Trekking the Wild - Finding the Treasure

Hello again friends! My sincere apologies for not keeping in better touch with you over the past few weeks. I have found the realities of writing and research to be much different then I had imagined they would be. I have been exposed to the heart of a matter that I've found incredibly inspiring, depressing, beautiful, and heartbreaking ..all at the same time. "How can that be possible?",you ask. Well, that's a very good question. One that I keep asking, myself. Let me try to show you.

Saturday, June 7th, "Tete" Zothansiami (She goes by "Siami"), traveling along with one of her older students, picked me up at the Sanborn's home in Chiang Mai. It was 3:30 pm. We drove around down town, buying supplies and running errands for a few hours. She then took us out to "The Rainbow House" - a home that HRDC (Hill tribes Resource and Development Center, the Ministry she founded) has in Chiang Mai. It is at this house, that some of the older high school age students live while they are attending school in Chiang Mai. While I was at the Rainbow House, I got to meet Missy - Siami's eldest child - who is in the 10th grade.

We waited for the rain to stop before starting our drive to Musekee. Siami told me that it was about a 5 hour trip, depending on how fast you drive. I was thankful that we were taking their big truck (filled with supplies) so we couldn't go too fast around the corners. (I'll Save the Dramamine for later)
We stopped in Pai (Pronounced = Pie) for supper and then continued on our way, arriving at the Center around 1:00 am. I couldn't see anything until I got to what would be my home for the next few weeks. A one room dorm on the second story of the Medical House. Here, I was greeted by American electrical outlets, dependable electricity, and a beautiful pink mosquito net! I even got to call home (with good reception) and talk to my mom for a bit before crawling into bed. It was amazing to be back after a year's absence, and I was anxious to get started on the story.

The next morning at 5:00 am, I was woken up by a song - better then any I've ever heard on a radio alarm clock. Tannin, Ah Tee, and a group of girls were strumming away and singing at the top of their lungs outside my place. The roosters joined in as they made their rounds, and soon I could hear the cow bells ringing as they barreled out to pasture. Rain pelted down in sporadic sheets on every side...making the morning as fresh and sweet as it's sound. I went to church twice that day, as is the custom in Musekee. The Center's service starts at 9:00 am with worship and prayers, a little devotion, and then more singing. (I think these kids sing more then they breathe.) We joined the community (village) service across the street in the big church too. The evening always ends around here with devotions in the Chapel, and then homework (usually English lessons) in the cafeteria. So they've got worship, like two solid bookends at the beginning and end of each day.

Siami gave me a pretty hefty load of literature to catch me up on the history of her people (the Mizo from Mizoram, in NE India), some papers on Karen culture and customs, local history and information about the area, and essays that have been written over the years about HRDC. So I've had my work cut out for me this week, and I'm not even close to half way through the reading. But I'm hoping that she'll let me take some of it with me...on loan. I don't want to miss any of this research, but I don't see how I can get through all of it in my time here. Don Fox, (one of the founders of the Hand Clasp Organization that has worked with HRDC for many years) said that I could have a look at the letters Tete has sent to him and his wife over the past 25 years. They're back in the states right now, but I can get them later. That will add more texture to the story...so I'm glad he's saved them.

I've done some conversational interviewing, taken lots of pictures and trekked around to various key locations in the area. We went to Wee Nam Som, and Wee Pa - branch ministries of HRDC - several hours drive from the Center. We brought half a dozen large bags of rice, a truck load of cement blocks (for the building of a new toilet facility), medicine, and cookies for the kids. While we were there, some of the staff took pictures of the kids who are still waiting for sponsors. (You can sponsor one child through Hand Clasp, for $20 per month. For more information you can email at: yada.root@gmail.com) Siami is also working to gain "Foundation Status" as a ministry (which she is more then worthy of); this would allow tax deductible donations and child sponsorships to be made directly to her at HRDC.

I've gotten to go along some different medical runs, and have learned a lot, while getting to see another way that Siami has impacted this area. People call all the time with different needs...and she is always willing to help. This is definitely a "church" without walls - a band of disciples both young and old who are actively practicing what it means to "love their neighbor as themselves."

As the days go on, this panoramic is becoming more colorful. I'm learning the meanings of so many things. Like the importance of the letter Z, for example. Yesterday, I found that people in Mizoram who's name begins with Z, are of the utmost importance. They come from a very significant family origin, and are very respected. Siami's full name is, Zothansiami Ralte, meaning, "Make the Mizo Famous". (or, One who will make...) I thought that was interesting.

Everyday the story develops a little more. Inch by inch. Although many times I feel like I really am in a "black room" and would like to shine a little more light on the subject. Other times I find things that I wish I didn't know. The truth can be painful, the world can be cruel, and people (even the good ones) can let you down. I keep reminding myself that I'm not here to write fiction, so it's good that I'm not looking at the situation (historically, politically, strategically, and otherwise) through rose colored lenses. Ajan (teacher) Tete hasn't become who she is over night. And just the same, I can't expect to grasp the essence of who she is and all she's done..so early in the game. Still... the more I get to know her, the more I want to know her. And that says a lot, right there.

For the past week I've been back in Chiang Mai. Siami has been working on a tourism project that will bring financial help to the hill tribes, while helping to preserve the culture. So we've been checking out other tourist places in town, seeing how they run their business, and planning ways to make her future endeavors run effectively.

Tomorrow (Monday, June 23rd) , I will be driving back out to Musekee with Siami. There are many things planned for the week. And I'm hoping, personally, to have more time to talk with her and hear the rest of her story. I still have a lot of questions.

The 28th, I will be coming back down to Chiang Mai for a quick overnight, before taking a bus to Mae Sot. I will be there for about a week meeting with some really brave men and women who've founded ministries that reach out to the Karen refugees in Burma and Thailand. If you'd like to look into who they are and what they do, here are some of their websites:
www.partnersworld.org
www.freeburmarangers.org
www.prayforburma.org
www.compasio.org

I hope to be able to meet with all (or as many) of these organizations as possible, to gain a better understanding of:
1.) Who the Karen are
2.) How they've gotten to where they are today
3.) What obstacles (governmental, political etc.) are holding them captive
4.) What these organizations are doing to counter-act the problems
5.) How we can help them to help the Karen people
6.) ETC.....


Please keep me in mind and in your prayers over the next few weeks. My journey is far from over. I will do my best to keep you posted more frequently.


Joanna

pictures in order:
-Siami and Soradaat - her husband
-A child from the Wee Nom Som Center
-a jungle over look
-A Karen woman who invited us into her home for tea
-Tete's Uncle Peter

One Week Inside - the photos

Here are the pictures that go along with my last post on June 5th.  They are as follows:
~ Sean & his family
~ Gumpon & Mirijam Kumdee, the pastor of City Gate Church who I have been helping with their coffee shop.
~ "The Light House" coffee shop & garden outside it
~ The Links Mansion where I am staying in Chang Mai
~ A picture of their cool hot water heater rig for the showers

More pics to come later.

One Week Inside

Hello Friends,
I'm one week into my voyage here. And I believe it would be safe to say that I'm sure I am only standing at the door of all there is to come. Let me rewind the past seven days for you, and try to bring you up to speed.

I left Billings at 4:55 pm. Wednesday. (May, 28th) After a quick stop in Salt Lake, I continued on to L.A. It was my first time in that airport, and I got pretty lost trying to find the international terminal. I didn't want to believe the airport employees - who kept telling me I had to go outside and walk a few blocks to find it! Turns out, they were right!

My flight into Bangkok was 16 hours! But I had the company of some really nice seat-mates, and the hours didn't seem as long as they could have. One of them even helped me find my next gate when we landed. I arrived in Chiang Mai at 8:50 a.m. Friday. (May 30th) My bag looked like like it had gone through allot during the trip too! But it was there, I was there, my friend's who were picking me up were there, and that's all that mattered!

For the past week I've been staying at the LINK MANSION. It's about 1km. away from Sean and Anne's home, and just down the road from the City Gate Church. I've been helping Sean and Mirijam (the Pastor's wife at City Gate) get there coffee shop started. They plan to open in about one month, and none of their staff had ever made espresso before. So I've been training them on the machine and teaching them how to make the different drinks. Sean even made an 'instructional video' of me making a latte, and talking my way through all the steps. It came together really well. Sean said it was good enough from the food network! (But I think that is a bit of an exaggeration. He just better not put it on U-Tube. That's all I've got to say!)

Tete came into Chiang Mai last night. She stopped over at Sean and Anne's home (where I happened to be, at the time). And explained that she had some work to do in the city for a few days. We had originally planned on going out to Musekee today (June 5), but now we're going on Saturday. She said that before I go up to Musekee, she would like me to meet her Uncle Peter. The one who helped her come to Thailand, all those years ago. She expressed her fear that he will pass on, and there will be nothing left behind. No memoir, no journals, no letters. Nothing to tell of the life he has lived and all that he has done for the Lord. She hinted to some secret missions he has been involved with, and that he has led a rather daring life. "His life would be another book for you! If you can get it all, that is." She said.

Today I had the honor of meeting him. Tete and her Husband drove me downtown in their yellow SungTow (Taxi Truck) to Uncle Peter's office. It was in an area of town that I had never been before, a business district. We visited for about an hour and a half. Not long enough, to even come close to part of his story. He was fascinating! (I can see where Tete gets it) I won't get into all that I learned this morning. I'll save that for the book. But I am planning on visiting with him again, probably when I get back from Musekee, in a few weeks.

In the past 7 short days, God has been breaking my heart for the Karen people. I'm sure allot of you have never heard of them. I know I hadn't, until I came to Thailand last year. But even at that time, I didn't know their story. I didn't understand who they are as a people. What they've suffered. How they continue to be exploited, and cheated out of the hope, of ever having hope. Not to mention freedom.

I am compelled to do some thing to help them. To get involved somehow. I have no idea what I could possibly do, to bring any kind of relief or support. But I've got to do something. And I feel that one of the biggest problems they have, is the simple fact that nobody knows they're here. Tete's work has been among their different villages, with their children, and widows. And so..inadvertently, they are already apart of the story. I've decided to start do allot of digging, and try to learn as much as I can about them. I've been fortunate enough to know people who (who know people, etc.)who have worked with them for decades. I can't understand the importance of the work at Musekee, without understanding the Karen. And I can't write about the one, without the other. That is my big assignment, now. Who knows where it will lead? But I just have to keep walking. Keep on taking small steps of faith, until I figure out what it's all been for. We don't need to see the big picture every time we see a problem. We just need be willing to be the answer...

It's not heroic to want to help. To see and hear the injustices that have been committed and not be moved to action, would be inhuman (barbarously cruel and unfeeling) of me. Or anyone.

Thank you for your letters of encouragement and your continued prayers. I cannot do this, without them! And I have noticed their effect day by day. God has indeed gone before me. I am not doing this alone...
We are all connected - One body, united in Him, by His Blood, for His purpose - to love Him and make His great love known to the nations.

City Council Meeting - Follow up

As I promised, I'm writing to let you know how the City Council Meeting went tonight. Their response was favorable, though there will have to be more consideration and input from the community. One council member suggested that I make sure the Laurel Outlook (newspaper) wrote about the Sister City Idea. Then we could gage the community's interest level based on the response we get from the article.

I can also print out responses, opinions, and suggestions that any of you have. So please post comments regarding this idea. Would you be interested in having a Sister City?

I will write more soon,
Joanna

ps.) for those of you who are new my this blog, you can read more (below) about how Project Musekee got started. Thanks for visiting this page. And feel free to contact me with questions or comments. my email is - yada.root@gmail.com

FYI - Why am I so into yada? It's the Hebrew word for Knowing or loving someone or something deeply. The actual definition is "To Know by observation, investigation, reflection, or firsthand experience." But the highest level of yada is in 'direct intimate contact'. I take "root" from Psalm One - being rooted and grounded in God. Together they symbolize what I've given my entire life to. Knowing God. And from that place of love and security, making Him Known to others by allowing Him to been seen in me.

I'm not sure if I ever explained that to you before. But lots of people laugh at that silly phrase, when it's really so much more. It's just hidden, like most treasures.

Update

Some of you may already know this. About a month ago, I felt led to do more with Project Musekee then just write the Tete's story. I was talking about what the 'more' could be, with some friends, when the idea for a "Sister City" came up. The concept seemed to click.

I spoke last week with Mayor Olsen, of Laurel, explained my personal project, and asked him what he thought of the 'Sister City' idea. He seemed interested and asked me to speak at the upcoming City Council meeting (which is tomorrow, May 27th). The meeting starts at 6:30 and I will be presenting the project around 7:30.

Please pray for me and with me about this. I'll let you know how it goes!
- Joanna

Project Musekee - Launched

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope that this letter finds you all well. I also hope that you enjoyed the little video about Thailand that I sent out with my last letter! I mentioned at that time that I would be writing again soon – to tell you about the next project the Lord has given me for this year. It's taken longer then I originally thought to get the finer details nailed down, but now they are, and I am excited to share it with you!

Throughout the course of this past year I have been reminded that "...He who began a good work in you, will complete it [or perfect it] until the day of Jesus Christ."(Phil.1:6) Today, I'd like to share one such experience with you, an experience that has grown into an understanding, which, for me, has become a mandate. The journey began last year while I was in Discipleship Training School at YWAM. God spoke to me one night – imploring me to not ignore the gift that was in me. He was talking about writing.

That night stirred something in my spirit. The feeling could be compared to the hunger pangs that set in once you smell something cooking. The scent triggers your senses to respond. Your mouth waters, your stomach growls, you find yourself longing to fill the need you hadn't realized you had, until moments before. That's exactly the sort of physical yearning I experienced at the moment of his exhortation. The only thing I didn't understand was that he called me 'a scribe'. I didn't know what he meant by that. Was I supposed to journal more? It seemed strange to me. Little did I know, God was setting me up, and would explain everything soon.

Two weeks later my team of 9 left for Thailand. We worked in several different locations, as you remember me telling you in previous letters. My story picks up again when we reached Musekee (which means "God's Haven") – a small hill tribe located three hours outside of Chang Mai.

The events of that day will always stand out in my mind. We woke up in our comfortable little guest house in Chang Mai. We got ready, repacked, and ate a few bananas for breakfast. At eight o'clock sharp, Sean, our translator showed up at the house. With him was a woman. At the time, she was a stranger to me, just another woman. I didn't take note of her slight but sturdy frame; her long, wavy black hair, salted with a few strands of white. I didn't notice her calloused feet in sandals, and I didn't know that she made the blouse she wore. How could I have known that she woke up at three that morning to get ready and prepare breakfast for her family? That she had driven three hours to come and pick us up. Or that she would, in the next few hours, change my life.

We loaded our packs into the back of Sean's truck, covered them with tarps, and tied it all down with heavy ropes. Then we began the long dizzying drive out into the Thai wilderness. The road was rough in spots and always turning. It seemed like a never ending tropical merry-go-round. We stopped at a few guard patrol stations as we drove through several different districts. We stopped numerous other times to get sick on the side of the road. But finally, we made it to Musekee.

A thick fog shrouded all of the buildings as we drove into the property. I could see the faces of children poking out of the upstairs windows, while others surrounded our trucks, waiting for us to get out. They clambered around us as we carried our things inside the two-story cabin we were to stay in. Terry, one of our team leaders, told us to meet out on the porch as soon as we got settled.

It had begun to rain as we gathered on the porch that afternoon. The woman from that morning was sitting between our leaders, visiting. They told us to sit down, and we did, in a half moon shape around them. The woman introduced herself to us. "My name is Zothansiami Ralte, but you can call me Tete (De'tay), I go by Tete. Ok?" She spoke with an Indian accent in a low raspy tone that immediately caught my attention. I had to lean forward to hear her, over the sound of the rain.

She explained to us that she was not from Thailand, but actually moved to Chang Mai when she was in her twenties to work with the Karen people. She was originally from the Mizaom States in N.E. India. She went on to explain how her people used to be head hunters. But because of a missionary who came to her tribe years ago, now they are all Christians, and 80% of them are working in foreign missions today. She went on to tell us how her work in the hill tribes began. The struggles she's faced, the persecution, and the miraculous ways God has provided & protected both her family and those they have taken in.

As Tete spoke, I heard the Lord tell me to "Pay Attention." Instantly I sensed His presence among us, in a strong way. He spoke again, "You are my scribe. Write for me, the story of my saints." I remembered the Word that our speaker had given me during lecture phase, and I finally understood what I was supposed to do.

I thought of how Mother Theresa was discovered by a British reporter who took an interest in her work. I thought of how the world has been impacted by the life she lived, and all she did for the poor. She, like Tete, was just a faithful friend of God – who simply did what the Master was asking her to do. She wasn't looking for praise or honor. She wasn't looking for press. But her story was told, and those who've heard it, will never be the same. Because she chose to give her life away, she chose to help those who couldn't help themselves. I was reminded of Hebrews 12:1-2a

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…"

That cloud of witnesses is not just the saints who have gone before us. I believe that it is also referring to those who live among us. We are the redeemed, we are His saints – His sanctified ones. And we are all called to edify, exhort, and build each other up in the faith.

I thought of how the Church and the World needs to hear stories like these; stories of the everyday hero, the radical ones - who actually do what the Bible says. The ones who don't spinelessly conform to the molds around them, or slink into the shadows of compromise and complacency. If the first century Church was born through the blood of the Saints, maybe the Church of today needs to know that there are living martyrs – who die daily for the cause of Christ.

After hearing pieces of her story, and being briefed on our work for the week, Tete led us on a tour of Musekee. Time and again, I was overwhelmed by the Presence of the Lord in that place. I could not stop the tears from filling my eyes, or control the way my heart was racing. This place was sacred, it was holy. The Spirit of God was there in a tangible way, I had never experienced (to that degree) before. It was as though His very eyes were upon us as we witnessed the evidence of His provision.

As the days passed, I prayed for an opportunity to talk to Tete. It finally came on Friday, June 20^th. The day before, we had been clearing land for a water line. I had gotten a little over-zealous with my machete, slipped while chopping down a bush, and nearly split my toe in half. But this worked out for the better, as I was able to spend a few hours the next morning with Tete – while recovering. I shared with her what I felt the Lord was telling me, and asked her what she thought. She was silent for an uncomfortable amount of time. But when she looked up there were smiling creases at the corners of her eyes. The long and short of our conversation that morning confirmed that I had heard from the Lord. She wanted me to come back. And we talked about how I should go about writing her story, and the story of that place.

After we had left Musekee, I learned from Sean and Terry that they had originally planned for us to work in a different hill tribe that week. But, due to some complications, we decided to go to Musekee instead! Don't you love the way God gets us where we need to be? He really is the voice behind us saying, "This is the way, walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)

God has continued to open doors for me and show me how to move forward. A week after getting home, my friend Emily sent me her laptop in the mail. She said that she knew I'd need one when I went back to Thailand, and that God told her to give it to me. Later, I met a writer/actress of 30 years, on a flight to Miami who had just written a book herself. She took an interest in my project, and has become a sort of mentor to me, as time has progressed. God has literally been networking for me through divine appointments, like these. I have been surprised by how many people I have met who have connections in Thailand. Every time I have become discouraged by what seems to be 'impossible circumstances'; every time I have been tempted to give up, God has brought it right back. He continues to show me that this isn't about me. It's not by my might, not by my strength, but by His Spirit. What He began, He will finish. What He has spoken, He will accomplish.

This isn't a dream I dreamed. This is a dream that began in the heart of God - A heart full of love for the children of Thailand. A love that cannot be silent; a love that cannot stand back and watch the innocent be exploited. His love calls us to action. It calls us to be the voice of those who have no say; to defend those who cannot stand up for themselves. He calls us to be our brothers' (and sisters') keeper. That's the kind of love He birthed in Tete's heart in 1984, and she has been selflessly pouring herself out ever since.

I have continued to stay in contact with Tete, and I look forward to seeing her soon. I will be returning to Thailand for two months ( May 28^th - July 30^th). Sean – our translator from last summer – will be my contact when I arrive. He will pick me up at the airport in Chang Mai, and I'll be staying with his family for a day (or so) to get over jet-lag, before traveling the rest of the way to Musekee.

My purpose in returning to Thailand this time, is two-fold:

1.)To encourage, support, and honor Tete for her faithfulness. And

2.) To put to action the word spoken to me from the Lord – 'to write the story of His saints'

By capturing the essence and spirit of the work God has been doing through Tete in the hill tribes.

In the future, I would like to raise support for the village school that many of the children at Musekee attend. They are in desperate need of books, food, and a nurse's station. I would like to give to this school on behalf of Tete. This would help the continued effort to build trust, and a good name for her with the other tribal people in her area. Not to mention, the practical ways in which it would meet the needs of the children.

MORE ABOUT TETE (De'tay):

As time has gone on, Tete's work has grown. She not only rescues young girls (and boys) out of their poverty – thus saving them from being sold into Thailand's booming sex trade industry. But she also has built homes on her property for widows and orphans. She teaches the young women different trades (weaving, sewing, gardening, etc.) – which will give them a way to provide for themselves and their children. Now that some of the older children have graduated and moved on, Tete also travels to visit them, making sure they are doing well in college, finding work, and are in connection with a good support base – church, fellowship group, friends, and families.

Musekee has rice fields, gardens, cattle, and fruit trees, which not only provide food for themselves, but generates an income to help pay for the needs of the children and the costs of education. Tete is also accredited for helping to bring plumbing, running water, irrigation techniques, and solar powered electricity to the hill tribes. Sean – told us that you can travel anywhere in the three hour radius of Musekee, and people know Tete. She has literally changed hundreds of lives, and continues to reach out to as many as God brings her way.

As I venture out on this second mission, I want you all to know how grateful I am to you, for your prayers, and financial support. Please pray for wisdom and protection for me, during my time there. I will have satellite Internet access while I am at Musekee, so I will be able to write updates and keep you informed on my website: www.yadajoanna.blogspot.com .

In His service,

Joanna

Update:

Hey you guys ..just got back from Ko-Somate.. the island.  I went with a friend to the market one last time.  I will really miss the markets here.  And ..I've found that I've really fallen in love with Thailand.  It's such a great place. So much variety..color ..beauty.

 

The island was GORGEOUS.  I've never actually had a VACATION like that before.  We spent our days laying on the beach and drinking fruit shakes.  I didn't get that much color since  I couldn't wear my swimsuit.  They said we had to wear board shorts and tank tops.  It was still amazing - I had a wonderful time.  Salt water is really something.  I drank a lot of it. 

I picked up a bunch of shells this morning - think I'll make a necklace for you mom.  They have these natural holes already punched in the tops of them.  Pretty cool.

 

Tomorrow's our last full day.  Then Wednesday at 8 am we head out of here.  We'll be flying with the sun, so it'll be the longest day of my life.  We get back on Wednesday at 10: pm in Kalispell, even though we'll have been traveling for three days. 

Our lay-overs are in Taiwan, Seattle, Salt Lake, and then Kalispell.

We'll meet up with one of the other teams in Taiwan..and travel part of the way with them. That'll be nice. Good to see them again.

 

I can't wait to see you all. It's been too long.

 

love-

joanna

Update: 7/27/2007 - Welcome to the Island!

I have such cool news !! We're in Bangkok.. got in early this am. And got a little time to rest and recoup before starting our debrief.

 

We found out later, that tomorrow we'll be going to an island (forget the name) in the gulf of Thailand tomorrow.  We get to spend a few days 'relaxing' on the beach before we head home.  They said they usually do this for every team before coming home - but we had NO idea.  They didn't even hint.  In FACT they said that we had more 'ministry' to do.  And I was just praying so hard.  Because I'm really wore out.  And I was like " God ..ok. I can do this.  Just fill be up.  Be my strength."  And then I find out that I'm going to the beach.  An ISLAND no less.

 

We'll be traveling by Sontow - our main form of transport here - tomorrow at 7 am.  For three hours.  And then when we get to the ocean, we'll be getting into a couple of speed boats.  And traveling for a few hours out to the island.  I'm SO EXCITED!

I had to get some board shorts today since we can't wear two pieces and ..my legs are SOO white from wearing skirts all summer - it's not even funny.

I'm so many different shades of brown and white..it's sad.  I could mix and match every nylon color on my body in different places, how embarrassing.

 

Oh well. Life goes on.

I'm SO EXCITED!

We'll be back on Tuesday and head home Wednesday.

Talk to you soon!!

Update: 7/24/2007 - Orphanage Visit

We went to an AMAZING place yesterday..It's an orphanage called "home of the open heart".  It's run by this lady who's around 50, and reminded me a lot of you mom.  They started it in 2000, and already have 17 orphans living there.  Eleven of them are HIV positive. They have full-time nannies living there and caring for them.  You have to commit to 10 years when you volunteer to work there...so that the children can have you in their lives for a substantial chunk of their growing up years...and aren't constantly getting attached and loosing people.  They also have cottages - that are BEAUTIFUL..and they take in destitute widows/ and mothers -  who are too poor or sick to care for their children, or who have HIV, and will pass on soon.  At least they can know their little ones are in a good place.
 
I broke down in tears several times just walking around the place..because of the presence of God and how well the place was being run.  It was amazing...to see the looks of their faces - even though they know they're dying.. they were so happy.
I could see you running a place like that someday mom.  And if there's something I've been impassioned for during this time at YWAM..It is, to partner with other people who are passionate for God.  And HELP THEM make their dreams a reality. 
 
I love you so much.
 

Update: 7/23/2007 - Church Thing

Thought I'd comment back about the church thing.  We've been traveling to different places every week we've been here so "we've been the service" everywhere.  This last week was the greatest though.  We worshiped in the upper room of the Smoothie Shop with Jesse and his wife Uab.  Nan, Boom, View - and the other Smoothie shop staff..our team, and a few local Thai people.  We sang worship songs and Jono gave the message.  It was incredible!  Reminded me of how it was back when the church began.  A few disciples ..gathering together to worship, pray, and encourage each other in the faith.
 
I love you - keep the notes coming ...they keep me going.

Update: 7/10/2007 - Be the Duck

Today we have our outreach interviews with our leaders to see 'how we're doing'. It's a part of our requirements for 'graduation' when we get back. I think I'll do just fine.

This morning we had a really good time of worship, and intercession for each other. We individually asked Holy Spirit what He wanted us to be focusing on "putting on" for the last few weeks of outreach (this study came out of Colossians 3 - we are dead to our old nature, and need to put on the new nature)... He gave me a picture of water sliding off the back of a duck. And He told me that I needed to be like that ..with difficult people. To not let their harsh words, snotty comments etc. get to me. To not allow a root of bitterness to grow or fester. But to be like that duck and let them roll right off. He told me to focus on being "Courageous in Love". Because we love is our motivation..and we do things with that motive in mind - we do not have a 'circumstantial' attitude. "They did this to me..so I feel this toward them." We become initiators instead of responders.

I've been struggling lately in this area. That's because I was trying to work it up. God's love is never ending...the fuel tank is always full. I need to get my supply from Him. To not let their words, actions, or attitudes determine my words, actions, and attitude toward them. But to see them through God's eyes...be like the duck - let it slide - and be consistent in LOVE and GRACE. Because mercy triumphs over judgment. God has given me grace when I didn't deserve it..just so..I am to freely give what I have received.

An encouraging word - and gentle rebuke - from Father this morning. It was so good. He loves those He corrects. So I know I'm in the right place.

 

My English class is going good. Last night I met my students for the first time - Ann, Oom, Kai Kum, and Bia. They are very cute. Pray that God gives me good Ideas to help them learn, but that I also get to plant seeds and love them into the kingdom.

 

I hope everything there is going well. I miss you all -

 

love, joanna

Update: 7/7/2007 - Cold Coffee & western toilets

I just got to Chang Rai..well, not just. We actually got in last night. Terry and Janean are back too. It was so good to see them again. It felt like "mom and dad" were home. They are like adopted YWAM parents..and are so wonderful. They had a good time in Australia..as good as it can be under the circumstances. The funeral was on Wednesday. And it was an open casket...(which I've never heard of for baby deaths).

 

Chang Rai is great. It's civilization...Our dorm that we're staying in is really nice, with AC in the rooms and even a western toilet that flushes!! And there's a sink and a mirror in the same room as the toilet.

We'll be here for two whole weeks. Jesse and Oab have started a coffee/smoothie shop with YWAM and we'll be working there and building relationships with the university students. In the evening I'll be teaching "English conversation" classes with a few of my fellow team mates. The others will be teacher guitar lessons, doing sports ministry, and hanging out on the campus with the students.. it'll be way different then the work we've been doing in the hill tribes - which was more apostolic and "servicey." We held a lot of programs and did dramas, the dance, and preaching. We'll still do some of that here, but more then anything - it'll be just getting to know these people and live with them in their culture..and share Jesus' love on a day to day deal as we teach them what we know..with the English, music, etc.

I'm excited about the smoothie shop too. It gives me so much hope for the future - just hearing how they got it started. I think of How God might birth YadaRoot coffee shop ministry...and how great that will be. This is the second ministry of this nature, that I've gotten to see and hear about... so I'm really encouraged.

 

Tonight we're going to the night market, and I think some of us will go and get our Hair cut and get Thai massages - which are supposed to be amazing. I've never had a massage before. It's 100 baht for an hour - that's 3 dollars American!!

 

I hope that everything there is going great..and that you're playing lots of scrabble and getting ready for me to come home. I'm really looking forward to sitting around the table with all of you - talking about our last half a year..(5 months). We'll have to buy some Starbucks ice cream and drink the REAL coffee hot and black. The coffee here is good..but it's so much stronger then in the states..so it took me a while to get used to. Also - they serve it in little 4 oz. cups. Everything here is served "small" - even if you order "large". But it's good ..it's really good. Just different. I haven't been able to drink it hot though - because it's soo hot here. So I've been frappin' it up (frappuccino).

 

It's exciting though. God has been giving me really cool ideas for YadaRoot coffee shop. As I continue to travel, and experience different cultures - I want to pick up ideas and recipes (For coffee and pastry/food) and have a multi cultural coffee shop ..with tastes and sounds from all over the world. What do you think??

 

I need to go. But I just wanted to write you and let you know that I'm in Chang Rai - the YWAM family is reunited..and we'll be embarking on a new phase of the journey tomorrow. There's only 3 weeks left. And I'm in a city with internet - this is cheaper. So if you want to reach me..send me a line.

 

love you,  -joanna

Update: 7/6/2007 - Starbucks with rice & beetles

I am looking forward to having the fall at home - if that it was God allows.

 

This past week as been difficult. We've all seemed to reach the end of our supply - physically and spiritually..with these hills tribes. It's been hard to lead a group..when you were the STUDENT the week before. God took care of it though. He used it to teach me more about servant leadership..grace..and patience. God's good like that.

We will be leaving tomorrow for Chang Rai - praise God!! The last three weeks will be spent there. Terry and Janean get back on Saturday night. If all goes according to plan. It will be nice to have them. I don't want to make it sound like this past week has been terrible. It's been really good actually. We're all just tired.

 

We saw 13 people accept the Lord - it was an entire family. The were formerly the village witch doctors. So some of us got to witness/ take part in their 'cleansing ceremony' of burning all their charms and instruments that they had used to call the evil spirits. It reminded me of stories I'd hear from Grandpa and Grandma Walters in Madagascar.

 

On the fourth of July we were preparing to leave the Tribe. They killed a fatted goat. Correction. They had Emily- one of our teammates kill the goat. And then we watched them boil it..skin it..tear it from limb to limb, and make our dinners. Don't worry Dad - I took plenty of pictures. It was really disturbing. =)

 

The kids there were beautiful. I've been taking a TON of pictures of them, and really want to do some serious painting when I get home.

MOM...the end of the week we got to work in an orphanage that you would have just LOVED. It was set up so nice...more like a home then anything. They only had 10 little girls..and they treated them just like their own. We slept with them in one big open room. Under PINK mosquito nets. I felt like a princess.

 

I love you all so much. Eat LOTS OF that wonderful AMERICAN FOOD. You don't know how good you've got it..until you have rice and beetles, bat wing, pig ear, BBQ frog, fish eyes...or some of the other interesting 'delicacies' we've been so fortunate to sample (live on)...ha !!

Everything is funny in retrospect...so they say.

Did I mention we're going to CHANG RAI tomorrow?? God Bless Starbucks for taking over the world!!! ....land o lattes here I come.

 

LOVE YOU - joanna

Update: 7/1/2007 - Power of God in the Hill Tribes

My Dear Friends,

It feels like so much longer then just one week - that I was last able to write you. We left Chang Mai on Saturday night and traveled to Pua, a smaller town 5 hours north (l believe... Haven't seen a map for a while). We arrived there at 4:am in the morning, only to find out that our contact thought we were coming the next day. So we slept on the side walk for a few hours with our luggage..while we waited to find out what was going on. Ironically - it was one of the best sleeps I've ever had.

We stayed in a guest house for one day while our leaders got information about the next hill tribe. That was Sunday...Monday morning we all piled into the back of the Pastor's friend's truck and traveled another 3 1/2 hours north. It was some of the most beautiful scenery I've seen here in Thailand!!

In Baobgea, the hill tribe, we stayed in a bamboo hut on stilts ..and I got the experience of sleeping in a mosquito net for the first time!! There were a lot of friendly people and animals. I had one small cow that was especially fond of me - and followed me everywhere I went. Even the squatty (potty).

God moved in some crazy amazing ways. 31 people made first time commitments to follow Jesus. All were children and teenagers. Two women's backs were healed. Something with the spine - as we felt it move back into place while we were laying our hand on it!  One woman's eyes were healed..and she regained clear vision ...as well as the redness and puffiness went away immediately!!!  That same woman's appendix was healed...not sure what the total problem was with it, but she told Ja, our translator, that she has had terrible pain for a long time - some months - and that pain totally left her that night.

Two mothers brought their children to the church - with high fevers... We prayed and immediately the fevers left and they stopped crying. The One boy was just a small 10 month old.

We worked in the village school teaching English, and in the evenings held church services and visited the sick in their homes. I was blown away by these people's faith. They just expected God to do whatever we prayed. And He did. They told us, "We are so glad you have come. We know that your God is the way. He is our God too. We believe Him..not in man..but in Him."

This weekend we had the opportunity to host an "English Camp" at one of the government schools. This was challenging in a lot of ways - as they did not know that we were coming to also share the gospel. And the school was VERY Buddhist. Every morning and every night loud sirens would sound and the kids would line up and chant to Buddha. It broke my heart and was very discouraging ..because we would tell them about God's love - and then watch them go and bow to a statue made of gold. Literally.

Even through the opposition...God was there...and moved on the kids' hearts. No one got saved..that I know of. But they loved us, and we loved them, and we got a lot of their addresses..and will keep in touch. I believe that through a continued friendship..and more watering of those seeds that were planted...their eyes will be opened. I got attached to some of them though, and it was hard to leave.

Now we are in another small town. Staying at the Pastor's home. We will have tomorrow off - so I will have more time to write a few personal notes to you.

Tuesday - we will be leaving to go to our last hill tribe. This one is three hours north - in another direction. The Pastor says that these people have NEVER HEARD OF JESUS and NEVER SEEN A WHITE PERSON. So we are headed into way new territory. Please remember us in your prayers. He says that they have just been introduced to 'clothes'. As many of them still wear loin cloths...or something. This is what I imagined when I first heard that we were staying in hill tribes - but it has not been the case..until now.

Terry and Janean got terrible news this past week. They lost their first little grand daughter at birth. So they will be leaving our team for 6 days  - as we go to this new spot. And have left Jono and Me in charge....and I would appreciate your prayers for that. That God would give us grace for communication in Thai..and wisdom to be good leaders, and for safety. Also pray for Terry and Janean. As they go to Australia to see their son and daughter in law - for the memorial service.

More later - I LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU !!!

- joanna

Update: 6/23/2007 - Bearback Elephants

Hello !!
 
We just got back from our second Hill Tribe. Mosakee. It is a refuge hostel for orphans, widows, and the children of the hill tribe people who cannot afford to support their children on the wages they make. It was started by an amazing woman named Dteday - who was given the vision for this ministry back in the 80's. It was during a time when the child sex trade industry in Thailand was at an all time high. And her heart was just broken for the people. She knew that she had to do something, and so she prayed. She told God, "I am here. And I am available. You tell me how I can make a difference. And I will. I will do whatever you tell me to do."
 
This is a woman who was saved because of missionaries who came to her land in India in the early 1900s. She was a part of a tribe that were head hunters. But the entire tribe was saved. And today 80% of them are in missions globally. She is here in Thailand, and God has used her enormously. She has forged every bit of the work with prayer and totally dependence on God. Today they have 60 orphans living there, going to school, involved in sports, the arts and music - which is amazing in itself. They are in the middle of NOWHERE with electric guitars hooked up to battery operated generators! They also have a ministry to widows, widowers, and their families. Building homes for them, helping them find work, and get back on their feet. She also reaches out to the neighboring villages. Making sure that they have what THEY need.
 
Sean - our contact here - said that you can travel three hours in any direction from Mosakee...and you won't ever have to worry about finding your way back. Everyone knows Dteday. They say, "She is the one who prayed for my father and he was healed of cancer."  "She was the one who brought water and electricity to our village."  "She was the one who has done so much for our children and given them a future."
 
And yet, when you meet her, you would never know unless she told you. She is more concerned with what you have to say. Every time she speaks the entire room falls silent..so powerful are her words. I feel as if I have met the 'Mother Teresa' of Thailand. And I know I will be coming back here to work with her in the future.  Not Forever.  But God has given me some work to do here.
 
I would love to share just what that is, but now is not the time.  Mainly..because I'm out of time. We have to get back for a team meeting. But I will tell you ALL SOON --I promise. And MAN IS IT EXCITING !!
 
Today we got to ride elephants bear back through the jungle !! Took some amazing pics.. It was so much FUN !!!
 
LOVE YOU ALL
 
joanna

Update: 6/13/07 - First Tribal Adventure

Hello !!

We just got back, not long ago from our first of many adventures in the hill tribes of Thailand. This village was called Haug Da Top - a three and 1/2 hour drive, and 2 hour hike up steep mountainous terrain. The people group are called the "Karen". They live a very simple life with their huts, cattle, and crops. But it is absolutely beautiful up there. I am never seen anything like that...Our second day in, we got to help them with their vision for a coffee plantation. They had started two years ago by planted 500 coffee plants. Half of those were lost, and the other half have just started to bare fruit. Thanks to the donation of another local missionary - they were able to buy 500 more plants, that we helped them get in the ground that day. It was such an amazing experience.. and one I've always dreamed about being able to do. So that was a sweet gift from God.

As if it couldn't get any better, near the end of our planting, we heard a loud noise coming over the mountain. It was rain!! I have never heard rain before I saw it - but wow!! It was gorgeous. We grabbed our picks, tools, plants, hats, and went running for their huts for shelter. It was so incredible. I didn't stay there long though. I had to go dance in it.

Then a pastor friend showed us where there was a waterfall we could swim in. We got to hike through the rain forest, with a machete - chopping brush out of the way. At the clearing we were over looking rice fields as far as we could see. There were water buffalo munching away on different level, that looked up as we passed.  All this while it was still raining!!

An incredible day..by far, one of the best I have ever lived.

We had the chance to pray for a lot of people and saw God move.Many of the young people in Haug Da Top are strong in their faith and love for God and each other. The spirit world is very real to them. And they shared many stories with us about seeing demons, and chasing them out of the village in Jesus name. Revival is breaking out in many of the hill tribes, as people are dreaming dreams and having visions of Jesus. People who didn't know who Jesus was, are getting saved, by the Spirit. They are corporately seeing visions and experiencing things like in Acts 2 - when Holy Spirit came with fire. People are getting healed and delivered. And God is blessing their crops and cattle. Only a year ago..many of them were starving to death - but now God is pouring out blessing. Like the floodgates of heaven. To hear them pray ..crying out to God with their whole heart and every bit of lung power, hour after hour. And to live with them, in those conditions, and understand more then I ever have the intensity of their need. I was moved with a desire to DO something. I know that I was there..and I was DOING SOMETHING. But more..what more can I do? I don't want to just forget what I have seen and heard and experienced.

Now we will be going to another tribe the day after tomorrow. This time to work with an Indian woman who started an orphanage up in the mountains. Please pray for us as we go. But also remember the people in Haug Da Top...that God would be near to them.Continuing to blessing their crops, and their village with food and clothing. With clean water. That the coffee we planted will take root, and be fruitful - bringing in prosperity for their families and future. They are such giving people. What little they had..they still insisted that they cook for us while we were there (though we had brought food of our own). And as we left they gave us peppers and rice.

They have left a mark in me that I am still searching to fully grasp. They LIVE like Jesus..though many of them have never, and will never be able to read or write. God has written his law on their hearts in such an amazing way. I will never forget them. And I sincerely hope that someday I will be able to go back.

I will try to write again in a week or so. We will be in the next village from Saturday through the following Friday.
I love you all - and am praying for you ---

joanna

Update: June 10, 2007 - 5:51 PM

We are heading out for the hill tribes today.  It's 6 in the morning here.  We will be driving for three hours and hiking for one, and then we will be out there for about three days.  That is the only amount of time since it is all the water and supplies we can carry at one time, with our equipment and everything else.  I've been taking lots of pics and will be getting them onto a cd when I get back to Chang Mai here.  We drove to Chang Mai the day before yesterday.

Thank you for your prayers.  I miss you a lot .  I have many stories to share - and will later.

love you - joanna

PS:  Pray for team unity, and gratefulness for small things..as it is very very hot and humid here..and difficult at times.

Update: June 7, 2007 - 5:52 AM

I am writing to let you know that I am here safely.  I was really tired when I arrived because I hadn't slept at all on any of the flights.  It was a 13 hour flight from San Fran to Taipai, and a six hour flight from Taipai to Bankok.  We had a 5 hour lay over in Taipai.  A two hour lay over in San Fran and about a 3 hour lay over in Salt Lake.  So it was a long day or so.  It was Wednesday night when we got here.  The weather outside of the airport felt like we were walking through lotion..the air is so balmy.  It smells like inscense everywhere we go.  The culture is beautiful.  The buildings and taxis and people are so colorful and sweet.  I am learning things about the culture that are hard for me, like not making eye contact with men and smiling - because it is an invite.  This is hard...

 

Pray that God gives me the gift of Thai - for communicating.  I NEED LANGUAGE.

But yes, it is gorgeous here.  I love it.  And I am doing well. 

 

This is all the time I have.  Thank you for you prayers.  I am really happy to be here.  I am tempted to live in a foreign country - I love it !!

 

Kiss and hug everyone for me.  - I miss you

Leaving for Thailand

There's been a lot that has happened to bring us to this moment. But I can finally say that I am READY to leave for Thailand. Our team will be leaving the base at 2 pm Monday (tomorrow) for the Kalispell airport. About a half hours drive from here. We have a group of nine lead by Terry and Janean Hilliard from Florida. There are 4 guys and three girls - Chad from Idaho, Jon Hanson from Montana, Jon Lundsford from California, and Jason from New Jersey, Emily from North Dakota, Jaala from Colorado, and Myself.

We have a long trip ahead of us. Our flight leaves at 4pm to Salt Lake, from there we fly to San Fransisco, then Taiwan -where we'll say goodbye to team Taiwan, and continue on to Bankok - Thailand.  It'll be mid-day Wednesday for us there, but sometime Tuesday for you here..when we arrive. We'll be in Bankok for 3 days for orientation. During this time we will be briefed on the culture, language, etc. Saturday (Friday for you) we will be taking a bus from Bankok and traveling 8 hours north to Chang Rai - where we will be for the next two weeks ministering at the University. After that will be spending two weeks in the hill tribes on the Loas/ Burmese boarder. Then two weeks in Chang Mai working at the smoothie shop run by local YWAM missionaries. After that we will go back to the hill tribes for two more weeks. And then have a little break for about 3 days, to pray about what God would have us do, for the last part of our time there. We could revisit one of the places we've been ministering at, or we could go somewhere else. I will keep you posted.

When I am in Chang Rai and Chang Mai I will have access to a computer, so I will keep in touch then. Thank you all for your prayers and support.  Your encouraging words are a comfort to me.
Please know that my love and prayers are with you!!

Love Sincerely,
Joanna

What is God doing at YWAM?

Dear Family & Friends,

I am now starting my 9^th week of DTS (discipleship training school). It’s hard to believe that I’m nearing the end of my lecture phase, and that in two short weeks I will be leaving for outreach! We have been split into 3 groups. One team of 11 will be going to Brazil to work with the street children and in an orphanage, as well as working with local contacts at the pre-Olympic games in Rio. The other group of 6 will be going to Taiwan and doing inner city ministry and working hand in hand with YWAM’s full time missionaries in the country.

My team of 7 students and two team leaders (Terry and Janean Hillard) will be going to Thailand! We will fly into Bangkok and stay with contacts for 2 days of briefing about the culture, language, and local/national current events and concerns. From there we will take a train to northern Thailand where we will be staying in a guest house owned by YWAM for one day of intercession before we head into the hill tribes. We will be living with the hill tribes people near the Burmese/Laos border for one month – doing friendship evangelism, as well as showing the Jesus movie, doing dances, dramas, and preaching. From there we will travel down to Chang Mai – where we will work in a smoothie shop (that is own by YWAM missionaries), and minister to the college students at the university there. We will be there for about 3 weeks. After that time we will have about 3 days to rest up and pray about where we should be spending the rest of our time. Terry and Janean are leaving the last part of our outreach open for us to hear God about and plan. So we could go back to the hill tribes, or down to Bangkok, or up to Chang Rai, or any other area that God puts on our hearts as a group. I love our leaders' openness to God and utter dependence on His voice. They absolutely will not plan something just to plan it. They are so careful to do what Holy Spirit is saying, and be lead by His guidance – I have learned SO MUCH from them!

This is a really busy time for us. We are all working on dramas, dances, sermons, music, and children’s VBS programs. I had the honor of being chosen to choreograph a dance for our team. The song we’re doing is “Be Near To Me” - by Enter the Worship Circle. It is my first time ever choreographing anything! So I have been pretty nervous – feeling stretched and out of my comfort zone. But God has been good to me, and He is putting it together smoothly and effectively. When the other girls and Janean saw it, there was unanimous approval and excitement – which was incredibly encouraging. We have a lot to do to get it ready before we go, but I’m not worried anymore. I have total confidence in my Father to finish the work He’s begun in this dance, and in our hearts.

I am also working on a solo dance called, “Just to Please You.” I’m really excited about this one also! Becky Olive – my dance instructor for our track class – is choreographing it. She is a professional dancer, and has traveled with several companies before coming here to work with YWAM. I feel lucky to be getting the quality instruction that I am. It’s always been a desire of my heart!

NOTE: We will be taping these dances and dramas either before we go or while we’re gone and uploading them unto U-Tube online. So you will be able to view them shortly – I will let you know when we get them on there. There are a lot of really talented people on my team. One being Jon Hanson from Kalispell (but a Colorado native). He is on his way to becoming a photo journalist (naturally, owning a pretty sweet camera) and will be making a documentary of our travels that he’s going to share with the everyone when we get back. So none of you will miss a beat!

Before I came here, I had no idea what a ride I was in for. Our schedule is very full with: 17 class room lecture hours, 3 hours of corporate intercession, book reports, homework, track assignments, work duties, and journals due every week. We attend a Thursday night meeting here on base every week that is open to the community. We are also required to be involved in a local church in the area and attend every Sunday– as a part of our DTS curriculum . I’ve been very blessed to have found a ‘home away from home’ at Fresh Life church in Kalispell. It’s a beautiful small store front church in down town, that meets in an upper room of an older/remodeled building. There is a fun mix of people there – a lot of YWAM'ers as well as locals. Sounds a lot like home, doesn’t it?

Since coming here I have been challenged, humbled, stretched, convicted, and changed. We get to spend an entire week on one topic – dissecting and digesting it. But we live in such close contact with each other, and are in a constant application mode. This hasn’t been easy – I won’t lie. But it’s been good for me. I’ve had the opportunity to see the pride and selfishness that is really in my heart, and God’s been able to get it out. I think it’s a daily work. But He’s doing it!

I’ve begun to dream again. And God has reaffirmed the things He’s been speaking to my heart for years (that I was unsure of). He’s been giving me strategy and connecting me with people here who have the same vision and heart! I met a girl named Megan from Maryland who is a powerful intercessor, and we’ve started praying together every morning. We feel that the Lord is calling us to partner together in the future for the things He is calling us to do. We have also started a processing/prayer time for our class every night at 10pm – to whenever we finish. God has really moved our group into repentance and intercession for our generation, the church, and our nation.

We are a broken, raw, desperate people...who cannot be silent. We strive to live vulnerably, transparently, and gut wrenchingly honest lives before each other. We don’t want to GO TO CHURCH anymore. We finally see that attendance on Sunday doesn’t mean anything when you’re spiritually absent all week. We are striving to BE the body Christ died to save. To have intimate fellowship with Him and each other. To listen to His voice and do what He says. To share our possessions with each other, and give to the needy. To allow Holy Spirit to interrupt our plans, and listen to those nudges.

We have been finding that revival isn’t as abstract as we imaged it would be. But it’s the life that’s born out of our death to self. It is the small obediences. It is the small acts of love that are taking over our world with GOOD NEWS. And that is all the gospel really is, isn’t it? Clothes for the naked, food to fill the hungry bellies, a hug for the lonely, to weep with those who are grieving, and laugh with those to rejoice. TO LOVE GOD with all our heart soul and strength, and to love our neighbor better then we love ourselves. To prefer them. Can you imagine what this world would look like if we – small Christ's, we little Christians, just did what He said? This is the simple way we are called to. This is the revolution of ordinary everyday radicals that is on the rise. This is the life we were born to live. This is the message that makes our stomachs quiver and our spirits leap – because something in us tells us it’s TRUE.

If there was ever a doubt in my mind as to whether or not I was supposed to come – it has been completely obliterated. Thank you for your prayers! Thank you for your financial support, making it possible for me to come, and keeping me (alive) here! Thank you for your encouraging words, emails, letters, phone calls, and care packages – that have made me feel so loved and connected to home! You are my home, and I look forward to seeing you soon!  My love and prayers are with you!