Sunday, July 31, 2011

Chiropractic Mission Trips and The Membership Practice

In the late 90s, Dr. Jim Sigafoose lead a series of chiropractic missions to Central America. Over a span of a dozen years, hundreds of chiropractors participated in those missions adjusting hundreds of thousands of people. Still today, chiropractors do missions work all over the world.

Some of these missions stand out for several reasons. One was the miracles. People with chronic illness were healed. The lame began to walk, the blind to see, the infirm strengthened and the hopeless regained hope. Another reason was the sheer number of people served. In single trips lasting up to 10 days, literally hundreds of thousands were adjusted by a mere handful of chiropractors. Some adjusted at least 10,000 in a single mission. That's 1,000 a day! Probably one of the greatest things that resulted from those missions is that some chiropractors were set free of limitations.

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I remember Sigafoose telling folks one time that participating in a mission had the potential for making or ruining a chiropractor's practice. When asked what he meant, he responded "You never see yourself or chiropractic in the same light again. You'll either go back and tear down the walls that limit you and chiropractic OR you'll go back to where you were and resent the things you let hold you back."

Some chiropractors returned and literally tore down the walls and began adjusting in the open. Others began to simplify their procedures and systems. Still others converted to "All cash" practices to remove interference in their practice by third party payors..

Even today, many chiropractors say "How can it be that simple?" One answer is to stop practicing as limited scope medical doctors diagnosing every patient and jumping through the hoops required to get paid by insurance carriers. Still others have been pigeon-holed by their so-called chiropractic "education" into thinking you can't possibly deliver quality chiropractic care to that many people in that short span of time. Nothing could be further from the truth.

So, how could so few adjust so many in such a short period of time and STILL give quality chiropractic care? The answers may amaze you. Here's just a few reasons why it worked:

* Few words were spoken - Because of the language barrier, a simple presentation was made by an interpreter to large groups before getting in line.
* Adjustments were limited to the upper cervical spine. In other words, deliver the MOST effective adjustment to the MOST people in the LEAST amount of time.
* Simplest procedures possible. No paperwork. No insurance. No CYA. No BS. Chiropractic analysis ONLY.
* No worries about money. Many will say "Of course they were busy. It was free!" They paid plenty, just not as a direct fee.
* The chiropractors had no distractions like phones, families, news, sports or world events.

Many have asked since those mission trips, "How can I integrate THAT perspective into my practice here in the US?" The simple answer is "You can't." Well, you can't INTEGRATE that perspective into a traditional American-style chiropractic practice. Simply put, today's chiropractic is practiced literally from a Medical perspective with all its procedures and complexity. And to make a point, THAT is exactly what chiropractic wasn't (and isn't) at its core.

You can't integrate simplicity into complexity. But, you CAN replace complexity with simplicity. I know it sounds difficult to do. But, so is falling off a log. The hardest part is simply deciding to opt out of the complex system practiced here in the US.

Here's the key. SIMPLIFY! That's it. Just like with those mission trips, you get back to the very basics of what we do as chiropractors.

* Tell the story in as few words as possible to as many people as you possibly can.
* Don't waste words on idle chatter.
* Limit paperwork and procedures to the bare minimum required.
* Do JUST chiropractic! Locate and correct subluxations. No medical diagnosis. Better yet, do ONLY what is necessary. If nothing else, make sure the Atlas is clear.
* Offer a simple, affordable fee system that fits into most people's budget. Unlimited care plans at a fixed fee makes sense to me.

Personally, I have found The Membership Practice the most congruent way to practice. The concept is not new, but growing. I challenge every chiropractor who wants to enjoy their practice more by doing JUST chiropractic to simplify their business on every level.

Chiropractic Mission Trips and The Membership Practice

MISSIONS TRIPS

Friday, July 29, 2011

Tree63 - Sunday Has Come!

South Africa is a country more likely to be visited by a church group on a mission trip than an internationally known rock band. But that is exactly where Tree63's John Ellis took his family for vacation. Of course, Ellis (lead vocals, guitar) and his Tree63 comrades, Daniel Ornella (vocals, bass) and Darryl Stewart (vocals, drums) are all native South Africans, hailing from the coastal city of Durban so a visit home makes sense. It was during this visit that Ellis began thinking about the lyrics for his song "Alright", one of the many influential songs off the band's latest album Sunday! "I remember sitting in South Africa on vacation, I realized that the lyrics had a lot to say about the current situation in South Africa."

Passionate about his roots, Ellis explains, "So many South Africans are dying of AIDS. South Africa is such a mess and you wonder if it's ever going to become okay. No matter how bad it is right now, someday it's going to be okay." For more than 20 years, the turmoil in South Africa has made international headlines, yet Ellis finds that many Americans he encounters haven't even heard of his home country. "Somebody asked us recently where we were from and we said, 'South Africa' and they're like, 'Oh, cool, what country?' And we're like, 'No, no, South Africa. It's actually a country," he laughs.

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Since finding success in this country after releasing their self-titled album on Inpop in 2000, Ellis and the rest of the band now reside in the United States. Yet their arrival in the states helped put the country of South Africa on the map for some in the Christian music world, "We're the first South African band to come to the states. There were lots of firsts for us, back in the day. We were also the first South African band to win a Dove Award." Now celebrating their tenth year together as a band as well as the release of their fifth album, Sunday!, Tree63 is far from home.

Despite his life in the U.S., Ellis can't help but be struck by the poverty that still surrounds many in South Africa, "There's big cities-all the stuff you would find in a big American or big European city. But just outside the city, there is a lot of real third world poverty. It's a very strange mix of incredibly technological advancement and incredible poverty." Yet South Africa's white minority that has long controlled the government and its wealth has also made the country different from than of other countries on the continent. But Ellis is also concerned about the problems facing Christians in the United States and throughout other parts of the world.

"It's very affluent, Christianity here. It's great on one level. There are lots of Christians that are focusing on the fact that Christianity is meant to be about other people, not just us, so that's good. Sometimes when there's lots of money in the church, it tends to focus people on themselves," shares Ellis. "All the culture around us focuses on improving yourself, thinking about yourself, and making you the center of attention. You're getting bombarded with messages all the time-you, you, you!"

That's where Tree63's title track, "Sunday!" comes in-it's a song that allows listeners to remember that there's a bigger reality-one that's not so far away. Based on the title of Tony Campolo's famous sermon, "It's Friday, but Sunday's Coming", the song "Sunday!" is about finding hope in the dark realities that are currently facing our planet. "People are just looking at the church and going, hey, you know what? It's great to be a Christian and go to church on Sunday, but if that's all there is, then that's kind of boring. There must be more to following Jesus than being a cool looking Christian," says Ellis, who adds that Christians need to realize that following Jesus also means being concerned about the poor, about the oppressed, and about our neighbors.

Yet he also sees a shift in how Christians are relating to others, "All around the world the church is starting to focus on social justice and social change-looking for ways that Jesus actually makes a change in people's lives, not just gives them cool looking cars." Tree63, known for their praise anthems, is shaking things up a bit with Sunday!, which has splashes of social commentary. "That's a huge part of Tree63-not just being Christians, but being social advocates."

When writing the songs for Sunday!, Ellis, an avid reader, was also digesting some of what he read in Shane Claiborne's popular book, The Irresistible Revolution. "Shane and his book had a big impact on Tree63, and that's a lot of the reason the new album sounds the way it does," says Ellis. Then he adds with a laugh, "He probably doesn't even know who Tree63 is."

Yet there are many who do know who Tree63 is, especially in South Africa where the band is heralded by secular media, Ellis says, "We have a lot of big hits on mainstream radio. They know we're Christian, but we're more of a rock band." Coming to the United States, Tree63 had ideas on what they thought success here would look like, but Ellis transparently admits, "We haven't really been as successful in this country as we thought we'd be.

"Foolishness" is a poppy ballad that meditates on the seeming foolishness of God as compared to the false wisdom of man. Ellis reflects on the song, "Christianity is all about losing your life to gain it-it all seems backwards and upside down. That's one of the huge parts of being a Christian-that we trust this unseen God and He proves himself in strange ways. It's a real mystery. We have to trust God that wisdom is what He says it is."

The theme of foolishness is continued in the song, "Not As the World." One of the lines in the song, "I struck the rock with anger", is especially poignant to Ellis, who alludes to the story of Moses striking the rock in the Old Testament, an act which cost Moses entrance into the Promised Land. "Moses is beating the crap out of the rock to try to get his own way, and God's like, 'Hang on, that's not the way to do it'-even though that seems the most logical thing to do and God's way seems foolish."

The aforementioned song, "Alright", is decidedly mellower than the rest of the album but also encompasses the overall theme of the album. "The bottom line is the reason we know it's going to be okay is because our hope is in Jesus and we have faith in God. He won't let stuff go on and on forever and ever. We have faith in a good God who's fair and will one day sort it all out," promises Ellis, who also says that album has a lot of "hang in there" songs. "We're holding out for something that we know is going to come right eventually-that's the key to the record."

Even as Ellis considers the difficulties in his home country of South Africa and life here in the States, he muses that Sunday! is an album of hope in the present and excitement in future glory. He shares, "If you write a whole album moaning and groaning about how things suck, it won't help anybody. It's just going to reaffirm how bad stuff is, you know? As Christians, we need to have hope and have something to hold on to, to have something to believe in for the future or we're all going to go crazy." Tree 63 reminds us that Sunday's not so far away, after all.

Tree63 - Sunday Has Come!

MISSIONS TRIPS AFRICA

Thursday, July 28, 2011

South African National Anthem - "Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika"

The Words:

This is the official version of the national anthem, combining Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika and Die Stem / The Call of South Africa:

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Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika

Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo,

Yizwa imithandazo yethu,

Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo.

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,

O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho,

O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,

Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika.

Uit die blou van onse hemel,

Uit die diepte van ons see,

Oor ons ewige gebergtes,

Waar die kranse antwoord gee,

Sounds the call to come together,

And united we shall stand,

Let us live and strive for freedom,

In South Africa our land.

The History:

A declaration issued by the (then) State President on 20 April 1994 in terms of the provisions of Section 248 (1) together with Section 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, No 200 of 1993, stated that the Republic of South Africa would have two National Anthems. They were "Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika" and "The Call of South Africa" ("Die Stem van Suid-Afrika).

In terms of Section 4 of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996) and following a declaration in the Government Gazette No. 18341 (dated 10 October 1997), a shortened, combined version of "Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika" and "The Call of South Africa" is now the National Anthem of South Africa.

The Call of South Africa ("Die Stem van Suid-Afrika")

Die "Stem van Suid-Afrika" is a poem written by Cj Langenhoven in May 1918. The music was composed by the Reverend Ml de Villiers in 1921.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation played both God save the King and Die Stem to close their daily broadcasts and the communal became customary with it. It was first sung publicly at the official hoisting of the national flag in Cape Town on 31 May 1928, but it was not until 2 May 1957 that Government made the declaration that Die Stem had been suitable as the official national anthem of South Africa.

In the same year Government also acquired the copyright and this was confirmed by Act of Parliament in 1959. In 1952 the official English version of the national anthem, the Call of South Africa was suitable for official use.

"Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika"

Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika was composed in 1897 by Enoch Sontonga, a Methodist mission school teacher. The words of the first stanza were originally written in Xhosa as a hymn. Seven additional stanzas in Xhoza were later added by the poet, Samuel Mqhayi. A Sesotho version was published by Moses Mphahlele in 1942. Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika was popularised at concerts held in Johannesburg by Reverend Jl Dube's Ohlange Zulu Choir.

It became a popular church hymn that was later adopted as an anthem at political meetings. It was sung as an act of defiance during the apartheid years. The first stanza is ordinarily sung in Xhosa or Zulu followed by the Sesotho version. Apparently there is no suitable version or translations of Nkosi and the words vary from place to place and from chance to occasion.

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South African National Anthem - "Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika"

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

African Safari Destination - Chete Island, Lake Kariba, Zambia

Lake Kariba in Zambia is the largest manmade lake in the world. Completed in 1959, it was designed to supply hydro-electric power for Zambia and Zimbabwe. 280km of river was turned into an huge 5,200km2 of lake! Chete Island peeps out of Lake Kariba. Historically the building of Lake Kariba was surrounded by much turn over - thousands of BaTonga villagers were immediately displaced and much wildlife drowned despite the 'Operation Noah' initiative to save and relocate animals as the flood waters rose. However, that was fifty years ago and today the lake is home to a rich fish and aquatic life, and its shores are rich in wildlife and beauty. This is a place for fishing, a place for quiet leisure in a remarkable natural environment and a place to come on safari - a kind of three for one experience!

Chete Island is a secret wildlife keep and bird sanctuary and is the largest island on the lake (27km2). It is a remote southern island, very much isolated except for the see of kapenta (Limnothrissa miodon) fishing rigs in the distance.

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Known as a "wild water wilderness", this is a place where game and birds flourish, completely protected and unadulterated. Despite the small size of the island, its game is not tame. Though populations are not as dense here as they are in other Zambian national parks (Luangwa and some areas of Kafue) animal sightings are still thrilling here.

There is

a resident herd of elephant of colse to 80-100, a pride of lions possibly half a dozen leopard a herd of eland lots of impala, waterbuck and bushbuck some kudu a wide variety of birds - 378 species recorded to date and of policy fullness crocodile and hippo!

The island has a sense of solitude, charm and wilderness that only a wild island can maybe give. Far from the adrenaline junkie power boats of the shores of Lake Kariba, this remote island lies largely unknown and virtually unvisited by the tourist world.

Some would define the solitude as heaven, but for those who want a little action, activities are an additional one optional ingredient.

Game walks with an island guide are an obvious and must do experience Bird watching will happen by emergency but an organised session can be arranged As you are surrounded by water, game and bird viewing by canoe gives an additional one twist Many have said that fishing the lakes water is worth a trip here on its own And, sunset and navigation cruises will relax your mind and body weather you intend it or not!
Chete Island offers a luxurious tented camp with just 8 Meru style tents. A place where elephants select to idly meander past, where the unforgettable sound of the bellow of hippos travels down the bay and where the magnificent African sunset awes the few visitors that are lucky adequate to ever step foot here.

Note: If you wish to issue this article on your website, blog, etc. You can as long as the article remains in its full entirety; along with the links and the author reserved supply box.

African Safari Destination - Chete Island, Lake Kariba, Zambia

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Monday, July 25, 2011

Top Incentive Trips in Africa

Here is a new incentive tour idea: why not think the unusual and exotic attractions of Africa? Many of the experiences on offer provide a legitimately consuming alternative for employees, and they can be tailored to suit most budgets. When the aim is to repaymen and motivate staff, you need a special taste with broad appeal. That is why incentive tour to holiday destinations has long been a beloved option. However, now that so many of us are seasoned travellers, the traditional European hot spots do not hold the same excitement any longer and more exotic places are gaining in popularity.

As a result, many new corporate tour organisations specialising in the most beloved African destinations have emerged. These tour companies have requisite local knowledge, taste and contacts. Booking accommodation, activities, entertainment and tour in an unfamiliar place can be risky. Unless you 'know the ropes', you can't be sure of getting good value or of things running smoothly. This is where corporate tour or destination management companies can help to minimise the risks and keep costs competitive. They normally provide a wide range of ground handling services such as transport, hotels and venues, interpreters and normal logistics.

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Cape Town: a top incentive tour destination

Cape Town is a very beloved city for all types of visitors, and is becoming a top option for incentive travel. With glorious beaches, a wealth of activities, phenomenal landscape and wildlife, plus year-round sunshine, this gorgeous place has everything you could wish for. In fact it was voted 'the world's best incentive destination' by readers of seminar & Incentive tour magazine in 2009. The Cape Town traveler Board runs an accreditation project for companies contribution destination management services and these are listed at the legal site of Cape Town (Business-Find Venues & Services-Organizers).

One of these organisations, Into Africa, specialises in corporate trips to the Cape. It has been around since 1991 and has an experienced team who can arrange many consuming activities and itineraries from a concentrate of nights to several weeks long. A tour of the world illustrious Cape Winelands is unmissable, and the area has a wealth of cultural highlights and nightlife to discover. Sporting activities such as abseiling, kayaking trips out to penguin colonies, deep sea fishing trips and scuba diving are also available. Options range from close encounters with baboons, to playing superb golf courses to hosting unforgettable parties.

Safari incentive trips in Kenya

A Kenyan safari incentive trip is someone else extremely consuming option for corporate clients finding for something out of the ordinary. A local corporate tour enterprise such as Destination Kenya can assemble phenomenal 'off the beaten track' itineraries using their scholar taste and contacts. Surface the whole of East Africa, this company's Kenyan field is known for its perfect tailor-made safari tours. The game reserves of Kenya are world illustrious and contain the unique Masai Mara Reserve. Watching the migration of wildebeest across the Serengeti is just one of many unique experiences.

Safaris can be in jeeps, on foot or even on camel back. Destination Kenya can arrange tours for any estimate in the middle of 15 and 1,000 people. There are many other activities available, such as hot air balloon trips, eco-tours, astronomy, golf and fishing. Itineraries may vary, but whether they see elephants, wildebeest and leopards, waterfalls or oases, a visit to Kenya is bound to be unforgettable.

Cultural incentive tour in Egypt

Incentive tour to Egypt has much more to offer than the Nile and the pyramids. A whole range of consuming and consuming experiences are now offered by destination management companies keen to show visitors the real Egypt. As well as the historic archaeological sites and museums, the country offers many outdoor activities as well as society and green projects.

Corporate tour groups can get away from the crowded traveler trail with organisations such as Egypt Incentive and Events, a department of the respected Ittatours enterprise which was established in 1949. Specialising in unusual cultural experiences, this enterprise can arrange a stay in a Bedouin camp, navigation on a felucca, interaction with local families and even visits to the recycling projects of Garbage City. They can also arrange sports activities such as archery and quad biking.

With such a great mix of opportunities across Africa, the option is awe-inspiring. An increased range of flights, new luxury hotels and traveler facilities and imaginative destination management companies are all factors in development this a top incentive tour destination.

Top Incentive Trips in Africa

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Saturday, July 23, 2011

Children's Mission Trips - Logistics to Lessons

Organizing children's mission trips takes a good deal of advance planning, requiring organizers to find a safe location where kids can engage in meaningful work. The purpose of these trips should be to further the children's lessons in Christian principles and the Bible.

Choosing a Location

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Organizers of children's mission trips should start first with the location. Mission trips, especially for younger children, should be close enough to home that children feel safe, but different enough that they are able to leave their regular cares behind and focus on the experience. Organizers must find a location that can support the work of a group of kids for a short period.

Locations should offer kids tangible work that lets them see results. Excellent projects include constructing something, such as helping to rebuild a playground. Another good mission trip is one that allows children to connect with the people they are helping, such as volunteering in a school or an orphanage.

Deciding the Logistics

Organizers, at the same time they choose a location, must determine the length of the trip. An afternoon trip to a soup kitchen takes a much different level of preparation than a weekend trip to help an area devastated by a natural disaster. Some things to think about in advance are options for lodging, transportation, meals, fun activities or recreation time, and overall cost.

With an older group, the work may be more in depth and meaningful, so organizers may want to consider longer overnight trips. Young kids have shorter attention spans and therefore need a mix of fun and work.

Tying the Work into the Bible Lessons

No matter what children's ministry mission trip is chosen, organizers must seek to tie in lessons from the Bible. For instance, if kids are going to volunteer at an orphanage or soup kitchen, a relevant story is Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. Just as Jesus humbled himself to be the servant of his people, so must we serve those less fortunate than ourselves.

If a trip lasts more than one day, adults should take some time each evening to reflect with the group about the work of the day and how it makes them feel. Some children will feel that it is a waste of time or that it is too hard. Others will feel a sense of accomplishment at helping other people. This is a big reason why mission trips should produce tangible results - children need to see the fruits of their labor in order to build a sense of responsibility and develop habits of philanthropy.

Final Considerations for Children's Mission Trips

Organizers must first determine the logistics of children's mission trips. Some considerations include the age of the group, the appropriate length of a trip, and the lessons the children are learning in the Bible. Once a location is chosen, organizers must account for transportation, lodging, meals, and entertainment. Trips should mix work and play, and the work should produce tangible results that children can feel proud to have accomplished.

Children's Mission Trips - Logistics to Lessons

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Friday, July 22, 2011

College Students Work As Humanitarians in Relief Missions

Many college students volunteer to work in a third world country helping others while they are in college. Helping others is a great way to earn credits while building up a great resume after you graduate from college. You should try to do projects that are in line with your major in college. You will find that doing international public service is very rewarding as well as beneficial to your own character.

You find that many times the people that you meet and work with in third world countries have a beautiful insight to life that will help you to become a better person just by knowing and working with them. You should try to do something that is constructive in your projects. You could devise a water purification system for instance if you are studying environmental engineering. This will help a remote village plagued by contaminated water while helping you earn your degree. Perhaps you are working with computers and network systems then use your knowledge to help others set up a computer lab gaining access to the outside world. You will find that countries like Africa, South America or rural Asia would be very happy to have you come and help them gain access to others by the use of a computer.

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You can gain access to many people by helping them with a short-term humanitarian mission on your part that will help others better themselves in the world in which they live. Many college students engage themselves in helping people and needs of other places and cultures in an effort to make a positive public contribution. You may span yourself to help a wide range of people or you can join a humanitarian group to help a small group of people. In either case you will find that you are a better person for your efforts and the people you help are very appreciative. Helping others can be rewarding helping you to grow as an individual in ways that you never thought possible.

You do not always have to travel abroad to work doing a humanitarian relief mission. You can find that by going to the Appalachian areas of America and helping people have a better life style is also rewarding. People need help to build homes, get a better education and even learn how to work on a job that will pay them a descent income to support their families. There are programs that help people in America today that you can join and find that you will receive great satisfaction in your work with your fellow Americans.

College Students Work As Humanitarians in Relief Missions

MISSIONS TRIPS AFRICA

Teaching African American History - How to Do it in Creative Ways

When it comes to conferrence facts on Black History, I am a huge fan of my neighborhood social library. There is so much to be discovered; invaluable books, documentaries, even music to aid me in addition my knowledge of Blacks in America. I've recently come across a treasure entitled Black America Series: Cincinnati, by author Gina Ruffin Moore. I can't wait to dive into this one! The wonderfully informative mini-series, Roots, can be borrowed for the watching (and re-watching)! Oh, and if you are unquestionably serious about learning, Eyes on the Prize, a documentary about the African American perceive from 1954-1965, is not to be missed. I remember once stumbling across a library music Cd of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. I immediately snatched it up since I knew that I could glean much history as I listened to those splendid spirituals. I was not disappointed!

The internet as a source for teaching almost goes without saying. What a tool! If the library doesn't have it, chances are the world wide web will (and more). Just use caution when conferrence study from questionable sources such as Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia that whatever can edit.

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Take benefit of living history sources. What could be great than sitting down and listening to man tell his or her own story of being Black in America? An elderly African American grandmother can tell us all some things that we'd never find in an American History text! A good friend of mine recently passed away at age 86. I have fond memories of listening to his many colorful stories. I mean, do you know how many presidential elections, wars, and life experiences he'd lived through? Stories galore!

Search out opportunities to hear talks by surviving (their numbers are rapidly decreasing) Tuskegee Airmen. Sit at their feet and hear how they overcame seemingly insurmountable odds in their quest to serve this great country. Also, get to know African American families; ask them their story.

Speaking of field trips, I recently asked my children if they felt they received a good grounding in African American History. To my delight, they answered in the affirmative, but guess what they remembered most? Not my lectures, but the places I'd taken them to over the years. Places like old homes that were private railroad stops, and trips to meet African American scientists and astronauts. They recalled taking a trip to see a stage operation given by a splendid gentleman who has for years portrayed previous slave and abolitionist, Frederick Douglas. Now, it could be that the fondest memory they cherish from that particular event was the cookie "Mr. Douglas" gave each of them, but my point is, they remembered the event at all!

Teaching African American History means using some creativity versus depending upon former history texts. Give my suggestions a try or feel free to come up with some of your own. Just do it!

Teaching African American History - How to Do it in Creative Ways

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

Thursday, July 21, 2011

South Africa - A Great Place to Shop

If your idea of a great vacation is a shop-till-you-drop spree in the stores, then a visit to South Africa will not disappoint you. Sell outlets here range from busy, modern shopping malls; to quaint boutiques and out-of-the-way house operated businesses that offer a wide range of goods; and sharp flea markets where you'll find all things from the lowly to the exotic.

From Baskets to Diamonds

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Shoppers in South Africa can buy jewellery made from locally mined gold, and inset with genuine South African diamonds. In the colourful road markets you can have your selection of the perfect work of South African artisans: beautifully intricate beadwork, colourfully woven rugs and carpets, uniquely decorative baskets, and primary stone and wood carvings that make perfect souvenirs and gifts.

From All Over Africa

Craftsmen from all over the African continent are drawn by South Africa's prosperous tourist industry. In the craft markets you can find ceremonial wooden masks, malachite bracelets, wind chimes, wooden beach chairs, wood and bone spoons, flowing African garments with geometric motifs, leather goods, and painted duvet covers. Lovers of epicurean foods can buy such tasty specialties as African chilli sauces.

Where to Shop

Johannesburg is a mall lover's mecca. This is where people from all over South Africa and other countries of the subcontinent come for their big shopping trips. It is the best place to find wood and stone crafts, though much of what is in the stores comes from Zimbabwe and West and Central Africa. You are much more likely to find locally made arts and crafts in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. Look for Zulu baskets, which are of the highest quality. Some of the most colourful ones are made from telephone wire. Other great souvenir items are grass brooms, woven beer strainers, pots, shields, and drums. Brightly painted wooden bird and animal figures are also very popular. At Gazankulu and Venda you can find the best ability pottery. The artisans here are illustrious for their distinctive angular designs in silver and ochre.

At the Botshabelo Museum and Nature support near Fort Merensky you can get the very best of Ndebele handicrafts. These people are known for their bead blankets, belts, aprons, and dolls. A Ndebele nguba (marriage blanket) would make a truly unique wedding present. Knysna is another of South Africa's craftwork capitals. This is a major timber centre, and is the best place to buy furniture and smaller artifacts made of yellowwood and stinkwood. If a chair is too big for you to take home, you might like a carved doorknob. This is also a good place to buy colourful woven mohair jackets, shawls, blankets, and cushion covers.

For a truly unique South African souvenir or gift, look for the label "Scarab Paper". This is the name given to a line of cards and other paper-like handicraft items that are verily made from elephant dung. Don't worry; they are odour free. Swazi candles are another very popular item. They are slow-burning, and give a "stained glass" effect. Gift stores all over the country have rings, bracelets, necklaces and other items made from South African gold and diamonds, but you'll get the best prices for this merchandise in the malls. Beware of parking lot vendors contribution bargains as much of what they try to sell is fake or stolen. Enjoy shopping South Africa.

South Africa - A Great Place to Shop

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

curative Missions: A Desire to Help Others

Every year hundreds of people chose to leave their homes and loved ones to go and volunteer to help their fellow man. Many are doctors, dentists, nurses, or lay persons with the heart to just want to help. The areas they go to may have been ravaged by a natural disaster or are poverty stricken areas. Their speculate to go may vary but most go with just a desire to help the local residents.

Medical missions are organized to go to disadvantaged spots colse to the world: Honduras, Ecuador, Madagascar, Nigeria, Panama, Thailand, Burmese, Haiti, Argentina, India, and many more too numerous to name. Once they arrive at their destination, they many times find the conditions they are to do their work in is very primitive: hot with no shade, wind that blows dust and debris into everything, rain, insects and hostile gangs and governments.

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

The volunteers go to help out in hospitals, treating patients with distinct ailments: Hiv/Aids, pneumonia, meningitis, blood infections, diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, infections, boils, vision problems (infections and abscesses), etc. Sometimes the volunteers will go to remote villages where the people is unable to voyage to larger towns, where clinics or a small hospital are located. In these remote locations, the people may never have seen a medical person in their life or it may have been many years in the middle of visits, or they are newborn babies or toddlers needing check-ups. The whole of patients can be overwhelming. And many have traveled long distances and hours to get to the temporary clinic. The medical personal will not only treat the sick or injured but will try to educate them on how their lifestyles supervene their health.

Other volunteers will go to a disaster area to help the overloaded local medical personnel. These volunteers will work long days and weeks with limited rest or time off, in make shift hospitals, with medical teams from colse to the world. Wave after wave of trauma injuries, that were the supervene of an earthquake, flood, fire, or hurricane will come to the hospitals with injuries that comprise fractures, infections, tetanus and some injuries so sever that amputation is the only way to save the patient.

But all volunteers must leave and return to their homes, loved ones and work. They leave behind what appears to be unfinished work. Although the work they did will have an everlasting impact on the local population, there is still a need for more volunteers.

Organizations such as Share a Vision, Rotary clubs, churches, Faith Alive (in Nigeria), International medical Relief, Doctors Without Borders, P.R.O. Mission, and many, many more are doing their part to help those in need.

curative Missions: A Desire to Help Others

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

When On a healing Mission to a Foreign Country Adaptability Is a Vital Skill

The other day, I was talking to a very nice lady at Starbucks who had been sent from the Sunday school, and youth group to make a "Starbucks Run" and bring back all the Frappachinos, lattes, and passion tea drinks. While we were waiting, we got to talking about her Sunday School, and the Youth Group and how they raise money for their endeavors. I indicated that car wash fundraisers work quite well, and that I had written an e-book on the topic, and would be glad to e-mail it to her.

She said; "that would be literally remarkable because our church is planning someone else mission to either Costa Rica, or Honduras, it will be a medical mission, to help the indigenous poor people."

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

Then she told me a story that her church was in Honduras when there was an overthrow of the government, literally they ousted the president in a military coup. They didn't know what to do, and the group couldn't return home for two weeks, and a State group lawful helped them get out of the country. They decided to do their medical mission in Costa Rica working with some the other churches, and someone else group which left early and couldn't faultless their mission either.

It's a good thing they had a back-up plan, but more importantly they had strong adaptability, and they improvised as they went. Having an itinerary and a mission with a list of things to do may not all the time work out as planned. In fact, most of the people I've talked to that go on medical missions to foreign countries by comparison some of the hardships they encounter. Roads washed out, civil unrest, criminal gangs, parasites in the water, sickness, and all sorts of other calamities.

Many of these things you might not reconsider big deals, but when you are in the middle of it, you either adapt or die. Therefore a strong leader prominent the medical mission is very apropos. If you are thinking about going on a medical mission, and you don't have a lot of feel traveling to Third World Nations, I recommend that you take leaders who have done it before, have stories to tell, and have turned crisis into chance on the fly. Your experiences and observations on these trips will give you memories for a lifetime, and lots of great stories to tell your kids and grandchildren.

Indeed I hope you will please reconsider this and if you are thinking about going on a medical mission to Africa, or perhaps Central America, why not send me an e-mail and share your concerns, comments, and questions. I'm also very interested in case studies. Think on it.

When On a healing Mission to a Foreign Country Adaptability Is a Vital Skill

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

Fancy a Spot of Shark Diving on Your voyage to South Africa?

Many population seek to have an adventure type of trip when they go on their dream trip to South Africa. Shark diving is a perfect way to accommodate this kind of vacation. Here we will look at what we know about this adventure sport and how it being more and more favorite for on a South Africa travel.

People that trip to this area in crusade of adventure will find that there are any places around that supply population with the occasion to observing circling sharks close up. Talking to population that live there is one of the easiest ways to find out where these places are and of course you can also check the web for detailed info

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

The diving cage that a someone is in have been designed to withstand the military that a Great White Shark can put on it, so for thrill seekers it is not only highly stimulating but also completely safe.

The process of shark cage diving begins with the someone getting inside the cage that is made of galvanized steel. Once inside, the cage is then released into the water where the population inside the cage are able to see the sharks doing things in the manner that they do on any other given day. However shark cage diving is not your usual brand sightseeing. Indeed, if you happen to come over some sharks who are hungry and in a particularly testy mood, things can turn frightening very quickly. Some cages have been severely dented by the huge force of these animals beasts, but so far no deaths have been reported.

Knowing a bit about snorkeling is about all that a someone should know if they are thinking about shark diving. This will help them to understand how to use the air tubes that run to the cage from the boat.

Timing is other thing that population need to consider when it comes to taking this kind of a trip. The period that runs from May until October is commonly found to be the best time to plan your South Africa trip if you want to see the sharks. Clearly, seeing into the things that can help ensure the likelihood of seeing sharks is a very smart thing to do if you have set your heart on this activity

While planning your trip to South Africa, you might want to consider a spot of shark diving. Do your homework to find costs and accommodations that are available, but mainly start to get ready yourself psychologically for what will be an feel like no other.

Fancy a Spot of Shark Diving on Your voyage to South Africa?

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

Monday, July 18, 2011

Trade Missions Organised by Corporate voyage Specialists

Trade missions provide an exquisite chance for businesses to visit overseas countries meeting relevant, targeted clubs with the aim of identifying new possible clients and exploring what enterprise opportunities exist in that market. At the same time clubs also learn how enterprise is conducted in the country they would like to target.

Business travel agencies work with mission sponsors, such as Uk Trade & Investment, Governments and local enterprise links. The midpoint mission a corporate travel branch operates is ordinarily 15-20 attendees although they can be larger, and whilst missions can be organised in any place in the world, the vast majority tend to take place in the Middle East, Africa, the Far East and South America.

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

The advantage of taking part in an organised trade mission is having everything arranged for you - flights, accommodation, transportation from and to the airport and the meetings, plus all the meetings themselves. The meetings are set up with relevant local clubs all of which have expressed an interest in meeting the missions participants. The enterprise travel agent and the British High Commission provide a brief on the missions purpose and the types of clubs the missions participants would ideally like to meet.

Naturally by going through this process all clubs in attendance have already expressed their interest in exploring new enterprise opportunities; this approach therefore leads to extremely productive trade missions for all the parties involved.

A good example of a trade mission would be oil missions to Saudi Arabia that control several times a year. clubs take part in the mission to identify who they can sell their products and services to overseas, such as a enterprise trying to sell valves for a particular type of pipe, or other such devotee equipment.

Overall being part of a trade mission provides clubs a fast track route to meeting convenient clubs to trade with overseas, generating high ability opportunities that often lead to the development of long and successful partnerships.

Trade Missions Organised by Corporate voyage Specialists

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

Sunday, July 17, 2011

What to Wear on Your Missions Trip

While I was in Uganda, I observed some cultural idiosyncrasies that I made a note of and notion that it would be helpful for me to pass them along to others.

I have notion about and put together some Do's and Don'ts of what to wear and what not to wear for your next mission trip. One thing to be cautious of is wearing scented perfumes along with scented shampoos and lotions can attract mosquitoes and other bugs which can cause malaria. You will not want to wear any heavily scented items just to be safe.

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

There are many cultural differences in foreign countries which we are not all the time aware of here in America. I was riding on a "Boda Boda," (which is more commonly known as a motorcycle) in Uganda, Africa where I was told that I need to make sure I wear a small purse because if my purse is too large, person may think that I am very wealthy and will try to steal my purse!

I was also told that women need to wear long skirts and not pants. This was partly based upon our private missions base, however, this was a more widely thorough way of dress for women. person mentioned to me that it is not thought about "lady-like" for a woman to be riding a bicycle! This seemed a minuscule strange to me due to our cultural differences here in the United States. From what I understand, this is a bit degrading for women in Ugandan culture to be riding a bicycle.

Also you will want to make sure that you pack the lightest weight clothing as possible, based upon the weather in your destination of choice. This will help you to avoid baggage fees for your baggage being too heavy to check in at the airport. Universally, a fifty pound baggage limit is standard, so packing too much can cost you extra cash.

As a woman, I am finding that dressing modestly is very important. Many people have differences in notion about this topic. However, to keep it simple, modest dress will cause less problems than dressing in a more revealing way.

I was surprised that the people in Uganda were dressed very nice. The word that I learned was a very British sounding word that is used to imply that a person looks very classy. If a Ugandan says, "You are very smart today!" (Smart pronounced "Smaat")
This means, you look very classy and well put together! I loved hearing this from them!
It still makes me smile mental about it.

If you are visiting an African country for your missions trip, you can expect that people will not be dressed shabby no matter how much or how minuscule money they have for that matter. For church, you will want to dress up with nicely ironed clothes, finding neat and clean. This will help you to feel comfortable and feel like you fit with the way others are dressed, especially in Uganda.

So, what do you do with all of your gold and silver necklaces? What about your wedding ring for that matter? Well, you leave all the important jewels at home! Flashy jewelry and flashy hairstyles will need to be deescalated. You will want to downsize some of the "Bling" so to speak. Meticulous attention must be taken to avoid any unnecessary or problematic attention being drawn to yourself.

In fact, the attention should be focused upon the Lord and not on us, so we will want to deflect some of the attention away from us if possible. I advise purchasing wooden jewelry to replace your gold and silver or precious jewelry. Many jewels and beads can be purchased while in the foreign country you are visiting. This can be an economic stimulus to the cheaper of the country you are visiting as well! This is just an additional one think to leave the expensive jewelry at home.

Ok, now for shoes!!! You will want to make sure your shoes are thorough for the nature of your trip. If you are going to a very hot place, you may want to pack some sandals or buy them there in that country. Also, tennis shoes are very important in the airports for ease when walking long distances.

I hope this facts was helpful to you in planning your next missions trip! Please feel free to visit our website where you can find out about the benefits of missionary airfare for your next missions trip.

Safe Travels,

Tabitha Lovell, International voyage Specialist

What to Wear on Your Missions Trip

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA