Prior to being accepted into
WorldTeach Namibia, I had applied to two very similar, but different
organizations. One was Teach for
America, a company that strives to improve education in poverty stricken parts
of America, and the other was WorldTeach, a company that sends volunteers to
third world countries in hopes of assisting with education and meeting local
needs. Teach for America allowed
me to stay state side and make money, while WorldTeach gave me the opportunity
to travel the world, paying my own way.
Obviously there were positives and negatives about both, so a lot of
thought and prayer needed to go into this decision. I prayed earnestly that God would put me where I was
supposed to be and that I would not be offered both, but rather I would be
denied any opportunity that was not right for me. Although this prayer presented conflict because I really
wanted both, I knew my decision would be easier if God was fully in control and
I knew exactly what he expected of me.
On one November evening, I
sat on my couch and checked my email, knowing that it was the night to find out
whether or not I would be staying in America to teach. I was not accepted into Teach for
America, and although I was upset, one of the first things that came to mind
was…“Oh my gosh, I’m going to Africa.”
At this time, I hadn’t even finished my application, but I knew that God
was ultimately in charge and that He put this mission in my heart for a reason. Several months later, after an evening
of tutoring kids in Houston’s third ward, and just before an advertising
meeting (my two professional worlds), I received the news I had been waiting
for. I was going to Namibia,
Africa!
Namibia, Africa is located
in southern Africa and lies along the Atlantic Ocean. The country, which was originally colonized by the Germans,
received independence from South Africa in 1990. In this beautiful country, you can find wild life, the
famous Skeleton Coast, and the Kalahari Desert. As for my personal journey to Namibia, I will be responsible
for a 12-month teaching commitment in one of the local cities/villages. I may live with other volunteers/Peace
Corps members, or I may live alone.
Currently, I am not sure which city I will be placed in or which
subjects I will be given the opportunity to teach. However, I know that no matter where I go and what I teach,
I will be moved by the culture, beauty of the country, and my students.
Before I leave for this
journey in December, I am expected to earn or raise the money needed for
airfare, housing, training, and other small items. This is estimated to be over $6,000 and I am currently on
course to reach nearly $3,000.
However, it is likely that I will need assistance to offset the
remainder. Therefore, I am asking
that you prayerfully consider helping to benefit these children by supporting
my mission. This can be done
through prayer, contributions directly to me, or tax deductable donations to
WorldTeach on my behalf. (If you
choose to make a donation via WorldTeach, go to worldteach.org >> Donate/Pay >> Contribution to Volunteer Fee/In-Country project >> Taylor McLaughlin.) Any
consideration is truly welcomed and certainly appreciated!
I am greatly looking forward
to this chapter in my life and calling.
I hope that you have the ability to actively participate and follow
along in this part of my story.
With all of my love,
Taylor
