iPods are not so common in my country Zambia. We do have them, but not common. Perhaps it is because they are too expensive for most ordinary people. I mean why spend one's hard earned 200 bucks on an ipod where you will be listening to music alone, and yet people live a communal life. It just doesn't make sense, though as for me, if I had enough money, I would definitely buy one.

iPods are the main thing here in the United States, almost everyone must have an iPod. Sometimes I would sit and look at young students very excited humming or sometimes shaking their bodies to music that only them could hear. I would always think "THAT'S CRAZY".

One wise person said, "Those who dance are considered insane by those who cannot hear the music".
Yes, when you see other people excited or even dancing to music that you cannot hear, you think they are crazy or insane. Little did I know that one day, I would also be listening to music that other people sitting close to me cannot hear.

When Cyndi and I agreed to work together on this project, I hurriedly walked out of her office as humble as you know me to be, but the moment I was out of her sight, I jumped and danced with excitement. I have no iPod, but I was excited. Some people saw me, and I think they must have thought am a lunatic. I don't care.

Over a period, as Cyndi got more and more into the project, moving it from a small idea to ideas that will change lives of million people, she too has become so excited and crazy. In fact she has brought more excitement and craziness to the idea. We started seeing a greater picture of the project that no one else could see. Jeanette Roe, another MCC Media Arts teacher, joined the vision. When I had a chance to meet the College Vice President, I could see the excitement in her and the anticipation of success. On Monday, I met Rodney Holmes, the Dean of Instruction, who will be coming to Lusaka as well. He was so excited and already had a clear picture of how to get into Zambia from here, definitely he has been doing research.

Now I cannot even explain the excitement that is among students who are part of this project, and just how anxious they are to make a life changing contribution to my Zambia. I have spent some time with Mike Montesa, a great Cinematographer, and he seems just ready to abandon his profession for the meantime, just to make sure that this project is a success. Another great Cinematographer I've come to meet, Carlos Espinosa, is a very quiet, modest guy, and the only words I've heard from him are "Hi" and "Zambia". I did not know that Robby Brown had another job, because every time he has to work on our project, he is always there, so committed to the vision.

I always thought there is little information about Zambia here, until Monday when I was suprised to find Heath McKinney and Jason Werner with books on Zambia. I was like "Where did you get these books from?" One thing that humbled me is the commitment by everyone to know more about Zambia. Alec Hart is a quiet and shy guy, and should have been in New York by now, but he has opted to be part of the vision to change Zambia's image to the world. On Monday, I could not believe when he told me what all the colors of the Zambian flag stand for.

When I first produced my Digital Story, I did not find it to be so touching, but I think Jeniece Toranzo beat me pants down on my own production. When I saw the re-edited version that she produced with Cyndi's guidance, I felt glows of tears in my eyes. I just loved the commitment she put into the work. I wasn't suprised though because her first production in class was equally good, and I remember telling her that one day we should work together. I have lately developed so much liking for MK Racine. It is not easy to satisify Cyndi, because she always wants perfection, and things to be done at supersonic speed, but MK manages to handle her. Tell MK an idea, she tells you how it's gonna be done.

I first met Katie Greisiger at the Phoenix Film Festival when Cyndi introduced me to her. I have been so humbled at the level of commitment and the drive she has in making sure that she gives the productions as much publicity as possible. She makes a difference. Lindsey Black is my sweet girl. From the first time we met during a recording session with Cyndi, she has been so encouraging. She even gave me the book "The Prayer of Jabez" so as to motivate me. Its a great book. She is so sweet.

Recently, we had a meeting and I met Shawn Downs. Though he is just finishing high school, he has been earning dual enrollment at Mesa Community College. He is young but very excited about film. His excitement for Zambia is growing.

One things binds us together - we share the same vision, we have the same passion, we are all committed, we are all hearing the same music - the music of success. Some people might think we are just crazy, indeed we are crazy because they do not hear the music that we hear. The sweet thing about us is that so many people, one iPOD, one song, one dance. If all of us can hear the music so loud, then we cannot all be wrong. For BAD TIMING or VOICE OF AN AFRICAN NATION, an award is sure coming our way. Cyndi's GROUP iPOD.