Jan and I are together again! (Jan's my partner from last year). After the training we are paired up (mostly-tho some go out on their own) and sent out to the different areas where wells are being installed. Jan and I are staying in central Malawi starting in Ntchisi. Our Field Officer, Mr. Francis Kaponda, came to get us from the lodge and we moved to Tuneza Lodge in Ntchisi. Dropped our things and headed out to the field.
Bouncing along to get as close to the well site as we can (sometimes driving right to it and sometimes with a bit of a hike to arrive). Sometimes the villages know that we're coming and sometimes we just show up. Sometimes they are told we'll be there but then we can't get there and I'm not sure they are told...This year we have come to an area where a headman has died and so there are not many people at all left in the villages as funerals are heavily attended.
The singing and dancing of the women at the wells is so much fun. The rhythms and clapping, repetition of songs meant that I can catch on pretty quickly and get right in. Most of the time it is the women who sing and dance but at some of the wells the men also get into it. You can tell that those are very happy villages!
49 wells put in in the first week (Tuesday to Tuesday) and we're moving to Mponela!
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Friday, October 30, 2015
MMM again!
I'm back in Malawi with Marion Medical Mission to install shallow wells and bring clean water to villages. Upon arrival in Lilongwe, I was the first of all the volunteers through and so I started unloading the action packers from the luggage carousel. (Action packers are big black rubbermaid boxes.) With about 15 people coming for Team 2 and many have 2 (one with stuff from MMM and one personal) that is a lot of action packers.
Monday morning began our orientation/instructions. The devotion was from Mark 9:17-29. A boy with an unclean spirit could not be healed by the disciples. He was brought to Jesus who asked the boy's father if he believed. "I believe, help my unbelief!" When the disciples asked why they couldn't do it, Jesus answered that only prayer would work for that spirit.
Ed talked about how the disciples have been studying and working and preparing with Jesus to go out and do the work and spread the word. Yet when they are asked to heal this boy, they fail. All of their preparation gets them nowhere. There are some things that only prayer and the Holy Spirit can overcome.
The talk was of the preparation we do to come to Malawi for the three weeks we are here. Praying for MMM employees and volunteers and for the villages as they prepare to get the wells. Packing (and repacking) and getting the things needed for the trip. Walking so that we are in shape enough to get to the wells after bouncing in the trucks to the far out places we go. Getting visas and shots and tickets to come. But then of the things that we can't prepare for. The unexpected happenings that occur. The blessings and challenges that come up each day when we try to put in 2500 wells in only 6 weeks. Something that would not be possible without God to help us.
So here we go. With prayers and praise in our hearts. To put in wells. To celebrate with villagers. And to be the love that we know.
1600 weeks have been funded this year (so far) yet we will move in faith and aim for the 2500! If you would like to donate toward a well (or for a whole well--only $400) go to www.mmmwater.org !
Monday morning began our orientation/instructions. The devotion was from Mark 9:17-29. A boy with an unclean spirit could not be healed by the disciples. He was brought to Jesus who asked the boy's father if he believed. "I believe, help my unbelief!" When the disciples asked why they couldn't do it, Jesus answered that only prayer would work for that spirit.
Ed talked about how the disciples have been studying and working and preparing with Jesus to go out and do the work and spread the word. Yet when they are asked to heal this boy, they fail. All of their preparation gets them nowhere. There are some things that only prayer and the Holy Spirit can overcome.
The talk was of the preparation we do to come to Malawi for the three weeks we are here. Praying for MMM employees and volunteers and for the villages as they prepare to get the wells. Packing (and repacking) and getting the things needed for the trip. Walking so that we are in shape enough to get to the wells after bouncing in the trucks to the far out places we go. Getting visas and shots and tickets to come. But then of the things that we can't prepare for. The unexpected happenings that occur. The blessings and challenges that come up each day when we try to put in 2500 wells in only 6 weeks. Something that would not be possible without God to help us.
So here we go. With prayers and praise in our hearts. To put in wells. To celebrate with villagers. And to be the love that we know.
1600 weeks have been funded this year (so far) yet we will move in faith and aim for the 2500! If you would like to donate toward a well (or for a whole well--only $400) go to www.mmmwater.org !
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
CPT part 1
I spent 10 days in mid-August on a Christian Peacemaker Team delegation. I have been thinking/hoping that my thoughts would sort out and make sense and then I could write about it. But that doesn’t seem to be happening, so I’m going to write about it and see if it works in reverse.
There were 11 of us who met and stayed in Kenora, Ontario. Kenora is in northwest Ontario about 2 hours from Winnipeg, Manitoba. During this week we were to listen, learn and be with the First Nations people in that area. We spent lots of time discussing effects of colonialism and our cultural norms that we take for granted and often impose on others unconsciously. We also met with many elders who shared their wisdom and teachings with us.
The first speaker we had was Larry Morrissette. Before his teaching we asked if we could take notes while he spoke. He paused before he answered, “Yes, as that is the way you are used to doing things. In our culture, an oral culture, it is the way to listen. At the end you will remember what you need to remember. The ideas, the themes, maybe not all the details, but the bigger picture.” I decided that I was here to try new things and learn in different ways so I didn’t take notes. (I did jot notes later and am quite grateful for those who did take notes as we shared after.) It is a different kind of listening I felt, more deliberate in a way.
Larry came to talk to us about the history of the First Nations and the dismantling of the culture by the colonization of the land. It is stated in the Indian Act that the laws were designed to eradicate the First Nations people.
“Our object is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed into the body politic, and there is no Indian question, and no Indian department.” ---1920, Duncan Campbell Scott, Deputy Superintendent General of Indian Affairs.
The First Nation was a fully functional culture centered on women and children. Some of the many different aspects of life were food-hunting and gathering to feed themselves, health-medicine men who could use the natural world to heal, rules and laws, spiritual beliefs. The colonizers came in and systematically disrupted each part of their world. They put restrictions on the hunting and gathering that caused them to be unable to feed themselves. They became dependant on the foreign government for food that was not always forthcoming. The colonizers put in place the chief and counsel governing body of the clans that were patriarchal instead of the matriarchal system that was in place. The diseases that the colonizers brought could not be treated by the medicine men and so they became dependent on the doctors and nurses of the colonizers who may or may not treat them. (this chart is one that gives more information on this.)
The views and policies of the government changed over the centuries. In the 1700s there were Protection Policies in which settlers were to leave the indigenous people alone. But then they decided they wanted the land and resources and in the 1800s the Civilization Policies came about in which it was illegal to be Native peoples. The 1900s brought the Assimilation Policies with residential schools and forced adoptions. Now there are the Sickness policies and that the indigenous people need to be healed.
Larry says, “I am not sick, I’ve been colonized.” It has taken time but they are reclaiming their culture. It is a slow process that will take generations to realize just as it took generations to break. The resilience that we saw in the people gives hope when many would rather chalk it up as a mistake—a colossal mistake—but they would like to say sorry and be done with it. But we can’t do that. We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of learning to do. We have a lot of listening to do.
I will have more about this trip up on this blog soon. But if you’d like to read more, here’s the link to Allan Reeve-Smith’s blog about our time in Kenora and Grassy Narrows.
There were 11 of us who met and stayed in Kenora, Ontario. Kenora is in northwest Ontario about 2 hours from Winnipeg, Manitoba. During this week we were to listen, learn and be with the First Nations people in that area. We spent lots of time discussing effects of colonialism and our cultural norms that we take for granted and often impose on others unconsciously. We also met with many elders who shared their wisdom and teachings with us.
The first speaker we had was Larry Morrissette. Before his teaching we asked if we could take notes while he spoke. He paused before he answered, “Yes, as that is the way you are used to doing things. In our culture, an oral culture, it is the way to listen. At the end you will remember what you need to remember. The ideas, the themes, maybe not all the details, but the bigger picture.” I decided that I was here to try new things and learn in different ways so I didn’t take notes. (I did jot notes later and am quite grateful for those who did take notes as we shared after.) It is a different kind of listening I felt, more deliberate in a way.
Larry came to talk to us about the history of the First Nations and the dismantling of the culture by the colonization of the land. It is stated in the Indian Act that the laws were designed to eradicate the First Nations people.
“Our object is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed into the body politic, and there is no Indian question, and no Indian department.” ---1920, Duncan Campbell Scott, Deputy Superintendent General of Indian Affairs.
The First Nation was a fully functional culture centered on women and children. Some of the many different aspects of life were food-hunting and gathering to feed themselves, health-medicine men who could use the natural world to heal, rules and laws, spiritual beliefs. The colonizers came in and systematically disrupted each part of their world. They put restrictions on the hunting and gathering that caused them to be unable to feed themselves. They became dependant on the foreign government for food that was not always forthcoming. The colonizers put in place the chief and counsel governing body of the clans that were patriarchal instead of the matriarchal system that was in place. The diseases that the colonizers brought could not be treated by the medicine men and so they became dependent on the doctors and nurses of the colonizers who may or may not treat them. (this chart is one that gives more information on this.)
The views and policies of the government changed over the centuries. In the 1700s there were Protection Policies in which settlers were to leave the indigenous people alone. But then they decided they wanted the land and resources and in the 1800s the Civilization Policies came about in which it was illegal to be Native peoples. The 1900s brought the Assimilation Policies with residential schools and forced adoptions. Now there are the Sickness policies and that the indigenous people need to be healed.
Larry says, “I am not sick, I’ve been colonized.” It has taken time but they are reclaiming their culture. It is a slow process that will take generations to realize just as it took generations to break. The resilience that we saw in the people gives hope when many would rather chalk it up as a mistake—a colossal mistake—but they would like to say sorry and be done with it. But we can’t do that. We have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of learning to do. We have a lot of listening to do.
I will have more about this trip up on this blog soon. But if you’d like to read more, here’s the link to Allan Reeve-Smith’s blog about our time in Kenora and Grassy Narrows.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
AYM
This summer I went on the high school mission trip with Black Mountain Presbyterian Church. A week of mission in Asheville -- only 15 minutes from home --and a world away.
Joining with 4 other churches (40 participants total) from the Presbytery of Western NC, we worked through the organization Asheville Youth Mission. Our group divided into 3 work teams that went out each day to volunteer with one or two different mission agencies who work to address the needs of the vulnerable and marginalized. Many of the organizations I'd never heard of.
Asheville Youth Mission's theme for the summer is Breaking Boundaries. We worked that week on seeing all people as God's children, full of humanity and promise. My work group spent time sorting out rotten tomatoes at Manna Food Bank, working with summer school students at Vance Elementary School, painting the prayer chapel and sorting the clothing closet at Haywood Street Community, cleaning at A Hope/Homeward Bound, and painting, gardening and tie-dying at the Veteran's Restoration Quarters.
I loved watching the youth as they served with these organizations. Whether interacting directly with the marginalized people or doing behind the scenes work, they put their all into it.
AYM places an emphasis on meeting people, acknowledging them as people and learning their names. Because making a connection with others is the best way to break down boundaries/barriers/preconceived notions. In my work team, I saw that best at the Veteran's Restoration Quarters. We ate lunch with veterans, finding topics of conversation that showed our similarities (went to Owen High School, ran cross-country at school), or that spoke of where the vet had served and what they like to do. Our afternoon activity was tie-dying t-shirts in the courtyard and I had a hard time picturing this working...veterans and tie-dye?! But it did! A youth would pair with a veteran as they picked colors and tried different designs (we don't knashevilleow how they turned out as they have to sit for a couple hours before the dye sets). Everyone was busy and at times we had veterans waiting for their turn. It was a beautiful afternoon.
The next day, a veteran saw us at the Asheville bus station and came over to thank us for coming. He was very excited to get back to see how his shirt came out.
Our evening devotions and debriefs were led by the AYM interns and were very hands on. We talked about physical, social, and spiritual boundaries--recognizing them (rivers, fences, location),ways to break and cross them (reach out, be aware, talk with someone new), and reasons to keep some boundaries (safety). Through discussions, art, acting, and activities we shared ideas and where we saw God in each other and in our work.
I'm so greatful for this ministry and for being able to participate!
Joining with 4 other churches (40 participants total) from the Presbytery of Western NC, we worked through the organization Asheville Youth Mission. Our group divided into 3 work teams that went out each day to volunteer with one or two different mission agencies who work to address the needs of the vulnerable and marginalized. Many of the organizations I'd never heard of.
Asheville Youth Mission's theme for the summer is Breaking Boundaries. We worked that week on seeing all people as God's children, full of humanity and promise. My work group spent time sorting out rotten tomatoes at Manna Food Bank, working with summer school students at Vance Elementary School, painting the prayer chapel and sorting the clothing closet at Haywood Street Community, cleaning at A Hope/Homeward Bound, and painting, gardening and tie-dying at the Veteran's Restoration Quarters.
I loved watching the youth as they served with these organizations. Whether interacting directly with the marginalized people or doing behind the scenes work, they put their all into it.
AYM places an emphasis on meeting people, acknowledging them as people and learning their names. Because making a connection with others is the best way to break down boundaries/barriers/preconceived notions. In my work team, I saw that best at the Veteran's Restoration Quarters. We ate lunch with veterans, finding topics of conversation that showed our similarities (went to Owen High School, ran cross-country at school), or that spoke of where the vet had served and what they like to do. Our afternoon activity was tie-dying t-shirts in the courtyard and I had a hard time picturing this working...veterans and tie-dye?! But it did! A youth would pair with a veteran as they picked colors and tried different designs (we don't knashevilleow how they turned out as they have to sit for a couple hours before the dye sets). Everyone was busy and at times we had veterans waiting for their turn. It was a beautiful afternoon.
The next day, a veteran saw us at the Asheville bus station and came over to thank us for coming. He was very excited to get back to see how his shirt came out.
Our evening devotions and debriefs were led by the AYM interns and were very hands on. We talked about physical, social, and spiritual boundaries--recognizing them (rivers, fences, location),ways to break and cross them (reach out, be aware, talk with someone new), and reasons to keep some boundaries (safety). Through discussions, art, acting, and activities we shared ideas and where we saw God in each other and in our work.
I'm so greatful for this ministry and for being able to participate!
Friday, July 24, 2015
Fasting?!?!
At the vigil against the death penalty many people fast for the four days we are there. Many people don't. It is optional as is the severity of the fast. If you don't fast, don't eat around those who are fasting. If you are castigate it is up to you what that looks like. Some do a water only fast. Others are a liquid only. Some do the daylight fast, etc.
I had never fasted before last year's vigil. And I really wasn't sure I could do it. But, with my sister by my side, I decided to try it and see how long I would make it. I started on the all water but got too shaky and drank some juice for the sugar and that worked. This year I did the same thing. A glass of juice ob the morning and water the rest of the day.
On the Abolition Action Committee website (www.abolition.org) there is a page that talks about the fasting aspect. And I read it before I went. I found it very helpful. Here are two of the points I got from it:
Why? There are many reasons people have for fasting: spiritual, religious, health, and political. A common reason while taking part in a political action is that by forgoing food and not stopping to eat every few hours, we adjust our schedules to focus all our energy and time on our issue of concern. And it is a tough adjustment. I lost track of time since the day wasn't broken into before and after lunch and dinner. I didn't know how to greet people (and was often wrong) in saying good morning or have a good afternoon/evening.
Difficulty: dwelling on the fact that you aren't eating or are hungry. To deny yourself food or the thoughts about it is somehow to make it stronger so that is all you think about. So it is suggested to think about for a bit and then to consciously refocus your thoughts on why you are there and doing what you're doing. In my day to day when I get hungry I start to get cranky if I know that food is not on the way. And I would find that to be true at first during the fast, until I turned my thoughts to why I was there. It kept my spirits up knowing that I was in solidarity with ao many others against the death penalty. It also continued for weeks after...when I got hungry I remembered those on death row and sent up a prayer.
It is amazing how wired we are to food. I woke up ready for breakfast and would be a little hummed when I remembered I wasn't eating. I would be holding up a banner and think that as soon as I got relieved by someone I could go grab a snack. Or during our evening teachings I would think that as soon as it was over we could go get dinner. Oh, wait. Not happening yet...
I had never fasted before last year's vigil. And I really wasn't sure I could do it. But, with my sister by my side, I decided to try it and see how long I would make it. I started on the all water but got too shaky and drank some juice for the sugar and that worked. This year I did the same thing. A glass of juice ob the morning and water the rest of the day.
On the Abolition Action Committee website (www.abolition.org) there is a page that talks about the fasting aspect. And I read it before I went. I found it very helpful. Here are two of the points I got from it:
Why? There are many reasons people have for fasting: spiritual, religious, health, and political. A common reason while taking part in a political action is that by forgoing food and not stopping to eat every few hours, we adjust our schedules to focus all our energy and time on our issue of concern. And it is a tough adjustment. I lost track of time since the day wasn't broken into before and after lunch and dinner. I didn't know how to greet people (and was often wrong) in saying good morning or have a good afternoon/evening.
Difficulty: dwelling on the fact that you aren't eating or are hungry. To deny yourself food or the thoughts about it is somehow to make it stronger so that is all you think about. So it is suggested to think about for a bit and then to consciously refocus your thoughts on why you are there and doing what you're doing. In my day to day when I get hungry I start to get cranky if I know that food is not on the way. And I would find that to be true at first during the fast, until I turned my thoughts to why I was there. It kept my spirits up knowing that I was in solidarity with ao many others against the death penalty. It also continued for weeks after...when I got hungry I remembered those on death row and sent up a prayer.
It is amazing how wired we are to food. I woke up ready for breakfast and would be a little hummed when I remembered I wasn't eating. I would be holding up a banner and think that as soon as I got relieved by someone I could go grab a snack. Or during our evening teachings I would think that as soon as it was over we could go get dinner. Oh, wait. Not happening yet...
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Starvin' for Justice
I spent the beginning of the month at our nation's capital at the 22nd Annual Fast and Vigil Against the Death Penalty. It was my second time to join this group on front of the Supreme Court with banners, petitions, and speakers with the intention of educating the public.
Some history on the dates:
On June 29, 1972, the Supreme Court decided in Furman v Georgia that the death penalty was applied in an "arbitrary and capricious manner" and put a moratorium on it. All States had to rewrite their death penalty laws.
On July 2, 1976, in Gregg v Georgia, the Supreme Court allowed executions to resume in the US. (Not much had changed though)
So every year (for the past 22) people have been gathering from all over the world and the US. Last year we had a couple from Australia and this year a young man from New Zealand. People come for all sorts of reasons. Each evening we have speakers as well: swath row survivors, murder victim family members, family members of the executed, a jury member from a capital case, lawyers, priests. They tell the stories of why they are here and how they got here. Many of them started on the other side of the issue.
On the sidewalks we pass out a pamphlet entitled "Why End the Death Penalty?" Some take it easily, others decline to take it Brut say they agree, some chant "Texas Texas doing it right" as they walk by. Here are some of the facts inside:
Since 1972, 154 wrongly convicted persons have been released. They were all deemed to have had FAIR trials. In Herrera v Collins the Supreme Court ruled that it is constitutional to execute the innocent if they had a fair trial!
It cost 2 to 6 times as much to execute than to incarcerate for life. The cost is weighted in the initial trial and sentencing, not in the appeals process.
The outcome is racist. When the victim is white, the perpetrator is 4 to 11 times more likely to receive the death penalty.
States without the death penalty consistantly have lower murder rates (as do countries that have abolished the death penalty) . In fact, studies show the murder rate increases slightly after a highly publicized execution.
Some history on the dates:
On June 29, 1972, the Supreme Court decided in Furman v Georgia that the death penalty was applied in an "arbitrary and capricious manner" and put a moratorium on it. All States had to rewrite their death penalty laws.
On July 2, 1976, in Gregg v Georgia, the Supreme Court allowed executions to resume in the US. (Not much had changed though)
So every year (for the past 22) people have been gathering from all over the world and the US. Last year we had a couple from Australia and this year a young man from New Zealand. People come for all sorts of reasons. Each evening we have speakers as well: swath row survivors, murder victim family members, family members of the executed, a jury member from a capital case, lawyers, priests. They tell the stories of why they are here and how they got here. Many of them started on the other side of the issue.
On the sidewalks we pass out a pamphlet entitled "Why End the Death Penalty?" Some take it easily, others decline to take it Brut say they agree, some chant "Texas Texas doing it right" as they walk by. Here are some of the facts inside:
Since 1972, 154 wrongly convicted persons have been released. They were all deemed to have had FAIR trials. In Herrera v Collins the Supreme Court ruled that it is constitutional to execute the innocent if they had a fair trial!
It cost 2 to 6 times as much to execute than to incarcerate for life. The cost is weighted in the initial trial and sentencing, not in the appeals process.
The outcome is racist. When the victim is white, the perpetrator is 4 to 11 times more likely to receive the death penalty.
States without the death penalty consistantly have lower murder rates (as do countries that have abolished the death penalty) . In fact, studies show the murder rate increases slightly after a highly publicized execution.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
2015
Dear friends,
As most of you know, I’ve been home from Haiti for over a year and a half discerning what will be my next step/adventure/mission in life. I’ve done odd jobs here in Black Mountain and gone on shorter mission trips: to the Open Door Community in Atlanta to visit my sister and join them in their work with the homeless and against the death penalty, to Malawi with Marion Medical Mission to install wells in villages, to the Los Angeles Catholic Worker House to see their ministry with the homeless on Skidrow, and to a conference on social and ecological justice and how they intertwine.
I now have two upcoming trips! In August, I will join a two week delegation to Kenora, Ontario with Christian Peacemaker Teams. CPT is an organization that offers a nonviolent alternative to war and conflict. It provides support to people committed to nonviolence. Delegation members provide encouragement for communities experiencing violence, challenge violations of human rights and promote active nonviolence to settle disputes. Specifically for this delegation, we will see 1) how corporate clear cut logging of Asubpeeschoseewagong traditional territory has destroyed hunting, trapping, food and medicine gathering activities, 2) how Indian Residential Schools have deeply and negatively impacted families and communities in the area, and 3) how mercury contamination discovered over 40 years ago continues to poison residents. We will meet with indigenous and non-indigenous community leaders and residents to explore these issues, with a goal to plan a public witness/nonviolent action to confront these problems.
This delegation trip is the first step in what could be a 3 year long-term volunteer posting with CPT. When I return I plan to apply to the 4 week training program!
My second trip is back to Africa for 3 weeks, again with Marion Medical Mission helping to install more wells. I know from my last experience with them that the long, dusty days are tough but the smiles, dancing, and celebrations wipe all the feelings of exhaustion away when the well gives up clean water for these villagers. Last year, I helped install 73 wells (providing clean water to approximately 10950 people). I look forward to doing it again!
And so, once again, I am asking for your support. Prayers are most important and needed as I can’t do any of this on my own. Financial support is also helpful and appreciated. Here are my estimated expenses:
$ 725 cost for CPT delegation
$ 725 transportation to Kenora, Canada
$2500 transportation to Africa
$ 400 food and housing
$ 250 vaccines, medication, visa
$4600 total
Checks can be made out to Jessi Stitt and sent to:
Jessi Stitt
203 Tomahawk Ave.
Black Mountain, NC 28711
Or online donations can be made to CPT just be sure to put my name on the memo line!
I will update my blog and give presentations when I return from both trips. Any questions or comments are welcome! 828-674-9113 or jessi.stitt@gmail.com
Thanks for your consideration, prayers and support!
Peace, jessi
As most of you know, I’ve been home from Haiti for over a year and a half discerning what will be my next step/adventure/mission in life. I’ve done odd jobs here in Black Mountain and gone on shorter mission trips: to the Open Door Community in Atlanta to visit my sister and join them in their work with the homeless and against the death penalty, to Malawi with Marion Medical Mission to install wells in villages, to the Los Angeles Catholic Worker House to see their ministry with the homeless on Skidrow, and to a conference on social and ecological justice and how they intertwine.
I now have two upcoming trips! In August, I will join a two week delegation to Kenora, Ontario with Christian Peacemaker Teams. CPT is an organization that offers a nonviolent alternative to war and conflict. It provides support to people committed to nonviolence. Delegation members provide encouragement for communities experiencing violence, challenge violations of human rights and promote active nonviolence to settle disputes. Specifically for this delegation, we will see 1) how corporate clear cut logging of Asubpeeschoseewagong traditional territory has destroyed hunting, trapping, food and medicine gathering activities, 2) how Indian Residential Schools have deeply and negatively impacted families and communities in the area, and 3) how mercury contamination discovered over 40 years ago continues to poison residents. We will meet with indigenous and non-indigenous community leaders and residents to explore these issues, with a goal to plan a public witness/nonviolent action to confront these problems.
This delegation trip is the first step in what could be a 3 year long-term volunteer posting with CPT. When I return I plan to apply to the 4 week training program!
My second trip is back to Africa for 3 weeks, again with Marion Medical Mission helping to install more wells. I know from my last experience with them that the long, dusty days are tough but the smiles, dancing, and celebrations wipe all the feelings of exhaustion away when the well gives up clean water for these villagers. Last year, I helped install 73 wells (providing clean water to approximately 10950 people). I look forward to doing it again!
And so, once again, I am asking for your support. Prayers are most important and needed as I can’t do any of this on my own. Financial support is also helpful and appreciated. Here are my estimated expenses:
$ 725 cost for CPT delegation
$ 725 transportation to Kenora, Canada
$2500 transportation to Africa
$ 400 food and housing
$ 250 vaccines, medication, visa
$4600 total
Checks can be made out to Jessi Stitt and sent to:
Jessi Stitt
203 Tomahawk Ave.
Black Mountain, NC 28711
Or online donations can be made to CPT just be sure to put my name on the memo line!
I will update my blog and give presentations when I return from both trips. Any questions or comments are welcome! 828-674-9113 or jessi.stitt@gmail.com
Thanks for your consideration, prayers and support!
Peace, jessi
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