Build a School in Rwanda

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Build a School in Rwanda

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Fasting for Darfur

In my work in Rwanda one the most devastating issues is ignorance. Not of the Rwandan people, but of the world and its view of what is going on in East/Central Africa.

I go to Rwanda because this country chooses not to be identified by its genocide but by the strength and resilience of its people. The foundation I co-founded, Itafari http://itafari.org focuses on partnerships with local Rwandan organizations that have hopes and dreams for themselves and their people. What better way to make a difference than to work with those in country who are transparent, ethical and passionate. It is good work.

But there is a grave issue that is not changing just north of Rwanda. A personal concern of mine has been Darfur in western Sudan and the genocide and atrocities taking place in that country. The world must not turn its back. This is not an African problem, but a human right's atrocity.

Mia Farrow http://MiaFarrow.org has been an outspoken advocate for ending the violence and atrocities committed against women, children and all people in the Darfur region.

Prior to the Beijing Olympics, she tried to call attention to the part China was playing in the genocide through their support of weapons to the janjaweed (the Rwandan equivalent of the 1994 genocidaires). She called it the Genocide Olympics. If you find that deeply offensive, you've not seen the results of a genocide to the survivors, the families, the victims. It is indescribable the pain they bear. And often because the world chooses to turn its back. Politics appeared to eclipse human rights issues and again: Darfur was ignored.

Farrow's latest action is to fast for 21 days beginning April 27^th. I have decided to fast as well. So join me, support me through messages and learn why increased action is necessary.

Do you think 21 days sounds like a long time? It's not, because in 21 days the fast will be over. If we don't do something to support the victims of Darfur, it will be another 21 years.

The Darfur Genocide: A Present Reality http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXdWDM4fmRY&NR=1

A Ten Minute Overview of the conflict in Sudan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USLDoIiFzzg&NR=1

http://savedarfur.org

We can do more.

Life’s Journey

• 31 years ago my only goal was to be on the cover of Time Magazine.
  
• 16 years ago I was in Russia working with business leaders.
  
• 11 years ago Dead Rita was not dead, but was dying.
  
• 5 years ago I didn't know the story of Rwanda.
  
• 1 year ago there was no global thought that the world's economy was going to seriously tank.
  

And none of those things did I anticipate before they happened.

And so this is what I know: I know nothing for sure. But every action, every reaction, is a choice to what lies in front of me.

There are great victories going on in the world. There is tremendous human tragedy. But if we choose, if I choose, I will honor those and myself more by my action than my mere grief. I am comfortable in the belief that there is no parallel universe. No other path for me. No what ifs.

I think some of my belief system and general optimism is personality. But I strive to see a greater purpose in all of this. To learn, to grow, to have patience with myself and others, to laugh hard, to love, and to not fear the future.

Faith in God plays a key role in my ability to be stable in an unstable world. I frankly don't know how people manage life without a belief in a higher power. And if they don't, it's ok. I'm serious though, I don't know how they do it.

Some of this entry comes from the toughness I face in the world. But some of it is because tomorrow is Easter. For me, it is the most glorious of holidays. It is my hope of God's grace. And if He is there, I can do my part here. And I have no idea what that will be.

Happy Easter.

Takes One to Know One

Dead Rita's Wisdom is done. But my daughter in law just reminded me of a chapter I forgot. And it's about an expression Dead Rita used all the time. Whenever I said something to her about what I saw in her, she would say, "takes one to know one!" whether it was a positive comment on my part or not. SHE KNEW THE SECRET LONG BEFORE IT WAS THE SECRET!

So much is going on in the world. And so much is out of our control. I swear we must learn to hold on to what we know. And not forget that. And I often do. Not for long, but long enough to probably build up some plaque in my arteries. Just long enough for it to be a useless or worse, harmful exercise.

Surround yourself with people who demand the best from you. I was telling a friend that I have very few friends who have gotten divorced since I've been married for 27 years. (more family comes to mind than anything). But we were told 27 years ago by an Episcopal priest to surround ourselves with couples intent on being married. And not those who would give up at the first sign of trouble. And there's plenty of trouble in a marriage – I can attest to that. But by surrounding ourselves with couples who believe in strong relationships we have had that support and example for ourselves.

And dear Laura reminded me of this when I reminded her of how beautiful a spirit she has. And she said, "takes on to know one". How easy to reflect something when you know what it looks like.

Sign up to receive notice when the book comes out – it's going to be good. http://deadritaswisdom.com