Andrea DiCicco - Missionary to South Africa 2008-2009 (Hi everyone!)

In South Africa They Use Wheelbarrows Instead of Wheelchairs

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, I saw a mother pushing her small son into the Clinic in a wheelbarrow. The little boy (maybe 8 years?) had his knee wrapped up, and couldn't put any weight on it at all. My first thought was "I hope they don't get turned away because it's so late in the day (2pm)." This then led me to ask myself, "When did it become acceptable to see little children pushed around in wheelbarrows?" Then I questioned when it became acceptable to turn down medical care to so many people each day.

None of it is okay. And I don't know what to do about it.

What can I do when only one of our four nurses can come to work? What can I do when patients wait all day to see the doctor (who comes two days a week), only to be sent home at the end of the day?

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I'm not a nurse. I'm sorry I'm not a doctor. I'm sorry my area of expertise is filing patient's records and medications (four years library experience is good for something). I'm sorry the only things I'm allowed to do are pre-pack pills, stock shelves, file, answer the phone, and que (line) up the patients waiting to be seen by the doctor. I'm sorry.

Clinic Update

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, we received 49 boxes of stock. My shoulders are still sore. But it's such a blessing that it all came, because we (the Clinic) have been out of very basic things (such as - Tylenol, children's cough suppressant, large gauss pads, and strong pain relievers) for over 3 weeks. The South African government does not seem to have a free, public health clinic at the top of it's list of priorities. But that's just my opinion, and may, or may not be the case.

Each day before walking inside the Clinic, Brittany and I pray. A short list of the things we lift up to God is as follows -

We pray for unity among the Clinic's staff.
We pray against the spirit of darkness and of gossip in the Clinic.
We pray for an atmosphere of light and hope.
We lift up the patients, and ask a special blessing for everyone who comes to the Clinic seeking medical care.
We ask God to be with us.
We pray that we would take the opportunity to witness.
We pray that everyone who looks at us would see Him, and not us.
We pray for courage.
We thank God for the privilege to serve Him in the Clinic.

I guess we spend a long time in prayer each morning, and since I'm about to run out of internet time, I will have to cut the list short.

Much Love, Andrea

Auntie Matilda

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Have I told you about Auntie Matilda? Shame on me, for withholding the joy that comes from knowing her. Auntie Matilda is a 60 yr old little lady, who is like the Mother Theresa of her community. She worked at the Clinic for many years, caring for the patients, and making sure that they were taking their proscribed meds. You'll still find her out in the community making sure that bed ridden patients are getting the care they need.

I love going to spend the afternoon with her. And I'm going to go out on a limb and say the feeling is mutual. Matilda will tell us (Brittany and I) stories all day if we had the time (and didn't have to be out of the townships by 5pm).

Anyway, I just wanted you to know about Auntie Matilda. She is a light in her community, and ministers to my soul. Who knew that so much love could be contained inside such a compact package?

Yesterday, Brittany, Matilda and I wiled away the afternoon, reading Bible verses in her version of the Bible, and then in ours. It's very entertaining, not only to hear the different interpolations of the same word/phase/etc., but also to hear Auntie Matilda's Afrikaans accent. She gave us both kisses and hugs as we were leaving. Do you think she'll adopt me? (Just kidding, don't worry, I'm still coming homeJ

Love, Andrea

Thank You

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I just wanted to thank everyone for all your prayers and support. It makes living so much easier knowing so many people at home care about me. Thank you. Baie Dankie.

Minzana

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Her name was Minzana (affectionately known as Mini), and she passed away a little after 5:00am Monday morning (the 9th). Mini's children have gone to stay with their grandmother 4 hours away from Jeffreys Bay. And since Mini didn't have any other family in J-Bay, thay won't be having the funeral service here ether.

I feel as though all trace of Mini's life has all of a sudden been wiped away. Where's my friend I spent Christmas with? Where's the mother who was so determined to teach her children English so that they could have a better future? Where's the women who, despite being very sick for the past three years, had an unshakable trust in God? Where's the little boy who would giggle during prayers with his mom?

I miss them. I miss Mini.

I'm ashamed that I only went to visit Mini one time while she was in the hospital. One time. And that was the day she was admitted (the 6th).

I have this indescribable pit of loss in my stomach. It feels like I'm at the highest peak of a roller coaster, about to plummet back down.

Minzana was in her 30s. Her 30s.

What is this beast that is HIV?

Prayer Request

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, one of my dear friends took a turn for the worse. She has HIV and TB.

I don't know how she got to the Clinic yesterday, but by the time she did, she was completely spent. They took her to the hospital in humansdorp, 25 min away. Brittany and I went with her, and if we hadn't, she would've had no one there for her.

Once at the hospital, Brittany and I got her tucked in and situated, then prayed with her. You could hardly see her form underneath the covers.

She has to spend at least two nights in the hospital. She has 2 young children in her care.

Would you please pray for her?
God knows her name, even though I can't share it with you

I'm Learning Something

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here is a brief list of some things that I've been learning, and some ways that I've been growing, during my time in South Africa.

Hey, I don't berate myself in my mind anymore. [Woot Woot] It's scary to think that I had let Satan get that much of a strong hold there.

When Jesus holds my self worth, I'm safe.

Beginnings and endings are the hardest parts for me. The middle is so much easier for me then the start and the finish are.

Electronic devices do not add to my happiness.

It's okay to be happy or sad, even if the people around me aren't feeling the same way. I want to be where I am emotionally, since that's where I am anyway, I may as well be there. If I'm not where I am, where am I?

I'd rather have pain and hurt, then be an emotional desert.

Prayer only changes my life when I pray sincerely. So I guess God doesn't appreciate my B.S.

Snail mail is extremely exciting to me. [Don't laugh]

Music touches me in a profound way that I don't understand.

I'd rather be honest and transparent then have a perfect one and a half inch shell.

It may take me years to build something that someone could destroy in a day, but I will build anyway.

Peace out,
Andrea

Happy New Year!

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hello All,

Let me just dive right in -
The Christmas season tripled the population of J-Bay, sending the crime rate through the roof, and packing the streets with inebriated holiday makers, and locals alike.

We had a much needed 2 week break over Christmas and New Years, so I was able to stay away from town, and avoid most of the craziness.

I've been back at the Clinic for a week now. It feels like I never left. I'm staying very busy in the pharmacy, prepacking pills, restocking, and making myself generally useful. The Clinic is horribly short handed, lots of our nurses have been getting sick, and our doctor still comes only once or twice a week.

God is still revealing Himself to me in new ways here. Be it through a conversation with a waiting patient, a kind word from a nurse, or time reflecting on Him as I count pills in the pharmacy.

Thank you, for your continued prayers and support.

Love, Andrea

Hi yous guys!!

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Holiday season has officially started here in J-Bay. The town is now flooded with tons of tourists hoping to take in the warm weather and good surfing. It's sort of strange hearing American accents when I pass people on the streets.

I just got back from the Clinic (back being a relative term, as I'm now at the internet caf). All this week I feel as though I've been able to see a need and fill it. I now know were the different medications are stored, along with their proper places in the pharmacy, so, whenever I see that we are getting low on something, I can just go into the store room and get it. Woohoo! I also prepacked about 4,000 pills today.

Tomorrow Lane, Brittany, and I (the Clinic Crew) plan to spend the day with one of our friends who lives in the township. Mini (said friend) thinks we are just coming to visit, but we are really going to bring food and clean. Oh sweet anticipation.

I pray you are all safe and well.

Please know that I am safe and well myself.

Pellsrus Clinic

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Before I arrived at the Clinic today, Louise fell and hurt her arm/shoulder. She was trying to get a heavy box off of the top shelf in the storeroom, when she slipped and fell. So, my day consisted of restocking the shelves for her, and counting, bagging, and labelling over 5,500 tablets (pills). At the end of the day Louise gave me a hug and smiled at me. I feel so blessed just to be able to be helpful. Does that make sense?

In other news - Jeffreys Bay will be my permanent location. The leaders really wanted me to stay at the Clinic (not only because the nurses like me) so that Louise wouldn't have to train someone else for the pharmacy.

I am safe and well. Your comments, prayers, emails, letters, and notes give me so much encouragement. Thank you

My snail mail address will stay

P.O. Box 921

Jeffreys Bay, 6330

South Africa

for the rest of my time here. Yey J-Bay!!

Beat the Drum part 3

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Five Girls From Aeroville

Day 4 (Thursday) - Answered prayer!! The kids were back in class!! I taught a class of 9^th graders with two other Beat the Drum Volunteers. But the kids had a tough time opening up about such a taboo subject. And AIDS is definitely a taboo subject here (not just in Summerset East, but in all of South Africa). No one will talk about it. If you have it you're shunned, gossiped about, and cussed out on the street. It's this silent killer because no one will talk it into the light.

Day 5 (Friday) - We combined with the girls from the class next door to ours, and sent the boys to combine with a different classroom. Once it was just the girls, we were able to facilitate some great discussion (even if it was whispered, the girls were so shy!). Guess who was now in my class? Akona! One of the girls asked if sex was bad. Right there on the spot, God gave me this metaphor of a river - a river is a good thing, but it becomes dangerous when it overflows it's boundaries. (The boundries being marriage.) That really seemed to hit home, and make sense to the class. At the end of the lesson, one of my fellow volunteers gave an offer for anyone who wanted to know Jesus to stay after class. The bell rang, and everyone left. As we were packing up our belongings, there came a soft knock at the door. Five girls came back in secret. Five girls came back (Akona among them), because they wanted God in their lives. We did a mini Bible lesson, then we prayed with and for the five girls. All five made the decision to accept Jesus as their savoir, and invite Him into their hearts. You should have seen one sweetheart's face, she was so relieved to be forgiven and have someone to talk to that knew what she was going through that she couldn't stop crying. One of the local volunteers made arrangements to give them weekly Bible Studies.

I don't even know how to sum up the week. We were all changed. It was all God.

Beat the Drum part 2

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The School Without Students

The 120 Beat the Drumers got split up into 5 teams. I was on the Aeroville High School team. Aeroville High School Day 1 (Monday) - We showed the movie to six hundred 8^th and 9^th graders. It went off without a hitch. The sound worked, the projector worked, Hallelujah!

Day 2 (Tuesday) - We drove to Aeroville ready to teach and discuss lesson one of the curriculum. Imagine our shock when we pulled up to a completely empty school (cricket, cricket, empty). It turns out the teachers had gone on strike that morning in protest of the newly appointed principal. Aeroville is Africaans, the new principal was Xhosa. Politics. I felt so defeated. We had worked so hard to be in Summerset East, and now we had no children to talk to. The locals on our team kept saying that nothing like this had ever happened before in Summerset East. (And it's true; the whole town was talking about it, we became known as the school without students.) We finally (after much prayer), decided to go visit the Aeroville boarding students who lived in hostels next to the high school. I was only able to speak briefly with three students before they were called inside for lunch.

Day 3 (Wednesday) - My team piled into the vans not knowing weather we'd find children in class or not. Drove in. No kids. Empty School. Cricket, cricket. So, we traipsed over to the hostels again. I sat down with five girls who (once they learned I didn't know Chris Brown, or live next to any celebrities in the States) got up and walked away. All but one that is. Akona stayed. Akona's in 9^th grade and had seen the movie on Monday. She stayed because she wanted to talk more about some things she'd seen in "Beat the Drum". We ended up discussing ways to deal with pressure to sleep around, and the value of abstaining until marriage. Akona has so many plans and goals for her future, she wants to become a social worker among other things. We talked about how much strength and courage she'll need to accomplish her dreams, but she got quiet when I brought up God. Then the lunch bell rang.

Beat the Drum part 1

Sat, 8 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

October 10^th through the18^th my whole team and I were in Summerset East (which is a small town in South Africa, 3 hours drive from Jeffreys Bay) doing a program called "Beat the Drum". If you have never seen "Beat the Drum" I highly recommend you watch it; it's a movie filmed in South Africa about the myths and lies surrounding the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The movie "Beat the Drum" has spawned an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign of the same name, based on the movie.

During our week in Summerset East, we went to a college, a grade school, 3 high schools, the prison, the police station, and various farms throughout the area. We would show the movie, and then facilitate discussions focusing on HIV/AIDS myths, social issues, and abstinence. My AIM team of 54 joined forces with local volunteers from Summerset East, and missionaries from South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. All together we numbered 120.

It's a miracle that "Beat the Drum" even happened in Summerset East. We were not able to secure transport vans until 10:00 pm the night before we had to start driving, host families came through at the last min.. And we didn't have enough money raised for the 2,500 curriculums until 4 days before they had to be in the schools with us. But in the end, God supplied everything by the time we needed it. Isn't He neat?

A Day in the Life

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I'm not sure what a typical day looks like yet, even after 4 weeks. Things are always changing and rearranging, but I'll give it my best.

Location - My team is staying downtown Jefferys Bay in what we call the UCSA (United Christian Schools Association) campus. There are three cottages for the girls (10 - 12 per cottage) and one for the guys, because there are only 7 of them. If you are doing the math, that's 40 of us. There is also a main hall that we use for worship and meetings, a common area were we eat, and a volleyball sand pit. The whole compound is surrounded by a tall concrete wall with scary looking spikes at the top, you'd think crime was a major issue here or something. (I'm being sarcastic, crime is a huge problem here.) UCSA feeds us breakfast at 8am, that's 1am Chicago time, so I'm still eating at the same time some of you are (you know who you are). Breakfast is usually fruit, granola, yogurt and bread. Yum yum! Coffee and rooibos tea are also served with every meal.

Discipleship time - 3 days a week we have large group discipleship in the main hall. We've done the book of James, just finished the Beatitudes, and started on our identity in Christ today. I so enjoy these large group study times. Two days a week we split into our small groups of 10. This is a time to pray for our specific needs, get to know each others backgrounds, and study things in-depth. Small group time is the bombJ

Lunch - This can range anywhere from sandwiches, to um sandwiches. You build you own, so I have no problem avoiding meat. Wheat bread is provided, and more rooibos tea, Yum!

Pellsrus Health Clinic - I go to the Clinic 5 days a week. Again, I'm not sure what a typical day looks like there, but Lane Britney and I (the Clinic crew, whoot whoot!) start each day with prayer before we even go in. Once inside, I part ways from Lane and Britney, and head to the pharmacy. I'll ask Louise if she has work for me, if she does I'll do it, and that will be my day. (Usually Louise has me count, label, and bag pills.) If she doesn't have work for me, I go chill out with the TB and HIV patients While they're waiting to be seen. They're put in this back hall that's segregated from everyone else, and then completely ignored. At the end of my day at the Clinic, I meet back up with Lane and Britney and we sweep and mop the floors for Primrose the janitor. There are a lot of floors in the Clinic for just one lady. Primrose might be in love with us, I'm not sureJ

We have 2 hours of free time each day; I'm a big fan of napping or doing laundry.

Dinner at 7 - Shredded beats are a staple.

That's all for now! I pray this finds you all well.

Love, Andrea

Week 1 in Jefferys Bay

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This week has been whirlwind. On Wednesday I got to visit Ithimba (an orphanage 5 min. walking from were we live). I spent over an hour just playing and loving on the little once there. It feels like such a privilege to spend time with them.

Today was my first day working in the health clinic, two other girls from my team (and me) washed the floors. I met a lot of the nurses (or sisters), and chatted with a patient while she was waiting to be seen. The health care here is ridicules, there is only one doctor and he is only here one day a week. South Africa is a little different then I expected. We're in a pretty modern part of Jeffery's Bay. The crime rate is unreal, and the tax on everything is 14%.

Fun traveling facts: We traveled for 36 hours, but got here 43 hours after we left (the time differance from Chicago is 7 hours ahead). So when I start my day at 7am it's midnight at home! I left my camera's computer cable at home, so pictures are to come. I miss yous guys less then I did at first, but I stil miss home a TON.

Answered Visa Prayers

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

My visa came!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everything is falling into place. The fraise "I'm so excited" doesn't relate my true feelings as accurately as I'd like it to, let's try "I know this will change my life forever", does that explain it better? It feels like I've been handed the moon, and I'm not quite sure what to do with it. I feel so fortunate and taken care of and blessed. The only things I'm worried about now are missing my friends and family, and my luggage making to my destinations with me. I pray everyday that my presence and work in South Africa will make a significant difference for the people I meet there.

Uncle Phil and Aunt Marlene

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

My Uncle Phil and Aunt Marlene are staying with us for the next two days. We had a lovely supper together tonight. We all got the giggle fits at one point, I can't even remember why now, but it feels so good to laugh:>

My Family Will Be Okay

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I just got back from my grandpa's funeral, and we're all doing as well as can be expected. I am so grateful that my best friend Julie, and my boyfriend Steve, were with us for the wake last night and the funeral this morning. After the wake last night, Julie, Steve and I camped out on the couch and looked through old photo albums. I have the best support system ever. Poor Papa.

Grandpa DiCicco

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This morning at about 11:00, my grandpa passed away. I'm so glad that my mom, dad and I, drove the 2 hours to Wisconsin to visit him yesterday. Grandpa's 5 children (my dad included) spent all of yesterday with him. We sang hymns, and Pastor Glass came to pray with us and anoint Grandpa. The funeral will be later this week.

Waiting to Post

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I was going to wait to post until my visa came, but I can't wait anymore. I was finally able to get the South African consulate on the phone last Friday, and they said I'm approved for the visa, but it will take them a while longer to process it. They also needed me to send in a self addressed stamped envelope, or else they won't mail it to me at all.

This Friday will be my last day at the Library, I think it's going to be weird not going to work all the time. But I can't wait for all the extra time I'll have to tie up lose ends.

Has anyone been watching the Olympics? The men's relay swim race last night? Oh! How exciting!

Visa Application

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I mailed in my visa application today!

Updates

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thank you to all the people in my life who support my decision to serve in South Africa!! I appreciate each and every one of you more than you know.

Applying for my visa, support raising, and prayer are consuming most of my free time. I just finished my resignation letter to my job, as they could not give me a leave of absence. Yesterday was the South Suburban, IL 4-H fair were I had volunteered to judge the "Paper" exhibits. Interviewing the kids about their projects and writing the comments on their score sheets were the best parts for me. My boyfriend Steve was judging the drawings/paintings/art work/, and it was nice spending the day with him, too.

I am getting so excited about this trip. I'm going to really try and keep this blog up to date before I leave, and while I'm on the field, so you guys can keep up with what's going on with me.

P.S. Sorry I have not been doing that so far, but I can only improve:)

Library post

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The UPS guy at the library where I work, threw his keys at me one day and I caught them, now he won't stop throwing things at me. He must have received the impression that I have Matrix skills or something, when really, my first catch was just a fluke. I have not caught anything for months, but that does nothing to detour him from continuing to throw things. So to sum up - If you don't want people to get the false impression that you are good at catching things, don't catch anything the first time they throw something at you.

Hope

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I really hope to be put to good use in Africa. Let me sweat, work, toil and strive for humanity's sake. I hope that when I get home I get put to good use in the States too - working, striving, toiling (and yes, sweating). Maybe it's a strange compulsion to want to work? To be useful? To help?

Greetings & postings

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It may have been some time before I posted in here if it weren't for a friend pestering me (nicely) to do so.
Thanks Margaret:>