So the time has come (very quickly!) for me to set off back to Africa...I'm really really excited but also a little apprehensive. It's easier going back as I know more about what to expect, but that also makes it a little harder...the thought of having to boil all the water I want to drink for the next 8 or 9 months makes me groan, but, the thought of the sunshine makes me smile!
This time I will be working with IcFEM in Kenya (www.icfem-mission.org) for April, May and June before heading back to Zambia with Dignity (www.dignityonline.org.uk) for the rest of the year, returning to England in Novemeber or December.
IcFEM is an indigenous Kenyan organisation based in Kimilili, Western Kenya. The work they are doing is similar to the work that Dignity has begun in Chingola, Zambia, working with small groups in villages, in the belief that as God transforms people he is able to transform their lives and those of the people around them. During my stay in Kimilili I hope to learn how they have begun practical projects in villages where they are working, something Dignity see as the next step in Chigola. I also wish to serve IcFEM and the surrounding communities by being of help to them in whatever ways I can be!
I then plan to travel to Zambia straight from Kenya where I will be rejoining Dignity to carry on with the "Life!" project, working with our friends in Chingola as well as looking to start similar work in a second (and maybe even a third!) area. The lessons I have learnt in Kenya can be shared with those we are working with in Zambia.
I really can't wait! Being home has been fantastic, I've loved catching up with everyone and it's been nice to have a quick wireless connection at home, roads that aren't full of potholes, radio that plays music I know and the other little luxuries we take forgranted. However, it's also felt a little like a transitional time. All the time I've been here I've known that I'm not staying long and have done a few short term jobs and not made any long term plans so have felt both settled as I'm back home, but also unsettled as everything keeps changing for me. It's good to be starting to really sort out the next stage of my year; to think a little further ahead than the next 4 weeks or so!!
There are a few areas where I would really appreciate your help. They are...
Prayer...
I've decided that when I write my blog this time, I'll include a little list at the end of things that I would really appreciate prayer for...that way, if you're not the praying kind, you don't have to read it all, but if you do want to pray for me, it may be of help.
Money...
If you are able to support my time working in Africa that would be really super! Having added up the expected costs I have to confess I was a little scared - it's definitely more that I actually have and will probably be in the region of £6000! But, God has proved faithful time and again and I believe that if he calls us to do something he will make sure we have what we need to do it! For instance, he has ensured that I have had work for all my time in England, which is pretty incredible given that many architect's are being made redundant at the moment. If you are able to stand with me as I return to the Africa to carry on the work I believe God is laying before me I would be really grateful. Any donation you can give will be gratefully recevied. I've outlined how you can give money at the bottom of this page.
Keep in Touch...
Life in Africa is amazing, but some days I felt a little lost and miles away from reality. On these days a message from a friend back home makes all the difference. It's always great to hear what you are up to and how life is carrying on here. Keeps me grounded in reality as well! You can email me, send me a facebook message of, hopefully, my english mobile should work while I'm away so you should be able to text me any time, although it's expensive for me to receive calls. I'll let you know if I get a Kenyan sim card...
And that's all for now! Thanks for reading this...I will try to write a bit regularly while I'm away. And the golden rule, always make a cup of tea before starting to read my blog. I try not to write too much, but I never seem to manage it!!!
Much love to you all.
jo x
Please pray for...
- wisdom about how to spend my time in Kenya and what to do on a day by day basis
- provision of funds to cover the trip (and increased faith for me to trust God on this one!)
- safe travel to Kenya, safety while I stay overnight in Nairobi, and on the final part of my journey to Kimilili
- stong working relationships and supportive friendships with those around me
- my continued growth in the Lord
If you are able to donate any money you can do so by...
- visiting my justgiving page (please note the new address) www.justgiving.com/jogoestoafrica
- sending a cheque to Dignity on my behalf. Please make it payable to "Dignity" and note on the back that it is for me. Post it to Dignity, St James and Emmanuel Manse, 6 Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6TR
- if you would like to give on a regular basis you can download a stewardship form from this page: http://dignityonline.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=38 Please please make sure you write clearly on the form that it is "Designated for Jo Hardy" (above the section for your personal details, just next to where it says Application: Dignity outside of the box). It's the only way that Dignity will know it's meant for my costs.
Any money donated through my justgiving page or Stewardship goes straight to Dignity and is put directly towards my living and travel costs (both in Kenya and Zambia). In addition, if you are a UK taxpayer, both make sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. This money goes towards the work Dignity are carrying out.
- if you would prefer to give money directly to me, you can send me a cheque. I'm going to ask my wonderful Mum if she would mind me leaving my paying in book with her and then if you want it, I can give you her address and you can send a cheque to her and she'll do the rest.
And finally, if you would prefer to support the work of Dignity as a whole, you can send them a cheque at the above address, or donate to the fund that is helping the pastors with their cabbages:
www.justgiving.com/cabbagesaregolddust
Many thanks x
