Also...

The other thank yous I should make before this gets too far along are to the four individuals who are responsible for making this happen. First of all, the incomparable Dr. Anne-Marie who started this whole thing and without whom there would be no Bracelet of Hope. Thanks for continuing to stoke the fire.
To Andy, who is so committed to the cause that he moved to Lesotho! What an incredible blessing to have him there doing all that he does. If Anne-Marie is the heart and soul of Bracelet of Hope, Andy is the hands and feet. I look forward to your guidance Andy.
To Candice, who will be my travelling companion and who's role at the home office in Guelph gives her the inside scoop and as a result has made the whole process (ahead of time) so much easier.

Finally, my wife Sylvia, who is not a part of this organization or the trip, but continues to encourage and support my ideas and dreams. Thank you all.                                      

Thanks in advance

 I want to be clear about something before I get much deeper into this. Organizations like Bracelet of Hope use the money they raise to help improve and potentially save lives. In order to get a Storyteller over there to collect stories you need some very generous supporters. I was given the Alice Kane Storytelling Award this year from Storytelling Toronto. That award was less about me and more about the amazing group of  story artists all over Southern Ontario that are a part of that community and committed to support projects like this. Check them out at Storytelling Toronto. Also, I received an incredible amount of support from ETFO (I have also partnered with some very generous businesses and community groups, but I will save that for another day). So on behalf of all the orphans in foster homes that might never get a chance to say so...Thanks!

Stories of Hope

I have been given an incredible opportunity this summer to visit Lesotho to collect stories for Bracelet of Hope. Lesotho is a country completely surrounded by South Africa. It is often referred to as 'The Mountain Kingdom'. It is rich in beauty, history and culture. Unfortunately it is also in the middle of an AIDS pandemic. Bracelet of Hope is an organization that is dedicated to fighting that pandemic through medical clinics, foster homes and business opportunities. I am going to Lesotho to immerse myself in the work of Bracelet of Hope. I will be visiting clinics, churches, foster homes and community centres. I will be involved in the ongoing work of Bracelet of Hope and doing my best to participate in the day to day lives of the people I meet. I want to experience the the joys, the struggles, the journeys, the trials, the success, and the hope that is happening in this beautiful place. It is my plan to return home and tell these stories in order to help raise awareness and support for this incredible work. I will be posting updates leading up to my trip, during my time in Lesotho, and upon my return. If you are interested, please join me on this adventure by following this blog, checking out Bracelet of Hope (link here: Bracelet of Hope), and most importantly exploring Lesotho for yourself.