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

Remember to Follow us on Twitter

www.twitter.com/MatsikoICN

Become our friend onFacebook too!

www.facebook.com/Matsiko

Be the first to see the newest blogs and Spolight Child of the Week by suscribing to the choir blog!

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!

Remember to Follow us on Twitter

www.twitter.com/MatsikoICN

Become our friend on Facebook too!

www.facebook.com/Matsiko

Be the first to see the newest blogs and Spolight Child of the Week by suscribing to the choir blog!

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]

Remember to Follow us on Twitter

www.twitter.com/MatsikoICN

Become out friend of Facebook too!

www.facebook.com/Matsiko

Be the first to see the newest blogs and Spolight Child of the Week by suscribing to the choir blog!

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!

This is Sarah

Adorable right?

Sarah is 10 years old and in the 2nd grade

She loves science, math, and doing all kinds of arts and crafts

Sarah is a neat freak; her backpack and belongings are always neat and organized

Sarah likes to keep little knick-knacks she finds in her pockets, backpack, and anywhere she can put them. (Her leaders are often cleaning them out)

Sarah makes friends very easily. She is always playing and hanging out with someone new.

Many people have said Sarah looks like a mini version of  Whitney Houston.... Can you see the resemblance?

Sarah is a great sport; she is always up for a new challenge, even if she is a little scared!

She loves looking after the youngest Matsiko members; she is always playing, holding, and helping out with the little ones.

Sarah is very sweet and loving, but she has a crazy side and loves to be as silly as possible.

Sarah loves hanging out with the girls; you can always spot her doing girlie things with her best gal pals including her little sis Alvina.

If you couldn't already see Sarah has a sparkling smile and a laugh that is extremely contagious.

If there is one thing Sarah loves, it’s her blue knit hat. She wears it everywhere we go! " Oooooooh I love my hat!"

When Sarah grows up she wants to be doctor anyone that needs help!

This is William

Isn't he handsome?

You will often hear William asking question about everything, he is very inquisitive.

William recently learned how to juggle, and loves to practice anytime and anywhere.

William is very easy to talk to, and makes a lot of new friends everywhere we go!

If he hears, sees, or smells eggs, he is ALWAYS the first in line. Its true love

William like all the children is very active, and loves to learn new American sports like baseball and football.

He is very talented when it comes to music; he has a natural ear for finding the beat and pounding it out on a drum.

When watching a movie William often tends to get sucked in and can't take his eyes of the screen. One of his favorites is Sherk!

William is not afraid to be center of attention. You can frequently find him in a crowd people showing off a new trick he learned, or telling a story about home.

Williams’ favorite subject in school is science. When he grows up he wants to study poison.

It's Easter season and the kids are excited!

As you all know this past Sunday was Easter sunday. A day of candy and chocolates for a team of kids who aren't usually allowed sweets?! Could they be any more excited?! I think not...

The celebration started early on Friday evening at the house of David and Lorena Yanez where they threw a big barbecue for the team in addition to hosting a BIG chunk of the team as well. The food was delicious and not like any barbecue we've ever been to, complete with ceviche, tostadas, and grilled beef!

After gathering around the delicious meal, it was time to dye eggs. So the table was set up and the children gathered around the station to begin creating their masterpieces with crayons and stickers and more! While Sarah's (10yrs, liberia) favorite method was crayons, others like Jennifer (13yrs, Peru) created rainbow eggs with purely the dye and some super skills.

As a last minute idea, the eggs were finished and colorful as ever when the moms exclaimed excitedly that they should hide the eggs at the park down the street for an impromptu Easter egg hunt! Although it was getting late at this point, the leaders ok'd the idea as it was a late morning the next day.

So the kids ran as fast as they could, searching under bushes and peeking under slides and hills. Sofia came out with 7 eggs practically begging to give them away. Who would have thought a girl who loves Easter doesn't like eggs or candy?! William of course accepted half with a huge smile on his face. "THANK YOU!" he exclaimed and ran away to play a game of tag with the kids.

Easter Sunday was just as exciting with two performances at Mission Bell United Methodist and another Easter egg hunt! Then we were assigned to our wonderful host families at the end of the day to go home and relax for the rest of the holiday.

For the next few days it has been Practice! Practice! Practice! Learning the vocals, and new choreography to a new song. With a Matsiko twist of course, it will soon be ready and added to our song lineup in the future. Stay tuned to find out what it is!

In addition to Easter celebrations, the team had been busy planning and celebrating the birthdays of two very important people. Leader, Beth Ritta, and founder of ICN, Don Windham on tuesday and Wednesday!

 [The kids signing Don's Birthday Card]

            [Sofia holding Beth's Birthday Cake] 

All in all, the kids have had more cake, candy, and ice cream in the past few days than they've had in their entire lives and I think it's safe to say, they've never been happier :)

MEET ZULMIRA

This is zulmira

Isn't she cute?!

She just turned 12 years old.

 She loves to learn English and practice by talking as much as possible!

She is always positive and in a good mood! It is a rare moment when she is not smiling ear to ear!

 She lov/es to dance and be goofy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq2MRUb7DUc

 She loves to shop, paint her nails, and do her hair.

 She's quoted saying "I am not a picky eater. If I don't like it, and I am hungry, I will eat it. I will eat anything if I am hungry enough"

 She is fearless. Her favorite ride at Disneyland is space mountain!

She doesn't like to, but often finds herself losing her personal items!

She is facinated about thr American sport cheerleading!

The day started before the sun was even up on a very early Thursday morning. After weeks of telling the kids it was just to difficult to perform at Disneyland, we herded them into the vans, and set off for their BIG surpirse. The kids started noticing little things upon out arrival, like all the Disney characters pictures on the wall of the parking garage, and the giant tram we rode to get to our final destination.

The jig was up when the kids looked around and the giant castle they had only seen in movies standing right in front of them! From there they were taken back stage to prepare for the "Happiest perfromance on earth!" Starting the performance off with their upbeat intro "IEEESH" they sang their way through the set list and ended with "If Love Was Love" and a crowd five times as big as when they started.

After changing, and eating lunch, the kids were pleasantly surprised to find out not only did they just get to perform at Disneyland but they get to explore and play all day! So the groups were divided, and the adventures began.

 For many fearless kids like Alonso (10 yr Peru), the rides like Space Moutain and Autotopia (or the "cars" as the kids would say) were a crowd favorite. What kid doesn't like running a muck in their own vehicle? For more timid children like Jessica (11yr Liberia) loved the spinning Tea Cups and Dumbo! For some like Shadrick (Liberian Chaperon) the rides weren't the highlight of the day. Meeting the Disney princesses were more his style! But who are these beautiful creatures he keeps seeing? Not sure he asks eagerly " Are they real princesses?" while getting for the third time to meet the always lovely Sleeping Beauty.

While some enjoyed the princesses, others found their happiness on Main Street at the sight of Disneys nightly parade. Every character you could think of was in sight, followed by amazing dancers, and some toe tappin' music! The colorful costumes, intricate floats, and talented musicians were all so exciting to watch we could hardly stay seated! When the parade was over many agreeded they could have stayed and watched forever!

After countless rides, princess greetings, a GIANT parade, and a very magical firework show with the apperence of Sarahs (10 yr Liberia) favorite Tinkerbell, it was time to leave the Magic Kingdom. The clock struck nine and we all made our way back to our Matsiko carriages. The choir was excited to meet togeather and tell stories of their very exciting adventure. Prince (16yr Liberia) exclaimed and we left the park "Today was the happiest day in my whole entire life!" The Americans, Liberians, and Peruvians couldn't help but smile and nod their heads in agreement.

The countdown had ended. The day had finally arrived and all of our questions would be answered. "What is sea world? Is it an aquarium? Is it a theme park? And who is shamu?!"

As the vibrant Matsiko vans pulled up, the kids piled out of the car and raced each other to the entrance. It was here that we met up with a sponsor of ICN, Joanne , and daughter Giana. This is also where the kids were prepared for what lies ahead of us by the Windham's niece, Misses Rebeckah Golea. Tickets were passed out as well as some brightly colored rain ponchos... "what are these for?" the kids asked timidly. "You'll see."

We all continued to walk through the gates, in a single file line, checking our bags one at a time until we passed to the other side. Rushing to see all the shows in the limited time we had, we immediately set foot for the Blue Horizons dolphin show.

The kids whipped out their splash zone gear and found their seats front and center.  Thirty minutes left is all we had until the first festivity began! The adults, being more cautious on such a cloudy day, climbed their way to higher ground. Being without the proper equipment, leaders felt getting their clothes wet wouldn't be such a great idea.                   

...and the music began! The actors were enthusiastic, the costumes were dramatic, and the dolphins were amazing! The show was full of flips, and jumps, and spins, and high dives. It was everything and anything one could imagine!

As the show ended the crowds began to rush out of the stadium... But wait! It seemed, Joanne had stumbled her way into a special surprise for the kids. While asking the male lead where the best spot for taking pictures would be, she found herself explaining who Matsiko was, in turn, receiving an invitation backstage to see the dolphins up close and personal!

So the trainers escorted the team to the dolphin party back stage. V.I.P. Baby. What an opportunity of a lifetime! Each person then took turns meeting the animals. There was Sophie, Captain, and two more. Then, feeding time! Sardines for lunch? Mmmmmmmm. After feeding, the trainers taught Matsiko some magic signals to make the dolphins do tricks, and then got to pet them. While petting them, Some of the girls had too much fun making the dolphins make a funny farting sound with their noses....

After our little surprise change of plans (thank you Joanne and SeaWorld!!), we scurried our patooties on over to the pet show where we saw dogs, and cats, and birds, and pigs put on a spectacular viewing of comedy, drama, and athletic talent.

By then, the kids had seen the rides surrounding the park and how do you say no to a face like this?

 So we ran to get in line for the giant water roller coaster. Ponchos on and ready to scream!

"we're hungry" the kids all exclaimed as they exited the ride. "you'll eat at the next show" we responded as we herded them down the path towards shamu.

So the kids found their places, scarfed down their lunches, and sat in anticipation for the amazing killer whale show.

...and the music began again! And surprise, not only Shamu was there. He brought four of his friends! The announcer, Brittany, lead the whales in a series of synchronized jumps and flips... And then the grand finale. The music picked up, and the whales received the signal from their trainers. It's TIME TO GET WET!!

The orca whales were a bit more powerful than the dolphins, so to say the splashes were bigger would be an understatement. The kids were drenched. Sofia (12 yr, Peru) jumped up in surprised, causing water to get inside her poncho and all over her back! The look on her face as the wall of water came down was priceless.

The show ended and the team began to scuttle their way to the shark exhibit, but wait.... It seems Joanne has done it again! The team was invited back stage (a huge thank you to SeaWorld's Trainer Brittany!!) to ask questions and take a picture up close and personal with Shamu himself!

After a long day of viewing shows, observing the many sea creatures, and getting drenched from head to toe it was time to make our way to the exit. " I've never seen anything so amazing!!" Exclaimed William (12 yr Liberia) as he climbed into the van " I never could have imagined ever seeing anything like this!" All the children of Matsiko shared their favorite memory of Sea World and were excited to have had this experience. But only one question remained..... How do they get the whales to do all of those  astounding tricks and flips?

[Photography courtesy of Joanne Heaviland]

Remember to check out Matsiko on Facebook and Twitter!

http://www.facebook.com/matsiko

http://www.twitter.com/matsikoicn

        The day started before the sun was even up on a very early Thursday morning. After weeks of telling the kids it was just to difficult to perform at Disneyland, we herded them into the vans, and set off for their BIG surpirse.

        The kids started noticing little things upon out arrival, like all the Disney characters pictures on the wall of the parking garage, and the giant tram we rode to get to our final destination. The jig was up when the kids looked around and the giant castle they had only seen in movies standing right in front of them!

        From there they were taken back stage to prepare for the "Happiest perfromance on earth!"

        Starting the performance off with their upbeat intro "IEEESH" they sang their way through the set list and ended with "If Love Was Love" and a crowd five times as big as when they started.

        After changing, and eating lunch, the kids were pleasantly surprised to find out not only did they just get to perform at Disneyland but they get to explore and play all day! So the groups were divided, and the adventures began.

        For many  fearless kids like Alonso (10 yr Peru), the rides like Space Moutain and Autotopia (or the "cars" as the kids would say) were a crowd favorite. What kid doesn't like running a muck in their own vehicle? For more timid children like Jessica (11yr Liberia) loved the spinning Tea Cups and Dumbo!

     For some like Shadrick (Liberian Chaperon) the rides weren't the highlight of the day. Meeting the Disney princesses were more his style! But who are these beautiful creatures he keeps seeing? Not sure he asks eagerly " Are they real princesses?" while getting for the third time to meet the always lovely Sleeping Beauty.

       While some enjoyed the princesses, others found their happiness on Main Street at the sight of Disneys nightly parade. Every character you could think of was in sight, followed by amazing dancers, and some toe tappin' music! The colorful costumes, intricate floats, and talented musicians were all so exciting to watch we could hardly stay seated! When the parade was over many agreeded they could have stayed and watched forever!

       After countless rides, princess greetings, a GIANT parade, and a very magical firework show with the apperence of Sarahs (10 yr Liberia) favorite Tinkerbell, it was time to leave the Magic Kingdom. The clock struck nine and we all made our way back to our Matsiko carriages.

      The choir was excited to meet togeather and tell stories of their very exciting adventure. Prince (16yr Liberia) exclaimed and we left the park "Today was the happiest day in my whole entire life!" The Americans, Liberians, and Peruvians couldn't help but smile and nod their heads in agreement.

Hello MATSIKO fans, friends and family!

We would like to apologize for the delay on the blog updates as there were technical difficulties among other issues. Life on the road... What can you do? From this blog forward, there will be regular updates, pictures, and videos to check for and show your friends!

This week will be a shortened recap of everything Matsiko has experienced thus far during their three month adventure in America. For lack of space (and time!) it will be short and to the point. Remember you can always keep in touch through our Facebook and Twitter!  ( www.facebook.com/matsiko ) ( www.twitter.com/matsikoICN )

In Chronological Order...

Performed at a benefit dinner for cancer survivors/ patients in Bend, Oregon

Recorded their new album and had fun playing at the Ranch (Thank you Phillippe and Ruth Mallen!)

[Having fun while taking a group picture]

Schooling throughout the trip

Jessica meets her sponsor in Redding, California where they perform at the Multicultural Celebration ( CHECK OUT THE VIDEO! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQin5ZU7HS4 )

Alot of the team went to see the bridge made of glass in Redding, Ca 

Went for a delicious italian dinner... a nice treat from Bette and Steve Houtchens!

Traveled to San Franciso where we got to tour the city, see the mass of sea lions on the docks, eat at the ghirardelli chocolate store, and see the Golden Gate Bridge!

 [Julio making a squished penny in San Fran]

Moved to Concord, California where the kids got to see and tour a real fire truck (Thanks to Debbie and Dennis Bluth!)

Celebrated Zulmira's 12th birthday with a day of swimming and barbeque!

Spent the day at the Monterey Bay aquarium (thanks to the city of Marina!)

[Looking up at the sharks]

Performed the national anthem at the NBA Clippers game! (The video is coming soon!)

[singing for a sold out game]

Some of the team got lost and ended up at the Crystal Cathedral... an excellent surprise tour of an outstanding landmark

Arrived in Hollywood and toured the Griffith Observatory

Performed the national anthem at the UCLA basketball game vs. Washington State

The trailer got a flat tire on the way to downtown disney! (And by flat tire, I mean BLOWN tire)

[Where did the rest of the tire go?!]

Had a campout and spent the night in tents cozied up next to each other! (Thank you Kara and Jeremy!)

Lunch on the house at Souplantation (thanks to Lisa and Michael Dorsey!)

THANK YOU FOR READING! SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!

 Julio had a great time tubing in the snow!

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

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.