Matsiko Visits the Historical Alamo

[Prince poses with the cannon]

Texas. It’s the biggest state in the whole of the UnitedStates of America. As Texas is known for their Texas pride, what says pridemore than the Alamo?

After two days of driving, and two nights of sleepovers at the lovely and extremely hospitable churches ofFirst Baptist Church in Midland (Midland, Tx) andForest Hills Presbyterian (San Antonio, Tx), we slept in, ate a delicious breakfast of pancakes and sausage (provided by Forest Hills Presbyterian. THANKYOU) squeezed in a couple of hours of practice and then it was time to hit theroad!

[Alonso looking at the fish in the Garden]

With our blue Matsiko shirts on, we braced ourselves for the blast of humid air as we opened the doors that lead out to the vans. Once we were all settled into our assigned seats, a short history lesson was given to each group in each van. Fascination and surprise was a common theme of the day.

As we neared our destination, curiosity and surprise enveloped the emotions of the leaders. “We’re in the city…. Is this right?”Kylie Windham (20yrs, Seattle Wa) cautiously asked while trying to fin dparking.

After finding a parking lot that would fit all three of our colorful vans, and wouldn’t burn a hole in our wallets, we all grabbed hands and started our trek towards the Alamo. Onward March!

[Luciana, Jennifer, and Zulmira learn about the history of the Alamo]

The first sight as we entered the area was not what wasexpected. A beautiful garden was waiting for us, surrounded by what the Peruvian girls were saying looked like Papaya trees. “Yes. ‘Alamo’ actually means ‘garden of the mangos.’ Not many people realize that though” Jason Dillow (37yrs,Seattle Wa) joked as he waited for the team to finish up with their bathroom break.

Then it was off to the gift shop. Walking through that wa san educational experience in itself. The “Alamo Cat” was a prominent theme to the merchandise. Sofia (13yrs, Peru) squealed upon learning of his significanceand made it her personal mission to get a picture with him before we left..

[Alvina sitting on a historical cannon]

Then is was time to visit the historical church in the Alamo.

The kids knew the drill. Lining up in front of the buildingas Mark Perry (Matsiko Choir Director) hollered “MATSIKO LINE UP!” and the camera men took their places, snapping the usual three hundred pictures of the moment!

[Matsiko poses for a picture in front of the church]

We finished marching through the church and ended our walk with a happy guest book signage. It was then, that Don Windham (Matsiko ChoirDirector) had an idea! What if we could perform AT THE ALAMO?

The kids got so excited, and it was off to the office. Afte ra short discussion and a meet and greet with the children, the answer was easy.Yes!

[The children of Matsiko enjoy a snowcone after a VERY hot and humid performance]

What a way to end the day. One performance booked, and aquiet ride back to the church.

To book the choir, contact:

 Don Windham, or Mark Perry at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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This is Luciana

Isn't she beautiful?

 She is 14 years old and from Peru

Luciana loves to read. You can always see her with her nose in a book.

Luciana is very smart, she loves learning about new things and information about the places we go.

Luciana is a girly girl. She loves fixing her hair, painting her nails, and picking out clothes for the next day.

Luciana loves to practice her singing. You can always hear her in the car, shower or just hanging out singing a beautiful melody.

Luciana is almost fluent in english! She was bound and determined to learn a new language so she practice hard and it paid off!

When luciana isn't on stage hamming it up, she likes to watch movies and just relax with her girlfriends.

Luciana is very neat and organized. Her bag is always neatly pack, and her clothes are always nicley folded!

Luciana loves animals, it seems she can always make friends with the furry fellas :)

Luciana loves to meet new people. You can always spot her chatting with a new friend after a performance, or working her magic at the merchandise table.

Luciana is a big help when it comes to cooking. She loves helping out with the big meals Matsiko eats. Her specialty is fried eggs.

When Luciana grows up she wants to be a doctor and work in a hospital!

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Matsiko Travels to the Grand Canyon!

                                      [The gang posing for a picture in front of the Grand Canyon]

After a three hour drive from Phoenix, Arizona we finally reached our destination. The tourist attraction of all tourist attractions. The biggest most famous of them all. The Grand Canyon.

Although some of the host families had shown the kids pictures of the attraction the night before and tried to explain the magnitude of it's magnificence, nothing could prepare them for what they were about to see. They learned quickly that pictures just don't do it justice.

First things first... As always... Bathroom break! So we all piled quickly in and out of the bathroom as quick as possible in excitement to begin our adventure.

                                         [William always takes the time to read information about where ever we go]

At the arrival of our first spot, it became extremely apparent which of the kids were afraid of heights, Sarah (10yrs, Liberia) and her sister Alvina (8yrs, Liberia)  being the most obvious. "I don't want to look!" they screamed as they remained safely at the top of the stairs above the landing. But group pictures had to happen! So with the moral support from their peers and leaders, they cautiously made it to the railing at the bottom for their photo shoot. They came to appreciate the amazing view they almost missed out on!

                                                            [Alvina, Jessica and Ruth pose for a quick picture!]

Then it was on to the next spot. So about fifteen minutes of walking ended in another scary spot for not only the Dehwaye sisters, but for miss Jessica (12yrs, Liberia) too. All three would sneak up to the edge, only to scream at the site of the huge drop and retreat back to their safe zone on the trail. The only thing that tempted them back down, was the site of a giant condor! It soared overhead getting everybody's attention as the kids from Peru exclaimed the bird's prominence in their country. "the condor is the bird of Peru!" Julio (10yrs, Peru) exclaimed.

                                                                 [Julio looking out at the beautiful canyon]

And it was again time to walk. Buddies walking hand in hand, Ezekiel (14, Liberia) pushing his travel buddies in the stroller as usual. At the sight of a perfect opening along the side of the road, it was decided that this would be where we would take a break and devour our lunches.

                                                          [Ezekiel helping out with our little Matsiko cuties]

After our quick lunch break, we moved on to our last stop of the day. The grand canyon's observatory. Walking into the building, we were greeted with a wallnof windows revealing the most amazing view of the canyon you could ever imagine. There were informative activities to read on the wall, and even more fun for the boys.... Binoculars to look down at what was below. "come see!" Prince (16yrs, Liberia) demanded of leaders Kylie (20yrs, Seattle) and Jenai (22yrs, Seattle). "Come see the boats in the river!" with the help of the binoculars, three small yellow rafts full of people were just visible enough to see, resting on a beach of the river running through the canyon. But it was sadly time to wrap up our trip.

                                                                  [Looking down at the river through the binoculars]

So thirteen postcards were purchased for their memory booked being made back in Washington, and we booked it to the nearest bus stop. We all squished onto the bus just as it was about to leave... Why is it we can never be early??

The bus dropped us right next to our vans where we loaded up and got comfortable for the 3hr drive back to Phoenix

                                                         [Zulmira and William feeding the very friendly squierrel]

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This is Julio 

Cute as a button yeah?

He is 10 years old and from Peru.

Julio is one of our best helpers on the team. If anyone ever needs help Julio is always the first to volunteer no matter what the task is.

Julio always wants to know the agenda for the day. A frequently asked question by Julio is " How many performances and what time and where is it?"

If you ever want Julio to stop talking just give him a word search, or a puzzle game and he's silent.... It works almost like magic!

Julio is very organized when it comes to cleaning up and putting things away. Everything has to be perfectly placed and in order.

Julio is a typical boy. He loves being active, playing sports, and once in a while out of fun bother his teammates :)

Julio loves to learn new things. He absorbs new information like a sponge. He is a very smart boy!

Julio is curious about everything. He is alway wondering off and asking about new things he sees or reads about.

Julio loves to play with his friends. He really enjoyed learning to surf in Santa Cruz, and he was great at it too!

Julio's favorite subject in school is math.  He is a very serious student!

Although Julio loves rough housing it with the boys, he has a sweet and lovable side that can make anyones heart melt!

When Julio grows up he wants to be a pilot and fly all around the world!

Introducing World Orphan Choir of International Childrens Network

Click on image for Slideshow

International Children’s Network (ICN) has always believed much of our world’s hope; future, voice, and value are contained within many of its 600 million orphaned and at-risk children.  Many of whom are children without a hope or future, while lacking a real voice for help or a perceived value upon their soul. 

Matsiko World Orphans Choir Interview & Performance at KSCO 1080 Santa Cruz California  February 15th 2012
8:35 AM

Eric Jombwe shares his story and the importance sponsorship has played in his life