #f79646; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; text-align: center;"> </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This quote has always reminded me that I have a purpose right here where I am at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I read it I want to breathe deep and feel that all is well and that my life is happening as it should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lately though, it seems that finding the balance has become complicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the last month the actual word “balance” keeps presenting itself—balanced budget, balanced tires, balanced family life, balanced work life, balanced hormones, balanced homework with extra-curricular, balanced checkbook, and then this picture showed up on the ONE facebook page…………things did not seem to be in balance!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnxOj9cxKgfWAEV58u-L8vbGrvDwSKRBjLIoXt0Cjkmymng4kOFovoLVecHNz6yXORaJ3KhMGBT6uZoHIjLc_MlLCYnrvwQo3vslzInHRNCRXAUsGjxFjlGm-lCq8OnssjgCNaJevUn3K/s1600/Balance+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnxOj9cxKgfWAEV58u-L8vbGrvDwSKRBjLIoXt0Cjkmymng4kOFovoLVecHNz6yXORaJ3KhMGBT6uZoHIjLc_MlLCYnrvwQo3vslzInHRNCRXAUsGjxFjlGm-lCq8OnssjgCNaJevUn3K/s320/Balance+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If I am to be truthful it all started to feel quite overwhelming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As moms we feel the pressure to balance it ALL!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to be super moms, wives, employees, volunteers, and world changers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I looked at the picture above I realized that I was feeling the pressure to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">feed</b> the billion hungry people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I realized was I cannot feed the billion people by myself, but as ONE mom I can share this picture and spread the word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My visit with Congressman McIntyre in Washington D.C. helped me understand just how important it is that each one of us shares the picture and spreads the word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was impressed with the number of letters I was bringing from ONE members in his district.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that hearing from constituents about their wishes for protecting the less than 1% of the budget that is saving lives is important and appreciated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has visited many countries in Africa and understands the importance of these programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuChm9AFP-LKT_tfu6AYPWC4vmJQMu9int5vw3gy0XgCDIzGm8d1tj625z2Fdg466xO87bNsgf5NoVgSDBDkIWqDUda_6thJENLvu75tPP1KcrZGRKIUdjBlyXM683y2kL0M9A___9_YN5/s1600/mcyintyre+looking+at+letters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuChm9AFP-LKT_tfu6AYPWC4vmJQMu9int5vw3gy0XgCDIzGm8d1tj625z2Fdg466xO87bNsgf5NoVgSDBDkIWqDUda_6thJENLvu75tPP1KcrZGRKIUdjBlyXM683y2kL0M9A___9_YN5/s320/mcyintyre+looking+at+letters.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This year has been exciting for sure, but it has not come without some adjustments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the year comes to an end I have found myself turning inward and reflecting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to my wonderful ONE mom friend, Karen Walrond, I am enrolled in her online pathfinder course and have discovered my word for the year is—you guessed it—BALANCE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recommend everyone to check out the course <span style="color: #e36c0a; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><a href="http://www.chookooloonks.com/"><span style="color: #e36c0a; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">http://www.chookooloonks.com/</span></a>.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is not easy and as moms we tend to focus on helping all of those <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes we have to stop and rediscover ourselves.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-Xx9tXIA1GoAdxfH1oJsdA7NKwxK7_uwFP4hOOT7G7iyCmOb5R2Hj8r39I75DF5llcEAv19ep5OzL3le7vNzJJ0JahmtCFJzn5RUuimOMiJjIynQ1RW4hJ7QniqRzXL8P6irKIb-zUmN/s1600/picture+from+dunga+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-Xx9tXIA1GoAdxfH1oJsdA7NKwxK7_uwFP4hOOT7G7iyCmOb5R2Hj8r39I75DF5llcEAv19ep5OzL3le7vNzJJ0JahmtCFJzn5RUuimOMiJjIynQ1RW4hJ7QniqRzXL8P6irKIb-zUmN/s320/picture+from+dunga+beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-14613360237498120142011-10-28T12:50:00.000-04:002011-10-28T12:50:45.969-04:00ONE Amongst Many<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">ONE Amongst Many<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimafTU2qY9cD0llflebLsDMgEAxwxvd2KhNzVVtrTITEn2zUcsLQwf248Q0wjg-5bIbJaJhhpah2YCib1_liv5D5cDqrvvuneL8yvnG5cs4lqvmdtWImwWfsoeFmTRE0HuRDcbW1gcDuU/s1600/ONE+Moms+WH.jpg5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimafTU2qY9cD0llflebLsDMgEAxwxvd2KhNzVVtrTITEn2zUcsLQwf248Q0wjg-5bIbJaJhhpah2YCib1_liv5D5cDqrvvuneL8yvnG5cs4lqvmdtWImwWfsoeFmTRE0HuRDcbW1gcDuU/s320/ONE+Moms+WH.jpg5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Being a member of the ONE Moms Advisory Council has presented me with opportunities that I know many moms only dream of, but through it all my ONE hope is that mom’s everywhere see their unique opportunity to make a difference and risk stepping outside of their comfort zone to be a voice for the most vulnerable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you re-visit my very first post I clearly state that I am not comfortable writing, but I would do it if it meant ending poverty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over this last year I have learned how to use social media to do good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing that a child is dying every 6 minutes in the Horn of Africa we need to use every possible resource we have to be their advocates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may only be ONE mom, but I am ONE amongst many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we can all talk, write, facebook, tweet, and share the facts this story will get heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to do what and ALL that we can.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQe25e5xEhwOs8z_ydlNbrbQtpBxZYWx3Yxm4YxWbWVAii3o_9OtYmsQ729FqC8a1rBdOgRrs-8Ob0MmSTLAcV36s_LAqejyyWQRQ-a-fpHWxZat_IH5LcAs_Uhj0GZMMtriT2tkD-tqaL/s1600/White+House+ONE+Mom+meeting+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQe25e5xEhwOs8z_ydlNbrbQtpBxZYWx3Yxm4YxWbWVAii3o_9OtYmsQ729FqC8a1rBdOgRrs-8Ob0MmSTLAcV36s_LAqejyyWQRQ-a-fpHWxZat_IH5LcAs_Uhj0GZMMtriT2tkD-tqaL/s320/White+House+ONE+Mom+meeting+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dr. Jill Biden attends a roundtable with USAID Administrator Raj Shah and National Security Council Senior Director Gayle Smith and a group of mom bloggers to discuss their recent trips to Kenya and ongoing work on global development, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, October 24, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When I had the opportunity this week to meet with Dr. Jill Biden, USAID Administrator Raj Shah, and Gayle Smith from the National Security Council I was there for ALL moms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hearing the depth of compassion and the sense of urgency as Dr. Biden shared her stories from her recent trip to the refugee camps in the Horn of Africa I wanted to soak it in so that I could carry her experience out with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was in Kenya I was able to see programs funded through USAID working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Administrator Raj Shah is focused and determined to address this situation and see that our investments are saving lives, building communities, and creating stability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Gayle Smith from the National Security Council so clearly pointed out as she answered my question, when we provide individuals with food, shelter, and medicine we give them dignity which is important, especially in large ungoverned spaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People with dignity tend to “act right”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As moms we all want our kids to live in a peaceful, stable world.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zFGRcORTTuFZ8wKg2UC9_9iC8U502l_7vpICz1GX2Hb1VlPVIWhUqNqH4UfmhmLnPny4vpw30GZCd28dj3cc-bC3_rRqM4snP96f3umFGPSfey_f3QnLCtNfGAwRfgW_EoWMSrYul27t/s1600/Presentation_0004_infographic_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zFGRcORTTuFZ8wKg2UC9_9iC8U502l_7vpICz1GX2Hb1VlPVIWhUqNqH4UfmhmLnPny4vpw30GZCd28dj3cc-bC3_rRqM4snP96f3umFGPSfey_f3QnLCtNfGAwRfgW_EoWMSrYul27t/s320/Presentation_0004_infographic_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My hope is for the conversation not to be about ONE Moms going to the White House, but instead about the 13 million individuals who are starving, dying, or displaced in the Horn of Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This number is 10 million more than the Haiti earthquakes and more than the population of Los Angeles and New York combined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we start to think that it is too big to tackle then we need to read the proof, </span><a href="http://www.one.org/livingproof"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #e69138;">www.one.org/livingproof</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> our voice is making a difference and right now for those suffering from the worst drought in 60 years we need to make it loud! Below I am standing with a dairy farmer who is now able to support herself, her family, and contribute to her community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am only ONE mom, but when I started talking people everywhere started listening and they will listen to you too, so start the conversation!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9qHl0_NduKOAookZQJY3jpdTJrwSwVqbWI0RPlRkDV_uYtDqhymWD7SBLGFz1ij-uyAti1eAF-w14kQPnu_5ph76vJLX0yFOysbePbEW7q3D1C-kwEKco6CrjXhticrRTF5h6zFpOGy6/s1600/dairy+farmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9qHl0_NduKOAookZQJY3jpdTJrwSwVqbWI0RPlRkDV_uYtDqhymWD7SBLGFz1ij-uyAti1eAF-w14kQPnu_5ph76vJLX0yFOysbePbEW7q3D1C-kwEKco6CrjXhticrRTF5h6zFpOGy6/s320/dairy+farmer.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-66146814593286864842011-10-13T13:52:00.002-04:002011-10-13T22:19:50.374-04:00Africa Revisited<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Africa Revisited<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> I am not sure how, but it has been a month since I posted on my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always go back to the post I wrote the first of June titled, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The World is Busy <a href="http://rachelfoxcomingalive.blogspot.com/2011/06/world-is-busy.html"><span style="color: #e69138;">http://rachelfoxcomingalive.blogspot.com/2011/06/world-is-busy.html</span></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>I am notorious for saying, “after this weekend everything slows down”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am coming to the realization that life will continue to move forward and while I have three school age kids at three different schools life will move forward at an Indy car pace!</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> This last week though, my ONE Mom trip book came in the mail and I was jolted with emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My trip to Africa and all of the feelings that came with it came flooding back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking at the book and seeing me on the pages I think it finally became clear that I really was standing on the continent of Africa with these incredible women both from Kenya and America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This experience has not been a dream and the opportunity that I have been given to make a difference in the world is right here in front of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Looking back on my blog, there is so much that I have not shared yet; places we visited, friends I made, and stories I heard. I know that I need to write these down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I absorb experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think they travel right down to my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find it extremely difficult to put them into words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I want what I learned from Africa to be available for everyone, especially my kids!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I am designating a day every week on my calendar to Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am pulling out our ONE Mom itinerary and revisiting each moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trip has been transformational and by sharing the stories I hope to encourage others to have their eyes opened as mine have been. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-35218352732507966592011-09-17T20:55:00.000-04:002011-09-17T20:55:14.034-04:00What can ONE mom do?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxln6WCWqbxH3l8jeU4FQqUabmUeGgvRzI9wKpuSGFSORzPafcfYtq5hfV9CgpBXz4ildchKZJvUPhZbpqDRjjLDFrcFhbgcaH9x8GmMpsfbDLGELE95nFQtzk9e8GORvwN8Hs5Y8SN6ln/s1600/PCJ+meet+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxln6WCWqbxH3l8jeU4FQqUabmUeGgvRzI9wKpuSGFSORzPafcfYtq5hfV9CgpBXz4ildchKZJvUPhZbpqDRjjLDFrcFhbgcaH9x8GmMpsfbDLGELE95nFQtzk9e8GORvwN8Hs5Y8SN6ln/s320/PCJ+meet+up.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What can ONE mom do?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If I am to be completely honest, I will admit that writing my blog post is agonizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deciding on the title, the content, and the direction to take my blog is like trying to choose my flavor of ice cream at Boombalatti’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The process takes me forever!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell myself if I have my house clean, my laundry done, my desk caught up, and my part-time job found then I will be in a clear place and the words will flow. All of us moms know that we are never caught up and the truth is, I need to give myself permission to sit and really put my thoughts to paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not only for those who read the blog, but for my kids, and for me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The statements: “I am just a mom”, and “What can ONE mom do?” resonate with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since leaving my nursing career so many years ago to stay home with the kids, I have repeated these words <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">too </b>many times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel I am neither a “working mom” nor a “stay-at-home mom”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a time in my life when I was extremely career driven, but that desire left me when I became pregnant 14 years ago. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After my daughter was born I knew I wanted to be home with her however, I never felt compelled to be an “at home” mom either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not care to cook, clean, sew, craft, or join the mom groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For years this frustrated me and left me wondering where I fit in the grand scheme of this “mom” discussion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then last year as I embraced this volunteer position as ONE Congressional District Leader, I was starting to see what my role as a mom has been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was invited to be on the ONE Mom’s Advisory Council my eyes were opened and I realized what ONE mom can do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ONE mom can raise children with an awareness of the world through books, movies, museums and conversations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ONE mom can create a world of compassion by encouraging her kids to donate, to give gratitude, and to love. ONE mom can find her voice and share it with others to inspire a whole world of moms to speak up, to unite, and to ultimately change the world!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many moms following the ONE Moms (<span style="color: #ff9933;"><a href="http://www.one.org/moms"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="color: lime;">www.one.org/moms</span></span></a></span>) have asked what they can do in their own communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it might be helpful to read the monthly ONE Wilmington email that I send out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just think of the awareness we can create if more moms engaged their communities---together as ONE---moms can do so much!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Friday ONE Wilmington,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> September always feels like the start of a new year--I have a new calendar, the kids have a new school schedule, we start DREAMS, and I always start a new exercise routine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year in addition to these new beginnings I see a real engagement and interest in the issues facing women around the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been so humbled and honored to be part of the ONE Mom's Advisory Council and have the opportunity to raise awareness at this level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I invite all of ONE Wilmington to be a part of this conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do not even have to leave your house to take action, just set your DVR and utilize your social media to give your voice for women everywhere!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MARK YOUR CALENDARS:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Monday, September 19 (8-9 am EST) the ONE Moms will be featured as part of Good Morning America's launch of The Million Moms Challenge. (details are at the bottom of this email!!!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Tuesday, September 20 @ 6:30 pm I will be speaking and sharing details from my recent Kenya trip at the UN Women and Coastal Carolina Chapter UNA-USA program "Women, War & Peace"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(This program will be an introduction to Women, War & Peace, a five-part PBS special, premieres Oct. 11, 2011. The series continues on Tuesday nights at 10:00 p.m. through Nov. 8.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will also attach a hard copy flier to this email for you to print, share,and pass on!!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">LINKS TO MEDIA COVERAGE OVER THE LAST MONTH:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Interview with fellow North Carolinian ONE Mom, Jennifer James, and myself on the UNC-TV program North Carolina Now-- we are at minute 17:30<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="color: lime;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://video.unctv.org/video/2098347785"><span style="color: #ff9933; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: lime; font-family: Calibri;">http://video.unctv.org/video/2098347785</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Article in Lumina News by Michelle Saxton:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://luminanews.com/article.asp?aid=8764&iid=285&sud=42"><span style="color: #ff9933; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: lime; font-family: Calibri;">http://luminanews.com/article.asp?aid=8764&iid=285&sud=42</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*ONE Moms on ABC World News and GMA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="color: lime;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://one.org/blog/2011/08/09/in-case-you-missed-it-one-moms-on-abc/"><span style="color: #ff9933; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: lime; font-family: Calibri;">http://one.org/blog/2011/08/09/in-case-you-missed-it-one-moms-on-abc/</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*WWAY-TV interview:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.wwaytv3.com/2011/08/09/local-mom-working-to-make-global-difference"><span style="color: #ff9933; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: lime; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.wwaytv3.com/2011/08/09/local-mom-working-to-make-global-difference</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*WILMA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pick up the September edition for a nice ONE Mom article in the front<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*UNA-USA Fall 2011 newsletter:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>attached to this email as a document<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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</div><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">UPCOMING EVENTS and OPPORTUNITIES:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*October 1 @ 9 am will be our once/month ONE Coffee/Tea at Port City Java 2099 Market Street<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*October 8 @ 7 pm will be the Una Luna Full Moon Saturday event--more details to come (possibly a documentary screening)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*ONE UNCW is off and running with our fantastic ONE campus leader, Kayleigh Maneval!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*For those interested in hunger and agriculture ONE is now taking applications for an incredible 6 week online Griot course--I strongly encourage checking out this opportunity:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><a href="http://www.one.org/blog/2011/09/12/apply-for-ones-hunger-and-agriculture-griot-project-now/"><span style="color: #ff9933; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: lime; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.one.org/blog/2011/09/12/apply-for-ones-hunger-and-agriculture-griot-project-now/</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*ONE High School Clubs are taking off at both Laney and Isaac Bear Early College--the interest was phenomenal!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be on the lookout for NHHS, Ashley, and Hoggard to follow suit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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</div><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> As always if you have any questions, comments, or ideas for ONE in NC-7 please send them my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This last year has truly proven that North Carolina cares about the world's poorest and is committed to giving their voice to make sure that we are doing all that we can to make poverty history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a great community to be a part of.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Together as ONE,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rachel<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ONE Congressional District Leader NC-7<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</div><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">CALLING ALL MOMS:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BE ONE IN A MILLION<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ABC News is launching an historic, first of-its-kind campaign on Good Morning America on Monday, September 19th, called The Million Moms Challenge – and we want you to be a part of it.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Challenge is a call-to-action to engage a million Americans with millions of moms overseas to raise awareness<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>about the challenges facing moms and babies in the developing world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Did you know, for example, that every 90 seconds a woman dies in childbirth?)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Million Moms Challenge will be featured in weekly segments across ABC News (including Good Morning America, World News with Diane Sawyer, Nightline and 2020)… leading up to a Diane Sawyer primetime hour in December on maternal health. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what do we want you to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really easy:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: #ff9933; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Show up at 7:30 a.m. Monday morning September 19th – outside ABC News’ Times Square Studio – on the southeast corner of 44th and Broadway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>finished by 9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feel free to wear T shirts from our partner organizations – or even printed with pics of your own mom. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hold up the index finger of your right hand, and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>open your left palm, like this:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Write or stamp the words “Million Moms” on the palm of your left hand . We have stickers…and </span></span><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">self-inking stamps and markers – all with washable ink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Handwriting is nice, too.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids can write on their hands – even draw pictures of their moms!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the shot is live…Smile for the camera!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bottom line: we’re asking folks to raise their hands for moms and babies around the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember, you don’t have to be a mom to help a mom. You just have to be one in a million.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And if you can’t make it to Time Square, be sure to watch GMA on Monday (8-9 EST)…then<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>snap your own picture at home with the Million Moms symbol and send it ASAP to MillionMomsPictures@gmail.com...or post it on your own Facebook page or blog.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Social media:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tweet me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m one in a million for healthy moms & babies around the world. Join the #MillionMomsChallenge with me! www.MillionMomsChallenge.com<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Twitter and hashtag:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: lime;">@amillionmoms;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>#amillionmoms<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff9933;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Like on Facebook:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: lime;">facebook.com/millionmomschallenge<o:p></o:p></span></span></span>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-23666662405771435692011-09-05T16:44:00.000-04:002011-09-05T16:44:05.036-04:00Building Bridges and The 26 Day Challenge<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Building Bridges and the 26 Day Challenge<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Imagine your teenager allowing the entire family to sleep in her room for the night, your twelve year old son eating on less than $2 for the day, your youngest using no electronics after sundown during summer break, and your husband going the day without his phone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When returning from Kenya I wanted to do more than repeatedly remind my family to appreciate their home and meals, and to NOT waste water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learning about the 26 day challenge for Carolina for Kibera (<span style="color: #ffc000;"><a href="http://www.carolinaforkibera.org/"><span style="color: #ffc000;">www.carolinaforkibera.org</span></a></span>) was a way for me to do just that and bring my experience in Kibera as a ONE Mom home to my family. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTh4BuXxKgbxOKIHgjUNAjiDSUdmdpo0lw87kUNq3acSIQW235f-MuRTtY7-KcvV_HWyod8QATLULEkBGwhXzfyLIkCWA-40m-MJJqgg03LvHkLlmN6AzUvFUcORwe2cP-92904tS6OcB/s1600/CFK+day+14+jackson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTh4BuXxKgbxOKIHgjUNAjiDSUdmdpo0lw87kUNq3acSIQW235f-MuRTtY7-KcvV_HWyod8QATLULEkBGwhXzfyLIkCWA-40m-MJJqgg03LvHkLlmN6AzUvFUcORwe2cP-92904tS6OcB/s320/CFK+day+14+jackson.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Only three days post trip we were signed up and ready to begin each day with ONE new challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had it in our heads, ‘piece of cake’, until the day we had to eat on less than $2/day or go with one meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was when this experiment opened our minds, our hearts, and our wallets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, on day 25 we wrote our $26 check to The Full Belly Project (<span style="color: #ffc000;"><a href="http://www.fullbellyproject.org/"><span style="color: #ffc000;">www.fullbellyproject.org</span></a></span>) a local non-profit whose mission is to design and distribute income-generating agricultural devices to improve life in developing countries. (You must read Rye Barcott’s book (<span style="color: #ffc000;"><a href="http://ithappenedonthewaytowar.com/"><span style="color: #ffc000;">http://ithappenedonthewaytowar.com/</span></a></span>) to understand why $26.) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWlrAvn3uOobb6ptDc_ZGZAJ3vu0SGzLlBcC4wF3wYHvmLCEhhWOg8VlR_dC0AxzhZPjHU2Fj9r0SMvFV7mot-MbSFDd6MMlk_0yRaTXMtB8BmiuHP5rrOaKffd3_iKIWrGvSlkyjoVCn/s1600/FBP+July+2011.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWlrAvn3uOobb6ptDc_ZGZAJ3vu0SGzLlBcC4wF3wYHvmLCEhhWOg8VlR_dC0AxzhZPjHU2Fj9r0SMvFV7mot-MbSFDd6MMlk_0yRaTXMtB8BmiuHP5rrOaKffd3_iKIWrGvSlkyjoVCn/s320/FBP+July+2011.2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Not only were we reminded of hunger during our 26 days, but we tried out life in small living quarters (the typical size for a family of 5 in Kibera is 10 feet x 10 feet), tolerated the noise pollution for a day (one of my toughest days!!!), washed our clothes by hand, used one bucket of water for all of us to bathe, did not throw anything in a trash can for a day, cooked everything on one burner, and shut down electronics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you do not do them all, I encourage everyone to try a few—it will open your eyes!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In Kibera it is not only about going without.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I was struck with while I visited was the sense of community. This is something that we often lack in our fast-paced, busy lives here in America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Incorporated in the challenge were days of chai with friends, borrowing from a neighbor, playing soccer with a Kibera made soccer ball, and volunteering in our own community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is all part of building bridges, both here at home and across the globe!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In all honesty--there were periods during the challenge where one (or all) of us became irritable, and some dropped out of that day’s challenge, but I believe that is what made it effective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was those moments when we sat down, talked about why we were doing this and what actions we can take right now to make a difference in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going to <span style="color: #ffc000;"><a href="http://www.one.org/"><span style="color: #ffc000;">www.one.org</span></a></span> and adding your name to the petition for the crisis happening in the horn of Africa, and signing up for the 26 day challenge at <span style="color: #ffc000;"><a href="http://www.carolinaforkibera.org/"><span style="color: #ffc000;">www.carolinaforkibera.org</span></a> </span>are things you can do right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remembering that the families in Kibera face ALL of these challenges every single day and by participating for only 26 days and sharing it with others through conversation and social networking we can give a glimpse of a family's daily life in Kibera that hopefully will inspire others to join the conversation and take action!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-12533997649049679742011-08-17T14:26:00.000-04:002011-08-17T14:26:39.150-04:00We Have It In Us To Do Both<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">We Have It In Us To Do Both<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Processing my thoughts since my trip to Africa has not unfolded as I expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply sharing the stories of courage and strength of the women I met or the lives saved by the incredible work of US funded programs in collaboration with so many on less than 1% of the budget, does not seem to answer the questions I continue to receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am finding that my take away from the trip is being shaped by my responses to “why Africa?”, “why now?”, and “why not help here in our own country?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh165P7PZpx7PraXoYRyaXxPo7KNWXWDD8qQMkm7O-As5EXoN9TkoLe0Nb36UlwBYzHkcm_Ms-u7wPuCF3mHxQl51YQv9s0TtnyS1SACebFP8EiV9p2q4EZ0poxvY7LUH2mH8ze60iC22mg/s1600/speaking+on+behalf+of+ONE+to+the+farm+cooperative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh165P7PZpx7PraXoYRyaXxPo7KNWXWDD8qQMkm7O-As5EXoN9TkoLe0Nb36UlwBYzHkcm_Ms-u7wPuCF3mHxQl51YQv9s0TtnyS1SACebFP8EiV9p2q4EZ0poxvY7LUH2mH8ze60iC22mg/s320/speaking+on+behalf+of+ONE+to+the+farm+cooperative.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whether in a small town, large city, developed world, or undeveloped world, poverty is present in its own form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all know it is there and many are taking action to alleviate it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I advocate on this large platform for Africa it is assumed that I do nothing for those here in my own country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This interests me, because volunteering at the local level with our under-served youth, at our food bank, and in our schools is as important to me as my volunteer work with ONE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, I have not yet met a ONE member or a ONE Mom who was not also invested in work at the local level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to say, “act locally, advocate globally”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing that 2/3 of the 1.3 billion people living on less than $1.25/day live in Sub-Sahara Africa leaves me no doubt that I am using my voice where it is needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nu3Xke_E2MpG9TX0TrUS8dmNeml3KFbmJQ6qcwQ1jZ4o9RqbrHPN6EG4j-UTzO7E2ljVWfmIH-2hBycAZzdMp9Au2fLNl6BKL9TEjaj6mrUEloHsY1PoWpfYN36V7xZn4Y6feU9z7AVU/s1600/Teen+Council+voluntering+at+Mother+Hubbards+Cupboard+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nu3Xke_E2MpG9TX0TrUS8dmNeml3KFbmJQ6qcwQ1jZ4o9RqbrHPN6EG4j-UTzO7E2ljVWfmIH-2hBycAZzdMp9Au2fLNl6BKL9TEjaj6mrUEloHsY1PoWpfYN36V7xZn4Y6feU9z7AVU/s320/Teen+Council+voluntering+at+Mother+Hubbards+Cupboard+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With the fragility that is being felt here in America and around the world, there is no better time than right now to take action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For so many reasons, the work ONE is doing is important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opening our eyes to the crisis in the horn of Africa and learning the issues educates us and moves us to sign petitions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing firsthand the research being done in the areas of preventable disease and how it is saving lives today encourages letters to be written in support of GAVI, and knowing that investments in long-term agriculture solutions like Feed the Future will give Africa the tools needed to feed itself leaves me dancing for joy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The possibilities and connections we have are endless.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpARkObnmTbj6FOiHCO5JNSRDap9iM6wx4R4HUpiN3CX4uwUScf4mVTNrQPgqB_Hv6P7XPcFQDUvLhPrbR24ah5VVJeDBb7P_I-yu25MOCosh9Su117kW3D73hl5Y0YO-qenQ4qIufIH8m/s1600/dancing+on+the+farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpARkObnmTbj6FOiHCO5JNSRDap9iM6wx4R4HUpiN3CX4uwUScf4mVTNrQPgqB_Hv6P7XPcFQDUvLhPrbR24ah5VVJeDBb7P_I-yu25MOCosh9Su117kW3D73hl5Y0YO-qenQ4qIufIH8m/s320/dancing+on+the+farm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tensions can be felt here at home and around the globe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to look for some common ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ONE brings together all parties, all faiths, all socio-economic levels, and all ages for a greater cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each group may participate for a different reason and that is perfectly acceptable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me this collaboration in itself is uplifting, inspiring, and healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when asked these questions I simply respond because the world needs our voice of compassion here as well as Africa and I believe we have it in us to do both!!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJggdhTME5X_XH_qflM3NC9F5-tVzITakuOMyUPSj-ZNFfxLyabPwN9-VPiaL81oCf5RRjlOVGdAaovXSwfGBVVbnTfgkENzpCir3PN8_zelxqx1JvKX_77UTYqNIubD_YR0bkn1psjef/s1600/amani+ya+Juu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJggdhTME5X_XH_qflM3NC9F5-tVzITakuOMyUPSj-ZNFfxLyabPwN9-VPiaL81oCf5RRjlOVGdAaovXSwfGBVVbnTfgkENzpCir3PN8_zelxqx1JvKX_77UTYqNIubD_YR0bkn1psjef/s320/amani+ya+Juu.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-37905921724347061662011-08-04T15:16:00.000-04:002011-08-04T15:16:08.230-04:00Why Leaving Kenya Was So Difficult<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why Leaving Kenya Was So Difficult<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am always ready to come home to the comforts of my home, especially if I am away from my husband and kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This weekend, though as we were preparing to leave Kenya I only longed to bring my family to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to ponder this and wonder what was creating such a strong yearning to stay there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I remembered what one of our hotel attendants had shared that morning, “The ground in Africa is magic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you step on it you will not want to leave”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fQ6xNW8qJYg5iVmBRnMuKqYDXPfJd7WWPrjuxXGlpcNwUqFPfzsb6BCHpp1EoIQoLYeZ7ywU4I7j3_Sp2o1pjQB2dneFJl7R8-cr_8L_XSH3JtSBDL52mSryGuzyHm1WovJ26fx0gNX_/s1600/ONE+Moms+in+Kenya+283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fQ6xNW8qJYg5iVmBRnMuKqYDXPfJd7WWPrjuxXGlpcNwUqFPfzsb6BCHpp1EoIQoLYeZ7ywU4I7j3_Sp2o1pjQB2dneFJl7R8-cr_8L_XSH3JtSBDL52mSryGuzyHm1WovJ26fx0gNX_/s320/ONE+Moms+in+Kenya+283.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So there you have it, I was under the spell of Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not just the spell of Africa, but the spell of the ONE campaign and the ONE Moms as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see something much bigger happening than government funded programs at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see Africa “coming alive” and the rest of the world coming together from all walks of life to give their voice for the beautiful people that we were meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What resonated with me was that the US Government funded programs were only the catalyst for change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once these communities were given the tools they needed to improve the lives and living conditions surrounding them, they were motivated and inspired to be involved and take action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The community health counselors, village reporters, TB ambassadors, Kenyan entrepreneurs, Binti Pamoja graduates, and farmers spoke articulately and with confidence, goals for their communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are all “living proof” that smart aid is working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The momentum and motivation is there and we must continue to keep these programs viable and strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With one in 19 babies still dying before their first birthday the funding must continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Nyanza Province of Kenya is the most densely populated area of HIV/AIDS in the country and is the center for research for not only HIV/AIDS, but Malaria, TB, and tropical diseases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The possibilities to be found here will be world changing!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBqZ6GHwTh8J6_sTA7wVRRm8oTiBQpVaE8MYGga_mqBP3jcff5uwKlhVL8ci03xqAky9OFtpPC2CzS0slP7Du-jnXSqN-DspCimkE3hpTswktF5CbwrusatlaZGNDRcA-oCjktonl3G8t/s1600/ONE+Moms+in+Kenya+242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBqZ6GHwTh8J6_sTA7wVRRm8oTiBQpVaE8MYGga_mqBP3jcff5uwKlhVL8ci03xqAky9OFtpPC2CzS0slP7Du-jnXSqN-DspCimkE3hpTswktF5CbwrusatlaZGNDRcA-oCjktonl3G8t/s320/ONE+Moms+in+Kenya+242.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a mom I want my kids to see individuals coming together from all walks of life for something greater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want them to hear the stories from the women at Amani Ya Juu who are from countries all over eastern Africa working to transcend ethnic and cultural differences, listen as I share how absolutely INCREDIBLE each of the ONE Mom participants are, and learn how the ONE campaign has shown the world that together as ONE we can DEFEAT extreme poverty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trip has been a life-changing gift that I will forever and always be grateful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for my husband and kids-they are ready to feel the magic!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BEjjyGyUGu-vNK7ZDaJQeGMAnVOw6ocxCIamDv4o-5TlcvdjgX6RxVPXU84UtFy8w3N-WNyNDFSnb6OSXaIGldQVgBgQPksszojk5VfSUm8UjCHJB1tlaedU7nJV8DbV8bJorCnY4iSy/s1600/ONE+Moms+in+Kenya+231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BEjjyGyUGu-vNK7ZDaJQeGMAnVOw6ocxCIamDv4o-5TlcvdjgX6RxVPXU84UtFy8w3N-WNyNDFSnb6OSXaIGldQVgBgQPksszojk5VfSUm8UjCHJB1tlaedU7nJV8DbV8bJorCnY4iSy/s320/ONE+Moms+in+Kenya+231.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-76706822494629507362011-08-01T10:42:00.000-04:002011-08-01T10:42:30.935-04:00Peeling Potatoes With Grace<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Peeling Potatoes With Grace<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Imagine being a mom standing on a small farm in Elburgon, Nakuru County in the country of Kenya on the continent of Africa learning about Irish potatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are welcomed with celebration and surrounded by the most beautiful countryside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much to take in that at times it can be overwhelming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the farmer begins to demonstrate how she peels her potatoes and you discover that she does it EXACTLY like you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is where I found myself today and I was invited to peel potatoes with Grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYRIPAuBisyrBg18e7Rjs6JDBWzM-fPatXEpuEzSO9hJdtxGB0O2Nkyh0XsWVQjk7Fwkd1-3pgV2tJdAFg9_mrX1E3bKuQWpoJb2VCpdHaAXeotTvjygwt0pnYuSHqzQxkN4V-y3IZJDu/s1600/Peeling+potatoes+with+Grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYRIPAuBisyrBg18e7Rjs6JDBWzM-fPatXEpuEzSO9hJdtxGB0O2Nkyh0XsWVQjk7Fwkd1-3pgV2tJdAFg9_mrX1E3bKuQWpoJb2VCpdHaAXeotTvjygwt0pnYuSHqzQxkN4V-y3IZJDu/s320/Peeling+potatoes+with+Grace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Grace is a member of the Mastima Potato Growers Self Help Group started in Septermber 2010 with the aim of marketing Irish potatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Irish potato is the second most important food crop in Kenya and has the potential to yield over 80 tons per acre, which would dramatically increase food security, farm income, and nutrition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Located far from markets and without the availability of planting materials (seeds) their ability to even feed their family can be difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Programs like Feed the Future provide these farmers with the tools needed to feed themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Feed the Future initiative ran under USAID takes a holistic approach and incorporates in; agriculture research, access to finance, farm inputs, natural-resource management, market development, and advocacy for farmer-friendly policies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important to know that these farmers have big aspirations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During our welcoming presentation the committee chair was aware of the crisis happening in north-eastern Kenya and not only was the goal of their cooperative to feed their community, but they have in their long-term plan to feed their entire country!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfiQ525WGCUgFCzr5tvuOgFfbv3USLVCROKa4tItgI7FHzb-GLQkJsvI7OoAqh9yWGVPtez80e1SjqUpMWrwc9Qb_HfC3bH8bY0yQGAhagGVhhjhnXKsah7zH2IhaldiIGP5OU-7r3OwF/s1600/Me+with+Grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfiQ525WGCUgFCzr5tvuOgFfbv3USLVCROKa4tItgI7FHzb-GLQkJsvI7OoAqh9yWGVPtez80e1SjqUpMWrwc9Qb_HfC3bH8bY0yQGAhagGVhhjhnXKsah7zH2IhaldiIGP5OU-7r3OwF/s320/Me+with+Grace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For the remaining tour of the farm I could not leave the side of Grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She glowed each time we discovered a new crop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She showed me her bananas, maize, cabbage, and her favorite-potatoes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She let me dig in the dirt with her and carry them back to storage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We laughed, we hugged, and she asked when we could see each other again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Programs like Feed the Future are giving hope to these farmers and must continue to be supported.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I have learned anything this week it is that the world is a small place and that we can find our connection in something as simple as peeling a potato.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-1494623694938521182011-07-30T05:09:00.000-04:002011-07-30T05:09:38.183-04:00The Strength of Community<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">The Strength of Community</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My volunteer title for ONE is Congressional District Leader, which makes me a community leader! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By taking on this role I found my confidence to speak up for the many issues I feel so passionately about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have found my talent and am now just learning to embrace it and inspire others to find their talent and do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The power of community here in Kenya is unlike anything I have ever seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been present in the rural villages, among the Kenyan business women, and especially today among the residents of Kibera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were able to spend some time today at Carolina For Kibera (CFK) <a href="http://www.carolinaforkibera.org/">http://www.carolinaforkibera.org/</a>, a Kenya based non-profit organization and an associated entity of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—so proud to have this incredible organization from my home state!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Kibera is one of the largest slums in Africa, measuring approximately 1 square mile (the size of grant park in NY), and home to estimates of 800,000 to 1 million people with 50% of those being under fifteen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The typical size home for a family of 5 (that would be my family) is 10x10 feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hearing those statistics you may expect that we would walk into the presumed picture of hopeless Kenyans in despair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well I am here to clear up that misunderstanding!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I saw today were individuals invested in their community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to spend the afternoon with two of the young women leaders from The Binti Pamoja (Daughters United) Center, which is perfect considering I am the mom of a 14 year old daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This center provides a physically and emotionally safe place for adolescent girls to explore the issues that are prevalent in their daily lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have peer-led groups called “Safe Spaces” where the girls use photography, drama, writing and group discussion to confront the issues prevalent in their daily lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These leaders are trained, just as ONE trained me and now they are spreading their talents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the CFK tagline, “talent is universal; opportunity is not”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that when we are seen as leaders then we become leaders.</span></div><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4y_CaWISHcITtmxWL-R9oK7Q9TS77kBQ3dFUlkJoWcLCfOLLsZbXX1KMWZONkFDbWQ0oHBpOKCHXHe_WYqwbxsuGWuPJwuwnIOG9se9EnBAwK_C_yoyzFvyqNrghaI_e13aY_uTDSzQA/s1600/The+girls+from+Binti+Pamoja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4y_CaWISHcITtmxWL-R9oK7Q9TS77kBQ3dFUlkJoWcLCfOLLsZbXX1KMWZONkFDbWQ0oHBpOKCHXHe_WYqwbxsuGWuPJwuwnIOG9se9EnBAwK_C_yoyzFvyqNrghaI_e13aY_uTDSzQA/s320/The+girls+from+Binti+Pamoja.jpg" t$="true" width="239px" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At my ONE events I like to suggest that we can act locally and advocate globally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My second love besides ONE is a local non-profit, DREAMS Center for Arts Education; because I believe it does for my community just what CFK does for theirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both exist to develop local leaders, catalyze positive change and are work to alleviate poverty in their respective communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rye Barcott is the author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it happened on the way to war: a marine’s path to peace</i> (facebook.com/ryebarcott) and the co-founder of Carolina For Kibera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was excited to meet him and his staff today and look forward to hosting a ONE event in Wilmington where we can show the power of community!!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlQzrp8ACDlZCofxmcvnzeY7QXG5Q5Ygchw9c1x-LwXfue6QKhizstz359SACOWHad0qGYuvsJWS9BgZe5ZHMzjnITa3udI4fK3Sz5xn8Jk2k5FQTTXo6q0W6ikijtYgT0idKYT1GfsyK/s1600/Meeting+Rye+Barcott+at+Carolina+for+Kibera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlQzrp8ACDlZCofxmcvnzeY7QXG5Q5Ygchw9c1x-LwXfue6QKhizstz359SACOWHad0qGYuvsJWS9BgZe5ZHMzjnITa3udI4fK3Sz5xn8Jk2k5FQTTXo6q0W6ikijtYgT0idKYT1GfsyK/s320/Meeting+Rye+Barcott+at+Carolina+for+Kibera.jpg" t$="true" width="239px" /></a></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><shape alt="Meeting Rye Barcott at Carolina for Kibera.jpg" id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 146.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 109.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><imagedata o:title="Meeting Rye Barcott at Carolina for Kibera" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Rachel\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image005.jpg"></imagedata></shape></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Today our daily action ties in with our morning meeting with women entrepreneurs in Karen, Kenya who are leading in building their communities' economies and providing opportunities to others. Again, women being leaders!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check out ONE's report "Africa's Future is Female" to learn more about how women are leading a revolution on the continent: http://one.org/c/international/hottopic/3806/?rc=onemompartner. Then, using hashtag #ONEMoms tell us (@ONECampaign) one thing that surprised you. Or leave a comment on our Facebook page (http://facebook.com/ONE)</span></div><br />
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</div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-24655065203036550902011-07-28T16:52:00.000-04:002011-07-28T16:52:20.990-04:00Together We Are Transformed<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Pamoja Tunabadilishwa</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“Together we are transformed”</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0ju8JP_vfz19zTK3pNm2HhSGXRGaZrZvWKBIfYq6ajBIJbZ6dXyjMyYppKZ81V2fAY6UEeu95jqR9KoXZHEBtFoKP7aw-dtFe-jZ5F2dfZN_1gngLNjohH27soKuOJEsvYAMbSmISNeQ/s1600/IMG_0437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0ju8JP_vfz19zTK3pNm2HhSGXRGaZrZvWKBIfYq6ajBIJbZ6dXyjMyYppKZ81V2fAY6UEeu95jqR9KoXZHEBtFoKP7aw-dtFe-jZ5F2dfZN_1gngLNjohH27soKuOJEsvYAMbSmISNeQ/s320/IMG_0437.jpg" t$="true" width="239px" /></a></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype><shape alt="IMG_0437.jpg" id="Picture_x0020_0" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 83.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 62.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><imagedata o:title="IMG_0437" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Rachel\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"></imagedata></shape></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am finding it difficult to put this post into words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask me to speak aloud how moved I was by what is happening at Amani Ya Juu (<a href="http://www.amaniafrica.org/">http://www.amaniafrica.org/</a>) and I can passionately share every detail, but ask me to come back and write it in words-my page remains blank. This may be because I felt something resonate with my personal journey, but it is also because I want every reader to come away knowing that peace is happening!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Amani Ya Juu is a sewing and training program for marginalized women based in East Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These women come from Kenya, Sudan, Burundi, Liberia-Bassa, Congo, Somali, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ethiopia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about standing in a circle of women representing all of these African countries, then think about the power they have to transform not just Africa, but the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together they created the unity quilt (one corner of it is pictured above) to illustrate how reconciliation is celebrated traditionally by their people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, as you can guess they did not stop there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their children created a quilt with all of their handprints sewn together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These children will grow up knowing nothing but love for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as I have said before moms have the ability to multiply their advocacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The work these women are doing goes far beyond making handbags, home décor, jewelry, women’s wear, and children’s items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is about transformation, for themselves, their children, and their continent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They demonstrate without a doubt that “together we are transformed”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trip has placed me in a global circle of women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have learned clearly that we are all connected and that our voice, our compassion, and our action can CHANGE THE WORLD!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqnxf83SHiQNE_eVONrzc0m9z09_WFgj9F710wLdMVxdprFoUozNOZO8nLbkNtfyCTBevRdqUdRwSVkqHZw5GPCQxUASZC8F_QK_tH_9po596NIKu9TpXcx3epy3bo55n3lsxbYAkfaaD/s1600/IMG_0430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqnxf83SHiQNE_eVONrzc0m9z09_WFgj9F710wLdMVxdprFoUozNOZO8nLbkNtfyCTBevRdqUdRwSVkqHZw5GPCQxUASZC8F_QK_tH_9po596NIKu9TpXcx3epy3bo55n3lsxbYAkfaaD/s320/IMG_0430.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"><shape alt="IMG_0430.jpg" id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 101.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 135.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><imagedata o:title="IMG_0430" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Rachel\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg"></imagedata></shape></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><a href="http://one.org/livingproof/en/story/chieftainess/?rc=onemompartner">http://one.org/livingproof/en/story/chieftainess/?rc=onemompartner</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Our ONE Mom action for the day is tied in with our morning visit meeting with teachers and students in one of Nairobi’s slum district.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, it was another reminder that we all want the same for our children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will have to be a post for another time, but for now you can watch our video "Chieftainess" about a remarkable woman who is teaching her community about the importance of education. Then share the video with your friends and leave a comment:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div></div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-58515860041683379832011-07-27T17:10:00.000-04:002011-07-27T17:10:21.586-04:00It Takes a Village<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">It Takes a Village</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Imagine—land in Nairobi after 2 days of flying; arrive at hotel to an amazing buffet at the pool with our ONE travel team and ABC News producer and cameramen; venture to room for shower and sleep by 2 a.m.; up and back to airport at 6:50 a.m. for 1 hour flight to Kisumu; greeted by the AMAZING Kayla Laserson from the CDC right off of the plane; drive 1 hour through the villages of rural Kenya for an extremely moving experience with HIV/AIDS home based counselors; load the bus for a yummy lunch and drive to KEMRI/CDC Clinical Research Center (simply wow!); then back on the van to Kayla’s home for the honor of sharing a meal with Kenya’s women leaders (including Momma Sarah Obama!!!); finally arriving back at the hotel around 11:00 p.m. to check some email, post some facebook, and write a small blog.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You would think after a day like that I would be a zombie, but that was not the case today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure that words can describe the emotions felt by all of the ONE Moms when we pulled up at the Lwak Nutritional Center today greeted by a crowd of beautiful smiling, singing, and dancing women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not hold back my emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all exited the bus and joined in their celebration with song, dance, and lots of cheek greetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever feeling of fatigue I was feeling was replaced instantly with joy and energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still singing their words in my head which translated to “the visitors are here…the visitors are here”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following our welcome they performed a song and then spoke words of such gratitude to US for providing a program that has given them the training needed to take on leadership roles in their community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are called Village Reporters and they support the implementation of Kemri/CDC projects and studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These VR’s are currently making home visits to women at varying stages of their pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order for these vital government programs to be funded it is essential that data be collected and results be monitored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These women have embraced this leadership role.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All morning I kept reflecting on my experience becoming a leader for ONE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see my own “coming alive” in them!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The women community leaders are not just located in the Lwak area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also visited the women of the Dunga beach fishing community who are leaders in the conversation of HIV/AIDS in the fishing community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This group had all lost a family member to HIV/AIDS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They shared their personal stories and thanked the US supported programs that are providing members of their community with the medications needed to stay alive and healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJCH1JtVCvQZ8QbSttzwO6xzVaCRiKh91nb019Jz-fMg-TQE0rQ5g-vnVDwkSC7LJr8jq2-GtI998ioXschmLCHCMeTJVB1gQduoYKA6g2gtMddorlaDh5W78gYrCpuEeNXF7HRii3FN2/s1600/photo%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Surprisingly it did not stop there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then were taken back to Kisumu where we met the Volunteer Tuberculosis Ambassadors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was “living proof” that funding for these programs is saving lives and building better, stronger, and healthier communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tuberculosis accounts for 200 deaths per hour and the treatment is a strict regimen of daily medication for 6 months!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These volunteers are all former TB patients and now are assigned to someone in the community to visit every day for 6 months to ensure they are taking their medications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The patient we met is now healthy and preparing to become a TB Ambassador herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is going to “pay it forward”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were taken to a celebration of former TB patients who were bed ridden (a whole tent full!) and were given the gift of a broom to “sweep” TB out of their community and off of this planet!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Are you inspired yet to take action?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope so!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We say that “it takes a village”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After what I witnessed today<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say, “it takes a mom”! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-17243172220071657162011-07-26T01:05:00.000-04:002011-07-26T01:05:17.113-04:00Together as ONE<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Together as ONE</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Only 24 hours in Kenya and I have “come alive”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can say that with a feeling in me so strong it is hard to explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were given experiences today that I wish I could create for everyone I come into contact with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, I have had only a few hours of sleep over the last few days and as we wrap up this first day I am here fully awake holding the women I met today in my mind.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I found myself in community with these Kenyan moms, I only kept feeling more connected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shared stories of our kids and of the struggles we face as moms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did not matter if they were in the rural village or a successful women working for the CDC we had something in common-we were all moms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of that we could listen with our heart.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">As I pull my notes together over the next few days I will be able to give a post in more details, but for now if I can only stress the beauty and strength that I saw in these women today will be with me forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trip has ignited a passion-I will be advocating now with the personal stories that I have experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need the voice of moms everywhere!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The women of Africa are doing their part—I have seen it. My new friend, Florence and I said today as we were saying goodbye, “together as ONE” we can create change. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Part of our ONE Week with the mom bloggers we are asking you to join us from home by taking action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day I will post what we did along with a way you can give your voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This action will take 1 minute of your time and I can tell you from what I saw today our US dollars are going a long way and providing these families with the necessities they need to live healthy productive lives.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPh3Quucyqj32nDBec2JeDXz34Q-chfxLNoq0EUNJVqa1HmeQu17UuTgxfMZrVSFTLGS6e7wp_jiVoCCtb04p7eVVYGpBXkfKmiGg39Ho4qRFWxzTCSwPNuODIKv3gylYlg-bkkboqhqP/s1600/florence+and+I.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPh3Quucyqj32nDBec2JeDXz34Q-chfxLNoq0EUNJVqa1HmeQu17UuTgxfMZrVSFTLGS6e7wp_jiVoCCtb04p7eVVYGpBXkfKmiGg39Ho4qRFWxzTCSwPNuODIKv3gylYlg-bkkboqhqP/s320/florence+and+I.JPG" t$="true" width="239px" /></a></div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-58909128654373098852011-07-23T14:39:00.000-04:002011-07-23T14:39:20.266-04:00The Journey Begins<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc84hehgO7sRsVxh-kbMoASI7H5NCKK-mxBtMuVPgbCdWVV_4l9_4VEdUbbwWsJkRVn079oxAfmT1jjV3Bo4SI5LZyX2ZlR5x4l-UCfnUt5YgpAdVy8WnLcOMmXXkIPwDXU8fcYPl6eM0B/s1600/All+Packed%2521.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc84hehgO7sRsVxh-kbMoASI7H5NCKK-mxBtMuVPgbCdWVV_4l9_4VEdUbbwWsJkRVn079oxAfmT1jjV3Bo4SI5LZyX2ZlR5x4l-UCfnUt5YgpAdVy8WnLcOMmXXkIPwDXU8fcYPl6eM0B/s320/All+Packed%2521.PNG" t$="true" width="238px" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">The Journey Begins</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Last September when I took my first trip to Washington D.C. as a ONE Congressional District Leader I remember sitting in the airport watching this young professional girl pull out her laptop and go to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later that evening as I was in my hotel room (alone-without kids!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and called my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our conversation turned to the girl in the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A part of me wanted to have something that was so important that I would have a laptop and work to do on it while I sat in an airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, my self-doubt is sometimes not healthy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today, here I sit in the Atlanta airport as I wait for my connecting flight to Amsterdam to then take me to Nairobi, Kenya and I am on a laptop working on something important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something that can inspire others to learn about ONE, to learn about women in the developing world and learn what simple actions they can take to improve the lives of these women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am free typing, not writing and re-writing, and I am doing this with the confidence that my voice is making a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just sitting here I met 3 beautiful women, all from different areas of the US and the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our conversation took us to paying attention to the good that is in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are all making a difference within their own circles and now they plan to to follow our ONE Mom trip and be a voice for all of the beautiful women of the world as ONE members!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My journey has now begun and I am so grateful to have support all around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our itinerary is incredible and I am excited to share an overview of it here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only will the stories of these moms be shared on all of our ONE Mom blogs and the ONE blog, but we will also be covered by ABC News as part of their global health series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So incredible!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So follow the link above to follow me in Kenya to be a part of this amazing trip:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Arrive in Nairobi<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Day 1: Kisumu, Kenya</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Travel with Home-Based Testing Community Health Workers (HIV/AIDS)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See vaccines at work and meet moms-to-be at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Siaya Clinical Research Center<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Vaccines/Maternal and Child Health)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Daily Action: Today the bloggers will visit health clinics that receive direct funding from the United States. Sign our petition asking Congress not to cut funding for these effective programs that are saving lives. Then ask 5 friends to do the same: http://act.one.org/sign/protect_fy2012/?rc=onemomspartner</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Day 2: Kisumu, Kenya</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meet with women undergoing pregnancy monitoring and birth attendants at the Lwak Nutritional Center (Maternal and Child Health)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visit the women of the fishing industry at Dunga Beach (Trade)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meet community health workers who work with tuberculosis patients (Infectious Disease)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Daily Action: Today the bloggers will be meeting with couples and mothers living with HIV, Tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases. Using the hashtag #ONEMoms, tweet a message (or messages) you'd like us to deliver to mothers in Kenya.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Day 3: Nairobi, Kenya</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visit an early learning program at a USAID Education Site Visit (Education)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';">Daily Action: Today the bloggers are meeting with teachers and students in Nairobi. Watch our video "Chieftainess" about a remarkable woman who is teaching her community about the importance of education. Then share the video with your friends and leave a comment:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://one.org/livingproof/en/story/chieftainess/?rc=onemompartner</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 3: Karen and Nairobi, Kenya</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speak with Kenyan women entrepreneurs and how the US Government plays a role in their business (Trade)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meet with members of Carolina for Kibera and learn about their programs (Development)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Daily Action: Today the bloggers are meeting with women entrepreneurs in Karen, Kenya who are leading in building their communities' economies and providing opportunities to others. Check out ONE's report "Africa's Future is Female" to learn more about how women are leading a revolution on the continent: http://one.org/c/international/hottopic/3806/?rc=onemompartner. Then, using hashtag #ONEMoms tell us (@ONECampaign) one thing that surprised you. Or leave a comment on our Facebook page (http://facebook.com/ONE)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 4: Lake Naivasha, Kenya</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visit a horticulture and daily sites run by small female farmers working with Feed the Future (Agriculture)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Daily Action: Today the bloggers are meeting with a group of women farmers near Lake Naivasha, Kenya. As you're probably aware, the Horn of Africa is currently enduring a horrible famine. Educate yourself about what's happening on the ground, and learn more about how you can contribute by visiting our friends at InterAction: http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/interaction-members-respond-drought-crisis-horn-africa</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-89948579870190518102011-07-21T15:20:00.001-04:002011-07-21T16:29:59.022-04:00It Only Takes ONE Mom--Join the Movement #ONEMoms<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> <span style="font-size: large;">Once we learn that more than 11 million people in the Horn of Africa - greater than the populations of Houston and New York City combined - are desperately in need of food, clean water and basic sanitation, how can we not take action?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By joining the ONE movement we can be a part of the solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people look back to previous droughts and question whether things will ever change. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we’ve got proof that smart aid works. In Ethiopia, millions of people will be able to survive this drought because of an early warning system that was put in place with help from USAID - and because the Ethiopian government began distributing food before the crisis hit. The number of malnourished people in Ethiopia has fallen from 71% in 1992 to 46% today. We know that growth in agriculture is twice as effective at reducing poverty as growth in other areas.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dRfZEspKii-GvN8pGEAOTUP23wHzxETNz6Q8CNte_htTHi4f2XjnQ5ytg4iMjCH835tPRud9AH4moW6blJtJHdP4xYx43LJK9ol6saGiMVF3hk_Qaa_YunA4smDKI8teGwdwDycULBVb/s1600/FBP+July+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dRfZEspKii-GvN8pGEAOTUP23wHzxETNz6Q8CNte_htTHi4f2XjnQ5ytg4iMjCH835tPRud9AH4moW6blJtJHdP4xYx43LJK9ol6saGiMVF3hk_Qaa_YunA4smDKI8teGwdwDycULBVb/s320/FBP+July+2011.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">This last Saturday I organized a ONE Volunteer Day at The Full Belly Project (</span><a href="http://www.thefullbellyproject.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">www.thefullbellyproject.org</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a wonderful day for ONE members to connect personally while participating in The Full Belly Project’s incredible mission to design and distribute income-generating agricultural devices to improve life in developing countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a way for us to “act locally, while advocating globally”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By being, ONE moms and ONE members, organizing events like this are just samples of what we can do right from where we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An inspiring ONE mom, Jennifer Grob, sent me a post right after our event. Please visit the guest blog to read about her experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of our ONE mom partners, Asha Donrnfest, from Parent Hacks posted this encouraging everyone to join the #ONEMom movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.parenthacks.com/2011/07/one-week.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://www.parenthacks.com/2011/07/one-week.html</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">So get creative-reach out to your circle-let’s spread the word!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Follow this link to sign the petition to ensure that congress hears that we care about the world’s poorest and that</span> <span style="font-size: large;">smart aid is saving lives!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then use your voice to share this on and on and on:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://act.one.org/go/protect_fy2012/15?akid=2303.2050521.NzL6Jf&t=4"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://act.one.org/go/protect_fy2012/15?akid=2303.2050521.NzL6Jf&t=4</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-87838086340966078752011-07-16T15:34:00.002-04:002011-07-16T20:40:08.052-04:00Be Yourself<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Be Yourself<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Just this week I received the best words of encouragement from the ONE communication team, my husband, my forever friends in Seattle and Indiana, AND Dr. Sipho Moyo, ONE’s African Director.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all said the same thing, “be yourself!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am guilty of placing lots of pressure on myself to speak with clarity and respect at all times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it is to my kids, the teens I work with at DREAMS, or the older adults I spend time visiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a mom I want my words to foster positive self-esteem, as a teen council facilitator I want to inspire, and as a friend to an older adult I want them to feel respected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I am traveling to Kenya and will be representing ONE, as well as sharing the stories of the women I come into contact with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to carry forth this task with authenticity, grace and the most effective words.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With the incredible preparation I have received from the ONE staff I should have no doubts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am extremely familiar with the programs we advocate for, how ONE works by using your voice—not your money, the focus of our trip to educate, engage, and activate moms around the world to us their voice on behalf of the world’s poorest, and show the “living proof” that smart aid is working!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when I had the opportunity to personally interview Dr. Sipho Moyo this week I knew exactly what I wanted to ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Moyo is a native of Zimbabwe, has lived in nine countries and describes herself as an African citizen who enjoys the privilege of working in a multi-cultural environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a ONE advocate I have at times heard, “we advocate for those who do not have a voice”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my “word fetish” mind this phrase seems to go against our goal of changing the perception of Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my mind I think “Africans have a voice too”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Moyo did a beautiful job of sharing her thoughts on this subject and giving me just what I needed before visiting her continent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “The implications that Africans do not have a voice can be deceiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just may not have as much access to use their voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many efforts that Africa is making to help themselves and the support from the west can be complimented by the efforts of Africans.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her suggestion to be “mindful” of our words was perfect!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She made reference to the fact that 70% of the population is under 34 years old and this group is looking for a hand up not a hand out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I resonated with her words that there is a bigger picture of Africa that needs to be painted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Moyo clearly adds that AID is working and the good news is that our US dollar now goes farther, but there remains work to be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now there is a momentum that we need to continue to build on.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Her personal words to me were to engage the people of Kenya, hear about what they are doing for themselves, and “be yourself!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still saying, “pinch me please”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a mom blogger, working at U2 concerts, interviewing Dr. Sipho Moyo, and traveling to Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can only say that my heart is full of gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am preparing myself now to help paint this picture all the while being just who I am, myself!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3690943047004157708.post-72519155654391885792011-07-09T17:39:00.003-04:002011-07-09T17:45:26.871-04:00We can be a ONE mom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSwbAZJHWykTTcmqxEk0-u48bF3DJD2jbfBqwxjAK3hO4uRb8ioirAkZ6phxj0v5ap5qBTw4tMDtFm7uSwWe7SiPPdUzsaIq6JSfma9xJD9G_SDXsQuJExPRx4CqOzl_qExAjeLkQ4UzW/s1600/Family+picture+at+U2+concert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSwbAZJHWykTTcmqxEk0-u48bF3DJD2jbfBqwxjAK3hO4uRb8ioirAkZ6phxj0v5ap5qBTw4tMDtFm7uSwWe7SiPPdUzsaIq6JSfma9xJD9G_SDXsQuJExPRx4CqOzl_qExAjeLkQ4UzW/s320/Family+picture+at+U2+concert.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">We can be a ONE mom!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Understanding advocacy and how giving your voice makes a difference takes explanation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are accustomed to helping by giving money or giving their time; whether it is helping to prepare meals, make care kits, or building schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a ONE member does not require any money, and takes only a small amount of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of this people often wonder how they are really helping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does signing a petition help children dying every day from preventable illnesses in the developing world?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is what my family and I were able to answer while at the U2 concert in Miami and what I share with my congressional district as a CDL daily.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our voice does have value and hearing the support for GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunizations) at the June 13<sup>th</sup> replenishment conference is “Living Proof” that we can make a difference by signing petitions, making phone calls, writing/faxing letters, and sending tweets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<a href="http://www.one.org/blog/2011/06/22/heartfelt-thanks-from-gavis-ceo-helen-evans/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.one.org/blog/2011/06/22/heartfelt-thanks-from-gavis-ceo-helen-evans/</span></a>) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In simple terms, there is power in numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have over 2 million ONE members worldwide with over 36,000 of those in my home state in NC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These numbers have an impact when shared during a congressional meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a letter is written by a ONE member it reminds our elected officials that we are part of an organization that educates its members as well as monitors programs it is advocating for, the governments pledging support, and the governments receiving aid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personally I have always appreciated the bipartisan support and the honesty that ending extreme poverty will not happen overnight, the programs are not perfect, but that progress is being made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ONE is not an angry campaign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as we practice in our house, it is most effective to have “an attitude of gratitude”!<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>From my experience the Members of Congress understand the importance of supporting the programs working to eliminate extreme poverty and end deaths from preventable disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They want to know if their constituents care about these programs too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is how ONE is effective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While ONE volunteer leaders like myself are building relationships with our Members of Congress we are at the same time educating our communities on the issues of extreme poverty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We create an awareness of the programs that have proven to be effective and how by adding their voice we can ensure that these programs continue to save lives and build stronger, healthier communities in the developing world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is exciting stuff!<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While at the U2 concert in Miami, we explained that ONE is not a charity and does not want money, just their voice and by adding their name to the vaccine petition they can be a part of saving 4 million lives by 2015. Once they heard this they were in! I love being a ONE member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is simple, empowering, and feels good to know that we do not have to be a celebrity, a millionaire, or a rock star to help make poverty history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can be a ONE mom (or someone who loves a ONE mom)!<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
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</div>Rachel Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134031076913376370noreply@blogger.com0