Last Saturday I ran a race in Morrison, CO. It was the Race for Congo Women. The runners' donations and efforts were given to and in the spirit of helping women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was a very meaningful experience for me. It wasn't about getting in a nice 10K race in the foothills of beautiful Colorado. It was about women (and men) running their hearts out and showing support for women living in terrible conditions. Did you know that they use the same word for "thing" as they do for "woman" in the Congo? Women are raped, rejected, and abused all the while trying to raise multiple children (those that survive) with very little or no money. Could any of us imagine a life like that? Day after day after day...My mother (Robin) has posted about the group in the past. She is sponsoring a "sister" in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and now I am too. Her name is Ombeni M'Muderhwa and she is 27 and has 6 living children (1 of her children died). And she has 1 other adult living in her home for whom she is responsible. And she is now one of my sisters. She will receive monetary support through my sponsorship of her and we will also be able to write letters to each other. If you are able and willing, you may do the same for other women in the Congo.
Click here to go to the website for more information and/or to sign up for a "Race for Congo Women" in your area.
Also, I just received this email notice:
Media Alert
Who: Zainab Salbi
What: The TODAY Show
When: Friday, September 25, 2009
Women for Women International founder and CEO Zainab Salbi will speak to NBC's Ann Curry on The TODAY Show during the 9 am ET hour about her travels to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the state of women, and how the work of Women for Women International is helping women to heal from the culture of rape and violence that has invaded the country.Also, during the 8 am ET hour, supporters and organizers of our Run for Congo Women New York will be on the Plaza with Al Roker to raise awareness for the upcoming runs and the plight of women in the DRC.
Thanks for reading! Please say a little prayer and send some love to the women of the Congo.
Love,
Casey
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1 comments:
This is so great Casey!
Just a little correction, my "sister" is from Afghanistan.
I forget how many countries are represented by women for women, but all of them need some help from a sister here. Even those of us here in the USA, who feel that we have very little, are blessed beyond any of these war country women wildest dreams.
I hope you all will go to the website and at least consider helping a "sister" in need.
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