Updates on Language, Funding & Fundraisers!

Well life has been a little hectic since my last post and I am excited to say that it has been all positive things that have cluttered my life!  I have gotten more exciting news about funding from a few different sources (both on and off campus).  One is confirmed and others are in process and one is still being talked about.  I am waiting to name them officially so hopefully within the week I can list them on here!  Paperwork truly is a hassle, but who cares when others are being so great and helping so very much!

My mom is also putting together an amazingly fun fundraiser at my hometown church, Bankston Fork Baptist Church.  It is called "Scrap for a Cause" and it is essentially a scrapbooking party!  I got my mom into scrapbooking quite awhile ago and now it is definitely her passion.  All proceeds go directly to the trip!  If you are in Harrisburg then definitely come out!  It will be a lot of fun and if you don't really scrapbook then don't worry... you can also come and make things like photo albums, shadow boxes, crafts, cards, etc. Plus, there will be a Thirty-One consultant available on-site with some Thirty-One products and a catalog with lots of awesome goodies!  It includes everything: purses, wallets, umbrellas, totes, scarves, shower caddies, etc.  My mom is buying the adorable apron for me since I have recently dubbed myself Susie Homemaker. Part of the sales will be donated to my trip which is really great.  If you don't think Scrapping is your thing, come out anyway for a fun time of fellowship and to browse the products available.  If you won't be in Harrisburg but are still interested in buying a Thirty-One product to help me fundraise, click here and you will be able to see the full catalog!  Feel free to email me with questions, concerns, or to order Thirty-One products or donate to the trip at mbngholson@gmail.com 

SCRAP FOR A CAUSE 

When:    Saturday June 25, 10 am - 5 pm (Come & Go)

Location:    Bankston Fork Baptist Church, Old Rt. 13 

Cost:   $12 to Scrap All Day!  

If you don't want to scrap and are just coming for the fellowship or to shop the Thirty-One products, there is no entry fee.  Concessions will be available!

**A raffle will be held for a basket of scrapbooking supplies as well**

On a side note, my language skills are.... improving. 

I can now say the following in Kinyarwandan: I am hungry; How much does this cost?; I am full; That service is too expensive; That thing is too expensive; I am thirsty;  Are you hungry?; I am looking for.... ; The food is good; Have you eaten?; How are you?

Do you see the trend?  Everything I know how to say revolves around food or shopping.  Welcome to my life....

I am currently in the process of learning how to say the following: I work for.... ; How is your family?; Excuse me; Have a good day; Food; Water; Do you have children; Sorry (sympathy); Repeat; I don't understand; I speak a little Kinyarwandan; Now; Hello; What's up?; I'm fine; Please; Thank you; Goodbye; Yes; No; What is your name?; My name is Mary Brittany; Good; Nice to meet you; You're Welcome.

Good news is that it is coming along.  Whether or not anyone will be able to understand me is something I am trying to not think about.  Seriously though, I think about some of my friends at my University who are foreign and examine their accents. Everyone has heard that beautiful accent that makes you want to pack your bags and travel to that specific country just to listen to that amazing sound every single day.... and then there are the other ones.  The ones who sound as if they are choking out every word and you feel like you are listening to a dying cat speak its last words.... I feel as if people in Rwanda will equate my accent with the latter.  How depressing.