and I need them! 
(not that way... nohomo )
Here's the deal... Im "adopting" a school in South Sudan.. for those that dont know me, I spend a good bit of time in Africa for work (no, I am not a missionary, mercenary, or work for an NGO).. I end up in Juba, South Sudan several times a year however for work..
Anyway.. if youre interested.. do a little google-fu on South Sudan.. its not a great place... but it has a lot of potential... they've had a major conflict (i.e. war) going on for 35 of the past 50 years (peace for the past few years however).. South Sudan won its independance a little over a year ago.. and is now the newest country on the planet.. the people are working very hard to build a nation..
What does this mean to kids?
A lot...
Imagine a place where almost every male old enough to take up arms, for 3 generations, was expected to do so (and did)... and from birth until they were old enough to take up arms, the kids were expected to help the family survive (farm, forrage, beg, borrow, steal, etc.. whatever it takes...).. and then suddenly... POOF.. there's peace! (a good thing)...
what you have is a country where almost no one is litterate.. schools are largely non existent (kids didnt go to school.. they worked.. and then when old enough.. fought..) and where schools do exist (many are now being built).. they are essentially just walls, ceiling, and a floor.. there are very few books.. no paper.. no pencils.. no desks.. no tables.. etc... for the most part the teachers lecture and use a chalkboard only..
the other thing that is missing in these kids life is.... FUN...
this is what I want to focus on...
Ive got a couple of businesses and churches that are helping out with money, school supplies, books, uniforms, etc... I am NOT asking for those things... please DO NOT send money in any way, shape, or form..
I WANT YOUR BALLS! (again.. nohomo... get your mind out of the gutter javajunkie )....
I need balls that can be deflated for shipping and packing (volley balls, soccer balls, basketballs, kick balls, beach balls, etc.. no tennis balls, golf balls, raquet balls, etc.. please)..
I dont need new, shiney balls... send me your old, worn out, dirty, stained, sweat covered balls ... any ball will do...
When I get to Juba (next trip will likely be in March) Ill pass them out at the school (school starts in March there.. Feb is registration..)... and to kids in the neighborhoods that surround the school.. will take plenty of pictures, etc..
Boys in South Sudan particularly like soccer... girls love volleyball for some reason... although they will use ANY ball to play either sport..
show me your balls brothers! show me your balls!
PM for an address if you would like to help out..
oh... an NO CIGARS, bodyguards, or tag alongs please.. this sincerely isnt about me... this is about helping some kids learn how to be kids for the first time in 5 decades... (I generally dont like people... but have a soft spot for kids...)
kids in the neighborhood that the school will be supporting
new school that will be opening for the first time in March
(not that way... nohomo
)Here's the deal... Im "adopting" a school in South Sudan.. for those that dont know me, I spend a good bit of time in Africa for work (no, I am not a missionary, mercenary, or work for an NGO).. I end up in Juba, South Sudan several times a year however for work..
Anyway.. if youre interested.. do a little google-fu on South Sudan.. its not a great place... but it has a lot of potential... they've had a major conflict (i.e. war) going on for 35 of the past 50 years (peace for the past few years however).. South Sudan won its independance a little over a year ago.. and is now the newest country on the planet.. the people are working very hard to build a nation..
What does this mean to kids?
A lot...
Imagine a place where almost every male old enough to take up arms, for 3 generations, was expected to do so (and did)... and from birth until they were old enough to take up arms, the kids were expected to help the family survive (farm, forrage, beg, borrow, steal, etc.. whatever it takes...).. and then suddenly... POOF.. there's peace! (a good thing)...
what you have is a country where almost no one is litterate.. schools are largely non existent (kids didnt go to school.. they worked.. and then when old enough.. fought..) and where schools do exist (many are now being built).. they are essentially just walls, ceiling, and a floor.. there are very few books.. no paper.. no pencils.. no desks.. no tables.. etc... for the most part the teachers lecture and use a chalkboard only..
the other thing that is missing in these kids life is.... FUN...
this is what I want to focus on...
Ive got a couple of businesses and churches that are helping out with money, school supplies, books, uniforms, etc... I am NOT asking for those things... please DO NOT send money in any way, shape, or form..
I WANT YOUR BALLS! (again.. nohomo... get your mind out of the gutter javajunkie
)....I need balls that can be deflated for shipping and packing (volley balls, soccer balls, basketballs, kick balls, beach balls, etc.. no tennis balls, golf balls, raquet balls, etc.. please)..
I dont need new, shiney balls... send me your old, worn out, dirty, stained, sweat covered balls ... any ball will do...
When I get to Juba (next trip will likely be in March) Ill pass them out at the school (school starts in March there.. Feb is registration..)... and to kids in the neighborhoods that surround the school.. will take plenty of pictures, etc..
Boys in South Sudan particularly like soccer... girls love volleyball for some reason... although they will use ANY ball to play either sport..
show me your balls brothers! show me your balls!
PM for an address if you would like to help out..
oh... an NO CIGARS, bodyguards, or tag alongs please.. this sincerely isnt about me... this is about helping some kids learn how to be kids for the first time in 5 decades... (I generally dont like people... but have a soft spot for kids...)
kids in the neighborhood that the school will be supporting
new school that will be opening for the first time in March
