Does anyone have some ASL experience already? Other questions??
~Donna
I am not talking about whether you are Capricorn or Pisces or even Year of the Horse or Year of the Dragon. Have you been reading and practicing the American Sign Language (ASL) signs that are on the Getting Ready page?? All of our nannies and children are learning these signs and using them for better communication, especially with the children who do not speak. To be effective and ready to communicate, you need to memorize these signs before you arrive. If some of the instructions are unclear, you can find many tools online to show you exactly what to do. Yes, there will be a quiz when you get here, so get practicing now!! Does anyone have some ASL experience already? Other questions?? ~Donna
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I came across this today on [where else] Facebook and just had to share with all of you who are coming this summer. Please read this thoughtfully and post responses on the Forums page. ~ Donna “MISSIONARY TOURISM” + HOW TO PREVENT IT
If you’ve been on a mission trip, you’ve probably (especially in this era of technology) taken some sort of camera with you onto the mission field. I want to say upfront that there is absolutely nothing wrong with this. Obviously, I would be the last person on earth to tell you to leave your camera behind; in fact I was told not to take my DSLR to Haiti “just to be safe”, and took a dinky point-and-shoot instead–and still to this day I regret it. What I want to talk about is not so much taking a camera onto the mission field, but rather the negative impression you’re potentially leaving when you do so. I’ve started referring to the this epidemic as ‘missionary tourism’. Before I even made it to Africa, I saw a post from a director of one of the orphanages urging people to ‘leave their stuff and cameras at home and actually meet real needs’…ironically enough I rarely saw this person without a camera while I was there, but I digress….. Anyone who knows me knows I usually have some sort of camera with me at all times. Photography and photojournalism (telling a story with a lens) makes up a huge portion of my life. It only makes sense that I would carry around a camera. It’s like a writer carrying around pen and paper–inspiration can strike at any moment, from any situation. And if we’ve learned anything from the boy scouts, it’s to “always be prepared”. I basically view my camera as a third arm (and by extension, eye). So naturally, this post really upset me, and I took it personal, as if my camera somehow demeaned my passion and heart for missions and orphan care. I had seen the unmitigated joy that radiated from my Haitian friend’s faces when anyone pulled out a camera. And when I handed them a polaroid–you would have honestly thought I had just given them keys to a new car. It made them so happy–and in turn, filled my heart with gladness. So how could someone (kind of rudely) imply that bringing a camera onto the mission field was somehow ‘wrong’ (or, at the very least, not ‘right’)? All I wanted to do was bring a smile to these kids’ faces, and bring them home with me to show America what is really happening overseas in these countries. All I wanted was to tell their stories and inspire action and compassion back home. But then I received some insight, which I can only account to the Holy Spirit, as to why this has the potential to do harm. I had to imagine myself in these people’s positions….I had to imagine myself as the one living in horrible conditions. I had to imagine if someone came to my home and just started photographing me without knowing me, or knowing my name, or knowing my story. And I realized how “tourist-y” and “gawk-y” that would seem. Like going to the zoo to take pictures of animals in their cages. And if we’re not careful and intentional about where, when, and why we are snapping away, we subject ourselves to becoming a ‘missionary tourist’: something I don’t ever want to be. The terms, “mission trip” and “vacation” are not interchangeable. I think subconsciously we file these two completely separate experiences into one drawer in our minds because they both have something in common: they both require us to travel to a new place. Much of the initial process of a mission trip can feel ‘vacation-y”, and on most mission trips, there’s usually even a sightseeing day. It’s easy to confuse the two; to confuse the etiquette of mission trips vs. vacations. But I’ve found it’s so important, for the sake of our witness, mission, and ministry, to not confuse the two, and do everything in our power to prevent locals from misinterpreting our intention. When we’re in the field, we are not (or rather, should not) be experiencing things from the fourth wall…in other words, uninvolved, off to the side, and viewing things as they happen, without being part of the action. The call of mission work is not to be a bystander, or onlooker. Missions evokes a need and call to action. Here’s what I’ve learned on the field so far. I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t pretend like I’ve got it all figured out or that I’m an expert on camera and mission trip etiquette. This is what I’ve been taught, and what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way). 8 Ways to Prevent “Missionary Tourism” 1. Leave the camera in the bag for a while. This applies specifically to when you get to your destination. No matter what type of work you’re doing, whether it’s orphan care, home building, or straight evangelizing….there will always be time for photographs later. Use this time to make a good impression with the local people you’re going to be working with. They are most likely very eager to meet you (especially in orphanages and schools!) and your undivided attention goes a long way and makes them feel truly loved. So keep the camera in the bag for a while. I understand that sometimes the kids can be soooo cute, or the scenery absolutely breathtaking. I promise, they’re not going anywhere, and neither is your camera! 2. Learn people’s names (to the best of your ability) before you photograph them. I can’t stress this enough. First off, knowing someone’s name is the pillar of building a relationship with them. How can you call someone a “friend” if you don’t even know their name? Knowing a person’s name before you start taking their picture is one way to show that you are legitimately interested in them as a human being, not just something to gawk at and snap pictures. 3. Learn people’s stories before you photograph them. Another way of making sure people understand your intentions is to honestly and genuinely ask them their story. Ask them where they’re from. Ask what they do. What they like. If you don’t know what they believe in spiritually, ask. And return the gesture…in other words, have a conversation! Talk to the people around you. People are utterly fascinating….sometimes you might have to dig a little, but when you look back at a photo you’ve taken, you’ll be able to recall their name and story. 4. Write things down if you have to. It’ll be worth it. I have pictures from both Africa and Haiti with people that I can’t remember anything about. It’s embarrassing, and it makes my images feel cheap. Consider keeping a notepad and pen in your bag to jot down things you might forget. Most cameras (especially DSLRs) display an image name (on a Nikon they read something like DSC_0001). Write this down and make notes next to it. “DSC_0001…..Joy. teacher at ____ orphanage. Four kids. Ect.” I don’t suggest doing this while you’re actually talking to them. You’re not a reporter. But maybe before bed, as you’re scrolling through your pictures at night, jot down some notes. (The only amendment to this rule would be if they have a crazy, very un-American name that you either won’t remember, or can’t spell. Then I would ask for it then) 5. Form relationships with those in charge, and submit to their authority. Most directors or leaders of your team will know if you’re going into a situation where pictures are just not a good idea, or even against the policy. This is especially true with sensitive cases or instances where you’re working with victims. If the director or leader has said absolutely no to cameras, that’s your answer. It is not our job to argue with the authorities set before us on trips of this nature, and if you get that upset about it, I urge you to really consider your motives. 6. If applicable, ask permission to share the photos you’ve taken. Some people and/or organizations have policies on sharing photographs of their staff or children online that might seem strange to us Americans. Make sure you know these policies and again, submit to that authority. If you are just busting at the seams to share these photos, try inviting people to your home after your trip or having a small get together to share your images. Even when you’re in a situation where there is no rule or policy against sharing your photos, it’s always a good idea (and a common courtesy) to ask permission. Obviously, you can’t really ask a toddler if it’s ok to post their photo to facebook. But if you’re photographing adults, whether it’s new colleagues you’re working with, or stranger you’ve just met, give them the courtesy of giving you permission. Also note that not everyone will know what ‘facebook’ is. A simpler alternative would be to ask, “Would it be ok to share this photo with my friends?” 6. Use your best judgment when posting photographs online. This shouldn’t need a lot of explaining, but should you return home to find you’ve photographed something you probably shouldn’t have, don’t post it. This also applies (these days) to images of children that may seem harmless, but in the wrong hands, could be dangerous. Use good judgement when posting pictures. 7. Try to avoid using a flash. I’m just throwing this out there–flashes are obnoxious. Whenever possible, avoid them. Plus, it just adds to the ‘tourist’ feel. Learn to operate your camera’s settings so you don’t have to use the flash. If done properly, you’ll end up with better images anyway, and you won’t have blinded anyone. 8. Remember why you’re there. Unless your mission trip is humanitarian photography, remember why you’re on your trip. Your first priority is not taking pictures (as much as it pains me to say it). You shouldn’t be going on a mission trip for a new facebook profile picture, or to say you’ve been to a different country. You should be going on a trip out of an outpour of passion and desire to first and foremost love people. Your number one priority on the field is to bring the Gospel to those around you both through your words, and (usually more powerfully), through your actions. http://blessedarethose.wordpress.com/2014/04/16/missionary-tourism-how-to-prevent-it/ Many people ask how they can help before they arrive and if they can bring anything. The answer is yes!
There are many things that the Foster Home needs brought over from the US due to the crazy cost of shipping. One of these is a specialized formula that they use by the gallons and can't be purchased here. If you would be able to bring over 6 cans of formula (about 6-7 pounds), please let me know and we will have it mailed to your home address. Please don't commit until you have thought through your packing plan and looked at your luggage allowance. The WEIGHT is generally not an issue, but the SPACE could be tight. This is most feasible for those who are allowed 2 free bags, or groups and families who are coming who can spread the cans out among several people. If you are not able to fit in the formula, would you be willing to purchase baby vitamins or other small items to bring? That would be a great help as well. You can see our current needs HERE. Thanks so much. Donna The heat was just turned off here in Beijing which means that summer is on its way. No, it isn't warm yet, but rules are rules so no heat again until November 15th. Regardless of what the weather is like, summer really is on its way. In just a little over two months our Summer Staffers will be arriving, and we will soon by busy with teams and groups and families coming to volunteer.
This is the perfect time to start thinking about your visa. Virtually everyone who comes to China will need a visa, issued by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. There is a lot of information on the process on the Visa page. Please be sure to read it carefully and follow the instructions to avoid being refused a visa (it happens!). One important part of the process is obtaining an invitation letter from New Day. If you have not already submitted your information to me so I can create your letter, please plan to do that very soon. In most cases you will get your letter within one week of providing me with the needed information (see the Visa page for what that is). Depending on the process in your region of the world, you can expect your visa to take two to four weeks from time of application, so please be sure to plan your timing carefully. Please send your visa letter information to [email protected]. Also, be aware of the length of stay norms in your country and ensure that your visa is issued for a long enough period. If you are coming to New Day for 6 weeks but only receive a 30 day visa, this will cause major headaches and will likely result in a shorter stay and changed flight reservations. It's better and easier and cheaper to get that taken care of at the beginning of the process. Good luck with your preparations, and let me know how I can help! Donna As you will see, this site is a work in progress...and as our first volunteers using it I hope you will help us make it as useful as possible. The purpose is to have a place to answer common (and not so common) questions, and provide docuements you can refer to over and over as you need them through the process. So...ask away! Let me know what you need to know to plan and prepare, let me know what is missing or unclear, and let me know how we can help you prepare for your visit to New Day by posting your questions right here as a comment.
I would also love you to introduce yourself to the other volunteers who will be coming to New Day in 2014, start to get to know each other and share your tips and questions. To post an introduction, go to the Forums page and post a comment. So what's up here at New Day? Right now we are going through all the applications for summer -- Summer Staff, teams and individuals and families who will be coming to volunteer. We are so excited about all the great people who want to come and work side by side with us! We are hoping to fill all the Summer Staff positions (about 16) by March. We have already talked to a few GREAT people who we hope will be coming to lead the Summer Staff program. As we finalize their roles I will introduce them to you right here. Happy New Year! Donna |
Please read through the posts on this page to learn more about preparing yourself for your time at New Day.
Meet the TeamDonna Laurie is the team leader for Volunteer Services. She handles volunteer communication and planning. Archives
April 2014
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