Off to Buckingham Palace...

well. to be honest, Government House but it is easy to get a bit confused when you recieve an invitation to go and visit!

Shoe- Pal 1 has been nominated for an award for his work on the project and as part of Children's Week Awards, we are all off to a reception at Government House for the presentations next week!

What on earth is 'Day Dress'??

D Day ( DESPATCH DAY and counting...!)

Guess what? For all those who have so patiently waited and wondered how this was all going to happen - it finally did! On October the 19th 2009, 2000 pairs of shoes were sent on their way to Malawi!

There is very little we can say that will adequately express out gratitude to Edwin, Alison, Alison's mum and Paul of Marion Pack and Send for their extraordinary support! Over 30 freight companies/contacts were made and in the end it was Edwin who was the real 'CAN DO' man - and he is amazing!

With an anticipated 51 days transit time, the shoes should be with Virginia in early December. I spoke with Virginia, her niece Felista, Prayer and Victor the other day - well 0430 actually in Malawi - oops- but it was wonderful.

Check out the crew at Marion Pack and Send - who have already put their hand up for our next venture ( GULP - Karen, sorry...we are still talking arent we??)

what a difference a year makes...

it's hard to believe- this time last year the project was just a thought, an idea. A tiny little baby was born 7 weeks early and prayers went up all over the country for the safety of him and his mum. Just look at him now!

FEDERATION SQUARE MELBOURNE

It actually happened! Across Federation Square, Melbourne, where Virginia and i stood together back in July, her story as told to Shoe-Pal 1 was broadcast to the whole city! As part of the liaison and networking with Global Dialogue Foundation, we were invited to present our story as part of the Windows of the World celebrations in Melbourne over 2 weekends. Inspired by the Changing the Dream Symposium,live music, cultural dance, henna painting,and world projects on film were presented to inspire and encourage a brighter future on our planet based on goodwill, friendship, social justice, sustainability and community connection.

...and there was our little team, putting our hands up and saying small steps, big dreams and great feats..are possible!!

Rigth at home in Launceston, Tasmania

During our time in Tassie, Poni, Virginia and I were invited to share in a fundraising dinner beinghel at a local church. Titled 'A taste of Africa', it was a wonderful evening of African music, dance, drumming, food and artwork.

Imagine Virginia's delight when she was greeted in Chichewa by the organisers of the evening. The delight was mutual for the organisers to have a guest from Malawi there for the evening. IRIS Ministries are established in Malawi, building schools,providing education for students from pre school to secondary school and assisting widows, orphans and others with monthly food assistance.

The fundraising dinner was to support these efforts - and was just like our feasts for feet - but on steroids!

a fantastic night and a wonderful way for Virginia and Poni to see another side of Australia.

what is your plan for today?

I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good that I can do, or any kindness i can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.

Precise origin unknown. Variously attributed to Quakers Stephen Grellet 1773-1855, and William Penn, 1644-1718 and to Mahatma Ghandi, 1869-1948.

Neil Kinnock, b. 1942, Welsh politician from his maiden speech in 1970

Compassion is not a sloppy sentimental feeling for people who are underprivileged or sick...it is an absolutely practical belief that regardless of a person's background,ability or ability to pay, he should be provided with the best that society has to offer.