Friends and Family,
I have always had a passion for babies and children ever since I can remember. God has continued to grow my passion through my brother being born as a preemie, working in Sunday school and now my job as a preschool teacher. In high school, my love for working with kids expanded from babysitting to kids in orphanages around the world.
Since entering college I have been praying that God would show me where I could serve. My heart is to tell kids that I love them, but also that Jesus loves them too. In the last year, God has opened a door for me to go and serve in South Africa. I am excited because I have the opportunity to serve along my friend, Nicole Gillette.
Nicole has been in South Africa for three years now and has had an exciting journey. Back in September, Nicole joined an organization called Refilwe meaning “Gift” in Tswana. She has helped this organization open a baby orphanage called El Roi. I am proud to say I will be volunteering with this organization and will be one of the first international volunteers for the baby house. I am very excited to continue to build this new addition to their organization. The house is zoned for 28 babies and there will be around 6 babies when I get there, and will continue to grow.
Here is a little bit about the organization I will be going with, Refilwe (refilwe.org). Refilwe is a faith based organization located in Lanseria. They have a large piece of property, 40 minutes north of Johannesburg, where they support the local community as well as take in orphans in a foster-care like system. Most of the people in the community are plagued by HIV/AIDS, unemployment, limited education, lack of skills & poor housing. A great number of these people do not have access to clean water, electricity or basic social services. One of the unique ways that Refilwe stuck out to me as an organization is that they place the orphans into a loving family. They have God-parents that live on the Refilwe property and take up to 6 children and incorporate them into a structured family environment.
As I approach my senior year in college, my parents and my mentor have encouraged me to take a short break from school to go on this journey before I finish college and enter the work force. I will be leaving on June 19, 2013, and returning December 27, 2013 from my 6 month journey to South Africa. There has been overwhelming support from my family, my work place and the faith community I am involved in at Valley Bible Church (VBC). I am really looking forward to seeing how this trip is going to change my life. I know that not everyone is able to go to Africa and serve, so I would love for you to take this journey with me by supporting me.
There are a few ways you can support me.
Prayer Requests:
- Safety and strength physically, emotionally, and spiritually
- That I have a servant’s heart and a constant reminder to be the hands and feet of Jesus
- Good health
- That I continue to trust God and find great joy in Jesus in my journey
Financial support:
I need to raise approximately $9,000 to cover my expenses for the 6 months I will be serving in Refilwe. Please consider supporting me in one of 2 ways. First, you can give a one time gift of support. Second, you can give monthly. Any amount would be greatly appreciated.
I was thinking and praying about your motivation for supporting me over this time and this crossed my mind. Not only will your support directly affect the formation of me as a person for the rest of my life, but it will affect the children I will be working with as I serve “the least of these” that Jesus talks about in Matthew 25. I hope that you will give this serious prayer and consideration.
Should you decided to support me please do the following.
- Let me know of your decision and the amount that you can commit by emailing me at whitinafrica@gmail.com and sending a note with your first check and let me know whether this is a monthly commitment or a one time gift.
- Send your support in the form of a check made out to VALLEY BIBLE CHURCH .... And mail to me
Whitney Eitzen
6140 Kavala Court
Pleasanton, CA 94566
All checks will be processed and administered though Valley Bible Church and will be tax deductible for you.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my letter. I also thank you for being a valuable part of my life!
Whatever you feel you can do to support my journey to South Africa is greatly appreciated!
Love,
Whit
PS: I would love it if you would follow my adventures at my blog
