Looking back to Africa
I am so excited!
When I was in Goma, our host Bienve asked if we could provide a couple of saxophones. At the time we didn’t have an answer, but this question took up residence within me. It seemed a small thing I might be able to do.
On our last evening in Congo, we stopped at the church that provides support to Remember Youth for Change. The band that practices there as a result of Bienve’s vision played a flawless rendition of Amazing Grace for us, delighting me – and cementing my intention to help. (We also met a pianist in a separate practice room.)
A couple of weeks ago I asked a musician relative if he could provide guidance on getting used instruments. He suggested I look for something on Amazon or eBay.
This was a bit intimidating to me. I have never navigated bidding for items on eBay. And how do I assess an instrument that I don’t even know how to play from photos and a description of “used?”
I thought I might be able to get the a better deal than on Amazon after looking at both options.
Nothing to do but plunge in.
I joined Ebay and looked at the saxophones under $100. I asked questions of those who were selling about the condition of the pads. I reviewed seller ratings. For a week I was outbid on every item, but then I put a bid on a clarinet for $14 and and a saxophone for $35. I was the highest bidder!
They arrived in their boxes a few days later. Now what?
I couldn’t just send them, I realized. I had to make sure that they worked and probably send some reeds with them.
I remembered that my step-daughter used to play the clarinet and her husband is in a band with a saxophone player. I called and asked …they were happy to try them out!
I dropped them off a couple hours before band practice a few days ago and after an hour I got a video of the sax being played beautifully! The clarinet is in good form as well.
My heart is full of gratitude to the sellers and to the testers and for my good luck and spiritual support!
I’m going to get some additional reeds and make sure I write down the brands of the instruments and anything I need to know about the reeds and …(oiling the cork?) so that I can pass the info on and in the future perhaps provide more reeds.
Then off they go to Goma!
OK – I’m off to hunt down another saxophone on eBay!
Soon I will be able to provide information about other ways to assist Remember Youth for Change in Democratic Republic of Congo.
In the meantime, I will be sending at least one additional shipment of musical instruments if you have any you are not using.
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8 hummingbird way 
How awesome Annie! I just forwarded your email to Stephanie. I have an electric guitar in NM that she’ll get. Not sure if she’ll want to keep it or if you’d want to send it. Thought I’d mention it anyway. Here’s a link to my listing of it on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/586103310367561/?mibextid=dXMIcH. That gives all the info.You sound good on that end👍🏾. 🤗 TSent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
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Hi T.A. I actually discovered that it would cost me $640 to send the instruments. Bienve agreed this was not a wise expenditure. This is over half of the field rental expense for growing food for a year in the first camp for displaced persons that we visited. The saxophone and clarinet and other items will go to DRC (Congo) next year as a second piece of luggage for 2 of the 4 or 5 people who hope to go then. Including the daughter you met and her younger son. (The older went to Uganda in high school). I will ask Bienve about the guitar and electricity. How heavy is it?
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