One dream. One goal: To Make a Difference

Capetown adventures!

2008-08-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

Words can’t even begin to express how exciting it is to finally be in Capetown! After being in airports and on planes for 48 hours, it was very relieving to finally arrive Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, I arrived feeling very ill and spent the entire first day sleeping away my yuckiness. So, I missed out on all the orientation and meeting up with a lot of the other volunteers…which was upsetting at first.

Come Monday I was feeling a bit more myself and was able to join in on the experiences with my fellow volunteers. We were taken on a township tour of the city and got to see a few points of interests. The Trojan Horse Memorial, Amy Biehl Memorial, and Vicky’s B & B were just a few of the stops on the tour. It was really important for me to be able to see the townships up close and personal, as I know these areas in Capetown are in such dire need above any others. People that are forced to live in these townships make their homes from whatever they can find in the streets and cannot even have candles for light because if they tip over their entire home and entire neighborhood would be engulfed in flames. It is truly a devastating thing to see, but it is something I think more and more people should be aware of. I had prepared myself emotionally to come face to face with the townships, but in real honesty…you can’t truly prepare yourself for the devastation that is there. Unfortunately, I did not get to walk around as much as I would have liked to…many of the townships are still “no go” areas but I hope to explore them more with our guides during my stay here in Capetown.

Yesterday was our first day at our work placements. I had a bottomless feeling in my tummy out of complete nerves anticipating what my placement would be like…but when I finally started working I felt at ease, and at home. I’ve been placed at a location called Carehaven, which is a women’s shelter for abused women and their children from all ages, situations and locations. The morning started off with a beautiful prayer and song by the women who work at the center. I can’t remember what they sang, but I remember feeling completely at ease with the sounds of their voices. After the other volunteer (Seqouya) and I were given a proper introduction to the facilities and staff members, we were placed at our jobs for the day. For the first week I’ll be working at the criche (sp?), which is a nursery/day care center for the children of the women who are at the facility.

I spent the entire morning looking after 9 children from a variety of abusive backgrounds. Some were more playful than others, but all had such beautiful hearts. My first job of the morning was helping to feed a baby by the name of Joshua. He’s big enough to sit at the big kids table, but is still too young to feed himself. The way he looked at me when I was feeding him his porridge was absolutely heartbreaking… A particular little girl latched onto me quite quickly and I taught her how to “penguin kiss”…but when you teach one child something of course all the other children want to do it…so all morning I was giving all 9 children penguin kisses ☺ The center where they have the children is better than most locations in the area, but they still have no running water, no heat (and remember, it’s winter here so its quite cold right now) and their playground sets aren’t in very safe standards.

Talking with the children’s teacher/nanny, Cindy, was very vital for me. I’ve worked with kids before, but not to the extend that I will be here at Carehaven so I expressed my concerns about being able to handle the children correctly and how to discipline them in the proper way. Being a mother of two herself, she told me how children sense adults emotions. If they sense that I am nervous they will act out and know that they can get away with things, but if I am more confident in my body language they won’t try to get away with as much. It will be a learning process, but I am excited to learn everything about working with children.

Next week I will be working in the kitchen with Vicky and the rest of the kitchen staff, which is also something I am looking forward to. I am a huge food fanatic and love trying to cook, so I can’t wait to experience that part of my placement.
We had today off work from our volunteer placements, as there was a chance of a strike going awry in the city center, near many of our placements. Luckily, nothing too extreme happened (from what we know now, that is) and the organization allowed us to have a “free day” since work was cancelled. Many of us slept in since the night before turned into a bit of a party night on Long Street (where all the popular bars and cool places are) so when we all woke up a majority of us decided to go climb Table Mountain. All I can say is…WOW. I’ve been hiking before and I’ve hiked some pretty intense mountains…but nothing as ever intense as Table Mountain! Talk about a straight up nothing but rock climb! It was intense, but absolutely beautiful and breathtaking (in a good way, ha). When we finally go to the top and walked around for a bit I realized we were at the same level of the clouds! When you realize your that close to the heavens…it is truly an amazing feeling that I can’t express in words! If you’ve never seen photos of Table Mountain, I highly suggest that you google it and see just how gigantic the beautiful structure is…and to see what I conquered, knee brace and all! ☺

The rest of the volunteers and I are pretty popped from our hiking excursion, so many of us are just relaxing around the house for tonight. We’ve been throwing around ideas for excursions our weekend free time. Although I haven’t really decided on doing too much this weekend other than going to church with the family I made friends with in the airport most likely, however, next weekend one of my roomie’s (Kylie) and I are going to go stay at Vicky’s B&B in the township! This makes me SO happy so that I can get a chance to spend more time in the township under the direction of someone who lives there full time. Wow…I can’t wait! I’d also love to see the waterfront and experience the markets and Robben Island also! So much to do, so little time!

Until next time my lovelies ☺

p.s. for right now, I’m trying to save as much money as possible and since the internet is so expensive I don’t get to upload many of my photos. Take a look at my flickr account for a few frames from my first big day @ flickr.com/sunnyhutchinson and I promise to uploade everything as soon as I return to the states with free internet access ☺

Raised $2,585!

2008-07-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

Wow. I can't believe I finally actually did it!!!!!! I am truly so thankful to every single person who donated not only their money, but their emotional donations as well!!! To all of you, you are my heros!

I leave for Africa in 23 days...Wow. I have so much to do and so little time to do it! Ek! But I am so excited that I can't wait to experience this big next step!

I'm reading Desmond Tutu's book "No Future Without Forgiveness"...and it is truly moving.

Just finished with my last shots over the past few days...no more immunizations for me! :)

Now, back to reading :)

Love to you all!

Meeting Hanson and more updates!

2008-05-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

Wow. That is the first and only word that comes to mind when I try to think of a way to describe this past month. May has been an AMAZING month for me.

On May 5th, some of my best friends and I went to see Hanson in my hometown of Asheville, N.C. As I mentioned before in one of my posts, Hanson sponsors One Mile Walks before each one of their shows to make fans more aware of the many issues in this world, especially poverty and AIDS in Africa.

Every show I've been to theirs I've participated in the walk...barefoot. They've asked fans to do this so that you could feel what millions of children stricken by poverty feel on a daily basis. I've walked barefoot in Knoxville, Atlanta, Charlotte and Asheville. Every walk has been unique in every way..but I must say Asheville was an amazing adventure.

I briefly met Hanson before (see previous post with my interview attached) so I'm not exactly the fan to want to talk to them during the Walks...however, in Asheville I was given the chance to talk the drummer Zac about my trip to Africa. I wasn't really expecting to...for the simple fact that I am very shy when it comes to meeting people like that on a personal level. Interviewing someone is one thing, but just chit chatting...that's another level!

I really was speechless. Why? Because I sure as heck didn't think one of the Hanson's really cared about little ol' me going to Africa...but Zac seemed genuinely interested in my trip, even though I could barely speak out of nervousness. It was really a breath of fresh air to see how interested he was in my trip! By him being so interested, you could really tell that he and his brothers aim to make a difference in Africa is REAL. Passionate. And working.

I know I get made fun of for being a fan of Hanson, but they are just another piece to my puzzle. They truly have impacted my life and have helped me take the next step in my life in volunteering, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Here are some lovely photos taken by my friend Stephanie :)

Another huge update since my last post....
I graduated Winthrop University! I can't believe college is now a part of my past...I am thankful for every memory, hard assignment, late nights at my office...every single moment was worth it once I got my diploma!

I've still got a GREAT deal of fundraising to do! Now that I've harassed my family and friends, I'm hoping to get good responses from businesses in my area to help fund my trip. Currently, I've raised 57% of my goal, which means I've raised $1,643!

I need to raise $1,242 more by JULY 3rd in order to pay off my trip.
I can't believe my countdown is getting closer and closer...
2 months and 5 days. OH MY! :)

FEED Project and Mocha Club

2008-04-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

When I first began researching which organization I wanted to volunteer with, my first priority was the issue of HUNGER. Being fascinated with food myself, I knew that the issue of hunger around the world was extreme...recently I've become, somewhat distracted with the issue of AIDS in Africa...and although AIDS Africa is a huge issue (43 million people worldwide are diagnosed with AIDS, and 66% of them are in Africa alone!)I do not want to loose sight of the issue of HUNGER.

350 million children go to bed hungry each night. Hunger and malnutrition kill more people than AIDS, malaria and TB combined.

Through TOMS Shoes (the organization I told you about before that donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every shoe you buy) I heard about the FEED bag. By purchasing a FEED bag, $20 goes directly to feed one hungry child in school for one year through the UN World Food Program. I ordered my bag and received it in the mail yesterday...when I opened it this morning to put my school supplies in it, I became overwhelmed with emotion when I realized how distracted I had gotten with the simple issue of HUNGER.

As an American, I am spoiled with convenience and abundant food...when so many people around this world have LITERALLY nothing. How can we be so selfish?! I encourage you to learn more about the FEED project and consider purchasing a bag. They are 100% organically made and made from sustainable burlap and are the perfect size for grocery shopping..where you can LITERALLY see how much money you spend on food for yourself and where you can think about money you could spend on one other person who is far more less fortunate than you and needs YOUR help to eat a decent meal.

To learn more about the FEED project, visit FEEDprojects.org

I also want to take this opportunity to talk to you all about an organization called MOCHA Club that I just recently became a part of. I briefly heard about it through a close friend of mine, but at the time I didn't pay it much attention...Then last night while working merch for the Nashville, TN singer/songwriter Dave Barnes, I officially enrolled in the program.

Why?

Because MOCHA Club helps you:
FEED 1 Person in Africa for a month
EDUCATE 2 Children for 1 school term
SAVE 1 Person's life from Malaria
PROVIDE clean water to 7 Africans for 1 year

How?

By becoming a member of the organization and making a VERY simple donation of $7 a month!!! That's the cost of about two mocha's you would buy in ONE day. For a small donation that you most likely won't even notice coming out of your bank account every month, YOU can change the WORLD.

I highly, highly, HIGHLY encourage you to become involved with Mocha Club. For more information, please visit mochaclub.org

Benefit Concert #1: A Success!

2008-04-13T12:32:00.001-07:00

Words cannot express the amount of joy I felt driving home Friday evening after my first benefit concert at Cupps Cafe. We had such an AMAZING number of people show up (around 100!!!) and I am still in shock the wonderful response I got from everyone!

If you came out just to see the music, THANK YOU!
If you came out and made a contribution, THANK YOU!
If you came out and got alcohol, THANK YOU!

I raised nearly $300, just that night!!!

It was so wonderful to see every single one of you and I can't thank you enough for your emotional and financial support!

Now, for pictures from the event! My dear friend Javy Gwaltney took these for me :)

Me with my lovely musicians: Jamie Morgan, Matt Bailey and Pilot Light!

Me yapping away about why I had the benefit concert

Pilot Light performing!

(Note: all of them are available on Facebook, so friend me and see some more!)

Benefit Concerts!

2008-03-24T18:15:00.001-07:00

I'm proud to announce my FIRST benefit concert!

Please come out to Cupps Cafe on Cherry Road in Rock Hill on April 11th at 8 p.m. for a GREAT show! My friends Matt Bailey, John Earle and Pilot Light will all be playing!

Rock out. Contribute. Make a difference.
Help Sunny travel to Africa for volunteer work!

The event is FREE! but donations for the musicians and towards my volunteer trip are GREATLY appreciated! Bring your friends out for some great music, a wonderful atmosphere and yummy food and beer. Remember...the more beer you drink the more money is donated towards my trip! :) So, DRINK UP!

Please note: If you want to make a personal 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE contribution towards my trip...Make your checks payable to CROSS CULTURAL SOLUTIONS with SUNNY HUTCHINSON written in the memo section! Cash donations will be collected as well, but will NOT give you the chance to get a tax deduction.

Class project

2008-03-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

In my video editing course at Winthrop, we were assigned to concentrate on a Non-Profit organization...who better than Cross-Cultural Solutions! Below is my final product. I hope you all enjoy it. It will be shown on our University's news show, Winthrop Close Up, in the coming weeks. I hope it spreads the word about CCS!

It's officially official!

2008-02-27T09:08:00.000-08:00

I got my welcome packet in the mail the other day...complete with a stylish t-shirt and wonderful reading material to help me prepare for my upcoming trip to Africa! I can't believe it...I'm only 5 months and 3 days away from the trip. So much to do, so much to learn!

Also, thanks again for ALL the wonderful donations and kind words! I need all the support I can get and I am SO thankful to have you all help!

Influential Media

2008-02-22T18:24:00.000-08:00

February 22, 2008

If I had to trace my interest back to volunteering, it would have to be when I first heard about the ONE Campaign in 2004. But it wasn't until I saw the below video that the facts of HIV/AIDS really impacted me.

I invite you to watch this video with an open heart and realize there are very simple things that can be done.

A few months after I watched this video, I was given the chance to interview Hanson for my university's weekly newspaper. During two separate phone calls and one in-person interview, I was able to truly see the difference these three were making.

Please read my first article here, and my second here.

Hanson successfully helped TOMS Shoes donate over 50,000 PAIRS OF SHOES to needy children in Africa! And what's amazing is that this only took them a FEW MONTHS! TOMS are still for sale and will be sold during Hanson's newest leg of THE WALK tour (official dates are released on their website, www.hanson.net) but if YOU want to purchase a pair of one of these really awesome shoes, please visit this website.

It may sound goofy that a band like Hanson had so much influence on my decision to volunteer, but I'd be lying if I didn't attribute them.

Now, more than ever, Ngi Ni Themba- "I Have Hope".

About CCS

2008-02-16T16:52:00.001-08:00

For those of you who would like more information on the organization that is helping me make my dream come true, please read below. If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to contact me or CCS for more information.

General
Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS), a non-profit volunteer organization, offers a program that places volunteers in countries such as Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Thailand for a variety of community development projects.

CCS Vision
Our vision is of a world where people value cultures different from their own, are aware of global issues and are empowered to effect positive change.

CCS Mission
Our mission is to operate volunteer programs around the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives, bring people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives, and fostering cultural understanding.

History of CCS
For a detailed history on CCS, please visit their website:
http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/about_us/our_story/default.asp

Ready to help make my dream come true? Please read the contribution blog for further information, and THANK YOU in advance for helping me help others!

My dream

2008-02-16T16:51:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure when my desire to go to help really originated, but I can confidently tell you now that it is stronger than ever. I consider myself a selfless person who was put on this world to make a difference. Whether it's been hugging a friend in need, or donating time and money to a worthy cause...I've always wanted my life to have a meaning.

And now, I am making a dream come true.

I am going to South Africa.

When I originally starting researching how to make my dream of helping come true, many ideas ran through my head. I first highly considered become a member of the Peace Corps, but when I realized I would be gone for over two years, I reconsidered options that would give me more freedom to be closer to my family if, heaven forbid, an emergency came up.

Then I stumbled across CARE, a program that strikes itself upon defending dignity and fighting poverty: two issues that have truly gained my interest. When I realized they were the leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty, I knew I had to find a way to become involved. I began researching their programs and then found the volunteer program they work closely work, Cross-Cultural Solutions. It is here that I found my first step towards my dream.

CCS's volunteer program will allow me to truly make a difference in this world. I have chosen to go to South Africa in August 2008 for a three week program in which CCS staff will place me through a careful evaluation of my personal skills and interests and matches it with the needs of the community in which I'll be volunteering.

I will get the chance to walk hand in hand with children who just need simple acts of kindness and food in their lives. I will get to work with men, women and children on the educational awareness of HIV/AIDS. I will get to help young women gain empowerment to be the success they were meant to be. I want to help more than anything in this world.

This will be a dream come true for me..

But before my dream came become a reality, I need YOUR help. This is why I created this online blog, for me to become more connected with my community and to obtain the financial assistance I need to make my dream of volunteering abroad come true.

With your help, I can make a difference. Please stay tuned as I update this blog with more information about my trip, how you can donate, and a countdown to my departure. For information how to contribute or to learn more about CCS, please read my previous blogs or contact me if you have any questions: sunnyhutchinson@gmail.com

In closing, here are a few quotes that have inspired me greatly.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems”
“You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result”
“Be the change you wish to see in the world”
-All by Gandhi

How you can contribute

2008-02-16T16:50:00.000-08:00

First of all, thank you for taking the time to read my blog and to learn more about this once in a lifetime experience I hope to embark on. Each contribution, no matter how big or small, helps. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for giving me a chance to help and THANK YOU for making dreams come true.

My first goal was to raise $275. This is the amount of money I must have in order to enroll in the program. Now that I have raised this amount, I can begin to raise money for my next goal...$4,000. Although this goal seems high, I believe I can achieve this with YOUR help. I will need $2,885 just to cover my volunteer expenses with CCS. The $1,115 leftover is close to the amount I will need in order to purchase a plane ticket to my volunteer destination. Any other amount I raise will be donated to CCS for future volunteers or placed in an account if I'd like to attend another volunteer program in another country.

Your contribution is not going unnoticed, as you should take into a few considerations about donating.
- Your donation will help me make a difference in this world. You will be helping me make the trip to another country to help another child in need, to educate a father, to empower a mother. Your donation will make my dream of helping others come true.http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
- If you choose to lend your support to this cause, you’ll be pleased to know that all contributions are 100% tax-deductible.

I will be in South Africa for a total of 21 days (a three week period) and I’d be much obliged to receive a $1 contribution for each day of my trip, totaling $21. CCS and I will be extremely grateful for any contribution, no matter how big or small. If you can match my $21, then I thank you whole heartedly, if you can't match it, then I still thank you whole heartedly!

Now, here is how you can donate:
- Contributions made by check or money order must visit this website in which you must specify if you are enclosing a check or money order and for how much. Please note, checks MUST be made out to "Cross-Cultural Solutions" and MUST have my name "Sunny Hutchinson" in the memo section. If for some reason the link does not work, please email me and request the form: sunnyhutchinson@gmail.com

-Contributions by Credit Card can be donated by visiting this website. Click the red text that says "MAKE AN ONLINE PAYMENT", then enter my email address (sunnyhutchinson@gmail.com) and click that you are a sponsor.

Again, THANK YOU!!!

THANK YOU!

2008-02-16T16:48:00.001-08:00

I would like to personally thank each and every one of you who have contributed to make my dream come true! I am forever grateful for your extraordinary love, selflessness, and hope for a better future. THANK YOU!

Jennifer Allison with Earth Xstasy Entertainment
Kristin Malone with MiraClean
Chris McGee with Classic Photography
Sabrina Yoong
Anthony Digiorgio
Chuck Robinson
Stephanie Moore
Dr. Jennifer Disney
Beth and Charles Pickelsimer
Judy and Lynn Hutchinson
Andy Hutchinson
Carole Treadaway
Caley Crull
Jaime Allison
Sandy and Wayne Steffen
Karen Day
Sally and Dave Brown
Christine Crout
Megan Malone
Lindsey Page
Jacob Worden
Triple S Booking
Jeanette Webb
Ducky Moore
Dr. William Fisher
Ann Morris
Mary Fox
Dr. Larry Timbs
Dr. Guy Reel
Keri Todd
Darlene Moore
Ben Granger
Kelsey Steffen
Clara Steffen
Gretchen Echegaray
Deborah Bryant
Javy Gwaltney
Jamie Morgan
Matt Bailey
Scott Inkley and Pilot Light

**if you would prefer your name not be listed here, please let me know and I will post an anonymous listing instead**

Have I reached my goal?

2008-02-16T16:47:00.001-08:00

Now that you have taken interest in helping me make my dream come true, I want to share with you every step of the way so that you can see how much your contribution helps me become one step closer to making my dream come true.

Goal #1
- Raise $275 to pay for my enrollment fee to officially begin my CCS experience.
- The sooner I meet this goal, the sooner I can start raising my most important goal...

Goal #2
- Raise $4,000 to cover my CCS fee, airplane tickets and to have some money donated to the CCS program for future volunteers
- Must raise this amount by JULY!!!

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February 17th, 2008
- $275 was donated to me from one of my best friends, Kristin! THANK YOU KRISTIN!
- I'm now officially work towards goal #2!!!!
- Within a few HOURS I have received over $100+ in donations JUST from responses on facebook.com...SO THANK YOU!!!!!

February 21st, 2008
Just wanted to update everyone that my enrollment is OFFICIAL!!! I will be getting a package in the mail soon with my first steps for preparing for my trip, and a sweet free tshirt :) I'll post pictures soon, don't worry :)

For those of you who have promised to contribute in the next few months, I truly appreciate it! I am SO thankful for the many blessed people in my life who are willing to donate even just a $1 to this AMAZING cause!!!

I have some great fundraising ideas under my sleeves...so be prepared for some pretty sweet events coming up in the next few months!

When you have a moment, please also visit a website from the ONE Campaign (which I've been a part of since they first started and still proudly flash off my bracelet!) about an important issue: I just signed a petition to the 2008 presidential candidates urging them to commit to visiting Africa during their first term.

You can help by taking action here: http://www.onevote08.org/ontherecord/visitafrica/?rc=visitafricataf2

All my love,

February 22, 2008
- Today I was blessed enough to have two of my college professors donate money! Thank you Dr. Timbs and Prof Reel! You're contributions have helped so much and I am SO thankful!
- I officially have a website page with Cross-Cultural Solutions! Please visit this link here, and type in my username in the field under Sponsors. I'll be updating this as well, so keep checking in with me!

March 4, 2008
- I received a few checks in the mail over the weekend. Thank you Dad, Karen and Ducky!!!
- I've now fundraised a total of $305!!!
- I am now a few hundred dollars closer to my program fee, now totaling at $2,580!
- I leave for Africa in 4 months and 28 days!!! :) :) :)

March 5, 2008
- My media law professor, Dr. Fisher, made a contribution today!
- Great news, my DEADLINE for DONATIONS has been extended! Now the FINAL DUE DATE FOR DONATIONS IS JULY 3, 2008!
- Keep up to date with my progress online by visiting this website and logging in under the SPONSOR section by typing in my username: sunnyhutchinson. This will give you access to seeing my progress of fundraising!
- Also, I've created a myspace account to help promote my fundraising efforts, so if you are on myspace, be my friend! :)

March 6, 2008
- Details will be annoucned soon about my upcoming acoustic benefit show at CUPPS Cafe in Rock Hill, so keep checking back.
- Today I met with Dr. Disney, a professor at my university well known for her huge heart and urgency to help others. Although I am a person of many words, her willingness to help me makes me absolutely speechless. I see great things in my future with her help and I am truly blessed to have someone like her. Stay tuned.

March 24, 2008
- My first benefit concert is scheduled for April 11th at Cupps Cafe in Rock Hill! Stay tuned for the official post.
- I've raised close to $800!!!!!! I am absolutely astonished by the donations, so THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

April 5, 2008
- My goal was to raise $1,000 by the end of my first benefit concert on April 11th...but I just got more donations and now have reached $1,000!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!