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