I RUN FOR PARUL

Sitting in a room full of friends talking about a half marathon isn't exactly my idea of a Sunday night small group, but we're no ordinary group of friends.  We are all training to run a half marathon for a girl named Parul. (a fake name that represents a very real girl.)  There is an organization that I've been learning about called  As Our Own. It's an organization that rescues girls out of sex trafficking, and adopts them.  They give them a life and a family that they couldn't have had otherwise.  

Most of the stories I read are about how the girls that they've rescued were born in brothels and their mothers were trying to find a better option for their daughters.  It is moving to read about the desperation that these women feel.  They want so badly to escape, but know that it is nearly impossible for them.  But they know they can save their children before it's to late.

Then there are the other stories that make you want to vomit because of the horrendous nature of how these childhoods were stolen from the most unsuspecting girls.  A couple of girls who just went to get a snack, but were drugged, relocated 1,000s of miles away from home, and initiated with the cruelest of methods.  I feel a righteous anger against those who torture and use these girls for their bodies.  My heart aches for the ones who can't get out, or don't want to because they don't know any other way of life. But then I feel great joy when I hear the stories about those who have been rescued.

This is why I have come to a decision.  I want to preface this by saying that I may not make it to my goal.  I am going to try and run this half marathon in honor of Parul all the money that we raise will go directly to As Our Own and the ministry projects they have to help their girls gain an education.  And have the Gospel poured over them so that they can find their true salvation in Christ.  The stories about how they've been rescued are wonderful to hear, but the stories about how they've trusted their new found life to Christ is even more glorious.

I wanted to post a couple links to some movies that 

As Our Own has on their website.  one about why I want to run, and one that shows how many girls end up in sex trafficking.

SEEMA

WHY I RUN

If you would like to sponsor me and help support As Our Own's ministry you can go to my race page.  There you can read Parul's story and learn a little more about As Our Own.

Oh The Places I Have Been

I thought I might reminisce about the places the God has taken me in the past few years. 

First was Mexico. But I don't have a picture for that.  It was all the seniors in our youth group.  It was a blast.  We stayed at the all expense paid resort.  They servers kept trying to give us alcohol.  I think we may have accidentally had some.  It was so relaxing, and a ton of fun.  It was also the only time I left the country and it wasn't a mission trip. (not counting when we went to Canada to visit my mom's peoples)

And then there was FRANCE, of which I have many pictures.  So here are just a few

Notre Dame Cathedral

Me at the Eiffel Tower

I went to France on a choir tour in 2008.  We spent 3 days in Paris and then 4 days in Nice and anywhere we could drive to within the day.  It was a jam packed tour of "let's see everything we possibly can and then sing."  We sang in some of the most beautiful cathedrals.  The sound was mesmerizing.  They had to sit us all down before our first performance just to make sure that we wouldn't lose focus during the performance.  

Next came Sierra Leone, West Africa!

This was my first overseas Mission trip.  But wasn't going to be the last.  while I was there I got to teach the girls in the village how to play soccer.  I gave my testimony.  We walk a ton! Mainly because the van kept breaking down. :)  In the picture above we are standing on the side of the road because the radiator in the other vehicle cracked.  Apparently it's a common thing.  But it gave us some extra time to get to know our African teammates.  The African girl standing right next to me is Katie.  I got pretty close with her even though she was only with us for a couple days.  We still keep in contact and everything. 

And of course we had to stop in London on the way home for two days.

I couldn't believe it when they told us that staying in London for two days would actually make the trip $500 cheaper.  of course we jumped on that.  we mostly did sight seeing and touristy things that didn't cost any money.  most of us didn't really have any more money with us excet for food and a couple souveniers.

Next was Haiti.  This trip came and went quicker than the time I knew I would go.  My college pastor asked me if I would seriously consider going on the trip if they helped out a bit.  I told him all my focus was on support raising for Thailand.  But by God's sovereignty in my life and working out some little details, I ended up in Haiti for spring break.  We worked with some churches there.  We taught the kids some fun songs and bible stories.  Then played soccer with them.  I would post some pics, but I have a video of my Haiti experience already on the blog.  You should check that out. 

 

And then, finally, was Thailand.  I know there's already a few pictures from there, but I thought I'd put up a few more. 

The two things I really wanted to do before I left was go to the zoo, and do Flight of the Gibbon.  It's a zip lining course through the jungle.  it was SO MUCH FUN.  I didn't get a chance to go to the zoo, but they had a nice little cardboard cut out scene at the air port. So we decided to take a picture in front of it with some of my friends.  So then the trip was (Kinda) complete. 

Well there we go.  all my overseas trips put into one post.  Enjoy

Pondering of Today.

I'm happy to day that we are starting our study on Hebrews 11.  Our church has been studying Hebrews for about a year now, and we are finally to chapter 11.  I has been so........ enlightening and challenging.  The writer of Hebrews made it a strong point to show that we are not saved by anything we do.  Christ is the priest and the sacrifice.  He is the Ruler of the nations and we share His inheritance!  But why do we get to share anything or be saved by this Christ.  Because God is love.  His gifts are many, and worth more than anything on Earth.  Gifts like salvation, fellowship with the Father, and our Faith.  I've enjoyed being reminded today that my Faith is not my own.  Just like after becoming a believer we are continually being sanctified-not that our works through the sanctification process are credited to us for any worth except for us to grow closer to Christ- our faith is a gift given to us by God that will grow stronger as we grow weaker in ourselves and stronger in Christ.  Faith produces works that glorify God, but none of those things we do because of our faith will earn us anything.  All we have are gifts from the Lord.

Breathing Easy Now.

I looked up the word "home" today.  I was hoping to find some inspirational definition that we've forgotten about, but I found the opposite.  All of the definitions spoke about the physical nature of what a home is, but none of them said anything about the emotion behind "home"  Home is a place where you live, sure, but when you really feel like you're home....  It's so much more than a place.  it's the people, the atmosphere, the things in the community.  "Home is where the heart is."  I guess that's an overused cheesy phrase but it holds true.  Home is when you are right where God wants you.  I don't think there's a better feeling than knowing you are where you are supposed to be.  And right now, I'm supposed to be in Fayetteville, AR.  Waiting for God's timing and direction on my life.

So I'm finally home and have been getting readjusted this past week.  My first few days I was spending time with family in TN.  I have missed them enormously!  I got to visit with my amazing Grandmother!  She is so amazing.  She's got the best personality.  So independent but still very dependent on the Lord.  If I could pick someone to be my hero here on Earth, it'd be her.  She has the most amazing stories of how she became the woman she is today.  Sadly she can't tell you these stories now.  Each time I see her she forgets more and more.  So I try to visit whenever I can so that she is reminded that her family loves her.

I got to visit some other ailing family members too.  It's hard being away from them when I know that any day could be the last.  So I'm very thankful that I've gotten to visit with them and tell them I love them.

I'm back in Fayetteville now.  We just had this cool event called Bikes Blues and BBQ.  basically a lot of Harleys and some great BBQ.  I think having all the bikers around freaked my roommates out.  They were on edge all weekend.  I love that I'm finally settled back into my home here.  Fayetteville really feels like home, and my friends feel like family.  So I've missed them just as much as my biological family.  And I love them just as much.  I've spent the past few days spending time with my roommates and our closer friends.  It has been.......surreal.  Like I can breath easier now that I'm settled back here.  being in a new place and around new people makes you conscious of everything you do and say, and how you act.  But since I've been home I have felt so comfortable showing my friends who I am now after all the changes I've had over the summer.  And we live together so easily that it feels like breathing.  

Breathing easy now.

"I'm Going Home Next Weekend"

"I'm going home next weekend."  

This is the phrase that I repeatedly said to myself this evening (I should say this morning. I'm a bit of a night owl).  I suddenly realized how close it all really is.  it's like I've been sitting at the train station all morning waiting for the train home.  Now I can hear it's whistle in the distance.  it says, "I'm coming! Hope you're ready to go."

But am I ready to go.  I've been here so long that I've gotten used to everything here.  All the things that were strange are normal. The things I used to think, "you'd never see this in the States" are what I want to have when I get home.  

"I'm going home next weekend."

It's like a record playing in my head. Over and over.  a constant reminder that it is going to end soon.  I'm not sure how I feel about it.  Sad to be leaving, so Happy to be going home, anxious about the long trip home, ready to sleep in my own bed, but really going to miss living at Choltida Place.  I think I epitomize the meaning of mixed emotions right now.   
But it's ok to have them, right?  


I can't wait to see yall when I get home. And I am really going to miss you guys that I'm leaving here.

Some things I've seen.

 The main market in ChiangMai.  Warrarot Market.  This is the view from the top floor looking down.  But all around there are 3 levels surrounding this area looking down into it.

 An adorable old man doing his part in making a fun umbrella.  Most of the people at the umbrella factory have spent a good part of their lives learning and perfecting how to make umbrellas

These are my two classes from our English course.  We have so much fun together.  Even if the power goes out and we have to go to Heidi's house to study. :-)

 My new favorite necklace to always remind me to pray for the people of Thailand and the stone on it is where Chiang Mai is.  So I especially remember them and hold them close to my heart. :-)

Count down Part 2

WHAT WILL I TAKE BACK WITH ME?

This one's a little harder.  You never notice how you've changed until you are back in an old setting.  So now I'm trying to remember what home is like.  What is different from here? What have I gotten used to here that was weird at one time?

For sure it will be weird to be surrounded by English. I think I've become more thoughtful.  Not understanding people only leaves you with your own thoughts. So I've been thinking a lot about everything and anything.  It spills over, though.  Even when people are speaking English around me I find myself thinking about everything they might be thinking or feeling?  What are they not saying?

Hmmmm.....What are some other things? I walk a lot of places here.  It feels good to walk and get some easy exercise.  When I get home I"ll prolly ride my bike any place I can.  I live close to everything except for work.  Plus, riding a bike or walking gives me time to let my mind concentrate.  Pray, observe, plan.  All things that usually don't happen in the car with the radio, or friends talking with me.   Don't get me wrong. I love spending time with people I care about, 
but there's always more time I could spend with the Lord.
 I think I'd also like to take back the 
attitude of spending time with people.  Relationships are important here.  A friend is someone you spend time with and talk with. It's not just someone you say hi to at school or church.  Most of them are lost here and they act more like the Body should than most Christians I have known in my life.  True, we all love each other, but I think we could show it more.  



Moreover, I will never lose my memories of this town.  
The sights and how they perplex me.  The smell of spices and foods as I go down the road.  The sounds of all the people talking and negotiating in the markets. the Sound of Thai believers worshiping with all their hearts; eyes closed so tight, hands raised, pouring out their heart to the One True God.  

Lord, What would you have take back with me.  I've observed the culture  I know the meanings of the things around me.  I've applied what I learned to my life.  Now, how do I bring it back home?  Oh Lord what is it that you desire from this.  Help me to trust you and follow your every leading when I have the opportunity to tell someone about my trip.  Please don't let me tell them about the things I did.  but rather what you have been doing that I got to be a part of.  You are moving in these people.  I pray that I will be faithful to you and witness your work in this place.  I want so badly for them to have what you offer.  You are Constant, unwavering, Love in it's truest form, just, and merciful to provide the payment you require for what we have done against you and continue to do.  Thank you my Lord. My savior.  I love you Daddy.