UPDATE!

As much as I am a realist, I am also not a quitter.  It is apparent things have changed  - I should be in Uganda right now filming the Oral history and traditions of the Batwa, but as I have said before . . . Life can get in the way.  I am enrolled in another course that may open a few doors to get us back to Uganda before the last Elder has passed on.  I know it will be a tough road, but I am no stranger to tough times.  If it is meant to be it will happen.  I hope for the opportunity to record the stories of the forest, but I KNOW IT WILL BE A LONG HARD ROAD TO TRAVEL.  I am not dissuaded.  BUT, again I say this is not for me, it is for the Batwa.  If this is what they want and I can provide it, I WILL FIND A WAY.

Wow- life can really get in the way sometimes.

  Update on the project . . . it has been postponed until 2013.  The road back will be a long one it seems; we need to begin raising the needed funds on a larger scope and to continue the research into the oral history and traditions of the Batwa.  I have not gotten any information in months from our friends in Bwindi.  I have not had classes for Spring and Summer 2012, but am enrolled for Fall.  I am not sure when we will have our fundraising events, but be assured it will be posted here when we do.  I have had a difficult year, but am now back on track and feeling hopeful again.  Even in the depths of my despair the Batwa remind me how privileged I am.  I have a deeper understanding of what it's like to be unsettled, discriminated against for many reasons (none of which are acceptable), and I have found myself in the midst of wondering what to do, where to go and what else I can do to make my life better . . . even for today.  I found I have resources, many of which supported me during the dark time.  The Batwa reminded me I too can survive.  I need to keep moving, just as they do.  Find sustenance and feed my soul, just as they do.  And believe life can be good again, just as they do.  I need to do this project and I will find a way, just as they do.

Tough times . . .

I have been dealt a few tough blows over the past year (or so), but it is nothing compared to the life of the batwa.  I have to keep things in perspective and the only way to do that is to go through tough times to appreciate the better times.  Plans are under way to get back to Uganda to build more huts, trek gorillas and touch lives with ART.  I thought I was on a great track only to be derailed within just a few days of beginning, not even enough time to get comfortable.  But life goes on and I struggle to find the meaning in stinging losses.  Where is this road taking me? Taking us?  What is on the other side of this?  Maybe I will find out on the other side of the world.  As we plan this trip, I will keep adding to this blog and keep you updated as we get closer.  Thanks for believing in me.

It's 2012!

Wow!  Where did 2011 go?  Who cares right?  Moving forward into the exciting future.  These next few months will be filled with fund raising efforts to help Jeff get us back to Africa to shoot this video.  Help us get there - tell your friends about our project, friend us on this blog and PLEASE tell everyone you know what we are hoping to do in Uganda this summer.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!