I - have - a dream.
Well, maybe it's not so dramatic as a MLK speech delivered in 1963. But, I do have a dream. And my dream may actually not be too far off King's original purpose. As he argues for national peace and justice, so my desire is for that peace to span across the globe. It has been 40 years since King delivered his speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, engaging the passions of peace advocates across the country.
Now, don't get me wrong; I don't consider myself the next Martin Luther King; I don't dare exalt myself that highly. But I would cherish the opportunity to do my part in international peace. For that reason, I have decided to partner with the AFS (American Field Service) Intercultural Programs. It is more than a coincidence that their mission statement reads as such:
AFS is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.
I have, to this date, read through all the AFS information presented to me. I have also hosted an in-home interviewer who volunteers for AFS. And everything I have learned about this organization has impressed me greatly. It seems to me that this organization best parallels my personal goals of what to achieve while studying abroad.
An intercultural experience is quite imperative in my own life for the achievement of my lifelong dream - to live, work, and serve in a South American country. I have had such a desire for as long as I can remember, being first incited to such action by the great many mission conferences hosted at my childhood church. I have prayed over this desire and have received comfort in the idea. My closest friends and family show great support for my intercultural endeavors, as they have seen my enthusiasm in these areas exhibit itself particularly uninhibited. My mother at first worried about the safety and security I would have as a high schooler in another country. However, the experience of AFS as an organization has been an extreme comfort to her. A student through AFS is guaranteed not only physical safety, but also a social and cultural learning security only aided by the interest shown by the organization's various volunteers across the globe.
As soon as I complete my final health check-up and turn in that form, I will be approved to study in Argentina this coming fall semester. The only obstacle still looming dark and ominous in the distance is that of the available funding for this trip. That is part of the reason I have for launching this blog. My hope is that you, as a friend or family member, will see fit to support me on my trip with whatever funds you can. Perhaps think of this as a belated Christmas present, or extremely early Birthday gift. I don't ask for much, but every little bit does help. Your funding, as well as your continued support and prayer, are necessary to clear this trip as possible.
I thank you in advance, and promise to update by way of this very blog as new developments arise.
Hannah "Cat" Hilbert ^_^
