Seven Malagasy (Bishop Samy, his wife Holy, their son Fifa, Rev. Victor, Rev. Zafy, Fiadanana and Harisoa) will be coming to Florida with a team of performers from Mauritius.  Rev. Victor Osoro writes about his experience of being selected for this:

"Chosen to be on the list to perform in the US is a great honor and hence we have taken it very seriously because it is an opportunity that not many have had.

To that effect, we have committed to polish our English speaking skills. So, we agreed that every time we meet as a team, we will lead meetings in English. Whenever we call each other on the phone, English is the language to be used. This will help us to acquaint ourselves with the language since we use Malagasy often. Our songs were performed here in Malagasy so we have had to re-learn the English versions of the songs.

Getting visas was giving us butterflies in our stomach because it is sometimes denied. Being denied will thwart our desire to minister to our friends in the US. Since it would be a first for some, we had a mock visa interview where everyone had to appear confident and respond to possible questions at the visa interviews. Praise be to God that 4 of us already have our visas. It was dance and joy to have the visa stamped in our passports. We believe that the remaining 3 would get their visas in the next 2 weeks or so.

We are getting ready the locally made crafts that we hope to bring with us. Malagasy are very gifted and can make very nice high quality necklaces, earrings out of paper and many other handcrafts. We are hoping to come and showcase our work.

We have started intercessory prayers every week starting this week until we leave to the US and throughout our performances and return journey. Praying for good health, top notch performance and safe travels. The Time to Dance team is praying and starting February, the entire Diocese will uphold us in prayer.

We are also delighted that we are going to meet many people whom we know, especially Bishop Todd and Rev Patsy, who we miss a lot, and many others who have had a longterm friendship with the Diocese. We are also preparing sermons for those of us who have been invited to speak at some churches like the Chapel of St. Andrew, and also to meet our sister church of St. Luke's in Albany DIocese, New York. 

Excitement is filling the air in our hearts as the time draws nigh. For those who will be flying for the first time, anytime they see a plane in the skies, they imagine themselves in it.

We are looking for forward to a joint rehearsal with the Mauritius team in Florida on arrival and exemplary performances during our stay.

We are so very grateful to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Miaraka Foundation and all friends who have made this great journey possible. Can't wait to land in Florida. See you soon."

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