Waiting with courage

Well, as of Wednesday, all of my support letters had gone out.  I have heard from a couple of people and so far, they have been positive responses.  It is still, um, unsetteling, to think of the letters being out there.  Trying to understand if the people who receive them will understand, if not accept, my reasons for going.  Trusting God that enough people will agree to provide financial support while believing that others will commit to the prayer and encouraging words we will need to get through this!

So, while I am choosing courage and peace in regards to the letters, I thought I would share some information from some of the organizations we will be working with!

One of the organizations is Rahab Ministries.  Here is some information from their website:

Based in the heart of Patpong

In the tourist bars of Patpong, women are employed on a monthly retainer with 2 nights off per month. Each customer who chooses a girl will pay the bar to release her for the night. It is up to her to then negotiate with the customer what she will be paid. She will also be paid a percentage of each drink that is bought for her. The Rahab Outreach team buys Cola for the woman we visit enabling us to enter the bars.
The majority of these women are from Isaan, the Northeast of Thailand. They come to Bangkok looking for work to provide for their families back in their villages, and for most a lack of education limits their work opportunities.
Rahab Ministries takes these girls from the life of prostitution and employs them in either jewelry making, nail art or hairdressing while also teaching them English. Retraining them in a safe Christian environment where they can learn about Jesus, allows a change to happen inside out.
And after they have recovered and reached a confidence to try to support themselves, we encourage them to find a trade that suits them, and to pursue it with Rahab Ministries’ initial support. As they do well in their trade, the Ministry begins to step back while continuing to keep them in prayer.

For more information go to: http://rahabministriesthailand.com/


One of the ladies who leads trips for Adventures In Missions (our host organization), is Connie Rock.    You can read one of her Thailand posts here: Private Dancer.

 

 

Update - 1/19/2013

 

 

 

I thought it might be time for an update :)

 

 

The team has been working on their personal support letters.  We are SO excited and trusting God to ensure that we all are able to raise the finances for this trip.  We are also all nervous.  None of us are very comfortable with the idea of asking our friends and family for money, but we know it is a necessity.   You can see a copy of my letter here.

 

In other news we have been busy discussing and planning some other fund raising ideas.  We have friends who are working on items to sell, group information sessions, and possibly a parents night out.

 

 

If you have any suggesions, we would appreciate the information!!!

 

Please keep us in your prayers.

 

 

 



Miss Pam

This morning I drove in Chicago rush hour traffic for the first time in a year.  The whole time I kept thinking, "Oh no!  Why me, this is awful!"

Then I thought about Miss Pam.  Miss Pam is a friend of the family who has had a difficult year.  After an pretty signficant accident she had to deal with many medical issues and hasn't been able to work.

So why does rush hour remind me of Miss Pam?  Because I was planning my pity party - but I have never heard Miss Pam say "Whoa is me" or "I can't believe this is happening"! 

Miss Pam CHOOSES Joy!  She is the epitomy of a joyful spirit.  Every time I see her she is reminding me about the things God is providing for her and sharing all of the things that make her day shine.

Once this all went through my head, I started thinking about choosing Joy. 

So, what did I have to be Joyful about this morning?   
    - I have a job! (The reason I was in rush hour traffic.)
    - I have a car that is fun to drive (hey, I have a car!)
    - The sun was shining!
    - I was given another day to CHOOSE JOY!


Tomorrow, join me.  When you catch yourself wondering "Why?", stop and Choose Joy! Be Thankful for what you do have and you will forget the Why!

   

Welcome!

It seems like every now and then something gets a hold of me and doesn’t let go.  For the last year or so, God has been speaking to me.  Nudges in that quiet place.  Pokes in the sensitive spots.  None of which screamed out

“This is what you are supposed to do!”

Now why is that? It would be so much easier J.   Regardless, in late November an opportunity presented itself.  At first I said, “That is not for me.”  Then, it was “Well, I will help them if they need it.”  Finally, I heard it.  That voice, the one that said, “You need to do this.”

So, I am.  I am joining a group of amazing women from our church that are headed to Thailand.

Once Colin and I agreed this was the right step, there was peace.  I won’t say I’m not nervous.  Stepping out of your comfort zone is always nerve wracking!  But, not only do I believe it will be worth it, I believe it is a necessary step for me.

One of the things this decision brought to my attention was the need in my life to be intentional.  To choose to live my life in a way that is worthy.

 
That is why I started this blog.  I want to keep our family and friends up to speed on the Thailand trip.  But I also want to be accountable.  I am not always great at being open and honest; and sometimes, there are things that are just personal.  Regardless, I am not living live if I am not living it out loud.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this!