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.
Friday, June 19, 2009
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!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Beauty
well today is Easter and its a beautiful day. I feel like thats appropriate. The weird thing though is that Friday it was rainy and depressing. Also very fitting for Jesus dying. But thats not why I write.
This past week was spring break. My family (and grandparents) went on a trip to the Smoky Mountains. We rented a cabin and for the first day or so just hung out. It was beautiful. I can't even describe it but you could definitely tell it was made by God. and only HE could make it.
On one of our excursions a song on the radio came on that I thought was very fitting.
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
Happy Easter. Hope you all have a great day!
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