Lumela!

Hello!!

After finishing two amazing days at Little Angels Day Care Center we are off to Ramabanta in the morning. We have perfected cement mixing, trench digging, mural painting, and entertaining 40 Basotho children all in a matter of a little over a week. Imagine what we will accomplish by trips end!

At Little Angels we finished the foundation for the chicken coup. We also painted many murals on the day care building. One mural was a large circle filled with each members handprint as well as the childrens. Around the circle it read: The Children Are Our Future, in both English and Sesotho.

Saturday and Sunday we will be hiking and resting in Ramabanta with no access to a computer. Also, Monday and Tuesday will be spent in the village building a playground for the community center. So we will be unable to send an email until Wednesday evening.

This trip has exceeded our expectations and we are looking forward to what the rest of the trip has in store. We can't wait to tell you all of the stories in person!!

Love,

Kelsey Rosinski...LOVE YOU DAD and MOM and EV!!!! miss you!

Maggie Amorello...miss you fam, love you!

Mitch Cohagan...love and miss you, mom and dad. p.s. I have a beard.

Greetings from Africa - Day Six

Dumela!!!

Today we started working at a new project site called Little Angels. This is a pre-school for orphans who do not have a place to go during the day. They are given two meals a day and a place to be safe while playing.

Half of the group spent the day at the school painting on the side of the building. We painted angels, a world, and a mural of Lesotho scenery. Tomorrow we will paint the kitchen as well with vegetables and other types of food. While we were painting we were also spending time with the adorable children. We have found through this trip that they love to steal our sunglasses and wear them and take pictures with our cameras. They also love to be held and use our bodies as jungle gyms. As always, it is a great experience to make a child's day by playing with them, especially to orphaned children.

The other half of the group spent time working on building a chicken coup. At this location, the Lesotho Youth Work Camp volunteers joined us to help build. Some people started digging a trench by measuring out the dimensions, and then using pick-axes and shovels. A few others cleared the top layer of grass off an area to use for making cement. We were able to dig out the entire trench, which took the entire morning. In the afternoon, we started making cement, which was a very fun and dirty job. We began filling the trench with the cement for foundation. Tomorrow we will start laying bricks and creating the structure for the chickens to live in.

Shout Outs:

• Volleyball Team
• Paula and John, Sissy and Frank, Trix and Shady (HEY HEY HOCKEY TOWN)
• Cox family (Good luck in your tournament Kevin. GO GREEN!)
• Yusk family, and Stella and Walker
• E.T. Strong
• Steve, Tracey, Kirsten, Eva + more family
• Seth, Brad, Jeff <3

Khotso,

Katherine Yuskewich, Becca Zajac, Amy Cox, Siri Hill

Day Five - Update from Lesotho

Lumela!

Today was a little different for us all. We were able to sleep past 7:30 and we didn't have any physical labor in our plans. After a 9:00 breakfast, we had a language lesson with Mapokah and learned the meanings of most of our Sesotho names. At 11:00, Dr. Rosenberg planned a scavenger hunt for us all to learn more about the area. The winners received small gifts from the gift shop here at Thorns.

After our scavenger hunt, we had a cookout for lunch and then about an hour long break.

We spent the next two hours listening to two speakers, a Lesotho war historian and a Lesotho anthropologist, who educated us about a Lesotho queen from WWII and gender conflict in Lesotho politics. Dr. Rosenberg then surprised us with a performance by the local children of a traditional dance in handmade clothing. Don't worry, we all documented this amazing dance extensively!

After our quick nightly meeting regarding trip logistics and local culture, we were more than ready for dinner. It was a pretty tiring day, but we will be getting plenty of rest tonight so that we will be ready for work at the next service site tomorrow!

Khotso,

Millie and Lindley

Day Four - Update from Lesotho

Lumela Loved Ones!

Today marked day two of working at the Habitat for Humanity worksite in Nazareth, Lesotho where we're building housing for orphans. Like yesterday, we split up into two main groups: one digging the foundation for a new building and one adding to an existing foundation (leveling the dirt floor, cementing bricks, etc.). It's safe to say there was a significant change in the work atmosphere today. Having had one day of experience under our belts, we stressed less and laughed more--being productive while still getting to know the local volunteers and children. One of the Basotho took it upon himself to start teaching some of our girls one of their "traditional" dance moves, shovel in hand...which later inspired more "cultural sharing" at lunch :)

We spent out lunch hour playing the Lesotho version of Duck Duck Goose (wayyy more fun doing it their way) and an interesting hybrid of London Bridge is Falling Down and Tug-a-War with Witt students, village children, and adult volunteers all participating. So great! :)

The fun continued into the afternoon where we celebrated the leveling of the house floor with a multi-generational/cultural dance party..."just to be sure the dirt was completely packed down." We do whatever it takes!

Throughout the day, we Wittenbergers also had the high honor of receiving our Sesotho names. Each name has a special meaning and was given to us by a Masotho. Some examples of the meanings include: Appreciated, Appreciation, Angel, Prayer, Praise, Gift From God, Star, Hope, Faith, Strength, Truth, Flower...you get the jist of it. Many of us are still working out the pronunciation and spelling, but all in all we're very excited!

After the work day, we came back and listened to a speaker on Lesotho religion and African spirituality, had our daily meeting, then ate supper. We actually had a rather eventful meal time, both during and afterwards...

The local children here have provided us with some stellar reading material as we have begun exchanging letters with them. Their letters have quickly taken a more serious tone, many of them confessing their love for us with the lyrics of popular American hip hop songs. One of tonight's favorite letters concluded with the words, "My heart keeps bleeding, it keeps keeps bleeding in love." Needless to say, it hasn't taken us long to realize these kids may be borrowing material to express their affection...but we'll excuse the plagerism for the sake of a good laugh.

Appropriately, dinner concluded with a disco dance party started by one of the woman kitchen workers...quickly joined by the rest of us.

All are safe and sound, slightly sore, working hard, having lots of fun and enjoying all the new experiences. We all send you smiles across the miles.

Khotso,

Anna and Lindsay

Day Three - May 25, 2009

Hey everyone:

Today we went to Nazareth for our first day of working with Habitat for Humanity. Some of us helped move bricks through a line to different areas in assistance with building a home for orphans. Others laid bricks to construct the walls of the foundation of the home. Students also dug trenches for the foundation of the second home. We were very fortunate to be able to interact with people from the community and Habitat volunteers in order to better understand the Basotho culture.

When we returned to Thorns, some of us played with the kids that we have been getting to know. Many of us have received letters from these kids and are forming friendships with them as well as returning their letters. We also had our nightly discussion in order to better process our environment and to learn more about the culture. We are thoroughly enjoying our time in Lesotho and are looking forward to the rest of the time we have here.

Thank you for giving us a chance to experience this different country. We feel blessed and are gaining a lot through this experience.

Sincerely,

Elyse Ream and Amanda Sweeney

Second Full Day in Lesotho

Dear Family and Friends,

Today was an absolutely amazing day!

After breakfast we had a short Sesotho language lesson by Mapoka, one of the Basotho women working at Thorn's. Then we drove an hour to Morija to meet Steven Gill at the Morija museum and archives. Steven is a teacher who has lived in Lesotho for over 30 years after moving here from Montana. He gave an hour lecture on the history, political structure and current events in Lesotho, and answered any questions we had. We then had another traditional lunch before our beginning our massive hike up the mountain.

After a 45 minute hike that included a photo opp on a rock which we climbed, we reached the goal of our hike, Dinosaur prints! We each were able to pose on the rock with the prints in front of a breath taking view. The view from the summit was incredible!!!

After making our way down the mountain, which was not an easy task, we traveled back to Thorn's where the children were waiting for us. Many of us received personal letters from the children we had met yesterday. The bonds we are making with these children are already beginning to show their importance and strength. Dinner was once again awesome, which capped off another amazing day.

This trip has already exceeded our expectations and we can't wait to begin our projects tomorrow! Until tomorrow....

Khotso

Andrew Steele and Ben Scott

First FULL Day in Lesotho

Hi Everyone!

We spent our first full day in Lesotho today and it was incredible! We woke up early to a wonderful breakfast and the gate to Thorns was full of children waiting to play. After breakfast, we spent an hour playing with the children, including a giant game of ring around the rosy. The children are so much fun to spend time with--they are instant friends and have been great about teaching us sesotho words. They are a joyful, happy group of children and we could hardly pull ourselves away to get any work done. Eventually, we split into two groups, one group sorted playground pieces for the 6 playgrounds we and the 2nd trip will be building in our time here and the second group headed up to the community center we built last year to dig holes for a fence.

After lunch, everyone went back up to the community center for a great afternoon. We continued digging the holes and also worked on digging a pit latrine, making garden beds and painted inside the community center. Half of us worked while the other half played and we rotated so everyone got a chance to work and play. The kids taught us several dancing games, which were a blast. They LOVE getting their pictures taken as well as taking pictures, so our cameras were occupied most of the day. You will all enjoy seeing the pictures we took--they are hilarious! We just had our first "nightly chat" where we talked about the day and asked questions of Scott and Crystal. Then we had another great dinner and everyone is getting ready for a fun night.

We are all having a wonderful time and we are learning new things each minute that passes. This one day has already been worth all the time, money and worry you have expended!!! :) Tomorrow we'll be seeing some Lesothosaurus footprints and we're pretty excited!

Khotso (peace),

Hannah and Laken

DAY ONE in Lesotho

Each day while in Lesotho, one of the students will send a note home to an email list of family and friends. This note will be more widely distributed via blogs, word of mouth, and social networking sites.

Here is the first of the notes:

From: Sarah E. Braden
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 3:14 PM
To: wittinafrica2009-1
Subject: DAY ONE in Lesotho

Hello family and friends!

After 18 long hours on a plane, we made it to Johannesburg without any trouble. We then proceeded to our hotel called Road Lodge. There were two of us per room and with ourselves and our luggage there was no walking space, but who cares? we're in Africa!

We ate at Rawhide grille and pub- steak rump, chicken schnitzel, or vegetarian. It hit the spot (plane food? no thanks.) We got a good night's rest, got up by 7 for breakfast and departed for Lesotho at 8:30. With a few stops in between, we arrived at the border of South Africa and Lesotho around 5. An hour and a half later we were at Thorns (our compound, and home for the next month). As we pulled in, about 20-30 kids chased our bus to excitedly greet us. We found our rooms, got settled, and experienced our first meal in Lesotho. It was very good! :-)

Now we are writing and there is a game catch phrase going on in the main house. We are all very impressed with Thorns and excited for the days to come. Tomorrow we will be at the community center and making plans for building some playgrounds. We are sure you are happy to know that we are all safe, sound, and ecstatic to be in AFRICA!!!

You are all loved and missed.

Expect to hear from us soon,

Kristen Sarah and the rest of the Africa 2009ers!

Final word from Jessie ...

Before Jessie got on the plane for Johannesburg, she sent me a text asking that I tell everyone she loves them and asking for their prayers and good wishes as she embarks on this trip.

Here you go... She loves you all. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers while she is in Africa.

Jessie should have arrived in Lesotho. Later today I will post the first of the daily notes about what she and the rest of the Wittenberg students are doing and how they are faring.

And She's Off!

Jessie headed off on the first leg of her trip to Africa this morning. She is flying out of Dayton to Atlanta. She'll have a 3 hour layover there and then will have a L-O-N-G flight to Africa. She should arrive in Johannesburg the afternoon of May 21st, and then they will drive to Lesotho.

Here's a picture of the Wittenberg crowd checking in. The whole process went very smoothly.


Below is a picture of the two kids Jessie will be watching while she's in Lesotho. Josh and Diane are excited about returning to Lesotho. (They might be even more excited about the Thomas, Backyardigans, and Dora surprises their mom packed in their backpacks!)



And here's the whole Wittenberg crew ready to take off. Excited, nervous, and ready to go!

Thank You!!

Thank you everyone for your awesome support for Rose!! She'll be thrilled to know how many people she doesn't even know in America she has touched and who have wanted to help her to achieve her dreams!

I leave in under a week (Tuesday)! And I'm a little nervous of course, but I can't wait!

Much love to everyone!!
~jessie

How Can You Help?

As you are probably aware, I am returning to Lesotho, a very small country in Africa, again this summer. I will be leaving in just under two weeks.

When I returned from my first trip last year, I got to show you some of my pictures and tell you about my trip. Many people asked how they could help and I was at a loss as to what to say. I had so many things I was feeling passionate about after returning from the trip. I've had a year since I've come back from Lesotho and some memories have faded into the back of my mind, but one girl’s loving spirit never has. Her name is Rose (who I am with in the picture).

You may remember her from my story of the girl who selflessly gave me her bracelet without ever asking for anything in return. Rose has remained close to my heart this whole year and now I want to give her something in return. Rose is 14 and is passionate about school and learning. She loves to read and wants to go to college for nursing. However, there is a major roadblock. In Lesotho, the government pays for a child to go through primary school (up to about the equivalent of our seventh grade) but because of costs, secondary school is an impossibility for most Basotho.

Lesotho’s unemployment rate is currently at 45%. Of those who are employed, the average salary is about $90 (USD) per month. School tuition alone costs about $250 (USD) per year. Now add on to that $60 (USD) for the proper shoes, $140 (USD) for the school uniform (which is required by all schools), and $70 (USD) for books. This is a total of $520 (USD) for just one year of secondary school. This figure is a pure impossibility for Rose and her family but my goal is to try to raise this money and repay her pure kindness to me as best I can.

Between money I've put away from working and birthday gifts and some donations I've received, I have already raised almost half the money necessary to send Rose to school, but it remains my goal to be able to pay all of her school bills for the year so that she can afford to live out her dream of continuing her education.

There are three ways which you can help!
1) By donating money to help Rose go to school. To do, this please send a check to
Rose c/o Jessie Voors
5419 Bellmawr Ln.
Fort Wayne, IN 46815
Any amount really does help!
2) By donating items which I will bring to Lesotho and give to orphanages and preschools which have the greatest need for the specific items. There is specific need for…
Boys and Girls underwear, all sizes
Yarn for knitting which the kids are learning as a project over summer break from school.

3) By letting me speak to groups to tell them about my experiences and letting me ask them for these three things I’m am asking you. I have spoken at my church, to groups of children, and at an Indiana-Kentucky conference.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this email! If you have any questions do not hesitate to email me.

~Jessie Voors

Another Trip!

It's been almost a full year since I went to Lesotho for the first time and now I'm excited to say that in under two weeks, I'm going again! This time I will be a chaperone. My job is to baby sit the professor's (our trip leader's) two kids, Josh, 4 and Diane, 2. Because of this I won't be on the work site everyday like I was last trip, but I will get more freedom to be able to follow whatever path I am drawn to on my days off, be that going with the group to the work site or teaching the younger kids at a school like I did last year, or even going to school with my friend, Rose, a 14 year old girl, who, most of you know I am trying to raise the money for her secondary school tuition.

I'm feeling a lot of the same feelings I was last time. I'm stressed that I'll forget something crucial in packing. I'm also worried about feeling homesick (I was very homesick the first few days of the trip last year) but I'll be there with my kids, Josh and Diane, so I'll have them for hugs and laughs and good ole American Children's TV (as a result of last year, I think I can sing every song that has ever been on an episode of Thomas the Tank Engine). Last year this was my medicine when I was feeling my most homesick last year.

This year I have three very specific goals while I'm there...
1 - Get together a group of kids to play the game I learned last year to educate children about HIV/AIDS and the importance of taking Anti Retrovirals. In the game, all the kids surround one child who is wear a shirt that says "Human" and another that says "Immune System". The children on the outside have a ball which represents diseases. The kids on the outside try to throw the ball at the Human but the Immune System blocks it. Then another child comes in wearing a shirt that says "AIDS". This child holds back the Immune System so it can no longer defend the Human. Now another child comes in wearing a shirt that says "Medecine". This person holds the AIDS so they must let go of the Immune System. Again the kids on the outside throw the ball, but again the Immune System can defend the Human.

2 - Spend a day or two with Rose. This is dependent on Rose and her family, but ideally, I would love to stay with Rose for a couple of days, and eat what she eats, sleep where she sleeps, walk with her the hour to school and attend school with her. While I feel like I know academically what it's like to live in Lesotho, I don't know what it's really like, emotionally and physically. Hopefully this experience with Rose will change that.

3- Get more art from the young man I met last year. I bought two peices from him last year and I love them and I would love to get more art of his!

Hopefully I'll post one more time before I leave but if not, I'll be thinking of you all while I'm there! Peace and love!

Kao Fela Rea Tsoana! (We are all the same!)
~jessie