Dear friends and family...

Some of you already got this info from me, but it's on the blog so people who I forgot to tell, or those who stumble on my blog in a few months, or stalkers on facebook know what's going on (:


So...I'm leaving my job and the country for a year! Want to know why? Read on:

I have worked for over 2 years in the Admissions office at Messiah College. While I have enjoyed my time there, I’ve had a deep sense of God’s call to do other things with my passions for economic development, cross-cultural ministry and language study. I have been in prayer about the next step and have felt God’s leading to service with MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) in the SALT (Serving and Learning Together) program.

I am excited to share with you that I accepted a 1-year service term in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The dates of service are August 12, 2010 to July 25, 2011, so I will be working at my current job into July. There are several reasons I am so excited about this opportunity. For one, I am very eager to live in a Spanish speaking country to better hone my Spanish skills. The position is “Income Generation Program Assistant,” which involves oversight of a microfinance program in the outskirts of Tegucigalpa. MCM provides small loans to groups of women to help them with any needs they may have—sending kids to school, starting a business to generate income, or paying for life-cycle needs in their community. This work, known as microfinance, is something I have been interested in for many years, and I am excited to have the opportunity to work directly with an organization that provides Honduran women and their families a chance to improve their economic viability.  It is likely I will have a chance to do other tasks as part of this assignment, such as helping to start a small scale insurance program, offer business workshops, provide training to the loan officers, and even start a business mentoring program with local high school kids. I am sure there will always be “other duties as assigned,” but look forward to trying some new things and expanding my knowledge and skills in this field.

So, as people who are important in my life, I wanted you to know what I’m up to and have you share in my experience. You have already made it to "the blog," which will record my thoughts/experiences as I prepare for Honduras and throughout my time of service. I will try to send some email updates regularly too. If you are interested in either of these, email me and I will add you to the list.

One big thing I need is PRAYER! I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I continue through this door God has opened for me. A few things you can pray for right now: focus to finish out my time out Messiah well; that all the details of leaving for 1 year (car, bank, apartment, etc.) would come together; that God would begin preparing me for my time of service, and for whatever lies ahead in terms of work, host family situation and safety. Your support in this way is greatly appreciated.

Another way you can support me in this endeavor is financially.  One requirement of the SALT program is that I raise a one-time amount of $4500 to cover part of my living expenses for the year. I am grateful that MCC heavily subsidizes this program, but would appreciate help if you feel led to partner with me in this way. 

Donations can be made online @ https://donate.mcc.org/salt. Make sure to check the box that reads, “I would like to make this donation in Memory, in Honor, or in Support.” Choose “In Support of -- SALT” and where it asks for "Full Name:" enter "Charissa Zehr ID# 617916."

**If you prefer to send a check to MCC, let me know and I can give/send you a donation form with the instructions and address.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and support. I could not do this without knowing each one of you is standing behind me. I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months.