The Beginning

Hola!

     Thanks for taking the time to visit my brand new Blog Page-never thought I'd be doing one of these! I thought it would be a good way to help me raise support for the big South American Adventure and keep in touch with all you lovely people.

     My journey to South America began in 2002 when I spent my university year abroad with Latin Link volunteering in an orphanage in Peru. I went out there ready to change the world but ended up being changed myself. I realised that the images of poverty we see on tv are actually real life for some and there is a world out there that is in desperate need of so many of the things we take for granted. Most of my time in Peru I felt fairly useless-I'd never even changed a nappy before I went there (!)- but I returned with a resolution to become someone who could make a difference to lives.

     Through trial and error I ended up training to become a language teacher which was just as challenging as spending a year in Peru(!) but seemed the perfect balance of having a good and purposeful career and opportunity to spend the 6 week Summer holidays helping out on a Latin Link project in the continent I had developed a love for- South America. Sorted.

     That was until I spent 4 weeks on a Step project in Argentina. This time I suddenly didn't feel so useless. Becoming a teacher had taught me how to communicate and being a Whizz Kids leader at church had taught me how to make church accesible and exciting for children and I loved every minute of it (although lasting 6 days without a shower after working all day on a building site did stretch the love a little)! I caught a glimpse of what God could do to impact others even through a little life like mine. I began to doubt that 4 weeks a year was really going to be enough and started to ask if longer term may be the next step.

     On returning I soul searched for a while, asked burning questions like, wouldn't it be easier to just live a quiet, settled life and how on earth am I going to give up this growing wage?! However despite my doubts I knew inside this wasn't just something I wanted to do-it was something I had to do.

      I eventually sent off my application form and found a date I could attend an interview and in March signed a contract to spend 2 years in South America with Latin Link. Wow!

     I don't yet know details of exactly where, when and to do what but I know that I have the opportunity to step out of the boat, have an adventure and see what's possible when faith and action come together! I know I'll be using the skills that have been built up in me through all the amazing influences and examples I've had in my life and I know those skills are also about to be stretched beyond belief!!

     I would love to invite you to join with me on this adventure through your support. I have already so much evidence of the power of prayer and your praying is going to make a huge difference. Make sure you keep in touch too-as much as I'll be keeping you up to date with my news, I'd love to hear how you are doing!

     Also these two years will be completely voluntary meaning I need to cover living costs, flights, insurance, injections, visas and admin charges and though I am madly saving I am going to need a little help (the two years will cost £15000)! If you feel willing and able to support me financially as a one off or on a regular basis that would be truly incredible. Just let me know or visit Latin Link's web page www.latinlink.org and click on donate where you can specify where your money goes.

     Thanks for reading this (you deserve a medal!)

     Love you lots, Jo. xx

     www.latinlink.org