Monday, February 22, 2010

Anticipating Adventure! Feb. 22, 2010

Dear Friends,
           
I have been thoroughly enjoying the oddly cold and SNOWY winter that has hit Kansas City this year!  I am looking at it as a special blessing from the Lord since next winter I won’t be getting any snow….unless there’s a miracle in Cambodia J  I have also been taking full advantage when my friends have off of work because of weather…lots of play days that will make great memories!
           
I am getting to know the people who are part of the Hard Places Community (H.P.C.) a bit better.  There are sixteen of us in all.  Six are overseas in either Cambodia or Thailand and the other ten of us are still in the States.  We all communicate through Skype and e-mail mostly (God bless the Internet!).  It’s lots of fun being able to connect with others whose hearts share the same passion and vision for His love to overcome the dark places of this world!
           
My team and I have spent countless hours on fundraising during the past few weeks. While we won’t leave until May, each of my four team members need to raise the $1,500 for their plane tickets by the middle of March.  We have been doing bake sales, Parent’s Days Out, going door-to-door and some of the boys have even gone to extremes and cracked eggs over their heads on a college campus!  We have also been doing some intense learning about the human trafficking crisis in Cambodia-watching documentaries together, reading excerpts from books and studying the Bible to find out how God feels about all of it.  This has led to some great times of prayer together.
           
As for my own journey to Cambodia, aside from my team that will only be with me for one month…..I have spent some time learning about the tortured history of Cambodia and its people.  My heart breaks for all that this county has endured.  At the same time though, the people are making immense strides at recovering their dignity and that excites me!  My friend Ruthie (a member of the H.P.C.) who is in Cambodia now is starting a school for children who are or have been victims of the sex slave trade.  The school is scheduled to open in the fall of this year! God is certainly on the move in Cambodia and I can’t wait to get there and join what He’s already doing!
           
I have received $150/month in support. That is 1/10 of what I will need monthly for living and ministry expenses.  Having monthly support is a gift of stability that I value more than you can know.  If you are able to give tax-deductable gifts on a monthly basis please follow the enclosed instructions.  One time gifts are also immensely appreciated!
           
Thank you so much for all of your continued support and encouragement.  I’m so glad to be able to share this journey with you!  As always, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.