Dear Friends and Family, 
A small group from the Mission Year community will be joining the Voices Project and other faith leaders on a pilgrimage to South Africa. When thinking about the work that I've been invested in these past 4 years through Mission Year and this past year in Chicago, I'm anticipating this trip to deepen my understanding of faith, justice, and action. I am eager to enter into spaces where I can learn alongside those we'll be connecting with in South Africa, but also those I'll be on the journey with. Looking forward to sharing more about this trip via my personal blog. 

Please consider donating to help me get to South Africa! Any amount big or small will be deeply appreciated. Read below for more details. 

With love,
Rediet

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What: A small, carefully curated group of faith-rooted justice focused leaders from the United States will connect with similar leaders working throughout South Africa for reflection, learning, dialog and collaboration. Sites and leaders we will interact with include the following:

• The Warehouse including staff: Craig Stewart, Rene August, Caroline Powell and others known internationally for innovative community based ministry and support. http://www.warehouse.org.za/

• Fusion Manenberg including Jonathan Jansen, director. Jonathan leads a multi-racial team (radical for South Africa) working with the most vulnerable and oppressed populations in the townships. http://www.fusionmanenberg.org.za/

• Teen Challenge South Africa http://www.teenchallenge.co.za/index.html

• Robben Island visit* with special access and guide Rene August. Robben Island was the island of exile used by various Europeans who colonized South Africa and most famously, the brutal prison of Nelson Mandela and other apartheid freedom fighters. Robben Island is an International Heritage Site and place of deep spiritual reflection. (Optional overnight stay on Robben Island will be available. One day visit (without the overnight) is included in your trip fees.)   http://robben-island.org.za/

• The land and people speak to us in harmony and so we will spend time with both. We will spend time at Table Mountain, the beach and even visit a Cape Town market or two. We will worship with local faith communities, walk the neighborhoods and eat dinner around the table in the homes of new friends. You will have free time, time for personal reflection, exploration and conversation.

Who: A small group of faith-rooted justice focused leaders, including delegates from the Mission Year community, from the U.S. will be joining South Africans working for the same type of justice in their communities to learn from and encourage each other. 

Where: We will be visiting sites in Cape Town and surrounding areas and have a guided visit to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years imprisoned as a political prisoner.

When: We will depart from Atlanta, USA on Monday, November 28, 2016 and leave Cape Town on Monday, December 5, 2016 in the evening.

Why: To learn, dialog, exchange ideas, be inspired, be challenged, grow as leaders and individuals and connect with others engaged in the faith-rooted movement for justice around the world.

Cost: NOTE: I am fundraising $1,600 of the $2,500 total trip cost to cover the cost of my international airfare. Anything I raise above that will go towards covering other expenses for this trip.

Additional expenses could include: snacks, meals while in airports, personal purchases, souvenirs, tips, financial gifts to the communities we visit if you choose, etc.

Thank you for your support!