We have now been in South Africa for just over 2 weeks and are now feeling settled. We are all moved into our little flat (like a bachelor pad - kitchen, bedroom, living room are all in one small space and although I have only a hot plate to cook on, we are incredibly thankful that we have our own space as well as clean drinking water, a shower and electricity – most of the time). In short, it feels so good to be home in Africa; to be soaking up the heat and peacefulness of it all…God is so good and we feel blessed to be in a place like this; surrounded by people who love us and are as passionate about this work as we are.
Now as you have probably guessed, South Africa will be our home base for a season (kind of a sweet and sour thing for us…for as we look forward to finding our place here, our hearts are busy missing our friends in Zambia). In any case, there is a need here and so we have been asked is to support our South African communities as well as take up some other roles like organizing international teams and supporting Care Worker Trainers. We will also be working with several communities in Swaziland and Zimbabwe which should open up opportunities to travel and get to know those countries as well (exciting!!) You will definitely be hearing more about our experiences in the months to come…
In addition to our updates, it is my goal to post a photo each week on Friday's to help provide even more insight into our lives here (please hold me to this if I have forgotten!! Things get crazy busy here, but I want to make sure I am accountable for this we believe communication with our families, friends and supporters is very important). Hope all is well in Canada…
Lots of love to you all,
-a
Support Opportunities & New Video
Still not totally sure what we are doing in Africa? Check out this out.
Want to know an easy way to support us? Join our "Be the Change" Project HERE!
Together We Stand from Tyler & Alicia Ralph on Vimeo.
Fundraiser a Success...Thank you!
We just wanted to give another HUGE thank you to all of our friends and family who made this event an amazing success! We are indebted to: Tim who provided the beautiful venue and supported us through the planning of the event; Carrie-Ann, Chris and Laura who donated their time to serve al of our guests; Siobhan and Chef Morgan at Fireside for all the work they did to provide delicious food and drink...s; Heather, Joanna, Lara, Nicole and Tessa for taking time arrange deserts, set up, collect tickets and put out fires . Also thank you to all of those who donated silent auction items and to Chikoro Marimba Band for playing fantastic Zimbabwean music. And last but not least, thank you to everyone who was there in body and in spirit. We love you and are so blessed to have you walking this journey with us!
our "giving page" is now live!
Sooo, we have finally set up a GIVING PAGE for anyone who wants to partner with us on our journey back to Africa. It is really simple, all you have to do is click on the link below and away you go.http://www.canadahelps.org/GivingPages/GivingPage.aspx?gpID=14876
We have forecasted the cost of our trip, including living expenses and transportation to and from South Africa and the country we will be serving in, at about $25,000. Any amount will be a huge blessing, not only to us, but also to the thousands of children who are in need across Southern Africa. Any donations exceeding our required living and travel costs will go directly to Hands at Work.
Plus ALL donations are TAX DEDUCATABLE (which is super cool for you) - you will receive a electronic tax receipt immediately following your donation.
thanks so much for your support!
