My First Blog

Hey My first blog! hmm... not much to say! Am currently on the phone whilst typing this so I have no idea how this stuff works! This blog has been set up so I can speak about what I will be doing in South Africa in summer 2005 Suppose I could start off with telling you a bit about Soapbox - the charity who I will be working with: Taken from their website http://www.soapboxtrust.com/ "Soapbox specialises in taking teams on practical aid and mission projects to some of the poorest areas of the world. We are a Christian organisation but do not proselytise and we are not sectarian. We believe in earthing our faith by demonstrating God's love through practical, caring action. Soapbox Short-Term Projects is a part of a registered charitable trust that specialises in taking teams on practical aid and mission projects to some of the poorest areas of the world. Skilled and unskilled people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life have been on our projects since their launch in 1993.We are a Christian organisation but do not proselytise and we are not sectarian. We believe in earthing our faith by demonstrating God's love through practical, caring action. We believe firmly in the validity and effectiveness of short-term projects and would encourage you to think about the possibility of joining us on one of these life-changing experiences.Every year, Soapbox gives hundreds of people the opportunity to serve in third-world countries. We have built clinics, feeding centres, vocational training units, classrooms and multi-purpose facilities in some of the poorest locations on earth. We have conducted health education and basic medical care programmes. We have also been involved with culturally sensitive mission, supporting the work of local churches worldwide.Currently we are working in South America, Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia. We keep our running costs to a minimum and our budgets tight - and yet Soapbox is one of the largest short-term service agencies of it's kind in Europe with a track record spanning some ten years.Soapbox turns good intentions into practical action - and it works for teams and those we go to serve! The conditions people live in need to be seen to be believed. Overcrowded; little or no sanitation; no clean water; pollution and disease; children dying of curable diseases - you name it! We do not build concrete jungles, destroying communities and imposing our western lifestyles on people! We are concerned about basic human rights - clean water, good nutrition, proper sanitation, medical facilities, education and tender loving care. We are a voice for those who cannot fend for themselves. We give people tools to stand tall, live right, feed their families and bring hope in a world of despair. You can be part of this and you can make a difference!" Will post another blog with the information about the Ecuador trip TTFN!