Ending Extreme Poverty in the Congo

Do You Love Things Made From Scratch?

 
It takes time!  What is it?  It is everything.  In rural Congo, everything is made from scratch.

As you know, things from scratch requires skills and patience.  We love our grandma's cooking.  But it took a long time.  When was the last time, you had some made from scratch.  Mashed potatoes come from a potato and not a box.  Nothing is done in 5 minutes or 15 minutes or even 30 minutes.

Did you know that a leather drum-head is heated with fire to change the pitch?  You have to gather wood and start the fire, just to heat the drum-head.

That's a inner beauty of Congo.     

Playing The Xylophone

Congolese are very resourceful.  They would say clever.

I am was so excited to hear and see a young Congolese boy playing xylophone.  First, I was amazed to see a wooden xylophone in a rural Congo village.  Then, I was amazed to hear the rich sound it made.  I am not a musical type so I can attest to the quality or correctness.  But I just knew it sounded great.

Finally, the young boy played very well.  He impressed me with his pride in playing the xylophone.

Somewhere, there is some video with sound.  The tape was misplaced.  I am so glad things are digital now!  Pictures and video can be immediately uploaded to my laptop.
 

Music Is A Better Part of Congo

 
The Christmas season is synonymous with music.  Concerts and music programs are great apart of our seasonal celebrations.  Artist produce special music and songs for the Christmas season.

Rural Congo villagers will sing throughout Christmas eve night.  Also, they will sing for joy on Christmas day before spending time with their families.  Music and singing will be big part of Congo's Christmas festivites.

Congo's music is known worldwide.  Their musicians are known throughout the world, too.  Unfortunately, the poverty, war, and devastation overshadows it music contributions.

VIDEO: Congolese Women Celebrate The Opening Of Their Health Clinic

Whether you call it dancing or celebrating, these women are happy to have a health clinic in their village.

In the Congo, everyone does not have access to health care.  Too many Congolese women and children die from preventable and treatable diseases.  This problem is acute in the rural poor areas.

Link to the Video

Just Make Music

What's wrong in this picture?  Do you see the error?

 

The boys made some beautiful music on this naturally-carved xylophone.  When I first saw the "thing", I thought no way.  This is Bulape located in middle of bush with no music teachers or instrument makers.  But I was blown away with tone and tuning.

"Just Make Music" was appropriate.  They were no mistake unlike the "Nake" instead of "Nike" T-shirt.