You can't unring a bell.

17 December 2007

Xmas is steaming towards us at a great pace. We really want to do something in the community, for several reasons. Of course because this should be a great time for kids, and these have never had a Xmas. But also we are working steadily to build a strong community identity, and a community celebration will be a great help.

As we plant all the trees, we don't want the kids pulling them up! One way to combat this is to instill pride in their community. Group celebrations such as Xmas work wonders. As we slowly get water into the houses, we will put a water-tank on top of each little house, not too expensive. But the pump to get the water up there is a huge expense, so we plan to share a pump between four houses.

This requires some cooperation amongst families as well. So everything we do, we keep this in mind. I have already said somewhere on the site our program does NOT create dependency. The families will be up and running and taking care of themselves long after we move on to the next cosmic stop.

Now, there are a billion websites pumping positive personal development and life-changing messages into the ether. Does any of this stuff work?

I have said already in this blog... just START, and everything will be ok. In Blog 04 December I said "Just the act of starting creates its own energy." Well now, let me put my money where my mouth is.

We plan to have a BBQ on Xmas Eve for the kids - around 50 of them, remember: 40 boys and 10 girls all up. To do this we need chickens, sausages, meat, soft drinks, charcoal and such. Very simple. Daniel will pop in as Santa and give each child a little bag of sweets as a gift. With his flair for the unexpected he will make it an event.

We already told the kids what we are planning - hence the title for today. One night with everyone with a full belly is something to look forward to. The kids are all excited about it.

We don't have ten cents to start. But I called a restaurant several blocks from the community and asked if I could store a lot of food in their freezer over the weekend, because there is no safe refrigeration in the community. No problem, says the manager.

If only he knew. Well, that first step is taken. Now begins the long slow part of begging and struggling to fill that fridge. Will we do it?

I'm committed.

This causes some strange feelings. I feel absolutely great, because I absolutely totally and completely believe in what I am doing - Project Palhaco - so of course I should do stuff! I feel absolutely terrified, because now I have the trust of 50 little kids in my lap. My mouth is several times bigger than my brain, but the cosmos should figure that in as the universe provides. Right?

Your actions show how committed you are. By your actions you show what matters to you. Words are just the fluff of life. Acts are the truth manifest.

There is no reason why you shouldn't enjoy the cosmic journey you are undertaking, even as you struggle to make those vital changes that will bring you the happiness and fulfillment you deserve. This week I probably won't enjoy, but I am trapped in a time situation. Not a normal 'meet the deadline' thing with expandable edges. That kind of situation helps you in your planning, helps you keep on task. Unfortunately Xmas is December 25 and won't move to 26 or 27 to give me a few more days to find enough chickens.

This email extract from Karen, a British tourist Daniel took on an alternate tour a while back, catches the pressure of the moment:

  • Hi everyone I just have to share this with you.

    Met two wonderful people Daniel and Daniel. Little Daniel is a tour guide thingy and he talked me into going on a different tour.

    It's nine oclock at night and I'm an hour away from Copacabana in a little place with dirt streets and cows instead of cars. It's Jonathon's 10th birthday and suddenly I'm the guest of honor.

    He lives in a shack with his family mum and brother and sister. Big Daniel has arranged a little BBQ for Jonathon, and about 10 people have been invited. They all arrive about 8pm. Little Daniel gets a fire going and things get under way.

    Like I said its nine oclock now... there's this long line of kids, must be 30 at least, standing quietly about 10 yards away. All their hair is brushed and they are wearing what looks like their best clothes. Their silence is kinda eerie.

    Big Daniel comes over to where I with no Portuguese am having a great conversation mostly handsignals and giggles with two little girls.

    Karen, he says, look I'm sorry to ask this but have you got any money on you?

    Sure, I said. Well, he said, can I send little Daniel to the market in a hurry to get some meat? But I probably won't be able to pay you back, though.

    The penny drops. These kids are standing silent at the gate hoping to be asked in. Word has got around that someone has meat. I empty my purse and give it all to little Daniel. If it's not enough, I say, kill one of those cows on the way back.

    I am almost in tears. Daniel and Daniel thank you, guys this was one of the most powerful moments in my life. God I hope I never take another hamburger for granted.

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