FAQ's

Hello! It's about time I updated you on what's happening and answer some of those frequently asked questions (and some you were too polite to ask!).

1. When are you going?
    Sometime in September. It will probably be the date when flights are cheapest!

2. Where are you going?
    I will know within the next month or so. I am fairly certain it will be Argentina but it's possible it may be somewhere else and being South America plans often change at the last minute. So basically it's wherever I end up!

3. What will you be doing?
    One of the desires of Latin Link is to match people, their skills and passions with a need so, as I've grown to love working with children and am now rather good at teaching reluctant British kids to embrace the opportunity of opening their minds, to put in some hard work and learn a whole new language and culture (!!!) I'll likely be working with children, possibly in education or helping a church develop its kids work or the two combined. This will also be clearer within the next month or so.

4. Will you be paid?
    No. Working makes visas complicated and also I'm conscious that I don't just want to move the life I live now to another place-I want to be able to commit fully to a project and give my all to seeing change happen and lives impacted at least for the next 2 years.

5. Why aren't you terrified?
    If I was going on a trip abroad alone depending solely on myself I would be absolutely terrified but right from the start this has been something I am confident is a God thing and it's cheesy but true ''where God guides, He provides''-whether it's somewhere to live, money, friends, joy,...! Over the 2 years it will cost about £15,000 which seems rather a mountain until God steps in! And He has! Literally the week I decided I've got to run with this I got a letter from the Tax Office saying I'd been paying too much tax and a cheque for £3,700! Wow! Then, the day after that a friend that had been visiting gave me £100 saying 'use this to be a blessing to others'-at that time I hadn't even told anyone what I was thinking of doing. Amazing! At the moment I have £5,000 with another £2,000 already promised leaving £8,000 to raise.
    I'm not saying that the night before I leave I will sleep well and be butterfly free. I think I will probably be questioning 'is this really what I want to do?' but I have had so many other crazy but beautiful reassurances that I've got to go for it and be excited and expectant!

6. How can I help?
    I love this question! The messages of support and interest people have shown has been so encouraging so please keep them coming : )

    If you are a pray-er then that always has a huge impact. Pray for the right placement, medical checks to be fine and money to be raised.

    If you are willing and able there are also many ways you can support me financially. You can donate online via the Latin Link website www.latinlink.org.uk just click on 'donate' and you can specify for your donation to go to me (Joanne Williams-Stride), you can make a one-off donation or set up a regular monthly direct debit. I also have forms that can be filled in and sent to Latin Link and I can even email these to you (I am becoming incredibly computer literate!!!).
    Over the next few months I will also be organising a few fundraising events which I will post details of on here so you can get involved!
    A lot of people say 'I can't give very much' but I am literally so humbled by every penny that makes me feel so loved and supported.

    Please, please get in touch if you have any other questions, comments, suggestions.
    Facebook me, email me (joanne_la13@hotmail.com), or grab me!
  
    Thank you wonderful people!

    Enjoy the sunshine!!

    Jo xxx