Sara Hendershot, NZ Spring 02

Q: Describe the work you are currently doing. What are your responsibilities?

A: I’m helping to establish a farm at an orphanage in Burkina Faso, West Africa. About 250 children between the ages of 5 and 15 reside here 9 months of the year. There is a school on the premises, as well. The goal of the farm is to eventually provide all the nutritional needs for the children, to teach them basic agricultural principles, as well as to produce a surplus that can be sold in the market to generate an income for general maintenance of the orphanage.

My responsibilities involve leading a team of 8 farm workers through daily tasks and teaching them techniques and principles of sustainable farming. The rainy season is very short here – basically mid-June until mid-September. During this time the staple grains – maize, sorghum, rice, and millet - are grown. Our rice crop is thriving, and the maize is decent. In about a month we’ll begin harvesting. During the dry season, we will attempt grow vegetables using drip irrigation. We’ve already utilized a plethora of used tires to make gardens, terraced hillsides with rocks for erosion control, and planted 2,000 trees around the main field to serve as a living fence.

Q: Why are you excited about it?

A: This farm is just getting off the ground. It’s a blank canvas. There are no preconceived ideas or structure for how we go about our work. This freedom is a blessing as well as a challenge. I’ve never done anything like this before and it’s also is my first experience in Africa. Therefore, I feel very unqualified to be in charge of such a task. But a wise person told me, “God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.” There will certainly be failures, but we’ll learn from each one. We’ve observed local farmers and have tried to network with other projects in the vicinity to see what’s been done and what has been successful. It’s exciting to be part of the farm at its formation and see the progress that’s being made.

Q: Why have you chosen it?

A: My heritage of growing up on a 5th generation dairy farm has instilled a love of agriculture. As my worldview expanded globally throughout college, I learned about the challenges many of the poor face in providing food for themselves and their families. I was able to study tropical agriculture at ECHO as an intern for a year. Here we learned subsistence farming principles applicable to the most challenging terrains and climates, such as hillside terracing, semi-arid farming, monsoon conditions and urban gardening.

God opened the door to come to Burkina when I finished my year at ECHO. I was eager to get more international experience and was open to going pretty much anywhere. However, I never dreamed I would end up in Africa! Working at an orphanage was what initially appealed to me. I love kids and thought it would be a great opportunity to educate young people on the importance of good farming practices and nutrition.

Q: In what ways does your current work (and life in general) relate to your experiences and learning from your days with CCSP?

A: During our Sustainable Development course, we learned about lifeboat ethics. I was continually plagued by the question, “Why did I get a seat in the lifeboat?” I had been given many wonderful opportunities to travel and see much of the world. So how was I supposed to use those experiences to serve God? It amazes me to look back and see how each step has led me to where I am. CCSP was a foundational part of my decision and desire to pursue agricultural missions.
The reading lists for our classes were well-chosen! Reading Wendell Berry’s writings challenged my perspective of agriculture. Walking with the Poor presented a new view of how to go about development work. For the Beauty of the Earth was a thorough look at our responsibility as stewards of the creation. Through these books and coursework, I began to see the how minutely interconnected each of us are with the rest of the world.
I have been able to share with my fellow co-workers about the importance of caring for the creation. There really are no trashcans here. I cannot generalize that for all of Africa, but where I’ve been they’ve been invisible to me. We planted 2,000 trees this week. The guys are accustomed to discarding of the plastic sacks into the bushes. I carried a trash bag with me to collect the sacks as they casually tossed on the ground. Initially they stared at me with puzzled expressions, but I explained the importance of being responsible caretakers of the gifts God has given us. Now they help me collect the trash.
I also don’t throw eggs on the ground anymore.


Q: What are some lessons learned from the CCSP experience?

A: Developing a sense of place has become a major part of my adjustment to settling into a new environment. I have a broader perception of my surroundings and am able to evaluate social conditions by observing specific indicators, such as construction materials, means of transportation, and availability of education and health care.
Journaling is still an important part of processing thoughts and emotions. Though my journals are not as colorful and expressive as they were in New Zealand, they’re more interesting to go back and read than they were prior to CCSP!
I still often make reference to my emotional state of being on the U-curve!

Q: What else is filling your time? Church participating, other ministry, local invovlement, travel plans, etc.

A: Without transportation, it’s difficult to be involved in many other activities. I’m currently working on my first patchwork quilt. There’s also the language training – I get tutored in French 3 days a week. I came here knowing about 2 French phrases! Acquisition of the tribal language, Moore, is also progressing slowly. Several people have expressed interest in learning English, so I may begin tutoring others, as well.
Here are some of the quality books I’ve read since coming: Mere Christianity, CS Lewis, Biblical Holism and Agriculture , David Evans, et al (strongly recommended for anyone interested in agriculture.) Working with the Poor, Bryant L Myers (not quite finished, but Walking with the Poor was so good, I knew this one would surely be a winner.) The Price of a Dream, David Bornstein (story of the Grameen Bank, a microfinance institution started in Bangladesh), Essential French Grammar, Seymour Resnick (Not recommended for pleasure reading, but it’s surely been a help in learning French!)

Melissa Harding, CCSP Student, Belize Fall 2002

Q: Describe the work you are currently doing…

A: I am in my second year of serving with Americorps *VISTA. With Americorps you apply specifically for the program and are chosen by the site. I am working as the Recycling Coordinator for the City of Selma, my home town. Basically I am in charge of the entire recycling program for the city. I do outreach and education which includes designing and mailing brochures, attending community events, classroom and community presentations and writing articles in local publications. I visit businesses and apartment complexes to start up new recycling programs and coordinate that with the City's hauler. Once they are in place I do education and provide follow up assistance. I am in charge of coordinating an Earth Day celebration for the City of Selma. The celebration includes: speaker, music, entertainers, informational (environmental) booths, earth-friendly crafts, environmentally educational games, a recycled art contest is displayed and awarded at the event and a tree planting and a raffle of recycled products. The event is free to the community. I also write grants for the program and am in charge of implementation.


Q: In what ways does your current work relate to your experiences and learning from your days with CCSP?

A: I am a volunteer technically so I don't earn very much money. The decision to take this position was certainly influenced by my desire to live simply. Also I get to conserve and teach others about conserving God's creation through recycling and other waste reduction type stuff.

Q: What else is filling your time?

A: I spend a lot of time working with my church. We started doing 24 hours of prayer on the first Saturday of the month. On the second Saturday we have a rest home ministry where we basically go and hang out with and love on seniors that are often quite forgotten. I am in charge of service projects. Most recently we did this project called Love Paints where we volunteered for a weekend to paint and elderly low income family's home. Soon we will be doing a river clean-up.

Jill Stoneberg - CCSP Belize Staff 2003

JillStoneberg
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

Q: Describe the work you are currently doing. What organization are you working with?

A: Community Energy, Inc - a wind energy marketer and developer, located just outside of Philadelphia in Wayne, PA. We sell wind energy and other fuel-free energy sources through utility partnerships and by direct sales to residential and commercial customers. Most of our wind farms are located in the mid-Atlantic and in New York - but anyone can purchase wind energy from us, no matter where they live! Community Energy has worked with several colleges and student groups (including Eastern University and Messiah College) to encourage and promote wind energy purchases.

Q: What are your responsibilities?

A: We are a small company, so we all wear many hats - which means the learning curve since I came on staff has been huge! I have had exposure to many different facets of the business and the world of marketing clean energy. I started out in customer service and sales support, answering phones and explaining to people the benefits of purchasing wind energy. Some of the questions I had to answer were comical at times (No, a wind turbine does not have to go on your roof!) but overall very encouraging. It really helped me to gain perspective on people's perception of wind energy and how people see their role in creating a sustainable energy future. Some people would call in and not have the faintest idea of how electricity got to their home, and were hearing about clean, wind energy for the first time. Others would call in and be so excited to purchase wind energy that they wanted materials to give to all of their friends.

Now that I have been here a year, my responsibilities have rapidly progressed and I currently have a position as "marketing manager." Although, I am still trying to fully grasp the all the components of this job role (and marketing in general!), I have enjoyed the full immersion and growing responsibilities, some of which include:
- Managing and coordinating design projects (creating brochures, bill inserts, fact sheets, giveaways, etc.) with our graphic designer, printers, mail houses, and partner organizations.
- Facilitating relationships with partner organizations (including the local Philadelphia electric utility) to sell wind energy to residential customers.
-Creating and implementing marketing plans according to budgets and projected sales
-Attending conferences and meetings regarding marketing clean energy
-Assisting the marketing director

Q: Why are you excited about it?

A: Wind energy is the fastest growing energy source in the world! And I am learning so much! The responsibilities I share have sparked in me a keen interest in not only in clean energy, but green marketing and sustainable business. I find a lot of hope in this field and I also know that the skills I am developing will be a great asset no matter where I work. The growing sustainable business network I find myself a part of has endless opportunities and a hopeful future! Fortunately I have also been able to bridge my vocation with my faith by working with other Christians and faith-based communities committed to promoting ethical energy as a part of caring for God's creation.

Q: Why have you chosen it?

A: I feel that I have found a niche where I can apply my vocational interests, further develop my skills, and grow my passions.

In a consumerist culture I believe that it is essential that businesses reorganize around new measures of progress to include impacts on people the planet (and we are already seeing this happen with major corporations!) It is very exciting to me to see the environmental movement become more main-stream as more-and-more people become educated and aware of how corporate practices and purchase decisions shape society.

People make up society and are the ones that drive the market place and the major corporations that impact the world. I have hope that the system we have created is redemptive. This hope flourishes every time a person signs up their business or home for wind energy! Our company has a mission to build more wind farms based on consumer demand. It is the individual decisions that have a collective impact.

Q: In what ways does your current work (and life in general) relate to your experiences and learning from your days with CCSP?

A: In short I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for my life changing experiences in Belize! I am forever grateful for the semester I spent there as a student and my later return as a staff member.

While I was a student in Belize (Spring 1999) I finally understood how my passion for the environment was intricately related to my Christian faith. My worldview came together and things in my life that seemed to be at odds, finally made sense!

The impact of living and learning in a supportive, like-minded, loving and creative community has been key in my life moving forward. The impact has guided my decisions as to where I would continue my education, what I would study, and how I would apply my interests and find hope in a broken world. CCSP has imprinted on me the desire to live more consistently with my faith, and to continue seeking the kingdom of God and hope in a restored creation. Although, I often fail in my attempts to live a consistent life, it is with Grace that I accept some hypocrisies, try again, and move forward.

Q: What are some lessons learned from CCSP experiences?

A: Vocation. Believing that God will bridge your desires with vocation.

Being apart of CCSP allowed me to and see and experience how God was using people's dreams and lives to evoke positive change and impact others. The qualified faculty and staff were a prime example to this life of vocation and greatly inspired me while equipping me with knowledge and tools for success. CCSP also exposed me to an even larger Christian Environmental Community that will forever been a huge part in who I am.

-Perspective. Understanding the ecological crisis and the role of the church.

Although I enjoyed all of the CCSP courses, my favorite class was God and Nature. Every class I was anxious to learn more, and my passion grew for greening the church and teaching other Christians about caring for creation.

CCSP has planted a seed that keeps growing and I hope to become even more active in this role in the near future.

-Celebrations. Discovering the joy of unlocking creativity and sharing with others.

Since were living without many of the modern amenities that we usually have in the states, CCSP inspired creativity and meaningful community time. Some of my favorite memories include the celebrations we had with birthday parties, coffee houses, art projects, cultural events, and playing games.

Also, I was inspired to dream and channel my own creativity. I was given an idea book when I was in Belize and was encouraged and inspired to jot down inspirational quotes, ideas, lists of movies to see and books to read, record hopes for the future, etc. I still use this today and it helps me keep into perspective life's little joys!


Q: What else is filling my time? Church participation, other ministry, local involvement, travel plans, etc.

A: As I strive to find more balance between work and play, I am ambitious about filling more of my time with creating a stronger community, getting more involved in a church, and trying a few new things like taking an art class, dance lessons, and more outdoor activities.

I am also looking forward to a return to Belize this Spring!