So....great news this weekend! Yesterday my little sister Ashley graduated from the University of West Georgia Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education! I hate that I couldn't be there to celebrate with her on this awesome day of accomplishment! But I am so proud of her and cannot wait til she is here in 2 days!!
I also found out this morning that sometime this past week I got an A in my internship course (which is what I was completing here in South Africa) and now I am an official graduate from Kennesaw State University!! I have a bachelor of science in human services with a concentration in non-profit administration and a minor in Spanish! It feels sooo great to say official! :) Diploma is in the mail and should be hanging on the wall at the parents house by the time I return home! It's a great feeling of accomplishment and all I really have to say is its about dang time!!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
"Father Christmas!!!.....Father Christmas!!!"
This past week was filled with amazing Christmas parties in each community hosted by the Extreme Response team! Masiphumelele had theirs on Wednesday and it was so much fun! Because we have so many preschoolers and club kids (which are school age) we had to host 2 parties spread out throughout the day. Our first party for the pre-schoolers started at 10am! All of the creches (preschools) and day cares brought their little kiddies down for the festivities! We had two inflatable jumping castles set up outside and let's just say that's when the madness began!! LOL The ER team was great! They provided all of the resources for the parties and all of the kids were able to get a hotdog, 2 pieces of fruit and a present they could open at home; which included a hygiene pack (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, etc.), a bag of sweets, and a juice box. They also got their picture taken from a polaroid camera and that was sent home with them as well!....oh and I almost forgot an ice cream cone!!! So after a few hours packed with jumping in inflatables, singing and dancing, face painting and playing with clowns (which by the way...Im still afraid of LOL), these kids were sent home with a huge smile on their faces and their arms full of goodies! Oh and I forgot to mention Kenny another American volunteer, volunteered himself to be Father Christmas for the party and has been growing his beard out for a couple of months for it. He was a trooper to say the least...considering its scorching hot here and he was in a Santa suit! But the kids loved it and screamed "Father Christmas....Father Christmas" so loud for him to come out!
Probably my favorite part of the day was around noon when we all walked outside to see the gate flooded with older kids anxiously awaiting for their party to start...the crazy thing was though that it didn't start until 3!! And they knew that! They just wanted to make sure they were first in line for the fun! They waited there for hours!!
The day was exhausting to say the least but such a blessing and so incredibly fun! Just to see the looks on the kids faces when they got to receive a present and ice cream! And to play with clowns and see magic tricks! They were so excited they could hardly sit still! Masi is always described as being the most chaotic and out of control...but as many of you know I thrive on chaos and love craziness...so it was so much fun to just sit back at the end of the day and despite all the miscommunication and children running wild and food all over the place, and to know that the Lord used us to bless their hearts and love them unconditionally!
Days like that are what make my time here priceless!
Probably my favorite part of the day was around noon when we all walked outside to see the gate flooded with older kids anxiously awaiting for their party to start...the crazy thing was though that it didn't start until 3!! And they knew that! They just wanted to make sure they were first in line for the fun! They waited there for hours!!
The day was exhausting to say the least but such a blessing and so incredibly fun! Just to see the looks on the kids faces when they got to receive a present and ice cream! And to play with clowns and see magic tricks! They were so excited they could hardly sit still! Masi is always described as being the most chaotic and out of control...but as many of you know I thrive on chaos and love craziness...so it was so much fun to just sit back at the end of the day and despite all the miscommunication and children running wild and food all over the place, and to know that the Lord used us to bless their hearts and love them unconditionally!
Days like that are what make my time here priceless!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
No Shoes??....No problem!!
So...a common thing here in South Africa is going barefoot! Its so random and really funny at times. And believe me EVERYONE of all ages does it. You know in the States we have probably all been in the situation where we are watching after kids and someone has forgotten their shoes! This normally means that whatever you were getting ready to do has to be put on hold while we turn the car around and go fetch the shoes that little Johnny forgot. Well here in South Africa if you forgot your shoes it was obviously intentional! You are a true South African, feeling the sand, dirt, scalding hot pavement, gross bathroom floor, etc. between your toes! People hike barefoot, go to public restrooms barefoot, go to dinner....they do everything TOTALLY barefoot! But we all know what this results in.....WALMART FEET!! You know what I'm talking about....one day just slip your shoes off in a Walmart and cruise across an aisle barefoot...when you get home your feet will be as black as the pavement!
As much as I love being barefoot...I think I will stick to my flip flops in public places not covered my fresh green grass or sand! :)
As much as I love being barefoot...I think I will stick to my flip flops in public places not covered my fresh green grass or sand! :)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Well, Hello Again....
So I know it has been FOREVER since I updated! BUT the good news is that it only means that I have had sooo much amazing stuff going on here that I haven’t had much free time to sit down and write all about it!
So…where should I begin…September was great! At the volunteer house at the time it was mainly me, Kendra, Jessica, Laura and Matt. During September I got a lot closer with them and with my staff in Masi. They are all amazing!
Holiday Club was held at the end of September…it’s like a week of VBS! We did Boomerang Express curriculum which I am sure brings back memories for VBS teachers back home. Brentwood Baptist Church from Knoxville had a team down here to work with us on that. They were all so wonderful. During Holiday club was when I really was able to call Masi my home, the place where I worked, the people my heart broke for, my friends.
The Life Skill Educators I work with are truly awesome. At my club there is Desmond, Phelisa and Vuyo (But Vuyo will be leaving us after Christmas because he is going on full time with Hope 2 Africa!) At the other club with Kenny and Carla (the married volunteers from Colorado) there is Natalie Toni (She is the team leader and like everyone’s mom), Sondy and Nandi.
To be honest it seems like these months have FLOWN by!! I can’t believe I have been here over 3 months already!!
October was when things really started to pick up for me. I was/am truly living here and that reality comes with happiness and hard times. My job at Living Way became more and more difficult to accomplish in the time I was given and I started to become more involved with Living Right being more involved with prevention programs.
Since then my job description includes the following: (LOL it’s a lot but sooo exciting)
• Documenting processes for Living Way
• Assisting to develop child protection policies for the entire Living Hope organization
• Heading up a fundraising committee with the Life Skill Educators
• Serving on a Fundraising Committee with selected managers for Living Hope
• Serving as the project manager for the Parenting Program scheduled to launch in February 2009.
On another note, October consisted of a lot of sightseeing and touristy stuff as well, since Jessica was going to be leaving us first in November.
We went to see penguins, wine tasting, museums, etc. It was a lot of fun.
And it seriously feels like we skipped November! LOL It came and went so fast! My birthday was amazing! I was a little worried about it because I wasn’t sure how big birthdays were here! But my Masi staff was awesome and came to celebrate with me and the other volunteers were great! It was so much fun.
Oh and I totally forgot to mention….let me back up
Praise the Lord because I was able to cut my budget almost in half and sort out living situations and everything. I am currently renting a flat from another volunteer missionary family in a really good area in Fish Hoek. It’s a studio flat/apt but very spacious and really nice…and WAY cheaper than the other place I was staying! I also decided to change in my nice automatic 4-door corolla that I was renting for an old school VW Beetle named Sir Rigby!! He is awesome! Bright Red too! He’s a piece but he gets me from point A to point B and is half the price of the other car and now I’m totally attached to him. Haha
Carla and Kenny and I have also begun taking Xhosa lessons! It’s so great to learn another language and be able to use it in the communities we work in and to empower the lady that teaches the courses and help her business out.
But back to November…things really started getting crazy towards the end of last month, deadlines coming up, projects due, etc. Because the organization pretty much shuts down around Christmas everything gets insane at the end of the year.
And another PRAISE!!! My sister Ashley is coming here to visit for Christmas! This is probably the best news yet! I had been praying and so worried about Christmas and being away from family…and the Lord totally provided and allowed for her to be able to come…and she will get here soon enough to volunteer and help out at out Christmas Holiday Clubs! Everyone is so excited to meet her.
So now that leaves us in December…NOW…and I have vowed to update this WAY more often…so much more often that you might be bombarded with updates now! LOL....but in all seriousness I do apologize for not updating for months! I know you guys have been thinking about me, praying for me and supporting me so much and I should have taken more time to update you guys on the amazing things God is doing here!
I love you all! And will write more soon!
With much love,
Christina
So…where should I begin…September was great! At the volunteer house at the time it was mainly me, Kendra, Jessica, Laura and Matt. During September I got a lot closer with them and with my staff in Masi. They are all amazing!
Holiday Club was held at the end of September…it’s like a week of VBS! We did Boomerang Express curriculum which I am sure brings back memories for VBS teachers back home. Brentwood Baptist Church from Knoxville had a team down here to work with us on that. They were all so wonderful. During Holiday club was when I really was able to call Masi my home, the place where I worked, the people my heart broke for, my friends.
The Life Skill Educators I work with are truly awesome. At my club there is Desmond, Phelisa and Vuyo (But Vuyo will be leaving us after Christmas because he is going on full time with Hope 2 Africa!) At the other club with Kenny and Carla (the married volunteers from Colorado) there is Natalie Toni (She is the team leader and like everyone’s mom), Sondy and Nandi.
To be honest it seems like these months have FLOWN by!! I can’t believe I have been here over 3 months already!!
October was when things really started to pick up for me. I was/am truly living here and that reality comes with happiness and hard times. My job at Living Way became more and more difficult to accomplish in the time I was given and I started to become more involved with Living Right being more involved with prevention programs.
Since then my job description includes the following: (LOL it’s a lot but sooo exciting)
• Documenting processes for Living Way
• Assisting to develop child protection policies for the entire Living Hope organization
• Heading up a fundraising committee with the Life Skill Educators
• Serving on a Fundraising Committee with selected managers for Living Hope
• Serving as the project manager for the Parenting Program scheduled to launch in February 2009.
On another note, October consisted of a lot of sightseeing and touristy stuff as well, since Jessica was going to be leaving us first in November.
We went to see penguins, wine tasting, museums, etc. It was a lot of fun.
And it seriously feels like we skipped November! LOL It came and went so fast! My birthday was amazing! I was a little worried about it because I wasn’t sure how big birthdays were here! But my Masi staff was awesome and came to celebrate with me and the other volunteers were great! It was so much fun.
Oh and I totally forgot to mention….let me back up
Praise the Lord because I was able to cut my budget almost in half and sort out living situations and everything. I am currently renting a flat from another volunteer missionary family in a really good area in Fish Hoek. It’s a studio flat/apt but very spacious and really nice…and WAY cheaper than the other place I was staying! I also decided to change in my nice automatic 4-door corolla that I was renting for an old school VW Beetle named Sir Rigby!! He is awesome! Bright Red too! He’s a piece but he gets me from point A to point B and is half the price of the other car and now I’m totally attached to him. Haha
Carla and Kenny and I have also begun taking Xhosa lessons! It’s so great to learn another language and be able to use it in the communities we work in and to empower the lady that teaches the courses and help her business out.
But back to November…things really started getting crazy towards the end of last month, deadlines coming up, projects due, etc. Because the organization pretty much shuts down around Christmas everything gets insane at the end of the year.
And another PRAISE!!! My sister Ashley is coming here to visit for Christmas! This is probably the best news yet! I had been praying and so worried about Christmas and being away from family…and the Lord totally provided and allowed for her to be able to come…and she will get here soon enough to volunteer and help out at out Christmas Holiday Clubs! Everyone is so excited to meet her.
So now that leaves us in December…NOW…and I have vowed to update this WAY more often…so much more often that you might be bombarded with updates now! LOL....but in all seriousness I do apologize for not updating for months! I know you guys have been thinking about me, praying for me and supporting me so much and I should have taken more time to update you guys on the amazing things God is doing here!
I love you all! And will write more soon!
With much love,
Christina
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE BROTHER!!!
Today is Caleb’s 9th Birthday!! Sad times that I can’t be there to celebrate with everyone! But I love you buddy and miss you sooo much!
It has been very cold and rainy the past few days…kinda miserable weather LOL But it’s all good. Just hard to concentrate at work when its freezing. Most of the buildings here are concrete so it ends up getting cold and staying cold inside even if it starts warming up outside. Im hoping it will stay cold inside when it gets summer here, because there is no heating or air in any of the buildings.
Work has been going well. I am still trying to figure out, piece together and understand the entire process of monitoring and evaluating the organization’s existing programs. I am just praying that all of the work I am putting into these models and such are what they are looking for.
Yesterday the revolving door turned again. We say the volunteer house is like a revolving door because people leave to go home, then new people come, then some move out, and some movie in. Last night Laura, from Canada, came and she is going to be here for 3 months. Then this morning JB and Louis, the two older women from Australia left. It’s a bitter sweet thing, the whole revolving door, its great to meet new people but of course it is always hard to say goodbye and embrace the change.
Last night we watched a Louie Giglio dvd on Prayer. Of course I had seen it in person and actually even own that series at home. But it was still so refreshing to listen again and really take in the message of remixing our prayer life. Louie talks about how so often we as Americans always pray “Lord Bless Us”, “Lord bless me”, “Lord bless our trip”, etc. When in fact our focus should not be so much on ourselves but on everything and everyone else around us to be blessed and that we should be blessing the Lord!
_____ It is now Wednesday and I am finishing writing this blog.
Therefore, with the above being said about prayer, I am striving to make sure that may prayers are geniunly focused on me blessing the Lord and asking the Lord to live and shine through me! The focus needs to be taken off me and put on everything else around me.
I decided to blog about this because I would like to ask all of you, that while yes, I also needs prayers for strength and wisdom and protection, I also want you guys to pray for the people here. Pray that the Lord would work in amazing ways through each of us volunteers. Pray that we would b susceptible to His teachings, grace and love and pour that out onto those around us! Pray that we would be His shining light in the dark areas we are working in! Pray that we would bless HIS name first and foremost!
Thank you guys so much for your loving support and continued prayers and encouragement!
Peace and Love, Christina
It has been very cold and rainy the past few days…kinda miserable weather LOL But it’s all good. Just hard to concentrate at work when its freezing. Most of the buildings here are concrete so it ends up getting cold and staying cold inside even if it starts warming up outside. Im hoping it will stay cold inside when it gets summer here, because there is no heating or air in any of the buildings.
Work has been going well. I am still trying to figure out, piece together and understand the entire process of monitoring and evaluating the organization’s existing programs. I am just praying that all of the work I am putting into these models and such are what they are looking for.
Yesterday the revolving door turned again. We say the volunteer house is like a revolving door because people leave to go home, then new people come, then some move out, and some movie in. Last night Laura, from Canada, came and she is going to be here for 3 months. Then this morning JB and Louis, the two older women from Australia left. It’s a bitter sweet thing, the whole revolving door, its great to meet new people but of course it is always hard to say goodbye and embrace the change.
Last night we watched a Louie Giglio dvd on Prayer. Of course I had seen it in person and actually even own that series at home. But it was still so refreshing to listen again and really take in the message of remixing our prayer life. Louie talks about how so often we as Americans always pray “Lord Bless Us”, “Lord bless me”, “Lord bless our trip”, etc. When in fact our focus should not be so much on ourselves but on everything and everyone else around us to be blessed and that we should be blessing the Lord!
_____ It is now Wednesday and I am finishing writing this blog.
Therefore, with the above being said about prayer, I am striving to make sure that may prayers are geniunly focused on me blessing the Lord and asking the Lord to live and shine through me! The focus needs to be taken off me and put on everything else around me.
I decided to blog about this because I would like to ask all of you, that while yes, I also needs prayers for strength and wisdom and protection, I also want you guys to pray for the people here. Pray that the Lord would work in amazing ways through each of us volunteers. Pray that we would b susceptible to His teachings, grace and love and pour that out onto those around us! Pray that we would be His shining light in the dark areas we are working in! Pray that we would bless HIS name first and foremost!
Thank you guys so much for your loving support and continued prayers and encouragement!
Peace and Love, Christina
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Here Comes the Sun...
The weather is crazy here! It is windy almost constantly…but I really love it. It is just now becoming Spring as of September 1st. So it is still pretty chilly and rainy at times. There is not heat in the buildings, so often times it is colder inside than it actually is outside. The landscape here is beautiful though, and especially when it is sunny, it looks like paradise! Even though we are not completely in the bush of Africa, there are still so many aspects of the typical Africa scenery that can be seen in the Cape Town area. We are completely surrounded by mountains and the ocean…its strange to see such contradicting landscapes all together! Its amazing though
The Lord is continually showing us how faithful He is. Even though I have only been here almost a week, it is incredible to see how God moves throughout this community every second! Not only has He been watching out for me, and delivering me from myself with my anxiety and worrying, but He is continually providing for the Living Hope community and the people here in the townships.
I have begun the internship aspect of everything at Living Way. It is going to be a great opportunity to explore my own skills in the area of non-profit administration and really learn more about the field. However, it is also becoming difficult to remember that my job in the office is just as needed and effective to the community as any other job. Hopefully next week I will begin working in the afternoons at a kids club in one of the townships nearby. I would really love that!
The people here are incredible! I have found that the blacks are probably the nicest I have met! The whites are nice, but they are not as receptive to new comers and are not as loving.
This week I have learned a lot about the overall set-up of the Living Hope Trust. It is unbelievable to see what kind of impact their services are having on the communities. I cannot wait to see the type of growth and development that will happen during my time here.
The Lord has blessed me so much in regards to my living situations and interactions with the other volunteers. I have met incredible people and great new friends! I can honestly say that I can see this as my home for the next year!
The main component of my internship is completed at the Living Way campus. Here I will be assisting with monitoring and evaluating the programs in place. One incredible thing that this ministry offers is entrepreneur development. Living way provides training and support for grassroot entrepreneurs in the Masi area. (Masi is short for Masiphumelele, and is the township neighboring LW) There are 4 up and running entrepreneurs on site in what they call business incubators. That system is where the new business rents, at a reduced cost, a business space on the LW campus for one year so that they can get their businesses up and running effectively and efficiently. Khumi runs a sewing business and makes beautiful purses, bags, pillows and placemats. She is a huge success story for Living Hope and has been highlighted in many of their accomplishments. Right now Khumi has been ill and in the clinic for quite a few months, so please continue to pray for her health and sustainability. Vusi is local artisan. He creates beautiful hand crafted candles, along with many wire-work Christmas decorations. He is currently working on a bath of candles that will be sent to Alabama to be sold for profit. Khumi and Vusi are both so incredibly talented and many of us have already and will be purchasing items from their businesses. Patience runs a Xhosa lesson business. Xhosa is the main language of the Xhosa people which are found throughout the townships. This is the clicking language! It is phenomenal! A few of the volunteers and I are going to be taking some classes with her next term. I cannot wait! Then there is Shadrack. He runs a computer training class here on campus and is also extremely successful. I don’t know much about his business but I do know that it is always full.
The individuals who are in these business incubators are such inspirations to everyone. They have taken what skill the Lord has blessed them with and used it to multiply their earnings and make a life for themselves. That is also one of the main aspect of Living Way that I love so much. Instead of just always giving out freebies, and offering services at no cost, which are all well and also needed, Living Way offers education in the business world in hopes of ending the vicious cycle of poverty. Individuals are more likely to continue with their goals if they have some type of investment of their own into their activity.
Tomorrow we will be getting a car…me and 2 other volunteers. That should be REALLY interesting considering they drive on the wrong side of the road here! LOL :) But at least we will have a form of transportation on the weekends and at night!
Write more later
Peace and Love,
Christina
The Lord is continually showing us how faithful He is. Even though I have only been here almost a week, it is incredible to see how God moves throughout this community every second! Not only has He been watching out for me, and delivering me from myself with my anxiety and worrying, but He is continually providing for the Living Hope community and the people here in the townships.
I have begun the internship aspect of everything at Living Way. It is going to be a great opportunity to explore my own skills in the area of non-profit administration and really learn more about the field. However, it is also becoming difficult to remember that my job in the office is just as needed and effective to the community as any other job. Hopefully next week I will begin working in the afternoons at a kids club in one of the townships nearby. I would really love that!
The people here are incredible! I have found that the blacks are probably the nicest I have met! The whites are nice, but they are not as receptive to new comers and are not as loving.
This week I have learned a lot about the overall set-up of the Living Hope Trust. It is unbelievable to see what kind of impact their services are having on the communities. I cannot wait to see the type of growth and development that will happen during my time here.
The Lord has blessed me so much in regards to my living situations and interactions with the other volunteers. I have met incredible people and great new friends! I can honestly say that I can see this as my home for the next year!
The main component of my internship is completed at the Living Way campus. Here I will be assisting with monitoring and evaluating the programs in place. One incredible thing that this ministry offers is entrepreneur development. Living way provides training and support for grassroot entrepreneurs in the Masi area. (Masi is short for Masiphumelele, and is the township neighboring LW) There are 4 up and running entrepreneurs on site in what they call business incubators. That system is where the new business rents, at a reduced cost, a business space on the LW campus for one year so that they can get their businesses up and running effectively and efficiently. Khumi runs a sewing business and makes beautiful purses, bags, pillows and placemats. She is a huge success story for Living Hope and has been highlighted in many of their accomplishments. Right now Khumi has been ill and in the clinic for quite a few months, so please continue to pray for her health and sustainability. Vusi is local artisan. He creates beautiful hand crafted candles, along with many wire-work Christmas decorations. He is currently working on a bath of candles that will be sent to Alabama to be sold for profit. Khumi and Vusi are both so incredibly talented and many of us have already and will be purchasing items from their businesses. Patience runs a Xhosa lesson business. Xhosa is the main language of the Xhosa people which are found throughout the townships. This is the clicking language! It is phenomenal! A few of the volunteers and I are going to be taking some classes with her next term. I cannot wait! Then there is Shadrack. He runs a computer training class here on campus and is also extremely successful. I don’t know much about his business but I do know that it is always full.
The individuals who are in these business incubators are such inspirations to everyone. They have taken what skill the Lord has blessed them with and used it to multiply their earnings and make a life for themselves. That is also one of the main aspect of Living Way that I love so much. Instead of just always giving out freebies, and offering services at no cost, which are all well and also needed, Living Way offers education in the business world in hopes of ending the vicious cycle of poverty. Individuals are more likely to continue with their goals if they have some type of investment of their own into their activity.
Tomorrow we will be getting a car…me and 2 other volunteers. That should be REALLY interesting considering they drive on the wrong side of the road here! LOL :) But at least we will have a form of transportation on the weekends and at night!
Write more later
Peace and Love,
Christina
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Finally in South Africa!!
Hey guys! Just wanted to write you all a quick message to update you guys on my arrival! The flight was very long but surprisingly not that bad at all! I had two seats by the window to myself, and because I didn't get any sleep before I left I had no problems sleeping on the plane! I met an amazing girl from Oregon named Kimberly and she is working with YWAM (Youth with a mission) here in Capetown! It was sooo good to meet someone who was also working with a Christian organization. We exchanged info and prayed together before we went out to meet our people that were picking us up. I was sooo lost as to where I was going to be staying, etc. The driver took me to this Bed and Breakfast that Living Hope uses to house its volunteers. The volunteer coordinator for ACTS/African Encounter (they are the people responsible for my housing, transportation, etc., met me at the house. Her name is Mandy, and she took me to my room. Well I should probably say condo...because that is exactly what it is!! Its sooo nice and clean and very spacious! For the time being I have my own room, bathroom, living room and kitchen. There are still guests that stay at the B&B so there is a chance that we will be moved around from time to time to different rooms on sight. So at times I could have roommates. Mandy told me that there are two other 20ish girl volunteers but they are leaving Monday I think. Next door to me there are two 60-70 yr old women volunteers from Australia, and a 40ish man. I haven't met anyone yet except the owner this afternoon because I really slept in this morning.
Oh and let me say I will be doing alot of swimming this year and will probably come back with a six pack! LOL I say this because there is no shower...only an oddly shaped bathtub...which makes washing my hair an exercise all in its self! Thank goodness I cut my hair before I came!
So much of this place reminds me of Argentina. The weather, the city, etc. Its their winter time, but its not really cold just windy, but I love it! We are right beside huge mountains and the ocean. THere is apparently a nice beach just a road over but I haven't ventured down that way becuase I am by myself today. I am free at nights and on weekends, so since I arrived on a Friday night this whole weekend I have to just chill. Which is good so I can get my bearings and rest up! I am actually staying in Fish Hoek outside of Cape Town.
Everyone here speaks a different language! It is so strange. Most all of them speak English as well, but in passing my initial instinct is to respond in Spanish when I hear something other than English....which speaking of, I may be speaking alot of Spanish to myself while I am here since there are definitely not any SPanish speaking people around. Whites are definitely the minority which is strange to see. I have only been down one main road this afternoon. LIke I said, I was late getting up this morning so I just wandered around on my own. I went to the ATM, because I had no Rand (dollars). The exchange rate is crazy here. 1 US dollar = almost 8 Rand. The internet situation is better than I thought! I am at an internet cafe that is very safe and secure and it is just a few minutes walk from my room. They charge R20 for 1 hour. Which is about $3. I didn't think that was too bad. I can also bring my own computer up here and use skype and everything! And they have skype on these computers! I will have to work out a schedule with everyone as to when we can skype because I am 6 hours ahead of yall!
I cannot wait to see what I will be doing on Monday! Mandy said to not worry about it...that it will all just happen! So I'm just going with the flow for now. Tomorrow we will be heading to church and hopefully I will be able to meet more people then! Tonight we have dinner. All meals are provided which is nice, but of course that is if I am there when they eat LOL.
I am going to be posting this email on my blog, since it takes so long to write multiple things! I will continue emails my family individually but would like everyone to check out the blog since it is easier than sending tons of emails!
I love you guys sooo much an miss you all!
Thank you for the prayers and encouraging words! I can feel them so much!
Talk to you soon!
Oh and let me say I will be doing alot of swimming this year and will probably come back with a six pack! LOL I say this because there is no shower...only an oddly shaped bathtub...which makes washing my hair an exercise all in its self! Thank goodness I cut my hair before I came!
So much of this place reminds me of Argentina. The weather, the city, etc. Its their winter time, but its not really cold just windy, but I love it! We are right beside huge mountains and the ocean. THere is apparently a nice beach just a road over but I haven't ventured down that way becuase I am by myself today. I am free at nights and on weekends, so since I arrived on a Friday night this whole weekend I have to just chill. Which is good so I can get my bearings and rest up! I am actually staying in Fish Hoek outside of Cape Town.
Everyone here speaks a different language! It is so strange. Most all of them speak English as well, but in passing my initial instinct is to respond in Spanish when I hear something other than English....which speaking of, I may be speaking alot of Spanish to myself while I am here since there are definitely not any SPanish speaking people around. Whites are definitely the minority which is strange to see. I have only been down one main road this afternoon. LIke I said, I was late getting up this morning so I just wandered around on my own. I went to the ATM, because I had no Rand (dollars). The exchange rate is crazy here. 1 US dollar = almost 8 Rand. The internet situation is better than I thought! I am at an internet cafe that is very safe and secure and it is just a few minutes walk from my room. They charge R20 for 1 hour. Which is about $3. I didn't think that was too bad. I can also bring my own computer up here and use skype and everything! And they have skype on these computers! I will have to work out a schedule with everyone as to when we can skype because I am 6 hours ahead of yall!
I cannot wait to see what I will be doing on Monday! Mandy said to not worry about it...that it will all just happen! So I'm just going with the flow for now. Tomorrow we will be heading to church and hopefully I will be able to meet more people then! Tonight we have dinner. All meals are provided which is nice, but of course that is if I am there when they eat LOL.
I am going to be posting this email on my blog, since it takes so long to write multiple things! I will continue emails my family individually but would like everyone to check out the blog since it is easier than sending tons of emails!
I love you guys sooo much an miss you all!
Thank you for the prayers and encouraging words! I can feel them so much!
Talk to you soon!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Updates
Hey guys, Sorry I haven't updated in a while. Well I must say the Lord has been moving in truly amazing ways and providing constantly!!
First off...my departure date has been pushed back to beginning of August due to funding. I know some of you have been asking...and I will let you all know the exact date just as soon as I have it!
Other exciting things....
Thanks to a very good friend and some connections made up the chain I was able to participate in the graduation ceremony from KSU on May 15th!! It was truly an answered prayer! I said from the beginning that I wanted that opportunity for my parents, and it wasn't until I was in the middle of the packed convocation center on campus that I realized how truly glad and greatful I was to be able to experience that accomplishment for myself as well. My parents, grandparents, siblings and friends were more than supportive and enjoyed the even as well! It was a great day!!
Right after that I moved out of my apartment on campus, my RA position was up so I got the boot LOL. I am fortunate enough to be able to stay at my dad's in Jasper for most of the week and at my mom's for the rest. My whole family at both houses has been more than accomodating and understanding.
Other exciting news!...I am able to continue my nannying job this summer as well. I keep the boys during the day on week days and work 3 nights on the weekends up at Taco Mac. The summer schedule is definitely a tough one, but I am more than willing to deal and I am thankful for the opportunity to hold two jobs to keep saving money for South Africa and pay off some bills!
I was also able to meet with a family friend who recently traveled to Cape Town and actually worked on the campus where I will be working and living. Having her bring first hand experiences, pictures and stories to share with me and my family was more than I could have ever expected! It was huge in helping my parents feel better about me going there!
Also with graduation I received numerous gracious financial gifts from friends and family. Seeing the number rise on my missions account is such an answered prayer every day....BUT I need to say I'm not finished yet. I still have alot of money to raise...and I am just praying for more provisions and opportunities to do so.
If you are following on Facebook also check me out on Twitter Christinacc84! And be sure to look for updates!
I am in the processing of selling more things. I will post pics on Facebook of the items for sell...let me know if you are interested! All money from sales goes to South Africa fund!
Please continue to PRAY!! I know the Lord is working and preparing things in His way!!
Thanks for all of the love and support!! you guys are amazing!
I will post more soon....
Peace and Love
First off...my departure date has been pushed back to beginning of August due to funding. I know some of you have been asking...and I will let you all know the exact date just as soon as I have it!
Other exciting things....
Thanks to a very good friend and some connections made up the chain I was able to participate in the graduation ceremony from KSU on May 15th!! It was truly an answered prayer! I said from the beginning that I wanted that opportunity for my parents, and it wasn't until I was in the middle of the packed convocation center on campus that I realized how truly glad and greatful I was to be able to experience that accomplishment for myself as well. My parents, grandparents, siblings and friends were more than supportive and enjoyed the even as well! It was a great day!!
Right after that I moved out of my apartment on campus, my RA position was up so I got the boot LOL. I am fortunate enough to be able to stay at my dad's in Jasper for most of the week and at my mom's for the rest. My whole family at both houses has been more than accomodating and understanding.
Other exciting news!...I am able to continue my nannying job this summer as well. I keep the boys during the day on week days and work 3 nights on the weekends up at Taco Mac. The summer schedule is definitely a tough one, but I am more than willing to deal and I am thankful for the opportunity to hold two jobs to keep saving money for South Africa and pay off some bills!
I was also able to meet with a family friend who recently traveled to Cape Town and actually worked on the campus where I will be working and living. Having her bring first hand experiences, pictures and stories to share with me and my family was more than I could have ever expected! It was huge in helping my parents feel better about me going there!
Also with graduation I received numerous gracious financial gifts from friends and family. Seeing the number rise on my missions account is such an answered prayer every day....BUT I need to say I'm not finished yet. I still have alot of money to raise...and I am just praying for more provisions and opportunities to do so.
If you are following on Facebook also check me out on Twitter Christinacc84! And be sure to look for updates!
I am in the processing of selling more things. I will post pics on Facebook of the items for sell...let me know if you are interested! All money from sales goes to South Africa fund!
Please continue to PRAY!! I know the Lord is working and preparing things in His way!!
Thanks for all of the love and support!! you guys are amazing!
I will post more soon....
Peace and Love
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
How To Donate?
Individual Project Number for Christina Clayton: 529
Donations for support should be mailed to:
Extreme Response International
P.O. Box 345
Snellville GA 30078
PLEASE REMEMBER TO PLACE PROJECT NUMBER 529 IN MEMO LINE and make all checks out to Extreme Response International
Donors should reference the individual Project number on the check so it will be sure to be posted to the appropriate account. Acknowledgements are sent for each donation received that will have a tear-off at the bottom and a return envelope for opportunities to make future donations.
Donors can enroll in automatic bank withdrawals or donate by credit card if they choose. The acknowledgement form that is sent out for every donation has the automatic bank withdrawal form printed on the back of the tear-off portion. Credit card donations can be made from the Extreme Response web site. www.extremeresponse.org
ALL Donations are tax deductible and donors will receive a receipt
Donors may give checks directly to the volunteer, if they so desire. The volunteer will then send the checks to Extreme Response themselves.
All donors are added to the ER mailing list unless they specify otherwise. Typically, ER mailings include 4 newsletters per year. Donors will also receive a yearly letter from the president of ER and a Christmas card.
Accounting Department
The part-time accounting department is located in the Snellville office. Accounting questions from yourself or your donors can be emailed to Brandy Lofton at blofton@rml-cpa.com or by phone at 770-879-8411. Every effort is given to provide a timely response to all inquiries.
Donations for support should be mailed to:
Extreme Response International
P.O. Box 345
Snellville GA 30078
PLEASE REMEMBER TO PLACE PROJECT NUMBER 529 IN MEMO LINE and make all checks out to Extreme Response International
Donors should reference the individual Project number on the check so it will be sure to be posted to the appropriate account. Acknowledgements are sent for each donation received that will have a tear-off at the bottom and a return envelope for opportunities to make future donations.
Donors can enroll in automatic bank withdrawals or donate by credit card if they choose. The acknowledgement form that is sent out for every donation has the automatic bank withdrawal form printed on the back of the tear-off portion. Credit card donations can be made from the Extreme Response web site. www.extremeresponse.org
ALL Donations are tax deductible and donors will receive a receipt
Donors may give checks directly to the volunteer, if they so desire. The volunteer will then send the checks to Extreme Response themselves.
All donors are added to the ER mailing list unless they specify otherwise. Typically, ER mailings include 4 newsletters per year. Donors will also receive a yearly letter from the president of ER and a Christmas card.
Accounting Department
The part-time accounting department is located in the Snellville office. Accounting questions from yourself or your donors can be emailed to Brandy Lofton at blofton@rml-cpa.com or by phone at 770-879-8411. Every effort is given to provide a timely response to all inquiries.
Support Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
I just wanted to write and let you know about the amazing opportunity I have this next year in South Africa. As many of you know, I have spent numerous summers abroad serving our Lord in Ecuador and South America. Since my first visit to Ecuador in 2004 with BHBC, I have developed lasting relationships with the people there and have continued serving there almost every summer since.
During my most recent visit, I was able to meet volunteers and leaders from the organization Extreme Response. I was extremely impressed with its mission and goals. Extreme Response is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing relief and support to people living in extreme, often life-threatening conditions. They provide this support many times by sending volunteers to organizations in the areas of need all throughout the world. With little time to ponder, I found myself back home, focusing on preparations to graduate from KSU. I had a decision to make about where to fulfill my advanced internship within my degree program. Within the past two years, I have felt a calling on my life to full time missions. Until recently though, I was unsure exactly how that life would look.
When choosing the placement for my internship, I began praying about the opportunity to go abroad and serve in a missions capacity. I contacted Extreme Response and acquired about possible missions opportunities in Africa. They immediately directed me to Living Hope Community Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. I began talking with my advisors at KSU and requested approval for this internship abroad. While there have been many hoops to jump through and barriers to cross, God undoubtedly had His hand on this entire process. Recently, the program has gained full approval by three departments at KSU and will not only count towards my degree requirements, but also serve as a pilot program for future students interested in this field.
Why South Africa?
In Ecuador this past summer I began discussing the high possibility that I would be returning to the Manta, Ecuador area after graduation. Pearl and Allan Jackson, whom many of you have met or heard about, were very candid in talking about my future in missions. While they loved the idea of me returning yet again for a longer period of time, they were very convincing in talking to me about other places to serve and people to help, given the opportunities in front of me. The Jackson family once again helped me get in contact with the directors of Extreme Response. After talking with the ER representative and brainstorming the idea of going to Africa, the first place he suggested was Cape Town to work at an organization called Living Hope Community Centre. In the beginning this seemed like an impossible option, however, after months of praying and seeking the Lord’s guidance, the doors continued to open and my heart began to truly break for the people and nation of South Africa.
What will I be doing?
In Cape Town I will be working as an intern with Living Way, a sister organization of Living Hope. Living Hope and the surrounding organizations are dedicated to HIV and AIDS prevention and care. As an intern I will be working to develop fundraising programs, community outreach programs and working directly with the people of Cape Town. Since I am required to complete my coursework as well, I will have the opportunity to work directly with the staff in developing and implementing effective educational programs for the community.
How can you get involved?
First of all, prayer here is the key. Prayer not only for me, but for the people of Cape Town, my University colleagues back home, my family and most importantly the Lord’s will.
Second, I am required to raise all of my support for this journey. The money I raise will go towards my living accommodations, field supplies, flight, transportation and food while I am there. I have committed to 8 months of service beginning mid July 2009. However, recently I have received information that the organization would like me to serve as long as I can; given the money I am able to raise. The total cost of my trip will be $16,260. I know it may appear to many that I am asking for the impossible, especially considering the state of our economy. But I know that my God is bigger than any economy or number of dollars needed. I ask all of you to prayerfully seek the Lord’s guidance in this endeavor. Please know that all monetary donations are tax-deductible and are greatly appreciated. Attached is form further explaining how to donate.
I hope you receive this letter well and I thank you in advance for all of your support.
For more information about these organizations you can check out their websites or my personal blog all listed below:
Extreme Response- http://extremeresponse.org/
Living Hope Community Centre- http://www.livinghope.co.za/
Living Way- http://www.livingway.co.za/
My Blog- http://christinacc84.blogspot.com/
With Much Love,
Christina Clayton
“Love Conquers All”
I just wanted to write and let you know about the amazing opportunity I have this next year in South Africa. As many of you know, I have spent numerous summers abroad serving our Lord in Ecuador and South America. Since my first visit to Ecuador in 2004 with BHBC, I have developed lasting relationships with the people there and have continued serving there almost every summer since.
During my most recent visit, I was able to meet volunteers and leaders from the organization Extreme Response. I was extremely impressed with its mission and goals. Extreme Response is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing relief and support to people living in extreme, often life-threatening conditions. They provide this support many times by sending volunteers to organizations in the areas of need all throughout the world. With little time to ponder, I found myself back home, focusing on preparations to graduate from KSU. I had a decision to make about where to fulfill my advanced internship within my degree program. Within the past two years, I have felt a calling on my life to full time missions. Until recently though, I was unsure exactly how that life would look.
When choosing the placement for my internship, I began praying about the opportunity to go abroad and serve in a missions capacity. I contacted Extreme Response and acquired about possible missions opportunities in Africa. They immediately directed me to Living Hope Community Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. I began talking with my advisors at KSU and requested approval for this internship abroad. While there have been many hoops to jump through and barriers to cross, God undoubtedly had His hand on this entire process. Recently, the program has gained full approval by three departments at KSU and will not only count towards my degree requirements, but also serve as a pilot program for future students interested in this field.
Why South Africa?
In Ecuador this past summer I began discussing the high possibility that I would be returning to the Manta, Ecuador area after graduation. Pearl and Allan Jackson, whom many of you have met or heard about, were very candid in talking about my future in missions. While they loved the idea of me returning yet again for a longer period of time, they were very convincing in talking to me about other places to serve and people to help, given the opportunities in front of me. The Jackson family once again helped me get in contact with the directors of Extreme Response. After talking with the ER representative and brainstorming the idea of going to Africa, the first place he suggested was Cape Town to work at an organization called Living Hope Community Centre. In the beginning this seemed like an impossible option, however, after months of praying and seeking the Lord’s guidance, the doors continued to open and my heart began to truly break for the people and nation of South Africa.
What will I be doing?
In Cape Town I will be working as an intern with Living Way, a sister organization of Living Hope. Living Hope and the surrounding organizations are dedicated to HIV and AIDS prevention and care. As an intern I will be working to develop fundraising programs, community outreach programs and working directly with the people of Cape Town. Since I am required to complete my coursework as well, I will have the opportunity to work directly with the staff in developing and implementing effective educational programs for the community.
How can you get involved?
First of all, prayer here is the key. Prayer not only for me, but for the people of Cape Town, my University colleagues back home, my family and most importantly the Lord’s will.
Second, I am required to raise all of my support for this journey. The money I raise will go towards my living accommodations, field supplies, flight, transportation and food while I am there. I have committed to 8 months of service beginning mid July 2009. However, recently I have received information that the organization would like me to serve as long as I can; given the money I am able to raise. The total cost of my trip will be $16,260. I know it may appear to many that I am asking for the impossible, especially considering the state of our economy. But I know that my God is bigger than any economy or number of dollars needed. I ask all of you to prayerfully seek the Lord’s guidance in this endeavor. Please know that all monetary donations are tax-deductible and are greatly appreciated. Attached is form further explaining how to donate.
I hope you receive this letter well and I thank you in advance for all of your support.
For more information about these organizations you can check out their websites or my personal blog all listed below:
Extreme Response- http://extremeresponse.org/
Living Hope Community Centre- http://www.livinghope.co.za/
Living Way- http://www.livingway.co.za/
My Blog- http://christinacc84.blogspot.com/
With Much Love,
Christina Clayton
“Love Conquers All”
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