The beginning of my new beginning

Well, here goes I guess. I've never started a blog before nor did I ever think I would have ever one but I figured it was the best way to reach all of you back at home. Instead of bothering you all with mass e-mails I thought a blog would give you the freedom to check up on me whenever you want to. Feel free to (please) send me e-mails and keep me updated on home especially about the election, the Cubs (Century World Series?), the new season of The Office, and all of the magnificent things going on in your lives. There are so many births, engagements, birthdays, and new careers that I cannot wait to hear all about! My permanent e-mail is jstelz86@gmail.com .

I couldn't be more blessed with the people in my life. I couldn't be prouder to say that my friends and family are the most supportive and wonderful people I have ever met. My life hasn't been most conventional, nor has it been the smoothest journey, but I know that there is no possible way I could have ever deserved everything I have received. Both tangible and intangible, my life has been filled with beauty, pleasure, excitement, and education. I have two very different parents who have contributed to very different aspects of my persionality, both of which I feel have led me to this path in life. Karma would only dictate that after everything I have been given, it is time to give back. And so...to Cape Town I go.

To keep this at a reasonable length, I'll let you do your own investigation about my destination. My program is called Cross Cultural Solutions and it is run out of New York. I will be volunteering in the urban area of Cape Town, South Africa. Before you jump to conclusions and call South Africa "White Africa" or "Rich Africa" keep this in mind- Apartheid only ended around 40 to 50 years ago and much of South Africa remains in deep poverty since so many of the townships were destroyed during their country's most shameful period of time. In the end I would most like to be able to assist in the human rights arena in Northern Africa where a mass genocide is taking place. But at this point in the time I don't think the world is ready for me to go to such a dangerous place. I need to become accustomed to this culture and this mentality before I put myself in a risky situation like that. So for now I will be in Cape Town from August 30-October 28 working at an educare program for 2-5 year old. The Luthando Educare program is a young daycare (creche) in the poor township of Guguletu. I will be assisting teachers and working to implement programs they currently have in place. I will also be collaboratively working with the creche to creatively enrich the support services they offer while facing the challenges of a limited budget and limited resources. I couldn't be more excited to run around with little tator tots all day and learn to speak a new language. I have a feeling these children will teach me more than I can ever give to them. Again, what a blessing in my life.

This trip, however, was not easy to pull off. It would have never happened without the genorousity of my closest friends and family. I want to take this opportunity to really thank them and give them the credit they deserve.

-Our longtime Fremont Family members (from the Class of 2000) and dearest friends: The Coslet Family, the Corning Family, the Clift Family, the Hutchison Family
-My former teachers: Jill Leibsker and Steve Jordan (another international volunteer)
-Our family friends and support systems: The Pulver Family, The Pearl Family, the Simms Family, the O'Connor Family, and the Flynn Family
-Our lifelong family dentist: Dr. & Mrs. Mui
-Our synagogue: Congregation Beth Judea
...And of course, our true family and my most treasured gifts of all: The Galbavy Family and Barbera Harris

With your help I was able to raise $855-nearly 20% of my trip!

I'll be posting once (if not twice) a week so please keep checking back. I'll figure out if I can add pictures and if I cannot then I'll create a Flicker website so you can check on the pictures there. I love you all so much and I hope you'll keep me in your thoughts while I'm gone. Two months may be a short time but I think in 'abroad years' that's gotta be at least a decade. Keep in close touch, look out for postcards, and I'll see all when I get back.

((and if anyone knows about a job opening or an apartment for rent downtown in early November you be sure to let me know!))