Get the Scoop!

Get to know our Nativity Nigeria delegation for 2008!
Below are short biographies of the twelve missionaries heading to Nigeria this August!

Bob Barczak

Biography

After traveling to Nigeria last year, I felt called to lead this year's trip. I look forward to reconnecting with the Nigerian people as well as continuing our work in the Jos and Abuja area. I hope to share my experiences in Africa with the other members of the trip. I am most looking forward to the food and spending time with the kids in the orphanage.

Hobbies: Christmas Magic
Favorite Ice Cream: Vanilla Custard from Rita's with sprinkles.

Pat Fowler

I am scared but know this is what I am supposed to do right now in my life. I am a nurse and am anxious to see how, and in what capacity I can help. I do not look forward to the pain, and unrelentng devastation that I will experience. I know there will always be poor, and those in this world who are the "have nots" , but this will be my chance to provide a brief minute, or hour, of distraction from their lot in life.

Ed King

Biography

I want to go on this trip because it is the perfect opportunity to serve God’s Poor. I am most looking forward to serving along side of the Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor in their ministry.

Hobbies: Fishing, gardening, spoiling grandkids, dodging my wife’s “to do” lists.
Favorite Ice Cream: Cherry Garcia

Jason Hillis

Biography

I'm interested in this particular Nigeria Service trip because I have always felt called to help others in need. This trip will also allow me to utilize my passion in a part of the world that needs the most assistance. I also want to become a better citizen of the world and help bring comfort and peace to those who struggle for survival on a daily basis. I'm most looking forward to revisiting friends in Jos, Nigeria and making new ones at Faith Alive.

Hobbies: Skiing, reading, traveling, volleyball, and working out.
Favorite Ice Cream: Ben and Jerry's Phish Food.

Molly Laschinger

Biography

I am currently a Pre-Med at Vanderbilt University and am interested in experiencing first hand the delivery of health services in a 3rd World Country. I also believe going to Nigeria will allow me to see a different side of medicine, in that i will see not only the physical healing power but the spiritual healing power in serving others. I am most looking forward to meeting the people in Nigeria and seeing how their faith is able to sustain them through hard times.

Hobbies: I enjoy spending my free time with family and close friends, and especially love spending time outdoors.
Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate

Andrea DiGiacomo

Biography

I am interested in learning about a completely different culture and way of life.
I am most looking forward to meeting all of the people.

Hobbies: Hanging out with my friends and family and going to the beach.
Favorite Ice Cream: Peanut Butter Cup

Lauren Boyle

Biography

I want to go to Nigeria because Africa has always been close to my heart. I've always wanted to go and volunteer with several organizations but never had the opportunity until now. One phrase that has really motivated me with this trip is something that Rev. Okimura Shihan said to me: "show compassion where none has been shown." I'm looking forward to the counseling. I love talking to people and getting to when them on a personal level.

Hobbies: Ballroom/swing dancing and aikido.
Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Teresa Pompa

Biography

There should not be such need in this world.
I most look forward to meeting the people in Nigeria and hopefully helping them.

Hobbies: I love to read or spend time with friends.
Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate Chocolate Chip

Paul Kowzan

Biography

I am fascinated by different cultures and I also want to give back. The United States has given me so much that I feel I should give others the same. Also I want to spread the message of Jesus.
I am most looking forward to meeting new people and being challenged.

Favorite Ice Cream: I can't eat ice cream, I'm allergic to dairy.

Alex Sidlak

Biography

I most look forward to traveling to and experiencing a part of the world I've never been to and also to have fun with all the kids in the orphanage.

Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Glenn Wood

We're Back...

Well not in every sense of the title, but we are shoulder deep in the planning process for our next trip this August. In the next few weeks you can expect updates about lots of things including profiles of everyone volunteering, travel preparations, reflections, and information about how you can help.

The groups are mapped out and the plane tickets are purchased. We are officially hitting the international skies and dirt roads in August. As of right now here is now the groups look:

Jos : Faith Alive Hospital

Lauren Boyle
Pat Fowler
Paul Kowzan
Molly Laschinger
Teresa Pompa
Jason Hillis

Abuja : Anawim Home & Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor

Andrea DiGiacomo
Ed King
Alex Sidlak
Glenn Wood
Bob Barczak

The group seems excited and energetic. Somebody commented recently that right now she was a mix of "excited" and "nervous." That seems to sum up the overall mindset of the group. As we mingle and meet, the group is becoming more comfortable with itself; but the prospect of no electricity, showers, or the comforts of home looms large. Getting shots and medicine for things like typhoid, yellow fever, and malaria can be a little unnerving for anybody; but the desire to do great work and help the less fortunate of sub-Saharan Africa seems to overshadow any of these reservations.

As we have done in the past, the group will transporting medical supplies and medicine for both the Faith Alive Hospital and other organizations in Nigeria. There will be more formal information forthcoming; however, it looks as if this will be taking place during the middle of July. The items in the greatest need are basic over the counter medications and multivitamins. These are very expensive in Nigeria and can be of great help to hospitals. These can be purchased in large containers at local wholesale clubs. However we ask that all items remain factory sealed as any items which appear to have been tampered with may inhibit our ability to transport them into the country. Also, please avoid any medicine that expires before January of 2009. Specifically we are looking for multivitamins, Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, and ibuprofen. We are requesting both adult and child doses.

Stay tuned for some more great pictures, updates, musings, quips, and commentary....