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Monday, October 1, 2012

This time for Africa!


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