We have arrived safely, and already heard that cardinal Ghanaian “You Are Welcome” many times. It didn’t take past the cargo doors opening to be reminded Africa is HOT! , as our beloved seamstress Clara says.

We met an array of wonderful people on the way. The Delta carrier in Atlanta is from Cape Verde and had just received photos of his newborn baby girl. He is finishing school in filmmaking and is interested in the project and documentary work. There was literally no line through security, and I had a wonderful conversation with a young Morehouse student who is also an illustrator and published his first children’s book. The Delta agents had been to Ghana, and we had a lovely conversation about the people and CIH. The gate area had a joyous and casual feel to it, not often the case on these full flights. Boarding was a breeze.

I was seated next to a man that attended Senior Secondary in none other than (go ahead and guess)… Ho. He was shocked to hear we were working there. I learned a good many things from him, including that when he was in Ho, water was a huge issue. Everyone had to walk 2 km to get in the queue twice a day. Kelvin confirmed this as well when we drove from the airport.

Water, our most valuable and essential resource that sustains all of life is our focus for this Earth Stewardship exchange. We live on a planet that is over 70% water, yet less than one percent of this is available for drinking. There are a billion- yes, shockingly billion with a “b”- people that do not have access to clean drinking water. Our smooth arrival and synchronistic encounters seem to be a go sign for the weeks ahead.

Join us tonight from 6-8pm at Alpine Arts Center in Edwards, Colorado. Red Sandstone Elementary and Vail Mountain School class exchange projects from Fall 2010 will be on display. Professional Photographer Steve Chinn has a small gallery of amazing photographs capturing the joy being shared among the children of Children Inspiring Hope.

“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” – Chief Seattle

We are thrilled to announce that we have been approved as a 1% for the Planet non-profit! 1% for the Planet is a growing global movement of over 1,300 companies that donate one percent of their sales to a network of 2,000 plus environmental organizations worldwide. We now begin seeking out to share with these companies how we are impacting thousands globally in creating a more sustainable planet for us all. Please let us know if you have contacts in these companies.

It seems rather poignant to receive this news as we begin our focus on Water for this next Earth Stewardship Exchange. While we are on a blue planet, covered mostly in water, only 1% of that is fresh water. Water is an increasing concern worldwide, and some of the statistics are staggering. There are over a billion people who lack access to safe water. There is more access to cell phones worldwide than there are toilets. In some of our rivers, scientists have discovered fish alterations in gender hormones due to pollution in our watersheds. Something seems a little out of balance.

As always, our projects focus on the positive and the world these children are going to create. A couple years ago, students started a “Go Blue” campaign. We look forward to sharing all the creative expressions of how these children will take their knowledge and be the change they wish to see in the world, inspiring all of us in the process.

See more on 1% for the Planet in this short film.