Misha Sings in South Africa/ part 2
Dear Sweet Friends,
I have the opportunity to travel through and sing in South Africa this summer with my mostly gospel chorale, Sharing a New Song. The trip is three weeks long, tours all over the country, and sings in villages with farmers as well as with possibly some big names and in the American Embassy.
"Why South Africa?" you might ask. "Are you well enough go?" you might think. And others might echo the words "Are you crazy?" Well the answer is yes indeed I'm crazy! But I have a long, long neglected bucket list. Illness of so many kinds has prevented me from touching that dear list. I always thought I could complete some of the list when I was better. After a lot of prayer and contemplation, I've come to the conclusion that the time is now. The are no guarantees about tomorrow. My health can be managed with caution on the tour, and parts of South Africa have excellent hospitals with well trained staff, lest anything should happen. I love people, cultures and languages, I love music (particularly Gospel), and I love to travel...three checks on the bucket list.
Sharing a New Song, my chorale, builds bridges and forms lasting friendships between cultures. The group have joyously sung in the Soviet Union and South Africa many times. They've also raised their voices in song in Cuba twice, in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Columbia as well as many other countries. Extending my hand with kindness and compassion to my fellow people across the globe is something I love to do.
Now here comes the hardest part for me, asking for donations. The three week trip costs (only) $5500 and includes airfare there and back, as well as throughout South Africa...it's a large country! The money also includes all meals, as well as a trip to Kruger National Park where I wouldn't put it past us to sing to the wildlife. The money is paid in installments. I've paid the initial $500 and am working hard on adding more. I have one week until the next deadline (January 23) of $1500. Yikes! Then they'll be further deadlines to meet.
I plan on keeping you updated during the trip through a fantastic blog throughout an amazing country!
I thank you for your love and support. I treasure you as my friends.
With love and gratitude,
Misha