Sometimes in life you get a chance to see into the pass and understand the value of leadership and vision for tomorrow!

 I know most of my friends were expecting to hear about my running adventure, places and things that I saw or experienced. The numbers of people I saw  impacted by such poor conditions, I could not run or walk or look around.  Every day; every step; every breath;  no matter what direction you look into thousand are without.  The numbers are just too great to write or try to paint a picture for neither you nor me to understand.  I decided not to take a lot of pictures showing every heart breaking moment, but rather share the most beautiful thing I learned about Africa.

 As I walked through Mozambique it did not take long to realize the impact of years of civil war, colonization and just when you think everything is getting better the massive floods of 2000 which killed over a million people.   I do realized that  all the struggles these people have gone through has not allow them to give up on tradition, pride and their willingness to give of themselves to stranger like myself passing through.  The people are what make  Africa such a strong and rich place.

One day I stood trying to picture a flood over 80 miles wide coming at me, and then finding the strength to move forward in life or history.  What really challenges my thought process was the lack of support from around the world.  What support the get is not getting to the people who need it the most.  Africa is rich with some of the best soil in the world for growing produce, yet not one sign of technological advancements.  The only tool I for farming was a handmade pit; something used at the turn of the century. No rain! No Food! More Diseases! More lives lost every day!  Now I understand why they say, Africa is growing poorer every day.

 Most of the homes are constructed out of straw and mud bricks for the village’s people who can manage to build them. As I looked around  every town, village and street corner  only to see thousands of people sleeping on the ground.  There were moment when I wished I was back home; moments when I wanted to ask someone what   happen; moments when I ask myself why the world  has allow this to continue.  Then I realized that I am only one person and nothing will change tomorrow because of what I say, but I do see people who are strong and will stay the course to change the pass and move forward no matter how many millions of lives  are lost. This is where  I question any support efforts through neither their own government nor the world! When countries come into Africa  only to take the resources (gold, minerals, oil coffee, etc….)  to create jobs back home in their factories.  I am not sure why or how the world has created a situation  where African cannot import or export their own goods; where the tariff are so high;  access to credit or  collateral does not exist.  As we move forward they move backward every day. 

With that said: I am lucky to have travel to such a rich country waiting for someone or the world to create a vision-imagination-leadership to pave the way into the future. The future of Africa is so dependent on the things we assume every day.  Now consider this thought; can you guess how many African have died in the minutes it has taken me to type this email?

The worst part of my experience was realizing in every town, village and area traveled, I was the first Black American the people I talked to had every experienced. More people need to go see! To understand! A picture will never help you understand what has happen.  I am going back one day soon.  The people need to see hope through us. The people need to see and talk to all people of the world in order to continue to see a vision and understand the value of strong leadership.                                              

My Travel:

Depart Portland

Lilongwe, Malawi

Mvuu Camp/Liwonde National Park

Cape Maclear

Mozambique (Mangoche,  Mandimba,  Lichinga)

Metangula

Likoma Island

Chinteche, Mzuzu, Karonga, Chitipa

Mbeya, Iringa, Kidtu Dar es Salaam

Johannesburg

 New York

Portland

My friend Heidi took  this amazing trip to Africa. She extended an  invite , but  due to work commitments, I was unable to go.  After reading her blog and listening to all her stories. The decission was made to plan a trip  over Sept. 2010. Check  out her blog : Heidi

1-800-637-3110

Oregon Tours

Chicago Inaugural Benefit Celebration Unites City

It all started when a dynamic young senator from Illinois swept Americans of all races, ages and creeds to their feet for change—real change, welcomed by the vast majority of Americans and untold numbers in our global community.

Barack Obama’s inclusive grassroots vision has invigorated new hope. The election outcome is a turning point, one that has given new meaning to the American Dream.  

Without any citywide, inclusive event planned by anyone – from the Mayor’s office to our area congressional districts – and with the Washington inauguration already breaking attendance records, thousands of Chicagoans who are eager to celebrate the city’s favorite son taking the presidential oath of office have few, if any options. Until now. 

A grassroots committee has created a way to transform disappointment into excitement: 

The January 20, 2009, YES WE DID Chicago Inaugural Celebration includes 

A benefit inaugural ball with cash bar and live music at the Aragon Ballroom
8 pm – 1 am at five (or more) linked neighborhood locations across Chicagoland
150-2000 people expected per location, depending on venue size
Open to all
Proceeds to benefit partner nonprofits, including Amnesty International
All locations linked by video simulcast to
Each other
Portland, Oregon’s 800-person celebration
The National People’s Bar (Bethesda, MD)
And others to be announced as we get closer
Participants will be able to communicate with fellow celebrants in Chicago and across the U.S.
Nonprofit partners receive exposure during the event
Any self-managed neighbourhood, district or organizational celebrations are invited to email the committee at kbarrie@chicagoinaugural.com [or info@chicagoinaugural.com?] for ways to link in, including complimentary use of promotional materials.
 

We have an opportunity to use this momentous event to stand up, show our renewed trust in our country’s promise, each other and our leadership, and unite Americans and our fellow believers around the world who declare, YES WE CAN!

To purchase tickets to the Aragon Ballroom benefit ball, or any other venue ticketing through us, go to [L1]

To see the Portland Inaugural Ball, go to www.portlandinauguralball.com

To see the National People’s Inaugural Ball, go to www.natlpeoplesballmontcomd.com  

Event information and ticketing are available through www.chicagoinau

Portland Inaugural Celebration Ball Benefits Local Charities

Portland-area residents who won’t be attending the Washington, D.C. Presidential Inauguration events are thrilled about the opportunity to attend a celebratory gala on January 20, 2009 in their home town. The event, sponsored by Hub World Travel, will be held at the Scottish Rite Ballroom located at 1512 SW Morrison Street. It will begin at 7PM (Doors open at 6PM) and feature live entertainment, food, and a no-host bar. Proceeds will benefit the Oregon Food Bank and the Royal Rosarian Foundation Field Trip Project.

The grassroots organizers of the Portland Inaugural Ball are not affiliated with the Democratic Party, the Obama campaign, or any political organization. They have designed an inclusive, non-political, safe, and festive gala to celebrate this historic event.

For detailed event information and ticket sales, please visit www.portlandinauguralball.com. Come join the celebration!

For more information:

Cheryl Thoen                                      OR                              David Penilton

Phone: 503.939.5767                                                              Phone: 503-896-2464

cthoen@teleport.com                                                            david.penilton@gmail.com

Portland Inaugural Ball – A Celebration of America

Go to www.portlandinauguralball.com for more information

When: Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

Time: 7PM – Midnight (Doors open @ 6pm)

Where: The Scottish Rite Center Ballroom – 1512 SW Morrison, Portland, Oregon 97205 

Dress: Black Tie Optional

What: Hors d’oeuvres, full bar (first drink included in ticket price) ,LIVE MUSIC!!!, dancing,
giveaways from local sponsors and more!!

Music by:  Underscore Orkestra, AKA47, and Miss Briana

Ticket prices (per person):
$70 : Dec 8 – 31
$75 : Jan 1 – 15
$85 : Jan 16 – 20

Tickets on sale now:  Go to www.portlandinauguralball.com for more information

***Proceeds go to Oregon Food Bank and Royal Rosarian Foundation Field Trip Project***

Let’s Celebrate! Barack Obama’s election is an historic moment for America. Please join us for an exciting evening – music, dancing, food, drinks, giveaways and more – as we welcome a new era for our country. PLUS proceeds will benefit the Oregon Food Bank when funds are needed most – after holidays, when giving has declined. Funds will also be provided for the Royal Rosarian Foundation Field Trip Project, a program which helps disadvantaged children. Tell your family, friends and co-workers.

Come one, Come all!

Sponsored By:
Hub World Travel
Portland Inaugural Ball Committee: The grassroots organizers of the Portland Inaugural Ball are not affiliated the Democratic party, the Obama campaign, or any political organization. We have designed an inclusive, non-political, safe, and festive gala to celebrate this Historic event.