Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Details, Anyone?

I just got this email from Josh, my US contact with Food for the Hungry. It made me really excited, and set in the reality of this trip. And scared me abit, because I've never taught English (even though I work in a school where English isn't the native language!).

***
Becky,

Good day, how are you doing? I wanted to update you on the teaching supplies situation . . . . here are some suggestions:

Teaching tools are limited in Ethiopia. They have chalk boards, flip charts and that's about it. There are a variety of books in the library, but if you have your mind on something specific, please bring it. There aren't any reading books for elementary students.

It would be essential that you be prepared for teaching groups of children in basic english/grammar and reading.

If you would like crayons and other "fun" things, we suggest that you also bring that with you.

You will have the opportunity to teach the social workers in some english as well. In this area, the focus needs to be in writing: mainly the Child's Annual Progress Report- as the social workers are expected to write a paragraph for each one. This would be a good opportunity to fine tune their skills in this area.

Another recent suggestion is that you could also be involved with teaching english to English Teachers. I know this sounds weird, but trust me, their english could improve.

**
I have to say, I'm most excited about being able to teach the social workers (who are all local Zeway-ans) English that will help them communicate to us about the children we sponsor. It looks like I'm in for an amazing summer!

Pray:

-that God will begin to equip me in not only what I need to be teaching this summer, but how to teach it - confidently.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Date Change

The dates for my trip have changed, due to student final exams (in Zeway). The new dates are June 20-July 16. I have a meeting with HEMI on Sunday, so hopefully I will be able to get my letters out by mid next week. Exciting!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, January 28, 2008

Zeway in Photos

A few reasons why I love Zeway...
(click here to see more photos from Zeway)

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Realizations

I've been struck lately at the beauty of authentic community. Living in proximity with people who know you well. And even though Zeway is still months off, it's beginning to hit me that I'm going to be missing out on 4 weeks of one of the most beautiful parts of my life. These thoughts are making me incredibly grateful for the people around me; those who walk through the high and low roads of life with me. I'm extremely excited to be part of community life in Zeway - to experience community in a way that is unique to us, yet equally as authentic. To be part of the body of Christ in ways that I only dream of, and to connect with people on a heart level, despite the language barrier. I have a feeling that as time gets closer, it will be thoughts like this that will keep me awake...

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

It's Official!

The dates have been set, and as long as nothing changes, I will be in Zeway June 5th through June 28th. I'm excited as the process continues - it amazes me at how slow it can go, yet the trip seems right around the corner! As soon as I get the final budget, I will be making a very anxious trip to the post office to mail off my support letters. This trip is unique in several ways, and will play a part into how much support I have to raise. I am confident in knowing that God will provide wherever He calls me, and as anxious as I am about the amount, I am excited to be on a journey that will daily put me in a place of trusting in Him (however, there may be days where you will have to remind me of this!).

Pray:
- that God will begin to work in the hearts of those who will receive my letters - that they will desire to give gratefully and generously.

- that people who won't receive a letter (and perhaps not even know me) will desire to help fund a trip like this, and that they will connect with those 'letter holders,' and be led to give specifically toward my trip.

Monday, January 21, 2008

It Begins

The process has officially started! I have knocked my support letter out of the way, and I am waiting on a confirmation of travel dates and a final budget.

For those of you who might be reading this, and wondering what the heck I'm talking about: I will be living in Zeway, Ethiopia for (approximately) one month this summer! I am going through Food for the Hungry, and will be teaching English to their local staff in Zeway.

I'm in a 'wait and hold' position at the moment, but keep checking back - it's going to be a great ride!