Hello My familia!

I must say that I love Southern Africa.  Unfortunately, we have limited Internet Access.  We also have no free time.  But all of those that love and care will get my stories with a cup of coffee. I will return soon, but can't wait to enjoy the rest of this eperience.

.Ms. Sue! Miss you

Familia Love you all

God bless you all and take care.

People are amazing! Everyone says hello, they welcome you to their homes and have the time to attend and respond to our questions.  After my first two days in South Africa, we left to an area called Rustenburg, where I met the most wonderful family: Elsa, Mike, Stormy and Chris.  They have welcomed me and my team fellow Jodie to their home and took care of us just like if they were our own family.  Elsa took us all around in our days together.  On this third, we went to a program called the Grace Hope Cente which specializes in providing help to those who are victims of Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking.  The coordinators of the program based their program out of their own funds, with little help from others.  Also, we have visitied the program of Tlokomelo in an area close to Rustenburg.  This program specializes in providing help to those who suffer from HIV and AIDS. They care for so many people and need so much, yet rather than asking for financial gifts, they rather volunteer work, food or even a box of cement for expanding the program.  We also attended another program that Elsa invited us to.  It is to serve people who either have a mental health disability or impairment.  I received a warm hug from every single one of then.  Can't wait to show you my presentation.  Then, we came to the house to do our presentation to the Rustenburg Club.  Rostenburg has being amazing! Thank you fellow Rotarians for welcoming us to your city.  Elsa and family, you are all and will be in heart.... specially you Chris.  Remember "One Way" ♫♫♫.

And that was only a rundown through a single day.

I am here... safe and sound.  We arrived yesterday from Dubai to Johannesburg at around 7pm.  We were greeted by South Africans who belong to the District 9400.  I am thankful for this wonderful experience. We participated at a Braii (barbecue) and made new friends.  The second day, I woke up early to have breakfast, go to a Game Drive and then go to the Sun City. I know not to descriptive... it is all because more is to come.  Thank you all.

I look at my calendar and realize that I am so close to leave to South Africa.  So soon! but so much to do still.... just getting ready to leave is part of this adventure.  I will dearly miss my family, my church, my youth, my job and coworkers.... I will miss everyone. But I promise I will come back enlightened and will share with you wonderful stories from this amazing journey.

World!

You have started this new century with the hopes that there will be a better tomorrow. After years of worries and inconveniences, you plan to activate your sustainability plan for the well being of all.  Yet, you continue to encounter yourself with misfortunes; the tragedies of what you have lost and pay the expense of what you gained; dealings with the what-nots and the where-you-at? Earthquakes, Tsunami warnings, unexpected climates changes... Debt, Bankruptcy, I will bail-you-out! Like my dear Haitian friend once told me: "Pukinsa" ... "Why?"  I respond to you, I honestly don't know. Yet, one thing is certain.  World, pick it up where you left it.  Continue to help your brother and your sister.  Don't wait for the next misfortune to do your share.  Carry on your sustainability plan for the well being of all.  Today, start this new century with the hopes that there will be a better tomorrow, but only, if you do what you are suppose to do today! 

Biography

Frank Silva

Team Member

A native of Puerto Rico, Frank Silva, 23, has lived in New London for the past six years.  He relocated to Connecticut after a year in Florida because his father accepted a position as a chemist at Pfizer Pharmaceutical in Groton, CT.

Frank is completing his Bachelor of Science degree in human services and psychology at the University of Connecticut.  Since arriving in Connecticut, Frank has also worked with several for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. He has collaborated with Centro de la Comunidad of New London, United Community Family Services, the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and the New London public school system, where he served as a teacher assistant at Harbor Elementary School for two years.

For the past two years, Frank has also worked as a tutor at the Drop-In Learning Center.  Under the auspices of AmeriCorps, a state-led federal funding program for non-profit organizations, Frank led a recruiting effort for three years for the Girl Scouts of Connecticut.  For his service, he received a $3,000 educational grant that helped to pay his University of Connecticut tuition.  He has also served at the Drop-In Learning Center where he received his Head Teacher certification in 2008.  

Frank comes from a family of ministers that help Latino families in a local church and is an active youth leader. Frank’s parents, Rosa and Frank Silva, are ministers at the Rock of Salvation Church in Groton, CT.  Frank is the oldest of three children.  His sister, Mary, 22, and brother, Rick, 19, attend Three Rivers Community College.

Currently, Frank is Minority Case Manager at the Alliance for Living, an AIDS service organization in New London Connecticut.  He is also involved in AIDS outreach, education and prevention efforts.  He will soon complete his certification as an AIDS educator for the State of Connecticut.