EMMANUEL

Saturday morning I awoke to fluffy white snowflakes drifting around my world. Spring was blanketed by winter once again. The weather wouldn't be a factor in my race on this day, the cause was too great.
MOTHERS WITHOUT BORDERS and Give 'em 5 for children in Zambia.
Becky and I ran the 5K together and the weather held off for the exact 35 min it took us to complete the race. As soon as we crossed the line, the snow began to fall again. Each of us ran for a child in Zambia, their photo and story written on our number tag.

Emmanuel was the young boy whom I ran for on Saturday, here is his story:

"When Emmanuel was young, both of his parents died. He, along with his older brother Charles and his younger sister Exhilda, were brought by relatives to live with their grandfather. Unfortunately, this was not a safe environment for any of the children especially Exhilda. The home was filthy and the grandfather abused Exhilda. To add to these horrible circumstances, the children had to walk 3 miles every day to Bwafano (a charitable organization) where they were given their only meal. In 2006, Emmanuel, Charles and Exhilda came to the Mother's Without Borders Children's Resource Center to live. Emmanuel is now 8 years old and in grade 2. He is almost unrecognizable to those who met in in 2006. He is outgoing and loves to have fun - at times to the point of being mischievous. He is the youngest in his grade, but he is extremely clever."


This race event was one of the BEST events I've participated in. It will be an annual race and the cost is low with 100% of the proceeds going to Zambia to build homes. They were extremely organized, great hype and excitement at the start/finish line which included an archway of ballons, and rediculous amounts of delicious food after the 5K race. If you'd like to participate in donating to this awesome cause you can go HERE. And you better believe we'll be running again next year!

Mother's Without Borders was founded in response to the devastation being caused by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. They address the needs of orphaned and abandoned children in a holist manner. The provide safe shelter, food, education, and access to caring adults who mentor, encourage, and love.