Current Proceedings

Hello everyone!

Thank you to those who were able to attend my presentation last week! And thank you to all the people who have been so generous in their financial support. I am ecstatic to announce that my current standing in fundraising is $4,602.28!!! I am almost there! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

The day after I gave my presentation I went on a trip to New York with a couple of my close friends, Allison  Hencke and Kristen Anhalt to visit our mutual friend Joey Stamp, see the sights and attend a Mumford and Sons concert. It was a really great week. I had stressed so much in preparation for my presentation that getting away from it all was a huge blessing. We got back in town on February 13th and I jumped right in the next morning with the rest of my preparation for leaving on the 4th of March. Since being home I have accomplished a handful of things that I'd like to share with you!

First thing in the morning on Valentine's Day I went and got vaccinations. I got Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. The doctor explained that the Malaria vaccination isn't currently available but it's really a non-issue because Johannesburg does not lie in the malaria stricken parts of South Africa. At his recommendation I talked to Seth and Merrishia and they have access to an anti-malaria pill in case we should happen to travel into those parts of the country. I also don't need to get the Yellow Fever shot because South Africa doesn't have that disease. If I was going to transfer flights in one of the countries in the Yellow Fever belt, I would have had to get it. As I will not enter any of those countries the Yellow Fever shot is unneeded.

I booked my flights. I will leave O'Hare on March 4th at 4:30pm, transfer in Amsterdam after a 7 1/2 hour flight and spend another 10 hours and 55 minutes in the air from Amsterdam to Johannesburg. On the return flight, when I will leave at 10:30pm from Johannesburg, I will have two transfers, the first in Paris and the second in Amsterdam. Taking in the time difference and amount of time spent in the air, I will touch down at O'Hare at about 2:30pm on June 1st. I am very grateful that God orchestrated the past two months to include flying twice to New York from various locations, having to transfer flights and dealing with cancelled flights because I am now comfortable with flying and feel no fear about that aspect of  the adventure.

I found out that it is very easy to be issued an international driver's permit. I just have to go to the local AAA agency with a completed application form found on their website, two passport photos, a driver's licence and 15 US Dollars. I filled out the application and will make copies at church tomorrow and try to hit up the AAA on Monday!

I asked my friend Allison Hencke for some help looking into the VISA situation. According to the official website for the South African Consulate General people who will be in South Africa for less than 90 days are not required to hold a VISA. We counted twice and I will be in South Africa for 88 days. Hooray! I called the office to confirm this and had to leave a message, but I will try again on Monday.

I bought a outlet adapter so that I can take my computer and charge my camera and other electronic devices I'll have with me

Well, that is it for now! Please keep praying and watching my blog! If you haven't sent any financial support yet please consider it! I'm almost there but I still need a few hundred more dollars!

In Christ!
Alison

Presentation Recap

I gave my presentation last evening! It was decently attended and we have a great time trying out the South African cookies I experimented with making. My personal favorite were the Chocolate Pepper cookies.

I will post pictures up here last this afternoon, but I wanted to share that my current total for funds is $1,880. That plus my own money will put me over the $2,000.00. If you look at my breakdown of funds you will see that I have enough money right now to get me to South Africa and fund the "Personaly Pocket Money" expenses. But you will also see that I need another $3,000.00 for the "Host Family Stipend". I have no fear that God will provide, but I ask you for your help.

Please, if you have not already donated, please prayerfully consider a donataion to help me go to South Africa to serve a church with the gifts and passions God has given me.

Thank you!

How to Support!

I want to thank you all in advance for any and all financial support you send my way! Firstly, please note the breakdown of funds and the total support needed.

Airfare and Traveler’s Insurance  $1,500.00

Personal Pocket Money*               $500.00

Stipend for Host Families**         $3,000.00

TOTAL                                     $5,000.00

Financial support is acceptable in either cash or check form. Checks can be made out to me personally or to my church, First Baptist Church (please put my name on the memo line). Eventually, all of the money will be deposited in the business account of indiAfrique and they will oversee the distribution of my funds accordingly over the course of my internship with Jeshua Community Church.

Unfortunately, indiAfrique is NOT a non-profit organization and therefore First Baptist Church cannot claim a status of tax-deductible on the collection. The church treasurer says First Baptist will still collect donations for me and will let the individual donors decide for themselves about claiming a tax-deduction for this donation. 

Please send your financial support to either

Alison Ott

60 Clarke Drive

Dubuque, IA 52001

or 

First Baptist Church

2143 Judson Drive

Dubuque, IA 52001

Thank you all for your love and support. God Bless!

Alison

*I am required to pay for my own toiletries, internet, phone airtime, extra meals, and possibly some of the supplies for the skits I will do with the youth at the church. It is not just pocket money for souvenirs.

**The stipend for the host family will cover living expenses, all meals, transportation as needed and an additional gift for the service of housing me. Many of the families I will stay with do not have a large income and it will be a wonderful opportunity to bless them with a generous monthly financial gift.