I often get asked, “what exactly do you do when you go to Kenya?” Excellent question. The answer is, a number of things. This go around, however, it is fairly specific. I was asked to help lay the framework for a new program for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) called Panua: Partners in Hope. (Panua in KiSwahili means “to expand”). This is our second Panua program. We, my church and UMC churches in Naivasha, Kenya, have already started Panua: Expanding Hope, a micro finance program for small business owners in Naivasha.
Panua: Partners in Hope is a comprehensive program designed to empower orphans and vulnerable children in Naivasha, Kenya. As many of us know, the AIDS pandemic has been especially catastrophic on the continent of Africa. This is evident in Kenya, where my connections lie, and is certainly prevalent in Naivasha.
The program seeks to empower the OVC with the resources necessary to start businesses, go back to school, obtain food security, obtain legal counsel in cases of injustice, become educated on HIV/AIDS prevention, and ultimately become contributing members of society, instead of a burden, as many see them now. As a program designed and carried out by Christians, the ultimate hope is that through guidance and personal choice, these young people will find and/or strengthen their faith in God. We seek simply to act as guidance along that journey, as we many of us have those who provide that support for us.
Samuel is 9 years old and a total orphan.His story is powerful, but unfortunately very common.Both parents died of HIV/AIDS in the past few years.He too lives with HIV.He shared his story with us last week, and I’ll say it was one of the most excruciating things to witness that I can remember.He was upset, but strong.Though painful to watch, I was inspired by his strength.Just think of it, 9 years old, sharing the death of your parents, the disease you live with, and the very tough life that you lead with 5 complete strangers, one of which is a white guy from Florida.I would say that is no small feat.He is wise beyond his years.
His main desire was to go to school.Without any income for himself, and an insufficient amount from his grandmother, he has been unable to do that. Fortunately, we were able to provide the funds necessary, and as of next week he will get to do just that.As we met a few days after our first meeting to get him his uniform, I was moved beyond words by his gratitude and excitement to be able to go back to school.Here in Kenya, no uniform means no education.This was a big day in his life, and mine too.
David lives with his mom and 5 siblings. Both he and his mom act as the main caregivers for the family after the father’s death. Like many, they are not guaranteed a meal every day, and at least David had not eaten, nor was he planning to, on the day that we met. What struck me during our initial meeting, which was done in a larger group where they share their stories, was how “run-of-the-mill” his story sounded. It didn’t strike me as intense as others. However, once we visited his home, I saw a different story. I saw malnourished, in some cases half clothed, filthy children with a very bleak future. They live in the small home of a good Samaritan, and as such at are at his mercy. I was shocked. I couldn’t imagine this responsibility, nonetheless as a young teen.
I’ll be opening up for ‘Rolling in the Hay’ at Rogue Tavern in Bham, AL tonight at 9:30 pm.
Long considered to be one of the forerunners of the “Newgrass” revolution in America, these savvy veterans have been thrilling fans coast to coast for years! Opening for everyone from Greg Allman, Moe, Charlie Daniels, The Doobie Brothers, Jerry Douglas, Alabama,(this list could get LONG) to Widespread Panic, the unique sound of the Hay keeps fans coming back for more.
If you are in the Ham, come check us out. – Much Love, John
I had cup of tea with my good friend Todd Cavato (guitarist for the Jeff Shephard Band) this afternoon and as usual was inspired. He lives in Atlanta, so we don’t see each other much. We are talking music as is usually the case, he was telling me of JSB’s upcoming recording rendezvous in Nashville and I was telling him of mine. We both record at Castle Studios in Nashville with engineer/producer Rich Ramsey. Like I said, I was inspired. I left the coffee shop and knew I had some recording to do. I’ve been tinkering with this tune for a while now, but knew it wasn’t done. I went to my office to pick up a guitar to record with and as usual had to strum and sing for just a second. In that couple of minutes came the idea to write some verses for We Don’t Really Know. I got in my car, turned off the radio immediately and began hearing the tune in a fuller form all the way home. Once I got home I setup the recording rig and started playing. I worked through a few iterations of some lyrics before landing on these words. They may change, maybe not, but I think it gets at the heart of what I’ve been thinking this song is trying say. As you’ll hear, it’s a bit rough at times through some of the verse sections, but that’s the process. I hope you enjoy listening to it. I posted some pics from this afternoon as well. As always, listen through good speakers or head phones if you can. I’m glad you are on the journey of making this album with me. Peace.
Here are a few tunes that I recorded this afternoon. These are songs that I’m considering for my next album that I hope to record in August of this year. These are by no means final product…more like first drafts. Anyway, have a listen and have a peaceful weekend.
Sang this at a wedding for my good friends David and Meghan. Singing with 2 phenomenal musicians, Colleen McCarron out of St. Augustine (check her out on Myspace) and Jerrold Jackson out of NYC. Enjoy!
