Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Changing a life by something as simple as a meal

Sibonelo is a beautiful almost 3 year old girl whose eyes now shine bright. But as young as Sibonelo is she has already lived the unthinkable. She was first discovered staying at a step grandmother’s house where, although the other children at the homestead where well fed and loved, precious Sibonelo was treated with disdain. If she wasn’t being locked up alone in the outdoor corn storage cage she was chased away from people and food being referred to as “that animal”.

Her finger tips where dirty, swollen, and infected from scratching at the dirt looking for something to eat to ease her hungry tummy. She was so malnourished at 1 ½ years old her skull had not formed together still displaying a soft spot on the top of her head.

Through the compassionate and proactive steps of a Children’s Cup teacher, Sibonelo was rescued from this heart breaking and deadly situation. With quick action from local doctors in Swaziland placing her on Plumpy Nut (a high calorie fortified peanut butter) and a daily diet of Manna Pack Rice from Feed My Starving Children, Sibonelo is alive today.

You see, children like Sibonelo who are greatly malnourished will quickly gain weight on a short term hospital provided diet high in calories, proteins, and vitamins. Yet when healthy and no longer eating the food the hospital provides, many children go back into the same environment that caused the malnutrition in the first place. This then creates a dangerous cycle of malnutrition that many times ends in death.

For Sibonelo, this cycle will end in life. Through the partnership of Children’s Cup providing care for orphans and vulnerable children in Swaziland, and Feed My Starving Children providing a well balanced and fortified meal through their Manna Pack Rice, children’s lives like Sibonelo are being saved daily.

Sibonelo and the children of Swaziland thank you for their full tummies of nutritious food. Tonight Sibonelo, no longer fighting off hunger pains, will sleep peacefully with a full tummy knowing she is loved.

Check out our partner Feed My Starving Children at http://www.fmsc.org

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Accountant

Looking for 50 Accountant to be assigned in Dubai

Requirements:

1. 5 years working experience
2. CPA
3. Male or Female
4. at least 25 years old

Interested applicant may submit resume at:

Goodwork International
255 Sta. Cruz, Manila
285-2019

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Coordinated Arrival

The time had finally come for me to show off South Africa to my family and Courtney. My first challenge as travel planner was our coordinated arrival. We were to arrive in Johannesburg in pairs on three planes from three countries within thirty minutes of each other. Exactly as planned, Courtney and I arrived from New York, Brad and Pepere from Frankfurt, and Mom and Dad landed from Zurich on time; this was a good omen for our holiday to come.

We immediately went to the hotel to check-in, relax, and shower up after everyone’s long night (and in Pepere’s case, two nights) of travel. I found a great rate at the Balalaika Hotel, which is centrally located to my apartment, office, and Sandton City center. Courtney and I ducked away and headed to my office to drop off the many widgets I’m always asked to bring back from the States.

Once tidied up, everyone was eager for their first look at Jo’burg and hungry for food. We headed to Parkhurst to take a look at my old house and eat at my favorite restaurant, Espresso. We ate outside and ordered too much food (which turned into a running theme throughout the trip). The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering the streets of Parkhurst, driving by my workplace and showing everyone my current apartment before running out of energy.

When travelling with the Favreaus there is no rest for the weary and after another quick rest at the hotel we were on our way to my good friends’ house for drinks. I was eager for everyone to meet Sarah and Ryan Kobus as they have been very welcoming to me during my time in Joburg and Ryan is my official drinking buddy (I mean… we work at a brewery, it’s official business). It was also an opportunity for everyone to see the life and home of a Joburg resident. Our big group anticipated dropping in for a quick drink and so as to not impose, but in my experience that doesn’t ever seem to work at the Kobus residence. A couple hours and many bottles of wine later we were playing puzzles with Ryan and Sarah’s kids, dad was talking botany of South Africa with Ryan’s dad, Brad was scheming business ventures in Joburg with Ryan, mom was discussing the education system with Sarah, Courtney was explaining how she wants to take home a petite lap giraffe while getting hazed for not finishing her wine fast enough, and I was reveling at the sight of my two worlds colliding.


A great first day; it was awesome to see everyone as excited about exploring as I was to show them. Tomorrow we get out of the city and head for the bush...

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Permission to Work

Poor resource planning and corporate waste had me back on a plane to New York within a week of returning to South Africa. My visa was set to expire at the end of May and it had to be renewed in the States. No complaints from my end.... that's 15,934 United miles and two weeks in New York with Courtney (more importantly).

I hurriedly got my paperwork prepared and sent off to the Embassy. I worked South African hours again and rose early. I found out that New York actually does sleep and the city is peaceful and tranquil at dawn.

Again, I got the chance to explore the West Village's many coffee shops. I spent a lot of time at 'SNice: a vegan coffee shop with big tables, free wi-fi, and a constant flow of traffic. Courtney isn't fond of the always agitated barista, but I find it comfortable nonetheless. When I needed a breakfast to boot, I would head to Cafe Minerva: great coffee, excellent pancakes, free wi-fi, quieter spot with a little West Village pomp.

Over the weekend Courtney and I got a gracious invite to Abby and Arnaud's wedding in Philadelphia. A&A were always welcoming and inclusive while I worked in Philly and this was just one more example of their hospitality. The wedding was at the Union League Club downtown and we were lucky enough to also stay at the associated Inn. The Chiverton's threw an amazing party and it was great to catch up with all the families and friends. I don't think I had seen Evan since I said we parted ways in Italy in March '09! Crazy how the time flies.

Arnaud (front middle) and me (front right) after rec game from Spring '09

On Sunday Mom, Dad, Courtney, and I took to Bolt bus back up to New York to pass the afternoon before my parents headed to Paris. We spent the afternoon walking the High Line Park and exploring the shops in the Chelsea Market. That evening we ate at my favorite small restaurant in the West Village, Westville (be sure to get the Mac and Cheese). Afterward, we bid my parents a quick farewell only to reunite four days later in Johannesburg.

Courtney and I were cramming trying to get ready for our trip which had us working early in my case and late in her's but we paused to celebrate my birthday on Wednesday. I grabbed some bday drinks with Drew and Lindsay before meeting up with Courtney. She took me out to Buddakan and we stuffed ourselves to the brim only then forced the almond bread pudding with maple butterscotch, bananas, and whiskey ice cream dessert down on top.

The break was short lived as both of us worked through the night to get ready to travel. My real birthday present was getting on that plane to South Africa where Courtney and I would arrive from New York, Brad and Pepere from Frankfurt, and Mom and Dad from Paris for ten days of exploring the country I've been calling home.






Side Note: May marks another important milestone, not only was it a celebration of my birthday month but it marks four years of post school life. I have now spent more time in my professional life than in high school or college.

Friday, June 17, 2011

London

The detour to St. Andrews set us back a couple hours, yet Brad and I were determined to get to London Saturday night. The UK is a small country but we found out the hard way that it is long...and expensive. My turn to fill up the tank set me back $120. Ouch.

As I mentioned, we were set on getting to London to meet up with our host and mutual friend Dave Madaras. Two other UVA friends, Devon Nixon and Henry Dudley, also were visiting Dave that weekend so we were excited to join the group.

True to form, Brad and I rolled into the London city limits without a clue of where to go. A quick stop at a wi-fi gas station (excuse me "petrol station") and we had the directions written on a napkin. If you have ever driven in London you would know that we were in for the circuitous route to Dave's apartment. When we finally arrived, our friends were as excited to see us as we them and we stayed out for a few drinks on the town.

Sunday was the big day as Dave procured tickets to the Manchester United vs. Arsenal English Premier League game. We rose early and hit the pubs pregame. You gotta love.. and hate.. the soccer spirit in Europe. The bars were chalked full of obsessed fans singing songs and chants. Problem is the songs don't make sense, Brits are obnoxious drunks, and it smelled. But you know how the saying goes, 'if you can't avoid them, join them." Err something that.. 

Manchester corner kick in front of our seats
Hey Keith!


After the game we headed to another pub and met up with another UVA friend (seeing a theme?). This assemblage of college friends was probably the largest I've experienced since Foxfield '09. It occurred, unplanned, in London... go figure.

Devon, Dave, and Brad in London


On Monday morning Devon and Henry flew out and Dave needed to log a couple hours at the office. So, Brad and I played tourist in London as we had done on two occasions before*. We wanted to check a new landmark off our list so we headed to St. Paul's Cathedral. After another dose of fish and chips we met Dave and toured the Cathedral. The kind old lady that showed us around knew just about everything there was to know about the building, history, visits by the Queen, bombings during WWII, etc. but nothing about religion. Brad asked, "can you give me a little history of the Church of England?" Guide's response, "it's all the same God." Talk about a multipurpose facility! ...and the state of religion in Europe.

St. Paul's Cathedral
London city bus and street
Hey Dave!
St Paul's Spiral Staircase
View from top of St. Paul's toward Eye and Big Ben
View from top of St. Paul's toward Tower Bridge


That evening I took yet another red-eye back to Johannesburg. It was amazing trip though, with stops in Phoenix, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and London. Each stop another unique adventure with my closest family and friends.


*Brad's and my first trip to London was, coincidentally enough, also on the way to Africa. We had a day to tour and decided to explore the British Museum where we saw more Egyptian relics then the rest of our two weeks along the Nile. That evening we met up with Lisa and Dad to fly to Nairobi and start my first African adventure.


Our second rendezvous in London occurred between 2am and 5am on a Sunday night (or Monday morning). I flew into London late from Italy and was planning on sleeping at Heathrow (wouldn't have been the first time) until I received an email from Brad saying he was at the swanky Cavendish Hotel in London for work. His deal just fell through and he had the corporate card at his disposal. We forced the night staff to open the liquor cabinet and drank top shelf whiskey until heading to the airport at 5am.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Edinburgh and St. Andrews

On my way back to South Africa I was able to stop in the UK for a couple days. I flew in the day of the Royal Wedding which is why I booked my flight straight into Manchester.

I arrived on the red-eye from New York and Brad and I immediately hit the road north to Scotland. Once out of Manchester, the norther England countryside is beautiful. Big rolling hills, small towns, sprawling sheep fields divided by miles and miles of stone walls. The long drive, with a few scenic route detours, got us to Edinburgh in the afternoon. With no real itinerary in mind, we set out for Edinburgh's Royal Mile. The Royal Mile runs through the historic heart of the city and is laid with granite setts. We poked our head in the many whiskey shops, found an antique map/book store, and debated buying a kilt at one of the numerous wool stores that just about paralyze you with plaid. The pubs were full of Scots "pissed" from the day's wedding celebrations. Many groups were even dressed up with face cutouts of the Royal couple.... truly a scene. Stumbling through the still lively streets we found our way bock to the Art House Hostel. I do not recommend. Any establishment where the proprietor offers a cash discount in return for a positive review doesn't make the cut.


Northern England stone walls
Will, Kate and Queen face cutouts

We had our first "you know you're in Scotland when" moment about ten minutes after arriving at the pub. Brad got bumped and spilled a small portion beer. The culprit turned around and started screaming in English? as Brad and I looked at each other in bewilderment. When a Scot is drunk at a pub, you're never really sure if a fight is about to break out or if he's a distant cousin. After some hand gestures we determined he he wanted to buy Brad a replacement. The moment Brad hesitatingly agreed he grabbed Brad's beer and chugged it in front of us... only then to approach the bar and buy another round.

Edinburgh is authentically medieval. We spent Saturday wandering the streets, climbing the castle and reciting Braveheart lines. Edinburgh Castle is straight out of history. It towers above the city on a large rock outcropping and contains giant walls, drawbridges, cathedral, barracks, and currently holds Scotland's crown jewels.

Edinburgh City
Edinburgh Castle from below
Streets of Edinburgh

In the early afternoon we had a quick huddle and concluded we couldn't be this close to St. Andrews and not pay a visit. At the end of a long country road the North Sea arrives abruptly along with the town of St. Andrews. The iconic links course is the first thing you see; TV images from last year's Open came to life as we saw the sprawling open terrain, deep bunkers, and the symbolic 18th with its stone bridge and green ending abruptly at the town's buildings. There is no doubt about the history or feeling of golf's origins, just look at the signs: The Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews and The Old Course.


Looking up the 18th on the Old Course at St. Andrews
The Old Course
Scotch and fish and chips
Whiskey in Scotland: i.e. Scotch
Brad, is it good or bad?
Walking the Old Course
Next stop: London

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Disband Mswati government! Democratic Interim Government, Now!

Communist Party of Swaziland, Statement, 5 June 2011


Support the call for a democratic Interim Government!

The Mswati government must now be disbanded!


The CPS, like other forces for change in Swaziland, has been closely monitoring the deteriorating economic, social and political developments in recent months. It is clear that we now need decisive action for change.

The state’s financial crisis is bringing the other aspects of Swaziland’s dire situation to a head. The government can no longer pay its way and has no recourse to bailouts from any quarter.
Government workers will soon be without pay entirely. The levels of discontent among our people are reaching a decisive point.

Concerted action for change must engage all progressive forces in our country, and we must be clear what we want.

The Tinkhundla ruling elite is failing to provide solution to the problem and is beginning to disintegrate. This is welcome news to us. But as the system collapses its officials and the royal elite will act more ruthlessly to maintain their hold over the country’s dwindling resources and to wield the power of the police and army against the people. All talk at seeking a dialogue to solve the situation, through such forums as the sibaya, is a sham. Mswati and his government know that their days are numbered. It is now up to us to make that a reality.

The CPS calls on all progressive forces in Swaziland and in exile to support the following demands:


  1. The immediate dissolution of the government, suspension of the legislature and the appointment of an interim government.
    1. The interim government will be composed of representatives of all political parties, trade unions and civil society forces, and the church to be nominated at a Conference for a Democratic Swaziland. We will request the government of South Africa to mediate in this process.
    2. Institutions and structures that are part of the tinkhundla system will not be part of the Interim Government though traditional leaders will be able to submit their suggestions to the Conference for a Democratic Swaziland.
    3. The Interim Government must take emergency measures in securing all state assets inside and outside the country and to create an Emergency National Economic Plan to address the immediate needs of the people.
    4. The dissolution of the government will mean the immediate end to the king’s powers over the executive, judicial and security matters of the country.
    5. The Interim Government will establish the modalities for a new democratic dispensation and the drafting of a fully democratic Constitution for the Republic of Swaziland.



  1. This process will be preceded by the unbanning of all political parties and organizations, release of all political prisoners and the annulment of all court cases against political leaders and activists.
  2. All exiles must be allowed to unconditionally return to the country and all political persecution must come to an end.
  3. The police, army and all security forces must cease to operate as instruments of the monarchy and tinkhundla and be incorporated as of the democratic Interim Government.
  4. Countries and international institutions must pledge to stop their support of the tinkhundla regime, wait for the establishment of the Interim Government and contribute in all required ways for the process of the reorganization of the country towards the new democratic life and support to the new dispensation.

The CPS believes that these steps are the only practical way forward for our people in the coming months. We call on all areas of the pro-democracy movement to come out in support of them.

The CPS will work with the workers and the frontline forces led by PUDEMO to ensure all possible means to carry forward these demands. We call on the youth and students in particular to use the great enthusiasm and energy they have mobilized among the young in recent months to help realize these demands for swift change.


The government must go now!

Tinkhundla must be dismantled!

Forward to a democratic Interim Government!

 


Contacts

Kenneth Kunene
Tel: +2772 594 3971
Email: ken.manze@gmail.com
 
 

 International Organizer
Felix Mabaso
Tel: +2774 922 8277
Email: felixmabaso@yahoo.com

Monday, June 13, 2011

South African Silly Season

I used another company flyback to get to the States for the week around Easter. In South Africa, April is filled with bank holidays on the 22, 25, 27, and May 2nd. The first two are Good Friday and Easter Monday... I don't know about the others and neither do the locals. Of course, no one is arguing about the ability to take three days off for a two week vacation. It's aptly called "Silly Season".


First stop, Becky's wedding in Phoenix. I took the overnight flight to New York, met Courtney in the airport, and we made the last leg of the journey together. I fell asleep on a plane in Joburg and woke up half a world away in Arizona, pretty incredible when you think about. The wedding was fabulous; congratulations to Beckers and Conan! I also got a chance to get some well needed pool time, dance to the unbelievable band, and hang with the fam including my first witness of Drewbear walking.


From Arizona, I headed home for the week. Sonce this portion happened before the holiday binge, I worked South African hours from Alamo.... Finally getting a glimpse of my dad's life at 4am (now I know why he falls asleep on the couch at night). The old crew also made a special effort to get out to the city for a great night on the town. Dined at Perry's per usual.


I flew most of the day Thursday to Chicago to meet up with Courtney's family for Easter. Friday, Cammie, Courtney's younger sister, had company box tickets to the Cubs game... uh-MAY-zing! It was a rainy day, but who is really watching the game when there's a nachos bar and free beer in the suite. There is really nothing like a Friday day game at Wrigley, even in the rain. After the game we stayed downtown and went to Second City comedy club (I hadn't heard of it either, but it's about as famous as it gets with almost all the SNL stars making their start here). Great night the oldest three sisters (Courtney, Cammie, Caity), Caity's boyfriend Carter (who's tall but not that tall), and even Braden made a surprise appearance.


Saturday was filled with Easter baking, subsequent consuming and ultimately lounging.


Festive Bunny Cake
Decorating cupcakes... "Wahoowa"
Easter Bunny at brunch
Banagrams... didn't think the engineer could spell, did you!?
Carter, Me, Courtney, Caity


Easter Sunday we went to church, the Country Club for brunch, and enjoyed Mr. Patterson's pork and ribs in the evening. The extended family joined for dinner and I found a new friend in Courtney's seven year old cousin Kiley. In an effort to limit international calling, I resorted to giving her my email address.


Me and my new friend Kiley
Kiley asked for my email


Monday morning Courtney and I headed to New York. Still being "silly season" in South Africa I spent most of my time sitting in coffee shops in the West Village and pestering Courtney to leave work.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Children's Cup is healing the hurts!!

Children's Cup not only reaches out to the children in the communities but also connects with the women in the community that come out each day to volunteer to cook (4 to 6 hours a day) for the children at the CarePoint. This report is all about how one of these volunteer's lives has been so shaped by the love and care of Jesus that she has found through Children's Cup that she is now reaching and to love and serve those in need in her community. SUCCESS that keeps on giving!!

A GOOD HEART OF A COOK

Thuli Mdluli is one of the cooks at the CarePoint who has a heart that is so caring and so loving.She has compassionate heart,she has shown this by stepping up for 3 kids that don’t even belong to her.

As the discipleship team visits the CarePoint my eyes fell in love with a small boy who was just playing with other kids,just curious to know about him,I did not know the reason why I was so attracted to the boy. The little boy has a painful story.

His name is John Deusoza, John was abandoned by his mother to his father who is married. He feared for his marriage, because the wife wanted to leave him because John was not her son, so the father decided to harm John, in fact he tried to kill him by throwing John in a homestead where there were fierce dogs. Poor John was rescued by Thuli “Two-lee” who saw this incident,she took the small boy in her homestead where she is also living with Phephile “Pay-pee-lay” and Muzi “Moo-zee” and Rosenna Chissano who are also double orphans.
Thuli is taking John with her to the CarePoint everyday, he is too young to attend the pre school class because he is only 3yrs old, but it is amazing how God is moving in John’s life. The boy just flows with joy ,one time he came to me and sang a song that they sing at bible clubs and he shared a Memory verse from the bible club and I was so amazed at how he can take the Word in his heart,he was stammering saying 1John 16:16 “I…chose… you… to.. go… and… bear fruit “, that was awesome, the recovery that the Lord is bringing in the child’s life is awesome.May He be praised”

All this kids that Thuli cares for have been abused in different ways.
Phephile and Muzi came to stay with Thuli when they were 3 and 5 yrs old, now Phepile is 18 yrs and Muzi is 20yrs old and they are very active youth at the CarePoint.Their education is being sponsored by a nearby school.

Rosenna Chissano is a double orphan (which means she has lost both of her parents) who is 5yrs old who was also rescued by Thuli as she was staying with her uncle. The unfortunate part was that the wife of the uncle did not like and did not want anything to do with Rosenna,she was abusing the child emotionally and physically in unthinkable ways,the uncle’s wife will strangle the child and torture her by putting a hot iron on her forehead and it so sad that even now she still healing from the physical scars.So sad”but God is restoring her,she is now a happy child attending CarePoint school and bible clubs and playing with other kids and feeling the love of Christ through Mama Thuli!!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Statement of the Communist Party of Swaziland

Statement of the Communist Party of Swaziland:

Support the call for a Democratic Interim Government!

The Mswati government must now be disbanded!




5th June 2011

The CPS, like other forces for change in Swaziland, has been closely monitoring the deteriorating economic, social and political developments in recent months. It is clear that we now need decisive action for change.
The state’s financial crisis is bringing the other aspects of Swaziland’s dire situation to a head. The government can no longer pay its way and has no recourse to bailouts from any quarter. Government workers will soon be without pay entirely. The levels of discontent among our people are reaching a decisive point.


Concerted action for change must engage all progressive forces in our country, and we must be clear what we want.


The Tinkhundla ruling elite is failing to provide solution to the problem and is beginning to disintegrate. This is welcome news to us. But as the system collapses its officials and the royal elite will act more ruthlessly to maintain their hold over the country’s dwindling resources and to wield the power of the police and army against the people. All talk at seeking a dialogue to solve the situation, through such forums as the sibaya, is a sham. Mswati and his government know that their days are numbered. It is now up to us to make that a reality.

The CPS calls on all progressive forces in Swaziland and in exile to support the following demands:

1. The immediate dissolution of the government, suspension of the legislature and the appointment of an interim government.
a. The interim government will be composed of representatives of all political parties, trade unions and civil society forces, and the church to be nominated at a Conference for a Democratic Swaziland. We will request the government of South Africa to mediate in this process.

b. Institutions and structures that are part of the tinkhundla system will not be part of the Interim Government though traditional leaders will be able to submit their suggestions to the Conference for a Democratic Swaziland.

d. The Interim Government must take emergency measures in securing all state assets inside and outside the country and to create an Emergency National Economic Plan to address the immediate needs of the people.

e. The dissolution of the government will mean the immediate end to the king’s powers over the executive, judicial and security matters of the country.

f. The Interim Government will establish the modalities for a new democratic dispensation and the drafting of a fully democratic Constitution for the Republic of Swaziland.

2. This process will be preceded by the unbanning of all political parties and organizations, release of all political prisoners and the annulment of all court cases against political leaders and activists.

3. All exiles must be allowed to unconditionally return to the country and all political persecution must come to an end.

4. The police, army and all security forces must cease to operate as instruments of the monarchy and tinkhundla and be incorporated as of the democratic Interim Government.

5. Countries and international institutions must pledge to stop their support of the tinkhundla regime, wait for the establishment of the Interim Government and contribute in all required ways for the process of the reorganization of the country towards the new democratic life and support to the new dispensation.

The CPS believes that these steps are the only practical way forward for our people in the coming months. We call on all areas of the pro-democracy movement to come out in support of them.

The CPS will work with the workers and the frontline forces led by PUDEMO to ensure all possible means to carry forward these demands. We call on the youth and students in particular to use the great enthusiasm and energy they have mobilized among the young in recent months to help realize these demands for swift change.


The government must go now! Tinkhundla must be dismantled! Forward to a democratic Interim Government!



Contacts

Kenneth Kunene
Tel: +2772 594 3971
Email: ken.manze@gmail.com
 


International Organizer
Felix Mabaso
Tel: +2774 922 8277
Email: felixmabaso@yahoo.com