Ways you can get involved!

Hi Friends! I just wanted to let you know that there are several ways that you can help make this trip to Africa possible:

1.) Moral Support - Being so far from home, it would mean a lot to me to have a virtual community of "friendly faces."

Ways to give moral support:

• Read and comment on this blog. You should see a link at the bottom of the page inviting you to 'subscribe.' This will make it easier for you to keep informed about updates to the blog.
  
• Share it with any of your friends who might be interested in Africa, community development, etc.
• Pray. For starters, I could use prayer for the following (updates to follow):
  
• Smooth preparations- figuring out logistics, raising funds, getting mentally ready.
  
• Safety and health while traveling, especially an accepting stomach for the local food!
  
• Wisdom to do a good job, and an open heart and mind to adapt to the culture. Also for a quick brain to learn the language!
  

2.) Financial Support - I'm going to need to raise about $8,000-$10,000 to cover expenses for the year. Please consider supporting me at any level- $5, $50, or $500- every little bit will make a huge impact!

Ways to give financial support:

• Donate at the link on the right - this will come to me directly through PayPal.
• If you prefer not to give online, you can make a check payable to me and send it to: 91 Glenwood Rd, Somerville, MA 02145.
• This will cover expenses like airfare, insurance, visas, vaccinations, and in-country travel.
• For a tax deductible donation - make checks payable to the Foundation for Sustainable Development, and put my name in the memo line.
  
• Mail any checks to me at the address above. If you prefer to make an electronic donation through FSD, email me at tlwarmus@hotmail.com for instructions.
  
• This will go toward my program fee, which includes lodging, training, and a mini-grant to my host organization.
• Click OFTEN on the advertising links at the bottom of the blog- I accrue a little income with each click!
• Let me know if you're interested in donating directly to the local organization or to a specific project. Any extra funding that I am able to raise will go toward the work with the community.

Waybale!
(That's 'thank you' in Luganda. More to follow on the language!)

God bless His little creatures

While I was teaching in China from 2001-2003, I was exposed to some, shall we say, exotic, food. Camel hump and jelly fish, eel stew and goose head- each presented its own unique challenge. So I prayed, "Dear God, please help me to eat all the little creatures you have made."

I anticipate that one of my bigger challenges this time around, as those who know me can attest, may be to deal with the creepy crawlies that also call Africa their home. So this time I pray, "Dear God, please help me to be a good friend and (gulp!) roommate to all the little creatures you have made."

Amen

P.S. See the poll on the right to let us know which aspect of travel you find most challenging!

On the Open Seas

On the Open Seas...
This was the image I felt God impressing on my heart last fall. I didn't know quite what to make of it at the time, but recent circumstances have led me to conclude that it's time to cast off from the calm, delightful harbor that Boston has been in my life these past five years. He is leading me to venture out onto the high seas, a place of greater uncertainty, but greater possibility; of greater need, but greater provision.

Leaving Boston
My time in Boston has involved forays out into the unknown, against the backdrop of the Himalayas of Nepal, the Blue Nile of Ethiopia, and the volcanoes of Nicaragua. These trips, as well as the friendships, church community, professional experiences, and graduate education I've been blessed with while here have all prepared me for this next step - Africa.

I've had an impulse to go to Africa since even before starting grad school in 2006. I've worked in the field of international development for several years from here in the US, but am ready to draw nearer to the work in order to focus my passion. So, I've decided to take the next 6-12 months to volunteer with local grassroots organizations dedicated to meeting the needs of the poorest of the poor.

A New Home in Masaka, Uganda
On September 25, I'll depart to begin volunteering in Masaka Uganda, most likely serving with the Buddukiro Children's Agency. Buddukiro works specifically with street children in Masaka, addressing issues like HIV/AIDS prevention, access to education, and vocational training. This is an amazing opportunity to get really hands on experience, while making a difference in the lives of AIDS orphans and other vulnerable youth. (See the box on the right for more info about AIDS in Uganda.)

This is a placement through the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD, see 'related links' on the right for more info). In addition to the internship, FSD will place me with a host family and provide specialized training. I'll be in Masaka at least through December, and at that point will most likely move on to another location (TBD).

The Transition
As exciting as this is, it's also a little scary. Whereas Asia now feels like home, Africa is a whole new continent! The move involves a big transition too, getting rid of as much of my "stuff" as possible, leaving the apartment where I've lived for FIVE years, and saying goodbye to dear friends. It all seems a little daunting right now, but I know that as soon as I settle into the plane seat it will all feel worthwhile!

I'll keep you posted in the coming weeks as I continue with preparations. Thanks so much for your interest and support, and for joining me on this journey! Please check back often for updates, prayer requests, and embarrassing moment stories, which I am sure will be plentiful!

Much love,
Tammie

"You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,O God our savior.You are the hope of everyone on earth,even those who sail on distant seas." (Psalm 65:5)