“Hello! It's been a while since my last update letter for DuncanAfrica so I'll try to make this one worth the wait!   We have some long awaited news - I am finally on my way to start teaching guitar making in Uganda! 

 

We were not able to raise enough funding to start with a full scale bang, so we have down-sized to a 'pilot project' size which will allow us to get started with two students. Each one will make two guitars, as will I. Over the course of three months we will build six guitars. Once completed, they will be shipped back to Canada where they will be sold ($1100), and then we will use those funds for humanitarian aid / social development in and around Mpigi, under the guidance of local leadership. 20% of those funds will go to bless a community outside of Mpigi district. 

 

 

I cannot say thank you enough to so many of you who have helped to make this dream come true. We still have a long way to go, but the road is looking brighter every day. 

 

A few weeks ago, we were invited to display our project at Vancouver Missions Fest. It was a first for us, and it was crazy.  We brought three prototype guitars along, and people were jamming on them all weekend.  We had a ton of interesting people drop by to encourage us and to learn about our unique model. I have to admit that I take our 'model' for development for granted now, but in reality, it is fresh, innovative and unique.  I guess this spring we'll see what its like when the rubber really hits the road!

 

At Missions Fest, we began to put out the word that we were looking to sell off our 6 proto-type guitars at a drastically reduced price of $2500, (regular price $7500).  In a little over a week, we sold 5 out of 6 guitars. If you, or some one you know is interested in that last guitar, please respond to this email.

 

 

OK. PRAY for all of us. We need it!!  Specifically, pray that

1. All the wood, glue, jigs and molds etc arrive in Uganda in one piece and on time!

2. I will find the machinery I need locally

3. Our NGO application in Uganda will be accepted before I return in May

4. All land issues for the trade school building will be resolved quickly

5. Finances to finish the tradeschool will come in at the right time

 

OK. Thats enough out of me. Its late and I've been packing for days. Much love to all the friends and family who have tried in vain to make contact in the last few days. If only there were 29 hours in a day and an extra day in the week.”