In Kinshasa...

So we are here in the DRC. To say that the vibe at the airport in Kinshasa was intense would be an understatement. Michael Forde, the dancer I brought from Step Afrika, got caught up in customs. I got caught up in the crowd surrounding the baggage carousel and quickly realize that luggage needs to be scoped out immediately. The two brothers they sent from the embassy were there with a sign, but also meeting another guy who was not affiliated with our trip. The Public Affairs Officer here is incredibly passionate about this project so we both left our dinner with her family fired up. (Oh, can I mention she can cook like nobody's business.)

Anyway, it's day one (well technically day two) in Kinshasa. We've been told by a few locals 'don't trust nobody', but I don't think it's because you cannot trust "anybody", but more so because Michael smiles almost as much as me. Plus, both of us find it difficult to hide our enthusiasm. We are officially excited! Don't get it twisted now. Michael is straight Brooklyn in many ways. So much so I was a little nervous when the custom officers took him to a little room for what I knew was going to be some sort of bribe scenario---but he's also really kind. And his love for Africa just pours from his skin. I know I have my eyes wide open and I'm not as chatty in the hotel as I would normally be, but I feel good about being here even though we are here to confront a really horrendous issue---women are being used as war weapons. Please google and read about the problem here and/or go to Youtube. Everyone knows about the problem, but no one is talking about it.

When we rode by the hospital that Dikembe Mutombo built and then by the stadium that Muhammad Ali fought in when Don King produced 'the rumble in the jungle' I sighed deeply. I am so grateful for the opportunity to do the kind of work that I do. I wake up each day knowing for sure that I am living out my destiny. It is an incredible feeling to know that for sure. I never have to question it anymore.

We meet the artists tomorrow. I already know it's gonna' be hot. I watched TRACE TV after a really good night's sleep. I also watched some of the local music video channels and channel O. I danced by myself in the room. I opened the curtains and sang. I spit a freestyle before putting on my lip gloss.....I looked to the sky and closed my eyes as I spoke my affirmations aloud.

"I am open to the possibility of being a catalyst for change and transformation. I am a student and always willing to learn. I do my work with every ounce of my being. I pour my heart and my soul into everything that I do. I trust the universe to support me and my vision. I am audacious and stepping into a new pair of shoes---I wear these shoes boldly as I surrender to God's purpose for my life........Hip Hop Worldwide! Yes!"

Give Thanks.

All right. I am going to practice my french as I wait for the other folks on the van. Stay tuned for more postings. Feel free to comment and asks questions if you like. (The computer is a little slow so I'll go back for typos later...sorry.) Toni.