A widow's miracle

One of the days on my trip to Thailand, we had a specific prayer time for a Nepali widow. This woman is raising goats to feed her family and generate revenue. She lives in a village where traffickers prey on the women, often scamming them into the sex industry. WAR, Int. is desiring to help this widow with a goat farm so that other women can raise goats and support their families too.

This precious woman was crying out to the Lord as her goats, {her livelihood} were dying. She was being mocked by the other villagers because their goats were not dying, and they snickered that her God could not save them. She is also the first believer in this village. She holds a church service in her home for a couple of people every week.

Oh how my heart went out to this woman I had never met. As a team we gathered and beseeched our Father on behalf of this dear one. I know praying for goats certainly doesn't sound very spiritual, but any of my teammates would tell you that God's spirit was present, and we knew He was going to intervene!

Days passed, and we heard from Nepal that the woman went to the market to buy another goat. Unbeknownst to all involved, she got more for her money. Much more. You see, her goat was pregnant. When it birthed, it birthed the exact number of goats that had died!! I am pretty sure it was more than four which I am told is quite amazing! Don't you love it? Can you imagine the impact this is having on the village?

If you want to hear more about the goat project in Nepal and Sudan too, click here. {You can even donate money to purchase a goat for one of the women!}

Finding Easter

I woke up thinking of Thailand today. My mind was swirling with images and sounds from my recent trip. Not unusual to think about the trip. Just unusual to wake up doing so.

As I got dressed I was trying to decide what jewelry to wear. My eyes swept over my necklaces and landed on my single black pear necklace and earrings. This would be my choice.

Both of these pieces were made by women rescued from evil as dark as those pearls. The necklace is a tear drop shape and it reminds me of the pain that these women have experienced. It reminds me of the fact that God has collected each one of their tears in a bottle {as He does with yours and mine}, for they are precious to Him. It reminds me of the beauty that only God can create out of suffering.

The earrings were made by T. An innocent village girl, she went to work in the city in order to support her family {in Thai culture, this is the eldest daughter's responsibility}. She soon found out that this great city job was not what she imagined. Thrust into a world so foreign to her, she became numb to the horrors that she experienced. She had to in order to survive. Her world became full of a darkness she had never known.

But the light of Jesus was about to pierce her dark world like nothing ever had, or ever would! {Can I get a "woo hoo"?} She met one of the staff from one of the safe houses. That servant brought with her an unexplainable love, peace in her heart and an offer of a new job; full of dignity. T. chose to follow this path to a new job, and in doing so found the path to Life. That day T. found Easter.

A little later as I was worshipping in church, the faces of girls like T. kept flashing in mind. I started thinking about what today must mean for them especially. They know what it means to be rescued from darkness. To be physically rescued from as close to we can get on earth to the pit of hell. They know the darkness of mourning, like on that Good Friday. They also know the brilliant light of this morning and what it means.

I asked the Lord what it was that He wanted of me as I couldn't get them off my mind. And then, His words from Romans 6: 6-7 spoke to me:

"We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin."

He died on the cross and rose again so that the chains of sin would be shattered. He came to rescue you and me.

And then He asked me; "Are you living a "rescued" life?


Or are there areas of sin that you are slave to?


Do you live each day like you too have found Easter? "

I was about to dismiss the thoughts, with a yes, of course, Lord. I chose to follow You long ago. But the phrase "each day" kept echoing in my mind. My heart was reminded that there are places in my life that need to be worked on. Places where I am not living as a free, rescued woman, ransomed by the King of Kings.

In that moment He reminded me that there are sins in my life that He died for, and I needed to die to those too. Like a critical spirit and being judgemental of others. I need to put those to death, and live like the Cross and Resurrection really matter. Each day. It's a constant battle, but one worth fighting for, don't you think?

He wants to rescue each one of us! We are all trafficked women. Satan held us in bondage to him, slaves to sin. But Christ paid our debt and rescued us from our chains. If we choose to believe in Him, to confess our sins, and commit our lives to following Him, we can live a life set free!!!


Because when we find Easter, like T., we too find ourselves on the path of new life. Let's live our lives worthy of the sacrifice of the cross and of the gift of the empty tomb.

P.S. If you would like prayer to be rescued from a darkness in your life, please send me an email at the address on my side bar. I'd love to pray with you.

Details from the heart

I loved the night of the banquet, not only because of the beauty in the details, but because of the beauty in the faces. It is hard to describe the impact that a night like this had on the girls. Or on any of us on the team. Thank you Lord for your grace.


The girls were dressed in their best! (One girl even made her dress out of some material that resembled aluminum foil- it was amazing- seriously!) They walked in a bit shy, but their faces lit up when they took in the room. They squealed over the tables, and goody bags, eagerly looking at the gifts inside!



I was struck by how crazy the girls went over the games. They loved them!! They were screaming and laughing. It was such fun. Later I was told that this is a typical response for women who have lived through horrible pain like they had. By playing these games, they are living out a childhood that they never had. Oh Jesus, continue to heal their wounds like only your love can do...



Becky McDonald shared through a translator how each one of us is the bride of Christ. That because of His death and resurrection, we can stand pure and holy before God if we choose to believe and follow Him. Many of these girls will never get married because of their pasts. You could tell that this truth of being Christ's bride really resonated within their hearts. Mine were not the only tears shed around the table that night.



Our evening ended with worship together in English and Thai. For the last song, we all took hands. I was already crying (as was my awesome table partner, Lauren- love ya, girl!) and this just put us over the edge!
I was told that the wait staff had been watching us all night, and that during that last song, they were all standing in the back holding hands as we were!!! One of the female hotel staff later commented that "we are the group that values women". Thank you Lord, that we were able to shine your love to more than just the women from the safehouses.



One thing I love about you, my bloggy friends, is how you have let yourselves get totally involved in my trip- in so many ways, so I know you can imagine with me what it was like to have to say goodbye to the girls at my table. It was hard. So hard.... I had prayed that God would use Lauren and I to give them a night that would be a healing balm over their wounds with the laughter and love we communicated.


I still pray that prayer.



I wanted to communicate with them my heart, so I asked one of the Safehouse missy's to translate for me. As I memorized their faces, I spoke to them how I had been praying for them for two years, and how blessed I was to meet them. I told them that I would continue to pray for them and that you, my friends, would be praying too. (cuz' I know I can count on ya! ;) ) I said that I love them, would never forget them, and that their stories would not go unheard.



Since our return, we have heard from the safehouse staff that one girl's response to the night was this statement, "For the first time in my life, I am glad to be a woman." This breaks my heart, yet I praise God that she was able to feel her value and worth that night. May it be the beginning of a healing process for her.



P.S. I love how the picture above has the shape of a heart in it! I didn't do anything to create that- just changed the colors of the picture! Cool, huh?

It's all in the details!

~~~~~ UPDATE... I forgot to mention (details, details, I know... :0) that the theme of the night was "The Bride of Christ" which is why we had many elements of a wedding reception~~~~~



On the Thursday before we left Thailand, we hosted a banquet with 129 women from the safe houses! The purpose of this night was to pamper them, and show them their worth in Christ. This was my favorite part of the trip. I thought I would give you an overview of the details that went into this evening. Then, I'll come back and post on a more personal level about the night.




This picture makes me laugh! We prepared about 150 gift bags assembly line style. We each had a different item to load in the bags!



The hotel created this beautiful entryway into the banquet room! This and the next backdrop cost under $200 for both! I wonder what it'd be here in the States?



This was created to be a portrait backdrop. Each of the girls had a picture taken by the professional photographer (yeah Krista!) on our team. For security reasons, I cannot post pictures of the girls. Actually, none of us even took pictures during the banquet except the photographer. I took these before the girls arrived and after they left.





Here's Beth getting the tables ready. We became friends on the trip and she is now a bloggy friend too! Beth is a beautiful person and I'm thankful for her.



The table centerpieces. Look at how they tied the leaves- so fun!




I loved the bows on these chairs




Each of the girls were given a corsage to wear. You can also see a little wedding dress box- it is filled with rose shaped suckers and wedding bubbles!



These were the programs at the tables







Isn't this amazing? If you click on this picture, you can see my roomie standing by the stage. Above her head is our version of a pinata! We filled big gift bags with tons of goodies; tied them in tulle, and let the girls experience a pinata for the first time! You should've heard them scream!








Only the bottom layer of this cake was actually real!



Each of the girls went home with a bag full of fun stuff!



Can you tell we had a great time???



The toilet paper is from a game we played. Each table had to create a wedding gown out of toilet paper on a member of their table! Our table won for design. Woo Hoo!We were told we had an unfair advantage as our table was full of the jewelry designers! The girls loved this game!



When it was all done, we met to debrief and eat pizza as we were pretty hungry. The food at the banquet was high class, but hard for us Americans to swallow (pun intended :) ). Chinese food is exquisite there, so that is what Becky McDonald (the Pres. of W.A.R.) chose to have served. She wanted nothing but the best for the girls!Our meal included a whole pig. You start with the top layer and peel off the skin and eat it. Then they take it away- but it comes back in a different form and you eat the insides. We also had jellyfish, and shark fin soup. I didn't want the food to be an issue, so I just joined in and drank a lot of Coke as I ate!! :)



I hope this wasn't too much detail for you all!

Unbelievable!!!

Wow. Wow. Wow! It is so fun to watch God work! 130 women came out for the jewelry event last night!!!! We cried, laughed, cried, ate great chocolate (thanks to our truffle making ladies), and shopped! And boy did we shop! I am blown away by the amount raised...drum roll please ... estimated at an amazing $4,200!!!!!!!!!! With the economy in Michigan the way it is, we've got some very generous women! Wow. Wow.Wow!

I was pretty nervous about speaking, but God showed Himself faithful and gave me such peace. I even enjoyed it a bit! :) I had a couple people ask about doing this in their circles/churches. Oh boy... I am willing , Lord, but certainly feel you could find a more eloquent servant. May you be magnified through my weaknesses.

Thank you to all who came out, served and prayed for this night. It was a huge success, and I pray that God would continue to move hearts to action. What a blessing it is to be part of His work.

And look at this picture...there are so many shoppers, you can't even see the tables!!


It touched my heart that 5 of my team mates from the trip came out. It was such fun to see them again! (Many others wanted to come too, but schedules or location didn't permit. But I know they were praying!) Pictured L-R: Tina, me, Laura (my roomie on the trip) Sherri and Lora. Amanda was there too, but she left before we took this picture. Thanks ladies for coming!





P.S. I thought you'd enjoy the truffle recipe. Who doesn't love a chocolate dessert that is beautiful and easy to make? (It does take a little more than the 15 minutes prep time though) And guess what? Because they are so small, they hardly have any calories!! ;)

Simply Sensational Truffles Recipe Rating: Prep Time: 15 min Total Time: 1 hr 15 min Makes: 18 servings, 2 truffles each

2-1/2 pkg. (20 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided 1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened Decorations: chopped PLANTERS COCKTAIL Peanuts, multi-colored sprinkles

MELT 8 chocolate squares. Beat cream cheese with mixer until creamy. Blend in melted chocolate. Refrigerate until firm.

SHAPE into 36 balls. Place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet.

MELT remaining chocolate. Use fork to dip truffles; return to baking sheet. Decorate, then refrigerate 1 hour.

Giving back

I am so excited for tonight! I am hosting an event in order to raise awareness and revenue for the ministries of Women At Risk. The products that will be there are made by women who were once trapped in the trafficking industry, but now have a new start. Some of the items were made by the women I met on my trip! I will also be sharing about my experience. This is one of the ways God has called me to give back.

Please pray that God would work healing, and compassion in hearts and move women to action tonight. He has prompted just about 160 women to sign up for this event. I can hardly believe it!

Let's just say I'm a bit, um make that quite, nervous too. This is way bigger than me- but not Him, I know. I am not a speaker. When God nudged me to do this, I had no idea-and it's probably a good thing- that He would bring this type of response. So pray that my words would be communicated clearly, and that I can get through it (I have cried the last 3 times I've read through it to practice!). Thank you and I look forward to seeing some of you there! You're all welcome- but I know many of you live quite far!

I'll be sure to post and let you know how God worked!

Blessings List

Please excuse my silence. It's not as if I've had nothing to say, just no brain to say it with!! Oh my, this jet lag has hit me hard. Six days of 3 hours of sleep at night (since I've been back) just hasn't been working for me. Friday and Saturday I had 8 hours of sleep each night and my body is singing the Hallelujah chorus!!

It is nice to work on my computer with no time constraints ($3 for 30 minutes with the Internet crashing and someone watching your time limit wasn't the most relaxed environment!) So, I hope to intermix some of my experiences from the trip here as I continue to process.

I thought it would be appropriate to start with a "Blessings List". These are just some of the ways that God showed His faithfulness during my Thailand trip:

1. While I have been challenged with jet lag Stateside, I experienced NOTHING in Thailand. I have traveled enough to know that that is truly amazing. I slept great every night. I laid my head down on my pillow in peace and fell asleep fast.

2. My roomie. I wasn't sure what it would be like sharing a room on an emotionally intense trip with someone I didn't know. I had been specifically praying that God would provide me with the roommate that He knew I needed. Laura was more than I could have asked for. She was safe for me to share with, a very Godly woman who has a heart for prayer, understands spiritual warfare- which we very tangibly encountered, a seasoned traveller (including Russia and loves Russians like me :) ) and is absolutely hilarious.

3. I did struggle a bit with my health- BUT, God had prepared me for this and He showed Himself faithful through my weaknesses. One very cool example was that I developed a painful eye infection in both of my eyes (which was related to my illness). The day before I left for the trip, I had to have a small procedure done at my eye Doc's. At the end of my appt., he paused and said, "I know you have not had any eye infections in such a long time, but I'm just going to send along some medicine for you as a precaution." I thought that was so kind of him, but in my mind felt it was unnecessary. I slipped it in my bag last minute- and ended up desperately needing it!! If I hadn't had it, there was no question that I would have had to find a Dr. there!

4. The peace that I and the others experienced on the outreach amidst such evil, darkness and sin.

5. The women that I served on this trip with. What a joy it was to spend 10 days with like minded, God fearing women. I saw such beautiful hearts as I viewed glimpses of their lives through their stories. I wish we could have had more time together, but I know we will be forever friends.

6. The rescued women. It blessed my heart to no end to see them face to face and hug them. There are some beautiful stories that I will share with you in the coming days.

7. That God granted me "His eyes" and broke my heart for these precious ones.

8. You. Each of you who prayed, gave financially, wrote encouraging notes, posts, and "joined" me on this trip.

This is a partial list, but it gives you a taste of how I experienced God's faithfulness.

Saying goodbye

Well, this is my last post in Thailand. I am so excited to be with my family again, but it is hard to leave these beautiful girls behind. I look forward to sharing some of their stories with you in the coming weeks. You will be amazed at what God has done! My heart is broken for the silent cries of women and children who have yet to be rescued by our Redeemer.

I wanted to share one funny story from the other day. We were out at night on the streets of Bangkok, and I was minding my own business walking along, when I felt something large looming over me. I turned around and there was an elephant close enough to bump my behind with his trunk!!

Thank you again for all your prayers and encouragement.

His eyes

Oh how I wish you could all have experienced the banquet! There were 130 Thai women who came. It was set up like a wedding reception- such fun! We had two Americans per table to be the hostesses. I had a blast that night, but was also a crying mess! It is just so amazing to see God's redeeming Love in their sweet faces. The evening was complete with worship, games, beautiful decorations- even ice sculptures! We also enjoyed interesting food- a piglet (the WHOLE thing). We ate the top layer of his skin- that was quite a challenge for me! I had shark fin soup too- not bad!

As the banquet opened with a prayer, I asked God to give me His eyes that night. Immediately this is the visual picture that God gave me, and I will never forget it:

There was a brilliant glowing light that seemed to pierce every crevice of darkness. I felt extreme peace and an overwhelming sense of joy. Then, each woman at my table came into view. Each one was clothed in an exquisite wedding gown, uniquely made for them. Their faces were glowing from the reflection of the brilliant Light in the room.

This all happened within seconds, and when I opened my eyes, I began to cry as I looked at each girl and could still see them clothed in their wedding gowns, made righteous and pure before God, through the blood of Jesus.

Friends, I know I am only able to give small tidbits of my trip- it's just that I am limited with time to post (and it also costs to be on the computer), so I am sorry that I can't share more- but don'r woryy you'll probably get sick of my ramblings in the coming weeks!! Thanks for your continued prayers- and I can't wait to tell you more!

Light in the Darkness

I am so so so blessed by all of your prayers and verses. I read through everything and read the scriptures out loud with my roommate (she also went on the Russian Outreach). Thank you so sending me off so fully protected with the word of God. Your verses were so perfect. And your prayers felt in a way I have never experienced.

The whole evening was just wrapped in light and peace amongst such darkness and chaos. I do not have time to write more, but just wanted to say that God worked through your prayers. You all are just as much a part of this trip as I am being here. Pray with me as I continue to process through all I've experienced. Pray that God would continue to break my heart.

Also, pray pray pray for the banquet on Thursday night.

P.S. I'll be updating the other blog today too.

God's Hand

A few months back, I heard about the Russian Outreach. They thought it would be great if I went because I had lived in Russia. Well, it ended up that all of the 30 women wanted to go on the outreaches, so they were in a dilemma as to how to choose people. They decided to draw names out of a hat and let God do the choosing. So

When I heard that they had drawn names out, I figured they had excluded me from that because they had told me I was going. I thought since they had already told me they had wanted me to go, that they just left my name on the list and picked out the others. That was not the case. They put every one's name in the hat, and then started first with the Russian outreach, picking out the 3 women to go. They said that when they reached into the bowl, pulled out the name and read it, they couldn't believe it. They started laughing in amazement at God.

There was my name.

As I struggle with some fear and doubt as to why I should be one of the few to go on this, I am at peace that God's Hand was completely in it.

I cannot emphasize enough how much I need your prayers for the outreach. I woke up today with a cold, and I am tired. I need you to pray for my health.

Pray for my eyes. Pray that I would see like never before through the eyes of Jesus. Pray that His love would pour out of them and communicate what words may not be able to.

Pray for protection. Pray against fear. Pray that God would guard my heart. Pray for protection of my mind. Pray that Satan would not have any foothold by feeding me lies or targeting me in my weak places. I can already feel the battle in my mind, and my physical body. His desire is that I would be distracted, and I am constantly battling by claiming scripture.

I am sorry if some of this is jumbled- I have to post quickly, and my mind is still jet lagged.

I need you guys. I know many of you don't like to leave comments, but I would really appreciate it if you'd comment and let me know you're praying. If you have a scripture reference, leave that too. I'll write them down and look them up before I go. I'll check back in tomorrow afternoon or evening before I leave for the Outreach. THANK YOU ALL. I could not do this trip without you.

A heart that is bursting

How do I even begin to express what my heart experienced today? Even as I type this, I am trying to contain my emotions. Words are so limited. Today, I saw such beauty. Such beauty when God takes a life full of pain, despair, emptiness, and sin, and washes it clean with his blood, fills it with His love, and makes it overflow with joy, peace and forgiveness.

Today we went to one of the Safe Houses.

Oh friends, how I wish you could have been there with me. We worshipped in song with these women, prayed in small groups together, loved them, and heard their testimonies. These are precious women with unbelievable darkness and pain in their pasts. But, for the ones who have found Jesus- they were beaming with His joy and desire to go back to their villages and share Christ's love with others. What Satan intended for evil- God took it and is using it for good.

Pray for these women. Many of them have yet to fully surrender to Christ. All of them have pain filled pasts that the evil one desires to use against them.

Was it you?

At around 3-4 am Sat. morning, I was laying in bed and suddenly felt extremely nauseous. I felt like I was going to need a bowl. I started praying, and asked God to prompt people to pray for me. I kept praying and about an hour later, I was completely fine!! So, if you prayed for me around that time, please let me know, and THANK YOU!! (That would be 3-4 pm Friday- Mi. time- sorry- can't help you out if you're in another state :) )

We made it!!!

What a journey! Flight #1: 1 hour 40min. Flight #2: 12 hours 30 min. Flight#3: 8 hours 30 minutes. Whew!! (Can I give a little "shout out" to my sweet Emma who gave up her ipod so her mom could have it for the plane!!)

What fun it has been to meet up with team mates along each leg of the journey. I am enjoying making new friends. Thirty three women available to be used, and ready to love. Wow. I can't wait to see what God will do.

Pray that our bodies would adjust to the time change. (For those in Mi- we are 12 hours ahead).

What a joy it was it was being sent off with so many notes and words of encouragement- it was almost as if I was propelled here by your prayers!! Keep praying- I can feel it! Thank you to two new "bloggy" friends who commented on my last post.

I will try to post as often as I can- but at least every other day. I have a cool story about the upcoming Russian outreach that I want to share.

Love to you all- especially my family. And a "Happy Valentine's Day" to my valentine (loved the card:) )

Thailand team blog

Wow! Three posts in one day. Sorry, but there is just so much to say!! And just in case you're up for more, I have created a blog that is for our team to share their experiences. The idea is that each day, a different woman from our group will be able to share from her perspective. You can find that blog by going here: http://www.thru-the-eyes.blogspot.com/ . I will still continue to post throughout the trip on this blog.

Full circle

Step back with me three years ago when we realized, due to my health issues, that God was directing us back to the States and we would be unable to return to Russia and ultimately Ukraine. At that time, our whole world turned upside down, and it was hard for me personally to not feel like I had failed. I know it was nothing I could control, but somehow I still felt responsible. Our ministry, language acquisition, dreams...where they all a loss? Had we misunderstood God's call on our lives? These were questions that we had to wrestle with. These are the questions that we have since worked through, and feel confident that God is sovereign and that our return to the US is part of His plan. But there are still times when those questions still rear their ugly heads.

While driving in the car today, I was thanking God for this opportunity to go on this trip. There were days with my illness that we didn't know what would happen to my body. It was never life threatening, but the quality of my life had changed drastically. To think that I don't give driving or walking a second thought anymore- God has brought me so so far.

When I turned my fear of "what could happen to my health- would I go back to what I was" over to God, surrendered and applied for this trip, I was thrilled to be going to Thailand and meeting the Thai women. But God had a little surprise for me that touched the deepest place in my heart. The place where those ugly questions sometimes linger.

There is an area in Bangkok where Russian women are trafficked in by the mafia. Yes, Russian women. I was approached about going on Outreach to this area while on the trip because of my experience of living in Russia. So, the Lord has made it possible for me to go on outreach with 2 other women from my team, and a local missionary to this "hotel". I don't know quite what to expect, but I have been told it will be spiritually very, very dark. I can hardly contain what I feel in my heart about this. Hear me right please...this trip is not at all about me, but it is like God in all His graciousness is healing another little spot in my heart. When you open your heart and surrender to God, He always does more than we can ever imagine. More than we deserve.

I am going to Thailand, and during that experience may be able to bring hope to Russian women. Russian women that I would never have had the chance to meet had I been living in Russia today. Please pray for these women. I don't know how much I'll get to talk with them, but maybe just a few exchanged words, and the fact that I can speak (well, I'm praying for intervention here friends!) their language, it will just break down a wall and soften a place for Jesus to come in. Can you even imagine? I know He already has.

This outreach will take place from 11-2am on Tuesday night for me- which I think is Monday for the States. Would you please pray especially for the outreach teams that night? (which will be day for you!) Thank you.

My schedule in Thailand

Below is my basic itinerary for Thailand:

Saturday, Feb 14- 12:30 AM- arrive in Bangkok
- sleep, orientation & getting settled, worship/session/prayer, Thai dinner

Sunday, Feb 15
-church service at International church (I get to work with the 2's & 3's !!!), prayer, preparation, training session for do's/don'ts at Safe Houses. Early to bed!

Monday, Feb. 16
-At one of the Safe Houses. We will "tour" the jewelry/card making, worship and interact with the women. Then a little shopping and a dinner cruise tour of Bangkok!

Tuesday, Feb 17
-At another of the Safe Houses. Tour, worship, hear testimonies, share a meal with the women.
At 8pm the first outreach team of 5 ladies, plus missionaries is sent out. Rest of the team has a prayer meeting.
At 10pm, the second outreach team of 3 ladies, plus missionaries goes out. I am one of the 3, and this is the outreach to the Russian "hotel" We will return around 2am.

Wednesday, Feb 18
-Preparing for the banquet we are hosting for the women living in the safe houses- 200 women!!! Also worship, prayer meeting, debriefing, and some time to shop at the Night Market.

Thursday, Feb 19
-Tour of Rose Garden, more preparation for the banquet, hosting the banquet (the theme for this is the Bride of Christ), prayer, debriefing

Friday, Feb 20
-Three presentations by women who run Safe Houses in other countries, visit to Buddhist temple, worship, debrief

Saturday, Feb 21
-Pack up, shopping at the weekend Bazaar

Sunday, Feb 22
-Leave at 3 am for airport! Arrive in GR around 4:15 that same day- wow what a quick flight :)

Thailand Trip FAQ's Pt 2

1. How many people are going on this trip?

There are 30 other women who I will be experiencing this trip with. They are from all over the US and even one from Canada!


2. Do you know any of the women that are going on the trip?

No. I have interacted with some of the staff that are going, but don't know any of the others. We did have an all day training event where I was able to meet half of the team.


3. Is this trip through your church?

No. This trip is through Women At Risk, Int. (WAR, Int'l). It was open for anyone to apply. They are a growing organization in Grand Rapids, Mi. Another trip like this will take place next year- so maybe one of you will be going on that one??!!!

***I am humbled that I will be going on the Russian outreach during this trip. I will be posting more details about that this week, and friends I will need your prayers especially for that night.

Thailand Trip FAQs Pt. 1

Several of you are wanting to know more details about my trip. Thank you! I am touched by your interest. Here are two questions that some of you have asked:

1. Can you tell me more about the Safe Houses?

Women At Risk works with two Safe Houses in Thailand. These homes are places where women rescued from sexual slavery can live, learn about God's healing love, and learn a trade to support themselves. At these two homes, the women are trained to make jewelry, which is then brought to the States to sell at jewelry parties. The money goes back to support the women and the Safe Houses. I know there are more details that I will be able to fill in after I visit them.

***There will be a jewelry party at Immanuel Church in Holland on March 5. I will also be sharing about my trip. Mark your calendars and stay tuned...more details to come***

2. What will you do when you visit the Safe Houses?

We will interact with the women, worship with the women and learn first hand much more about how these ministries work and what they do. We will have a chance to pray with the women who run the homes and give them encouragement they need as they shine Jesus' light in a very dark place. We will also have opportunity to buy some of the jewelry the women living there have made.

One of the nights we will be putting on a banquet to pamper and love on the women. Becky McDonald (the President of W.A.R.) will give a message about being the Bride of Christ, so we are having fun running with a wedding theme. We will play some shower type games, have favors for each girl, and share a meal together. Many of the women living at the Safe Houses have made decisions to follow Christ, but not all. You can pray that through our times with them, and Becky's message, that women would be drawn to Him.

Keep your questions coming- it helps me to answer what you want to know!

8 letters just aren't enough

Humbled. Blessed. Excited. Scared. Inadequate. Peaceful. Privileged. But above all, grateful.

Grateful is the word that best describes what I am feeling towards my upcoming missions trip.

On February 12, I will be leaving for an amazing trip to Thailand. I have the blessing of joining other women to attend this trip with Women At Risk, Int. (WAR, Int.) WAR exists to create circles of protection and hope around women and children at risk. They are involved in all aspects in the fight against human trafficking. (http://www.warinternational.org/)

Through this experience, I will be able to gain a first hand understanding of what their ministries look like. I will be visiting safe houses for the women rescued out of this horrific reality. I will be able to interact with these precious girls and women who have endured more than I can ever fathom. One of the nights we will be putting on a dinner in order to pamper and show Christ's love to them. I am praying about an opportunity I may have to be part of an outreach to an area where Russian women are trafficked. (Don't you love how God works?) More details on that later. Cultural excurions and shopping will also be part of the trip! :)

Back to grateful.

Eight letters is too small of a word to capture the depth of what I feel, but I'll try...

I am grateful to even contemplate going on a trip like this. Three and a half years ago when my illness began, it would have been impossible. Two years ago, not even considered. One year ago, a dream. AND HERE I AM THIS YEAR PREPARING TO GO!!!! (yes, I am screaming!). To look back at what God has done through my Dr.'s and medicine, I am amazed. And Grateful. So very, very grateful. God has brought such healing to my body- I can only pray that in some minute way He can use me to bring His healing love to the hearts of those I interact with on this trip.

I am grateful to have the chance to love on some very wounded women who desperately need to know the worth they have in the eyes of Jesus. I am so inadequate to minister to women who have been through so much pain and betrayal. But HE IS NOT!! My prayer is that I will step aside and they will see Jesus.

I will need lots of prayer! So if you would like to join my prayer team, I will send you specific requests and updates via email. Just post here, email or facebook me to let me know. There is much more I could tell you about this trip, so if you have specific questions, feel free to post them and I'll be sure to answer.

I will also continue to blog about the trip- so check back if you're interested.

Grateful,