On track

The upcoming big event (for us) is still
on track. As anyone who has ever worked
as a volunteer can tell you ... nothing is sure
until you've arrived back after the plan went
off.
But, I am especially concerned about the trip
to the lodge coming out somewhat successful.
Basically, if we go, that's success. It is the
simple criteria we are striving for.
The main reason being is that last year the kids
were promised that would have the chance to go
to Botswana. They were to attend the 'Kuru Festival'.
A big cultural event that attracts many groups.
They had money to go to the event donated by
an NGO that works with indigenous minorities. The
kids were pumped and another organization that
promised to supply the transport, didn't even show.
The kids were just plain ... well ... best said ... their
little hearts were ripped out.
As a result, they lost confidence, interest and
... so ... if one wants a group together for reasons
as to develop or help or support, things like
disappointment is not going to bring any kind of
good results.
So, what we've done is confirmed, confirmed,
confirmed, confirmed and re-confirmed. But still
doesn't mean that we're going to be in business.
But, this time, it seems that it could actually happen.
The guy providing transport is the best we can find.
The lodge is really top notch. The owners are quality
and have an interest in supporting the San within the
National Park.
So, with a week to go all the stars are lined up and
hopefully they stay that way.
On the kids side, as you can see in the picture they
were lining up to do their routine a second time.
The kids are working hard.
It surprised me as I have been involved with that
group for over a year an a half and I have never seen
them this way. I am impressed with their effort.
Back to the picture ... on the left in the red shirt is
David the group's leader. He's been involved with
the cultural group project since 2005.
These kids are what you could call of the second
generation.
This is a good project and it keeps young kids
occupied (especially out here in the bush) and it
has had a positive affect as all the kids in the group
are attending school.
They are really just a great group of kids.
Yesterday, they put on a show during their practice
sessions. David told them that with a week left
it was time to buckle down, get serious and try
their best.
They also motivated a few elders to come and
participate.
The elders have the knowledge that's not getting
passed out due to the different way of life.
One of the goals with this group is to do just that.
Try and keep the 'Old Ways' alive by handing down
the knowledge, just as it used to be.
Again, the elders just talked about participating
and if the old saying goes ... if I had a dollar for
every time ... then we'd be pretty much set.
But this volunteer thing is a lot of time hoping and
praying that things will work out.
Stars, stars ... don't move at least until 7:00 p.m. next
Saturday night.
This way their little hearts won't be broken again..