It all started with a Gingerbread House...

Someone recently asked me where my interest in Habitat for Humanity started. It took me by surprise, as I really didn’t know. I’ve had a chance to reflect and I'd say that my general interest started when I was a teenager. First, helping build our family home...and thanks to gyp-rock, sub-flooring and what felt like an endless supply of roof shingles, this chick learned how to swing a hammer. J Also, I completely fell in love with travel. In part, due to a gift of an annual subscription to National Geographic magazine, a grandmother that encouraged me to spin a globe and tell stories of far-away places, a teacher that taught world history with passion, and my first sponsor child, from Colombia, who wrote letters and whose pictures I still have.  

The Poirier Family Gingerbread House, 2010

In December 2009, I was helping arrange a corporate luncheon for about 100 guests and was tasked with finding holiday-themed, appreciation gifts. That year, Habitat PEI was having a gingerbread house fundraising campaign and my employer liked my idea of holiday gifts that gave back to the local community. I didn’t know it at the time, but that was a defining moment and started my Habitat for Humanity journey.  

The following holiday season, I was on the Habitat for Humanity website looking for another gingerbread opportunity and happened to view details regarding the Global Village program. What happened next was surreal, as I found myself applying to build a home in Kenya! I completed my first phone interview on Dec 27th, 2010, and I must say that the timing and the numerous preparation details that followed, felt...fated, as everything just seemed to fall into place. Since then, I have volunteered with Habitat PEI (including a Women’s Build and a Father’s Day Build), helped create awareness for local events (thank you Island Family Magazine!), my children have participated in building Habitat bird houses, and we’ve donated items and refinished/re-purposed furniture from the Habitat Restore. It is safe to say, that I believe in their purpose. Everyone deserves a decent and safe place to live.

Habitat Iqaluit, Nunanut, 2013

Should you be interested in donating items to Habitat for Humanity or looking to shop for gently used furniture, please check-out your local Restore (location directory here).

For more information about how to get involved on Prince Edward Island, please see the Habitat PEI website. They may not have a gingerbread house fundraiser this year, but I will be forever grateful for the lil’holiday tradition made of cookies-n-candy that lead me to volunteer and build homes around the world. It has been a life changing journey with many truly amazing gifts. I’m looking forward to the build in Lesotho, and I sincerely thank everyone for your kindness, encouragement and support.

Happy Holidays!

♥ jp

PS – For more information about sponsoring the Habitat Lesotho build, please see My Fundraising Page. Thank you!!

Fundraising Update...and more!

In exactly 100 days, I will be travelling to a small, alpine country in southern Africa to volunteer as part of the Orphaned and Vulnerable Children project with Habitat for Humanity Lesotho. Until recently, it has been difficult to envision. About a week ago, our team received additional information regarding the build experience from a previous team leader for Habitat for Humanity USA. Andrea's team was based in the capital city of Maseru and travelled daily to the build site located in a small, rural village (pictured). Can you imagine living here? What would daily life be like? Is there access to clean water, electricity, health care, an education, or a reliable source of income? Imagine living here as one of the estimated 180,000 Basotho children that has lost one or both parents. Our team may not yet know where we will be building, but when I visualize where we are going, this is it. 

What have I learned about Lesotho?

Education in Lesotho is undergoing reform. The country now spends a higher proportion of its GDP on education than any other country in the world. It also has a literacy rate between 75-90%. While a primary education is now free, universal and compulsory, secondary school education is not, and as of 2012 was attended by only 25-35% of 13-17 year olds. For more information, see: Unicef

As part of my preparation for this trip, I have taken the opportunity to learn more about HIV/AIDS. As Lesotho has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the world, I contacted AIDS PEI for their suggestions regarding standard precautionary measures, mainly as we will be on a build site with a slightly higher risk of injury. As anticipated, universal first-aid practices apply. Thank you Angele, for your assistance and for your dedication to our island community.


Fundraising for the house build has been progressing very well, in part, due to a recent family garage sale. Who knew that our lil'artificial Christmas tree would one day help build a house in Africa! The garage sale funds raised so far, $480!! Online donations are presently at 41% of my fundraising goal!! Thank you!

As the Christmas season is upon us, I’ve decided to offer a present! All sponsorship donations of $20 or more, received before December 31st, will be entered into a draw for a $50 Tim Horton's gift card! Just a little thank you for your generosity and support...because you are warming my heart, the least I can do is warm-up yur'mug. Good luck and cheers to a very Happy New Year!    ♥ jp


To sponsor the build, see: My Fundraising Page

Habitat for Humanity Lesotho - Housing Program Presentation

Earlier this week, I received our first team newsletter which included references to our orientation material, reminders regarding travel health, airfare reservations and our upcoming check-lists. As well, I received a brief summary of the Vulnerable Group Housing Program from Habitat for Humanity Lesotho. The presentation provided an overview of the county's immense challenges and housing needs, as well as their program objectives, interventions and progress. Please, take a few minutes to read though the slides below. I did....and this volunteer is ready to build.    ♥ jp

To support our team and contribute to helping build a family a home, see: My Fundraising Page 

Pinch me, this can't be real!

There are so many updates to share, I'm not sure where to begin!

Let's start with the fantastic news...our team is confirmed! Whoohoo!! Our group consists of twelve volunteers, from across Canada, and so far it looks like I'll be represent'in the East Coast as many are from Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way
that respects and enhances the freedom of others." - Nelson Mandela

More fantastic news! As soon as our team was confirmed, we were given permission to book our flights. After researching many online options, I contacted The Travel Store to confirm a flight reservation. My very awesome travel consultant not only found availability for an amazing airfare but also a more convenient itinerary! Plus, she made it possible for me to include a quick stop-over in a dream destination. I have thirty hours to explore Cape Town, South Africa! As I have been a National Geographic wannabe-photographer since childhood, I am beyond excited to watch the wild, waddling tuxedos of Boulders Beach! Strangely though, the first place I hope to experience is a remote island prison. Robben Island has become "a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity" and I am grateful to have the opportunity to walk through the history within those walls.

Last week, we received an update from our group leader that we will no longer be the first Canadian Habitat for Humanity team in Lesotho as another team of volunteers will be arriving at the end of January. Initially, they had been scheduled to build in Ethiopia but were redirected due to security concerns at their original destination. While it was slightly disappointing news for our team, it will provide us with an opportunity to receive valuable advice prior to our arrival in Lesotho.

In other news, I have contacted the Charlottetown Travel Clinic and it appears that my vaccinations are up to date. I have scheduled an appointment for early in the new year to discuss other precautionary health concerns. 

As well, I have double checked the official travel advice issued by the Canadian Government for both Lesotho and South Africa and only general advisories and precautions apply.

The next step in the process is beginning the fundraising campaign for the volunteer portion of the trip! I am still working on the final details of my personal fundraising page with Habitat for Humanity, but the web-page should be available shortly. Having said that, I have already received my first donation of $100! Thank you Momma!  ♥ jp

Global Village - Trip Schedule

Do you believe that it is better to give than to receive?
Do you have a desire to explore the road less travelled?
Do you feel a need to help make a difference in the world and pay good fortune forward?
Do you have a strong sense of adventure?
Do you have an open heart and a willingness to work alongside others to expand your horizons?

"If you have answered yes to all of the above, join us in Lesotho to participate with other kindred spirits in building a safe, decent and affordable home for a family in Lesotho. No previous construction experience is necessary; just a willingness to work hard and to be a team player.
I am looking for team members who are positive, adventurous, flexible, culturally-sensitive and have a good sense of humour. If you seek an exciting and challenging trip and have a desire to immerse yourself in the culture and hospitality of the local community while accomplishing something worthwhile, this is the trip for you!" - Habitat Website

Our Trip Schedule...

• Sat, March 4 - Participants arrive in Johannesburg; overnight.
• Sun, March 5 - In transit to Habitat for Humanity Lesotho affiliate; Settle into Accommodations; Orientation
• Mon-Fri, March 6-10 - Build Days
• Sat, March 11 -  Build 1/2 day; Cultural Activities
• Sun, March 12 - Cultural Activities
• Mon, March 13 - Build Day
• Tue, March 14 - Build Day (1/2); Farewell & House Dedication
• Wed, March 15 - R&R Kruger National Park (South Africa)
• Thu, March 16 - R&R Kruger National Park (South Africa)
• Fri, March 17 - R&R Kruger National Park; Travel to Johannesburg; Farewell Team Dinner
• Sat, March 18 - Participants Depart for Home/Onward Travel


Meet Our Team Leader: Tanya McMurdo

"I have been involved with Habitat for Humanity for approximately 15 years through volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Toronto, as a staff member with the Global Village program and as a volunteer Global Village team leader. Travel is one of my greatest passions in life – I love travelling to new places, meeting new people, exploring new cultures and experiencing it all firsthand. I have had the pleasure of leading Global Village trips to El Salvador, Zambia, Paraguay, Tajikistan, Portugal, Vermont, Kenya, Nepal, Vietnam, Armenia and now Lesotho. I am looking forward to another exciting Global Village journey and meeting those of you who would like to join me on this amazing adventure to Lesotho." - Tanya

The Adventure Has Already Begun...

I'm a planner. I find planning reassuring. A well-executed plan is effective for obtaining your goals and can save time and money, help motivate, avoid disappointment, reduce anxiety, build anticipation and help clarify your future. However, there are times when plans must be altered, or even demolished and rebuilt in order to follow your instincts. There are times when an opportunity presents itself and you must decide to live the adventure.

I had forgotten the days preceding my first Global Village experience. If you are lucky enough to be confirmed early in the process, there is a waiting period. For someone who has spent the greater part of her life planning, organizing, managing time, and juggling the ever changing demands of a career and family, waiting seems more like an endurance test. Not having the answers before making a decision is an active test of faith.

At this point in the process, my Global Village team leader is still interviewing potential participants. I do not know who or how many, from where, or their build experience. It’s too early to know the details of the family we will be helping in Lesotho. I do not know the community where we will be building or the place where we will be staying. We did discuss basic expectations including: the anticipated type of work and work-site safety (which can vary greatly from Canada), the value of a good pair of shoes and gloves, shared accommodation with the possibility of sleeping bags & portable showers, essential & minimalist packing tips, meal expectations (basic with potential for work-site preparation), all travel requirements including documentation, and related health & safety recommendations.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve realized that my sense of adventure was responsible for sending the initial inquiry to Habitat for Humanity for the build in Lesotho. My experience, listened carefully to the details provided by the team leader during the phone interview. My instincts, were telling me to research and plan...but my heart made the final decision and confirmed this trip. Any concerns regarding the unknowns are secondary to the belief in the purpose.

Until the entire team is confirmed by the Global Village office, I wait...for additional information and for permission to reserve the flight arrangements. It's a test of patience, flexibility, endurance and faith…and so, the adventure has really already begun.  ♥ jp

Note:

• For more information or to inquire about participating in this build, see: Lesotho - Trip Schedule
• My Habitat Lesotho fundraising page will be made public soon. Please consider making a donation and help build a home for a family in need!

Habitat-itis

Yes, I have Habitat-itis. No, this is not a disease, but rather a term of endearment that participants of Global Village builds understand all too well...it is an infectious feeling that settles into the depths of your soul. I completed my first Global Village build in Kisii, Kenya in 2011. It was a culturally rich, authentic experience that changed the course of my life. It also changed my perspective on our world and left me craving more, which is why I found myself on my second GV build in Iqaluit, Nunavut, in 2013. Those with Habitat-itis know the feeling...it includes checking the Habitat Global Village Canada website for upcoming build opportunities on an ongoing basis. We are always waiting for the right time, the right circumstances, and the right opportunity...mine, just happens to be now.  

Kisii, Kenya - Preparing lunch at the build site!

At the end of August, a build opportunity was posted and I immediately requested additional information. As I read the description two things came to mind. The first, was that I missed Africa - the people, being immersed into another culture, the challenges of the build, the team experience, and my personal growth and perspective lessons. The second, was that this was a special build, in a place that I had rarely heard of. The statistics are heartbreaking and staggering, and I felt myself longing to help.

Children of Lesotho   

What have I learned about Habitat for Humanity Lesotho?

That the housing need in Lesotho is dire...about 68% of the population live in households defined as "poor" with unhealthy conditions due to overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and exposure to the elements. The primary beneficiaries are families with orphans and vulnerable children. Lesotho has the second highest HIV/AIDS adult prevalence in the world with one in four people living with HIV. As a result, Lesotho has the largest percentage of children who have lost one or both parents. Should you be interested in more information about the families that receive assistance, see: Habitat For Humanity Lesotho

Kisii, Kenya - Team farewell ceremony.

On September 25th, I completed my phone interview with Tanya, the Global Village team leader for Lesotho. While we had never met, the conversation felt easy and familiar. As she shared details of the build and what to expect, we also swapped similar stories of our previous builds. By the end of the conversation, I was captivated and desperately trying to contain my eagerness to join the team. Shortly after the phone interview, I received my official confirmation! I was beyond excited to learn that I was invited to join the first Canadian Habitat for Humanity team in Lesotho, Africa!

As I prepare for the journey ahead, I hope to share the experience with you. Should you have any questions, or would like to inquire about joining our team, please don't hesitate to contact me. Should you prefer, you may also view the Global Village Trip Schedule for more information.

Ke a leboha,

Jill