Meet Rosa

Meet Rosa, my love.. the woman that greeted me every morning as I awoke. She made the CY house a home and took good care of us. She and I communicated mostly through hand gestures spotted with silly broken portuguese. She'd just laugh at me when I'd try to communicate. 

I miss this woman and hope to see her very soon. 

P.S. Cake

P.S. This was hand delivered to me as I wrote my last blog post. 

Someone out there must love me.. A LOT!

P.P.S. Yes, it is as good as it looks.

Gumbane

The second night of each trip we spent the night in the village of Gumbane. 

This particular village has not had any contact with westerners until they met Cecilia (our contact) and then the Could You participants two years ago. Could You has built a very strong relationship with the people of Gumbane helping them tackle some fundamental issues. 

The Mommas

Joseph and I at Gumbane.

Joseph was one of our translators. Christine and I spent lots of time with Joseph for the month. We became very close friends. 

The wrap I am wearing over my jeans is called a Kaplana, all of the women are required to wear them in the rural areas. 

Two of the women I quickly befriended, wearing their beautiful Kaplanas. 

Momma Martha's house, one of the richer houses in the village of 2000 people. 

The straw structure you see to the left of the image is one of the latrines that last years Could You trip introduced. The people of Gumbane had never heard the concept of a latrine, they could not conceive of  relieving themselves in the same spot twice. However, the "dig a hole in the bush" method was greatly contaminating their crops and causing unsanitary living conditions. 

We were pleased to see the use of latrines implemented but we also realized they are still struggling to catch onto the concept. All in due time!

These boys stopped their game of soccer and started jumping and doing flips when they saw us approaching. They were really happy to see us. 

Jeff showing the boys pictures of themselves. 

Were were gathered around the well discussing the issue of water. 

One of the previous Could You teams built this well to help gain greater access to water keeping contaminants out. Sadly this is an incredibly poor water source, that does not tap into enough water to supply everyone, and the water that is there is salt water.. which is incredibly unhealthy to drink. Because of the poor access to clean water, the people of Gumbane are unable to grow crops, keep livestock or keep sanitary conditions. 

They are basically starving and many do not live past the age of 44. 

Drury (with the pink shaul) has connected us to a water treatment company and we are working closely with Africa Works (will speak of them in greater length) to help solve the Gumbane water crisis. 

Tracey Webster, our lead African correspondent connecting with one of the little Gumbane girls. 

Two of the Mommas fixing Michelle's Kaplana, 

"Kaplana NO!"

P.S. google Michelle Courtney Berry.. I dare you!

This is Celia our connection to Gumbane and the first westerner to enter the community.

We brought beans, rice and chicken to cook with the ladies and share dinner with 60 people. 

We ended the night with songs and discussing around the fire. It was a joy to hear from their hearts and for them to ask us questions about our lives. 

We all stayed the night sleeping in the homes of three families. It was such a privilege to hear from their hearts and to partner with them to help better their living situation. 

Corrie's children's center

I know I have already written about Corrie and the children she cares for... but I thought I would give you an update on Llieza and the other children. 

Above is a video that was made a couple weeks before I arrived. 

It was truly a testament to be able to visit with Corrie and the children, who are thriving and healthy, thanks to Corrie and her brilliant staff. 

They were celebrating their monthly birthdays.

One of the games they played was bobbing for candy.

This little boy above was brought to Corrie as an infant dying from five different strains of Malaria, AIDS and TB. He is clearly healthy and thriving. Such a clown.

Me with some of the older girls.

Griselda is above. She quickly became one of my best friends.

This is Joseph, one of our translators. He is a long time friend of Corrie and the kids. They also celebrated his birthday with the rest.

This is Llieza three days after I wrote that initial post. She was doing so much better and even back to school. Truly a miracle. 

I am planning a trip back to Mozambique before I return to the states and I plan to make a family photo album for Corrie and give it to her when I return. 

We are still thinking and working on a plan to help Corrie become financially sustainable and to gain some more help. 

Who Is Could You?

Hello from Cape Town...

Many of you are still wondering what I've been doing in Africa for the last month and a half so I thought I'd try to catch you up. 

I spent the month of August in Mozambique working with an organization called Could You? 

Could You is a not for profit organization that brings influential people from New York and the western world to Mozambique in hopes that they would form partnerships and become a support for African lead initiatives.  Could You? also helps it's participants unleash their truest gifts and passions, in hopes to connect and leverage their capabilities to made an impact on the world.

Team One was a business directed group with a focus on renewable energy sourcing, micro financing, water treatment and cell phone banking. The participants were an incredible team of strangers brought together to dream up possible partnerships and strategies for the immediate needs of our partners in Mozambique. 

Frederick Buechner "True vocation joins self and service;

It comes from the place where your deepest gladness meets the world's deep need."

Team Two was made up of a dynamic group of women all involved in journalism, media and the fashion industry. The focus of group two was to utilize media influence to help rebrand Africa; as well as, working in partnership with a Mozambican fashion designer to start a new Mozambique Fashion week with a socially conscious focus. 

Henry David Thoreau: "I have learned that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hour."s

I will share in greater depth some of our experiences. I will also highlight some of our partnerships in Mozambique.. stay tuned. 

Misses and Kisses

Today I got my very first blog shout out by my very dear friend Lauren over at FoodE. 

She dedicated her recipe for fried egg over Romaine hearts to me and our college food days.

After my whirlwind adventures in Mozambique, it's all slowed down quite considerably since arriving in Cape Town. 

This abrupt stop has cause a home sickness like I've never dreamt possible. I love my New York City family and Lauren's post has only increased my longing. 

Go show Lauren some love over at FoodE. in honor of friends who cook together and stay together! 

So you don't feel completely sorry for me being so far from home, soon I will add some pictures I've taken since being here in the immaculately stunning Cape Town, South Africa. 

Zambikes

Zambikes Promotional (FULL LENGTH) from Russell Brownley on Vimeo.

Hello from Cape Town! 

After an amazing month in Mozambique with Could You? and friends, I am now in the lovely country of South Africa with 

RELIABLE INTERNET ACCESS!!! 

I truly have had an incredible, educational, life changing time with my team members and friends in Mozambique. I will be updating my blog much more frequently now and doing my best to backtrack and highlight all the amazing experiences I have had on my trip. 

One thing we noticed in Mozambique was the shocking lack of bicycles and the access to transportation. May of us had the privilege of hearing about Zambikes before we arrived in Mozambique and discussed it ad nausium! We are dreaming of MOZAMBIKES!

Watch the video above and let me know if you are interested in getting involved. 

I'll be sharing loads of pictures with you soon soon soon!