Well I made it back home safely today. thank you for all the prayer. I landed in Columbus after a long trip. I already miss the kids, the team, pretty much everything except the heat :) I can't wait to share stories with you. I am uploading some photos to facebook as we speak... or type or whatever.
Ready for some sleep! Night!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Coming home
Hello all. Just writing to tell you all that I am on my way home. In taiwan hanging out cause of a 6 hour layover. Everyone is a little on edge just with leaving the kids & seeing family and all. Pray that things end well & we have a safe trip. Should be home sometime saturday hopefully.
Last night it was really hard to leave the kids because I had this little girl that always CLUNG to me. Chanaporn (the little Thai girl) and I taught the kids how to make bracelets from the supplies that Kandice gave me. They loved it. I can't wait to get more supplies & send them so they can make bracelets & what not. To see there faces last night as they ate ice cream sandwiches made out of icecream & rolls & just had pure joy has been great. I would not change this summer for anything.
Pray that things with Asia's Hope would go well. They have been growing so much. They also are trying to grow mulberry trees at the widows farm. This will provide silk worms to make silk & bark to make paper. If they get enough money they would like to build an orphanage up there so the widows working up there can see their kids.
Can't wait to see everyone & tell stories. Keep praying for Asia's Hope, the kids, the workers/parents, interns, directors & anyone else involved. Our leaders, Adam & Jess, along with Renae, are staying in Cambodia & Thailand for another month. Keep praying for them as well.
oh & I swam in a waterfall yesterday. One of the most beautuful, fun things that we did :)
Last night it was really hard to leave the kids because I had this little girl that always CLUNG to me. Chanaporn (the little Thai girl) and I taught the kids how to make bracelets from the supplies that Kandice gave me. They loved it. I can't wait to get more supplies & send them so they can make bracelets & what not. To see there faces last night as they ate ice cream sandwiches made out of icecream & rolls & just had pure joy has been great. I would not change this summer for anything.
Pray that things with Asia's Hope would go well. They have been growing so much. They also are trying to grow mulberry trees at the widows farm. This will provide silk worms to make silk & bark to make paper. If they get enough money they would like to build an orphanage up there so the widows working up there can see their kids.
Can't wait to see everyone & tell stories. Keep praying for Asia's Hope, the kids, the workers/parents, interns, directors & anyone else involved. Our leaders, Adam & Jess, along with Renae, are staying in Cambodia & Thailand for another month. Keep praying for them as well.
oh & I swam in a waterfall yesterday. One of the most beautuful, fun things that we did :)
Monday, June 22, 2009
No Big Deal...
so this morning we rode elephants. It was a pretty sweet experience. We are soon off to the snake show. Things have been becoming normal around here. Such as riding in the back of a truck everywhere.
We also have learned how God shows things. It is a BIG deal so the title of this doesn't really work :) Sarah is better & back with us. Thanks for the prayer!
It is a LOT cooler here & actually wore my hair down today. It was nice!
Everyone is staying up late talking this week (which is good) but am now getting tired. Pray that we finish this week out strong.
Our team is very unique in the way we are ALL different. Its so cool staying up late with different people & hearing different ways God is working. I guess its showed me that I want to hear others stories now.
The kids here in Thailand are more reserved but we are working hard with them. We only get about 4 hours a day with them because school is in but its so cool to worship with them every night. Right now I am listening to Beth sing one of the songs they taught us... She has been singing it ALL day :)
Missing everyone. Hope things are going well.
*muah*
We also have learned how God shows things. It is a BIG deal so the title of this doesn't really work :) Sarah is better & back with us. Thanks for the prayer!
It is a LOT cooler here & actually wore my hair down today. It was nice!
Everyone is staying up late talking this week (which is good) but am now getting tired. Pray that we finish this week out strong.
Our team is very unique in the way we are ALL different. Its so cool staying up late with different people & hearing different ways God is working. I guess its showed me that I want to hear others stories now.
The kids here in Thailand are more reserved but we are working hard with them. We only get about 4 hours a day with them because school is in but its so cool to worship with them every night. Right now I am listening to Beth sing one of the songs they taught us... She has been singing it ALL day :)
Missing everyone. Hope things are going well.
*muah*
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Prayer request...
Major prayer request... Sarah is sick. She stayed with missionary friends today & hopefully will be back to normal tomorrow.
Also, that we would be open to God's will & focus on him.
Tomorrow we go to the Silk farm & the umbrella factory. It should be fun!
Happy fathers day.
Miss everyone!
Also, that we would be open to God's will & focus on him.
Tomorrow we go to the Silk farm & the umbrella factory. It should be fun!
Happy fathers day.
Miss everyone!
Friday, June 19, 2009
This is the day...
That the lord has made...
Just thought I would let you all know that I am enjoying your emails. It gives me a little piece of home. We are off to the market in a few minutes then off to catch our plane. It is beautiful here & I just thought I would tell you I am thinking of you guys.
I hope you have a great weekend (tomorrow I guess... its already sat. here) God bless you :)
Just thought I would let you all know that I am enjoying your emails. It gives me a little piece of home. We are off to the market in a few minutes then off to catch our plane. It is beautiful here & I just thought I would tell you I am thinking of you guys.
I hope you have a great weekend (tomorrow I guess... its already sat. here) God bless you :)
last day in Cambodia...
Su-stri-a (hello)
Sorry it has been so long. Leaving the kids at the first orphanages was so difficult. By the time we left the kids & our team was crying. All we could repeat was "God loves you. We pray for you. You are beautiful." My heart just broke for them.
Thursday we got up bright & early to head to battambang. The 5 hour bus ride took us to our hotel. We then headed to the orphanages. We did hair & pictures for two out of the five. These kids were more layed back & shy. I believe its because some have only had two guests. We then again had a sweet dance party. It was bitter-sweet because our last night in Penom Penh we had one. I feel horrible now because my heart wasn't fully in it. These kids deserve our love just as much as the others.
Today we headed to Siem Riep (2 1/2 hour bus ride). At the bus station our tuk-tuks weren't there yet so it was an interesting experience. We then headed to ankor what & some other site seeing stuff. It was cool to see how God gave talent to people to create such beautiful buildings. But you also got this eary sense about the shrins there.
Tomorrow we head out (plane leaves at 2) to Thailand. Please pray that the group we have safe travels & open hearts for these kids. That God would let us work there & our hearts would be open.
Some of you have asked about the food & sleep. The food is very good, you just don't always get what you thought you would :) and the sleep is above average. It will be nice though tomorrow to have a "down" day to let our minds soak in all that we have seen. Thanks for the prayers. I hope to do a better job of keeping this updated.
Sorry it has been so long. Leaving the kids at the first orphanages was so difficult. By the time we left the kids & our team was crying. All we could repeat was "God loves you. We pray for you. You are beautiful." My heart just broke for them.
Thursday we got up bright & early to head to battambang. The 5 hour bus ride took us to our hotel. We then headed to the orphanages. We did hair & pictures for two out of the five. These kids were more layed back & shy. I believe its because some have only had two guests. We then again had a sweet dance party. It was bitter-sweet because our last night in Penom Penh we had one. I feel horrible now because my heart wasn't fully in it. These kids deserve our love just as much as the others.
Today we headed to Siem Riep (2 1/2 hour bus ride). At the bus station our tuk-tuks weren't there yet so it was an interesting experience. We then headed to ankor what & some other site seeing stuff. It was cool to see how God gave talent to people to create such beautiful buildings. But you also got this eary sense about the shrins there.
Tomorrow we head out (plane leaves at 2) to Thailand. Please pray that the group we have safe travels & open hearts for these kids. That God would let us work there & our hearts would be open.
Some of you have asked about the food & sleep. The food is very good, you just don't always get what you thought you would :) and the sleep is above average. It will be nice though tomorrow to have a "down" day to let our minds soak in all that we have seen. Thanks for the prayers. I hope to do a better job of keeping this updated.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
OH HAPPY DAY
hello again from cambodia!
just a quick update on what happened recently. I dont promise to complete any of my thoughts 1)because I want you to ask me about my trip. 2)its kinda crazy here so I want to get down as much as possible :)
Yesterday after coming to the computer cafe & writing you all we headed to the central market. Our group road in three tut-tuts (rickshaws, taxi). One got lost so we waited outside for them. It was so sad to see these ladies with their babies come up & just BEG for money. The kids were adorable (as most here) and I just wanted to take them home with me.
But after that whole incident we finally got to the market. We went shopping & got some cool stuff. I bought some jewelry & some sweet pants (wearing them right now) These people go at the crack of dawn till the end of the day and sell. Thats all they do. People here have no steady income so its hard to choose where to buy. Its by the best price I guess. I have got the bartering thing down pretty well :)
In the afternoon we went back to school & taught for a little bit (our ride was late, because of the rain!! (praise Jesus) so it was a short time) We then went to Orphanage 1. There we tye-dyed again & took their pictures. It was really cute because we brought this huge thing of "goop" for the guys & hair things for the girls so all their hair was done (they dont know how to braid here) The boys really got into it & did Gabe's hair. It was such a joy to see how happy they get over the little things when they have absolutely NOTHING! I think thats the biggest thing that I have learned on the trip so far. & that everything doesn't go the way we have expected :)
Mr. & Mrs. B- the bear that you gave me went to this sweet girl (i have a picture!)
everyone-thanks for the prayer. We can feel it over here. Please keep praying that we get money wired to us. Right now we are paying for everything!
Plans for the rest of the week:
thursday- leave bright & early on bus to head to battom bong to see the momentum orphanages.
Friday- Bus to Ankor wat & other site seeing experiences.
Saturday- fly to Thailand
Rest of the time is spent with the kids there!
I dont want to come home. The group has become a second family to me & we are getting along great. We have to just kick people out of the kitchen because EVERYONE wants to serve. Its amazing.
God bless (when ever we leave the kids thats what they say. Its adorable!) everyone. Praying for you back there, that you would be making a difference where you are at. There is no reason to travel.
just a quick update on what happened recently. I dont promise to complete any of my thoughts 1)because I want you to ask me about my trip. 2)its kinda crazy here so I want to get down as much as possible :)
Yesterday after coming to the computer cafe & writing you all we headed to the central market. Our group road in three tut-tuts (rickshaws, taxi). One got lost so we waited outside for them. It was so sad to see these ladies with their babies come up & just BEG for money. The kids were adorable (as most here) and I just wanted to take them home with me.
But after that whole incident we finally got to the market. We went shopping & got some cool stuff. I bought some jewelry & some sweet pants (wearing them right now) These people go at the crack of dawn till the end of the day and sell. Thats all they do. People here have no steady income so its hard to choose where to buy. Its by the best price I guess. I have got the bartering thing down pretty well :)
In the afternoon we went back to school & taught for a little bit (our ride was late, because of the rain!! (praise Jesus) so it was a short time) We then went to Orphanage 1. There we tye-dyed again & took their pictures. It was really cute because we brought this huge thing of "goop" for the guys & hair things for the girls so all their hair was done (they dont know how to braid here) The boys really got into it & did Gabe's hair. It was such a joy to see how happy they get over the little things when they have absolutely NOTHING! I think thats the biggest thing that I have learned on the trip so far. & that everything doesn't go the way we have expected :)
Mr. & Mrs. B- the bear that you gave me went to this sweet girl (i have a picture!)
everyone-thanks for the prayer. We can feel it over here. Please keep praying that we get money wired to us. Right now we are paying for everything!
Plans for the rest of the week:
thursday- leave bright & early on bus to head to battom bong to see the momentum orphanages.
Friday- Bus to Ankor wat & other site seeing experiences.
Saturday- fly to Thailand
Rest of the time is spent with the kids there!
I dont want to come home. The group has become a second family to me & we are getting along great. We have to just kick people out of the kitchen because EVERYONE wants to serve. Its amazing.
God bless (when ever we leave the kids thats what they say. Its adorable!) everyone. Praying for you back there, that you would be making a difference where you are at. There is no reason to travel.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Greeting from Asia!
hello all.
Im sorry its been so long. Last time we came to a cafe my computer would not work. But that doesnt really matter...
On saturday we arrived here & just relaxed some. went out to dinner, unpacked, ect. Sunday we went to the church/school for the kids. We sang & had worship with them. It was so sweet to praise the same God yet in a different language. We then played with them all day. It was awesome to see just how open they were to use. They would just hug you for like ten minutes straight. Sunday I didn't feel the best because of the heat. But I could feel the prayer & am feeling fine now. Monday we visited this torture/jail area used during the Pol Pot time. We know so little about this time. I recommend researching it.
We then taught english in the afternoon. Elizabeth (really sweet girl from OH) and I taught the kindergardeners. They knew NOTHING so we taught the abc's the WHOLE time. But after teaching we went to one of the orphanages. This one was sponsored by momentum but not built (we see those in Bottom Bong on thursday, we are in Penom Pen right now) We played with the kids as usual & made tye-dye shirts with them. Jess, our leader, took their portraits for the update. YOu can not adopt these kids but you can support them!!
Well this was really random but I hope you enjoyed it. Keep praying. TIme to head back home. LOVE YOU ALL!
Im sorry its been so long. Last time we came to a cafe my computer would not work. But that doesnt really matter...
On saturday we arrived here & just relaxed some. went out to dinner, unpacked, ect. Sunday we went to the church/school for the kids. We sang & had worship with them. It was so sweet to praise the same God yet in a different language. We then played with them all day. It was awesome to see just how open they were to use. They would just hug you for like ten minutes straight. Sunday I didn't feel the best because of the heat. But I could feel the prayer & am feeling fine now. Monday we visited this torture/jail area used during the Pol Pot time. We know so little about this time. I recommend researching it.
We then taught english in the afternoon. Elizabeth (really sweet girl from OH) and I taught the kindergardeners. They knew NOTHING so we taught the abc's the WHOLE time. But after teaching we went to one of the orphanages. This one was sponsored by momentum but not built (we see those in Bottom Bong on thursday, we are in Penom Pen right now) We played with the kids as usual & made tye-dye shirts with them. Jess, our leader, took their portraits for the update. YOu can not adopt these kids but you can support them!!
Well this was really random but I hope you enjoyed it. Keep praying. TIme to head back home. LOVE YOU ALL!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
other blogs to follow
other blogs to follow that either are related to our team or Asia's Hope...
asianvista.blogspot.com
or
jessicaheath.blogspot.com
(leader)
asianvista.blogspot.com
or
jessicaheath.blogspot.com
(leader)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
plans for trip
For those of you who I don't have your email here is an update on what I will be doing on my trip. Thanks for all the prayers!!
Trip overview:
I will be overseas from June 11-June 27. Each team is scheduled for about 2 weeks, and each has a tentative itinerary as listed below:
June 11—travel... Chicago, Los Angeles, Taipei, Phnom Penh (on the way home I get in at Columbus, OH) (about 22 hours of flying time, about
31 hours of travel time all together. It’s a 12 hour time change)
June 12--to guest house in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Visit Russian market and orphanage that evening to get acquainted with the area
June 13--Visit to Tuol Sleng museum (info about killing fields history in Cambodia) and Daughters of
Cambodia exhibit (pertaining to sex trafficking industry in Cambodia). Help at orphanage 1 (one of
four in the area)
June 14 (Sunday)--Church with orphans. Jewelry co-op teaching with older girls, sports with younger kids
June 15--possible Siem Reap/Angkar Wat trip (by plane) OR English camps at orphanages 2 & 3. (English
camps involve various fun ways to help kids learn English, and also share Jesus' love with kids.)
June 16--Morning touring of Phnom Penh, afternoon English camp at orphanage 4
June 17--Jewelry for girls and sports ministry for guys at orphanage 1
June 18--Take orphan kids to local water park, birthday party for orphanage 1 kids
June 19--Campus Crusade for Christ outreach, birthday parties for orphanage 2 kids
June 20--fun day at orphanages
June 21 (Sunday)--Church with orphans (share testimonies, preaching, etc).
Afternoon flight to Thailand, visit orphanage at Doi Soket
June 22--Visit Chiang Mai in morning; afternoon at Hot Springs Orphan Home
June 23--morning at Wiang Pa Pow to teach widows jewelry-making skills,
afternoon at Doi Soket Orphanage
June 24--English camps at Doi Soket morning, Hot Springs afternoon
June 25--visit orphan homes to say goodbye
June 26--to Chiang Mai airport for departure
--- Each evening there are times for team devotions, worship, and processing the day's experiences.
---Orphanages are run by Asia's Hope (www.asiashope.org to see pictures and more details of this ministry)
---Most of the people in these regions of Cambodia and Thailand are from Buddhist or Hindu backgrounds.
---I will be also helping to set up the details of the jewelry micro-enterprise in these areas. This will include some shopping locally for jewelry supplies, and training older girls and women in the skills to make jewelry for sale via Trade Justice Mission (www.tradejusticemission.org for future info on this)
For prayer this week:
1. Packing details--to bring stuff that will be useful and a blessing to people overseas, and not forget anything important!
2. Spiritual preparation--to have time with the Lord in the midst of preparing to travel and everything else that is going on.
3. Team unity and good working relationships. There are 7 girls (and I believe 2 guys) going on this first team (including me), along with Adam & Jess Heath, who are the leaders for the entire 6 weeks overseas.
4. Good health going into the trip, and protection from potential side effects of medicine to prevent malaria
General prayer items:
1. Safe travel in Cambodia & Thailand; luggage intact, protection from lost passports & such things
2. Health--particularly in terms of water-borne illness (diarrhea), mosquito stuff (malaria, dengue,etc), and other critters like lice. Pray for wisdom in taking medications as needed, and for the Lord's protection from serious illnesses. Ability to sleep well and adjust to time zone change (12 hour difference)
3. Opportunites to share the gospel and encourage people in their walks with the Lord--divine appointments, boldness in sharing testimonies, compassion and love for people of Cambodia and Thailand
4. Team unity; particularly where there are teams blended from different locations in the USA--different churches, schools, etc. Ability to encourage one another spiritually, good prayer times together
5. Wisdom for team leaders and students
6. Sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit
7. Hearts of service, to bring glory to Jesus!
8. food… as I have mentioned before I am a very picky eater :)
Trip overview:
I will be overseas from June 11-June 27. Each team is scheduled for about 2 weeks, and each has a tentative itinerary as listed below:
June 11—travel... Chicago, Los Angeles, Taipei, Phnom Penh (on the way home I get in at Columbus, OH) (about 22 hours of flying time, about
31 hours of travel time all together. It’s a 12 hour time change)
June 12--to guest house in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Visit Russian market and orphanage that evening to get acquainted with the area
June 13--Visit to Tuol Sleng museum (info about killing fields history in Cambodia) and Daughters of
Cambodia exhibit (pertaining to sex trafficking industry in Cambodia). Help at orphanage 1 (one of
four in the area)
June 14 (Sunday)--Church with orphans. Jewelry co-op teaching with older girls, sports with younger kids
June 15--possible Siem Reap/Angkar Wat trip (by plane) OR English camps at orphanages 2 & 3. (English
camps involve various fun ways to help kids learn English, and also share Jesus' love with kids.)
June 16--Morning touring of Phnom Penh, afternoon English camp at orphanage 4
June 17--Jewelry for girls and sports ministry for guys at orphanage 1
June 18--Take orphan kids to local water park, birthday party for orphanage 1 kids
June 19--Campus Crusade for Christ outreach, birthday parties for orphanage 2 kids
June 20--fun day at orphanages
June 21 (Sunday)--Church with orphans (share testimonies, preaching, etc).
Afternoon flight to Thailand, visit orphanage at Doi Soket
June 22--Visit Chiang Mai in morning; afternoon at Hot Springs Orphan Home
June 23--morning at Wiang Pa Pow to teach widows jewelry-making skills,
afternoon at Doi Soket Orphanage
June 24--English camps at Doi Soket morning, Hot Springs afternoon
June 25--visit orphan homes to say goodbye
June 26--to Chiang Mai airport for departure
--- Each evening there are times for team devotions, worship, and processing the day's experiences.
---Orphanages are run by Asia's Hope (www.asiashope.org to see pictures and more details of this ministry)
---Most of the people in these regions of Cambodia and Thailand are from Buddhist or Hindu backgrounds.
---I will be also helping to set up the details of the jewelry micro-enterprise in these areas. This will include some shopping locally for jewelry supplies, and training older girls and women in the skills to make jewelry for sale via Trade Justice Mission (www.tradejusticemission.org for future info on this)
For prayer this week:
1. Packing details--to bring stuff that will be useful and a blessing to people overseas, and not forget anything important!
2. Spiritual preparation--to have time with the Lord in the midst of preparing to travel and everything else that is going on.
3. Team unity and good working relationships. There are 7 girls (and I believe 2 guys) going on this first team (including me), along with Adam & Jess Heath, who are the leaders for the entire 6 weeks overseas.
4. Good health going into the trip, and protection from potential side effects of medicine to prevent malaria
General prayer items:
1. Safe travel in Cambodia & Thailand; luggage intact, protection from lost passports & such things
2. Health--particularly in terms of water-borne illness (diarrhea), mosquito stuff (malaria, dengue,etc), and other critters like lice. Pray for wisdom in taking medications as needed, and for the Lord's protection from serious illnesses. Ability to sleep well and adjust to time zone change (12 hour difference)
3. Opportunites to share the gospel and encourage people in their walks with the Lord--divine appointments, boldness in sharing testimonies, compassion and love for people of Cambodia and Thailand
4. Team unity; particularly where there are teams blended from different locations in the USA--different churches, schools, etc. Ability to encourage one another spiritually, good prayer times together
5. Wisdom for team leaders and students
6. Sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit
7. Hearts of service, to bring glory to Jesus!
8. food… as I have mentioned before I am a very picky eater :)
Friday, June 5, 2009
LESS THAN ONE WEEK!
Just thought I would let you all know that I leave in less than one week for my trip to Cambodia and Thailand (June 11). Please be checking back as I will hopefully have some time to write here.
Also please pray that our group will be safe and all our luggage would get there. Its a 21 hour trip (IN THE AIR... not including layovers) so I am sure the team will have time to meet and become friends :)
have a great summer. let me know how God is using you!
Also please pray that our group will be safe and all our luggage would get there. Its a 21 hour trip (IN THE AIR... not including layovers) so I am sure the team will have time to meet and become friends :)
have a great summer. let me know how God is using you!
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