Placement description

In September this year I am going to be going away with the Christian charity Latin Link on a 'Stride' placement for 8 months.

To begin with I am going to be living in Guatemala, Antigua, where I will be learning spanish intensely for 1 or 2 months, depending on how quickly my language develops. I will be learning in the spanish school 'La Unión' and living with a host family about a 2 minute walk away.

After my time in Antigua, when my language is decent enough to get by on, I am going to be living in Guatemala, San Cristobal, working in a women’s refuge that works with escapist domestic violence victims and their children. I will be looking after the children whilst their parent receives counselling and legal support as well as helping with the maintenance of the refuge by helping out with jobs such as the cooking and cleaning. On top of this, the refuge runs a jewellery workshop where it teaches the women to make jewellery which it then sells to give the women a wage as well as to help with the running of the project, so I will be taking part in this area also.

 With plans to become a social worker, this gap year is not only going to be a great experience, and a chance to immerse myself in another culture, but will provide me with an opportunity to practice and develop the skills that will be required of me for my future career path.

 I am very passionate about God and willing to follow him where he wants me. He is the one that is taking me on this crazy adventure! During my gap year I aim to live for him 100%, bringing hope to many people through the good news of his love. I will be posting prayer requests on this blog throughout my gap year, so if you pray - I'd love your prayer power on my side :)

 As well as supporting me by reading this blog, if you feel that you are able to support me financially you can find out more and donate at:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ellesgapyear2012

If you would like to find out more about Latin Link you can go here:
http://www.latinlink.org/International/Home

Thanks for reading, if you have any questions please feel free to comment and I'll reply as soon as I can!

First post!

So here we are, the first of many many posts on my blog!

Whilst there is still some time before I actually jet off to Guatemala, I figured it would be good to set this blog up ready, which I will keep updated with the progressions of my gap year coming together!

I hope that this blog will act as a important connection between myself and all those I love and those who are supporting me at home.

Ill leave this post as it is for now, however I hope to be writing again soon with updates for you all!

To the next year!

Elle Deakin :)