Category Archives: tabitha

Tearfund GAP year at Tabitha Ministries, SA.

First impressions

“This is one of those things where you think you have mentally prepared yourself for what you are going into but so many of the realities are unexpected, shocking and emotional. The change in culture is bigger than can be described. There are so many things I had never even considered I might struggle with.” – Bea

“After one week we can already tell that there are going to be ups and downs but getting to know the kids is really special and I am so excited and hopeful for what is going to happen whilst we’re here. I am especially looking forward to seeing progress in their schooling now that they have had good new teachers come to the school as many of them are so capable I can’t wait to help and to see an improvement.” – Abi

“After only a few days here, the realisation of the harsh reality of the so very obvious distinction between the rich and poor is astonishing. Two extremes under one government, country and nation. In the coming months I look forward to discovering this further and working closely with those on the lesser side of the scale, showing them the love they need to be accepted without judgement and how to make a life worth living.” – Molly

“No matter how prepared you think you are in coming into a situation like this, you are never fully ready mentally or emotionally to confront these realities face to face. When being completely immersed in a community of kids that have never known love, it becomes a very hard and bittersweet experience. After having been here only a week, I cannot wait to spend the next six months making as big a difference as I can.” – Laura

Meet the team!

So in two days me and three fantastic girls will be on our way to Pietermaritzburg in South Africa to spend six months working in a local orphanage. We will be sharing our stories and experiences here but before we go let’s tell you a bit about us…

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My name is Phebe but I prefer to be called Bea (like a bumble bee). I currently live in Norwich but grew up in Cambridge, lived in America and was born in Reading – don’t ask me which is my favourite because I can’t decide. I am passionate about using sport to make a difference in people’s lives and I hope I will have the opportunity to do this in the next 6 months. I have been lucky enough to travel a lot and this has given me a spirit for adventure and challenges. I love autumn, the sun, people, scented candles, coffee, laughing and forest green. I sing in the middle of sentences, get excited about small things and quite often make myself laugh until my stomach hurts because of my bad dancing of accents.

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My name is Laura, although if you’re English you’re probably pronouncing a completely different name (it’s Lowra). I was born and grew up in Spain until I was 16 when I moved to Ormskirk, where I am currently living. As an MK (missionary kid) I have not had a boring life. From being arrested in Turkey for feeding the poor to sharing Christmas with Moroccan street kids, or getting marriage proposals in the streets of Ethiopia. I am bilingual and passionate about languages. I enjoy fully immersing myself in different cultures. I love travelling but hate being a tourist. I am a people person and an art, drama and coffee enthusiast. I treasure family. I have a heart for kids in need. I am motivated by love and compassion. I will be going on to study French and International Development at uni in September, and I am buzzing about what these next six months have in store!

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I’m Abi and I live in Oxfordshire. I grew up on a farm with my 3 brothers, 4 dogs and about 9000 chicken (crazy – I know). I have taken Level 1 in sign language and since finishing 6th form I have been working in a care home. Next year I will be studying Psychology and Education at uni. I have been to Zambia a few years ago on a mission trip with my school and have wanted to come back to Africa ever since. I love working with children so i am looking forward to working in the orphanage and I am so excited for what these next 6 months will bring us!

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My name is Molly and I’m from Northern Ireland. I’m born on New Years Day (not as cool as it sounds) and am the youngest of 3 other siblings. I am a lover of coffee, sunsets and all things music – give me a piano and I’ll be playing it all day long. I enjoy all kinds of sport (although karate is my speciality despite my deceivingly petite build), trying new things and going on exciting new adventures. I am looking forward to using both music and sport in unique ways to serve over the next 6 months.