Around the World - REALTOR Gives Back to African Nation by Karen Lane
The Brunswick News, Friday, September 5, 2003

     When Phoebe Hoaster of Signature Properties Group on St. Simons island went on a photo safari trip to Africa last September, the native people captured her heart.
     Ms. Hoaster left Sept. 4 to revisit the remote area that so moved her for a two-week photo shoot and adventure.  Ms. Hoaster said the tiny village of Khwai is located in Botswana, Africa, in a landlocked area of southern Africa.  Living in mud huts with thatched roofs, its 50 residents regularly encounter lions, cheetahs and leaopards in the course of every day living.
     Much like the depressing television commercials portray, the villagers of Khwai live a disadvantaged existence.  They drink and bathe in the same river water, and endure hardships others can only imagine.  Villagers live without proper food or clothing and no medicines or medical care.  Disease is commonplace.  The lifestyle takes it tollaccording to Ms. Hoaster.  "If villagers live to be 45, it's considered old," she said.
     Ms. Hoaster was anxious to return to the area to visit the friendly natives again and capture their lives on film.  "These people are so sweet,:" she said, "they are very appreciateive of any little thing you do for them."    For her return trip, Ms. Hoaster collected clothing, toys, candy and baseball caps donated by co-workers and friends.  She packed an enormous duffle bag, weighing in at more than 60 pounds, with the donated goods, and planned to take only a small bag for her own necessities.  The number of bags allowed is limited because the last leg of the trip into Khwai is in a tiny bush plane.  "When we get off the plane. a native woman will pick up that 60 pound bag like it was nothing," Ms. Hoaster said.  She recounts the story of giving a little boy from the village a pair of pants last year.  "He was about four years old, "she said, "and after he put the pants on, he just started dancing a jog.  He was so happy to have those pants!" 
     Ms. Hoaster said that visiting third world countries "make you realize how blessed we are." She wishes she could do more to help the villagers.
    In addition to her stop in Khwai, Ms. Hoaster will visit a "petting camp," located about one hour outside of Johannesburg.  The camp is set up for the care of rescued and edlerly animals.  ms. Hoaster said visitors may walk in a pet wild creatures.