Ambassadors of Hope

Right now touring in my area of Canada are the Soweto Marimba Kidz from South Africa. They are here to increase awareness for the HIV/AIDS pandemic and to raise funds for Cotlands, a non-profit HIV/AIDS care organization with operations throughout South Africa.

The group includes brass instruments, marimbas, steel and djembe drums, some singing, and even dancers. The band features 35 children ages 12-18 from an area referred to as 'Previously Disadvantaged' within the South African historical context; the children themselves are classified as 'Historically Disadvantaged South Africans.' Many of the children involved have been directly affected by HIV/AIDS through the loss of one or more parents, through the loss of a sibling, relative or friend, or in some other way.

This band played at my church on the morning of Mother's Day, but I wasn't able to attend since I was visiting my mother out of town! I heard they were going to be back at my church tonight and managed to get there after putting Jonah in bed and giving my mother-in-law a very short notice babysitting job!

I am SO GLAD I went. It was amazing. I was able to hear stories of the success of these last two weeks for them and to see them perform. They have been overwhelmed by the warmth of Canadians, despite the cold weather. Words can't express the energy level in the packed-out room by the end of the night. Yes, even I was up on my feet dancing and clapping for the last few songs.

If you are in my area of the world, go to this link to find out about your last opportunity to see them. And pray that weather will permit!

According to wikipedia, as of January 2006, it is estimated that AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized on December 1, 1981, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in recorded history; and that in 2005 alone, AIDS claimed between an estimated 2.8 and 3.6 billion, of which more than 570,000,000 were children.

What can you do to help?