As I prepared last October to head out as part of a Shot@Life delegation to Uganda, information was being chatted, e-mailed, phoned and texted to me:
“Take the malaria pills. Don’t forget to start them 2 days before your trip!”
“Get a squishy hat that can tie easily to your bag.”
“Get the typhoid vaccine.”
“Brush your teeth with bottled water!”
“Your kids will be fine while you’re gone. It’s only one week!”
“Have a backpack or adjustable bag, so it doesn’t hit the ground if you are somewhere that you’ll need to squat.”
“What shoes are you going to wear? How about these: (sends link to shoes).”
“If your stomach gets sick, don’t make the mistake my dad made. Take the antibiotic pills!”
“I may be able to come meet you from Kenya!”
When I told the World Moms Blog contributors that I would soon be on my way to Uganda by invitation of the UN Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign last October, they were incredibly excited and supportive. We have been advocating for life-saving vaccinations for children in the developing world for over a year now, and I had the chance to observe some of those programs in action.
What I also soon realized was that I had direct access to some of the most traveled, international moms on the planet as I prepared for my trip (extra special thanks to Dee Harlow in Laos!). They shot out great advice at me, left and right, and I couldn’t be more appreciative.
World Moms Blog writes from over 20 countries on motherhood, culture, social good and human rights. We now have an international volunteer editing team of over 15 mothers, too. Without all their time and dedication to our mission, the website couldn’t be what it is today. Their dedication was recognized in a major way when World Moms Blog was listed by Forbes Woman in their “Top 100 Websites for Women 2012.” And even more recently, our Senior Editor in India, Purnima Ramakrishnan of the Alchemist’s Blog, won a BlogHER International Activist Blogging Scholarship and will be presenting at the BlogHER ’13 Conference in Chicago this July.
Our mission statement reads:
▪ Connecting mothers around the world through their stories.
▪ Promoting understanding and tolerance of other cultures, religions and nationalities.
▪ Encouraging discussion of important motherhood, parenting, cultural and human rights topics.
▪ Creating a support system for mothers via the web site.
▪ Helping to promote our writers.
▪ To strive to create opportunities for social good to make the lives of mothers and children better around the planet.
Spending over 2 years growing World Mom Blog has turned into a big sistership behind the scenes. We come together in support when times are tough for a fellow mom, for example, pregnancy loss, sickness, death of a family member, etc. I expected we’d be doing a lot of writing, but I didn’t realize that it could all get so profoundly personal. This global motherhood connection has been the biggest bonus of it all, and sharing our stories with our readers.
As I headed out last October on one of the most exciting, rewarding and motivating journeys of my life, I realized how many women around the globe were with me in spirit on this journey. And I’m grateful for how much amazing advice they have in their arsenal when it comes to travel and their genuine interest to look out for me as their fellow World Mom.
How long have you been following World Moms Blog? What do you think of our international twist on motherhood?
Photo credit to the author.
I was welcomed to the writing team of WMB on 29 Oct. 2011, and I can’t express how much I have learnt and grown since then. The genuine kinship I feel with moms I’ve only met online is priceless! 🙂
I can never thank you all enough for having welcomed me and supported me through “sick & sin” as you have. WMB ROCKS!! <3
Simona,
We are lucky to have you with us from South Africa. You all are the pieces of our growing community! Thank you for being part of World Moms Blog!
Jen 🙂
It is so cool to think you did have a whole global team of moms cheering you on for that trip! As a member of World Moms Blog I guess we all do, readers, writers, and editors alike! I think it is an amazing community and what better resource for moms than to have a global team to refer to!?
You all are a great resource! And, at all hours of the night whenever I needed someone. I felt very empowered!
Jen 🙂
I love the sense of community and incredible kinship we share. It is just awesome. Look at all the social good work WMB has accomplished even though it is a non profit org. I have been part of this very amazing org for 3 years and going strong! Your vision and mission is a great inspiration.
I’m so glad you’re a part of World Moms Blog, Purnima! There are great things to come, too! And big congrats again on your BlogHER International Activist Award!
Jen 🙂
I think it’s been about a year. And it’s been wonderful to watch this initiative/blog/movement.. whatever… grow and develop into something so active and vibrant. And honestly, this all happens not just with an interested team of bloggers but with an enthusiastic and dedicated leader who has a vision. This is not just a platitude. Without strong leadership this whole endeavor would fail. Thank you for all you do Jen!
Thank you, Mama Mzungu! I appreciate all of our help from Kenya on our editing team! We are nothing without our contributors!!! You rock!
Jen 🙂
Such an amazing community. I love this sisterhood of motherhood.
Thank you so much, Jeannine! 🙂
Jen 🙂
Such an amazing group! I have found friendships in other parts of the world. I know that if I ever need some support I will always find it from this amazing group of women! Thank you Jen for not being afraid to dream big and realize those dreams! xo