World Change and Rock Music.

It was an early, kind of muggy, Saturday morning that a group of MountainChild fans, myself included, traveled to Pentaport Rock Festival 2010.  A short-ish trek led us to the middle of a huge field- obviously staged for a massive event. For one of the first times in Korea, this festival welcomed non-profit involvement. This year they welcomed MountainChild to its festivities as the only human services, non-profit organization. Awesome, right? And though our participation in such a large-scale event was greatly celebrated (and wicked awesome), it came as a rather foreign concept to most Korean concert-goers. Unlike in the United States, where everyone seems to be pulling for their own cause, general Korea has yet to take interest. High hopes were set to make an appearance, share the heart of MountainChild with as many as possible, and possibly inspire action (in a few) for something greater than rock music. (Is that allowed at a rock festival?)

Step one to world change- Show Up. Check!

I’m stoked to report, against several factors, that it was a huge success! We were well received, and well, this festival opened doors for greater opportunities! I think our awesome yellow shirts helped!

First and most importantly, we got the digits. Step two to world change- Tell People About It! We need emails, phone numbers, and well, Facebook contacts to make that happen! We lured them with a free iPod, a word in no need of translation!

The three-day festival housed two performance stages which were separated by a rather long walk. A walk also accompanying the main thoroughfare between the tent city and the port-a-potty city. The staggered band schedule, and well human nature, provided plenty of transitions between shows and we found ourselves perfectly located! Right in the middle of the mass exodus. A mighty successful positioning if you ask me. Over the three-day weekend, the MountainChild team talked to over 250 people who were interested in the organization. Or was it the free iPod? Regardless, we made connections with over 250 people. A lot of who bought MountainChild arm bands to fund clean water projects, some of who took more specific information on getting involved, and most of from whom we got follow-up contact information. It was awesome! If anything, we made an appearance. People saw us, and when they see us again, they’ll have an understanding for what we’re about. In the meantime, we’ll Facebook stalk them. (Just kidding.)

Part two to world change- check!

Step three to world change- Get Famous.

We were blessed to be noticed by a few more esteemed folks at the festival. Zeke and John made an awesome connection with a band who wore our arm bands while signing autographs. A few fans took notice and came to visit our booth! Oh, the joys of influence! TBS Radio even took interest! They interviewed me about my experience in Korea and allowed me to talk about MountainChild, what we hope to do, and my involvement in it! Folks, that was just Saturday! So good!

Part three- check!

All said and done, Pentaport was fantastic! On a more personal note,  I am so thankful for the sweet taste I got of MountainChild! The more I learn and am involved, the more I’m hooked. I have yet to visit Nepal (though I’m preparing to visit in September), and still have so much to learn, but I am falling in love with that place and the folks who are working full time to bring life to the people there! Big things are happening through MountainChild, and it’s a blessing to be in the mix! MountainChild is changing things in the little corner of Nepal, and well, that is changing the world! For the better! We would be foolish not to hold on!  From the look of it, bigger things are yet to come!!

Written by - Sarah Potts