This week, the first Beautiful Dream baby was born! A healthy baby boy :o) His mother is 16 years old, and his father is a man who sexually assaulted her while she was trafficked in South Africa. This amazing young woman has pulled through extreme trauma, and as a result of her courage and strength we have a little miracle living at the BDS shelter. This little man is a living example of redemption; the 'rising from the ashes'/'overcoming the odds'/'redeeming love' type redemption. This 16 year old survivor fought against severe suffering, and in the end she is blessed with a beautiful child. Praise the Lord for being in control and for showing us that even out of suffering comes blessing and favor.
In addition to the arrival of our little bundle of joy, one of my best friends from home, Lindsey Harrell, joined myself and the BDS team here in Lesotho this week! She is here for three weeks to discern if the Lord is calling her here longer term. I am so excited to have her here, and I pray that the Lord will grow her and lead her during her time in Lesotho. It has been a big week, and I feel so blessed to be a part of it- thank you all for your prayers and support! I could not be here without you.
"He provided redemption for His people; He ordained His covenant forever- holy and awesome is His name."
~Psalm 111: 9
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
A Love adventure.
In light of Valentine's Day (we had a wonderful outing to the cinema with the girls, and then threw a party complete with pink-frosted cupcakes!) I wanted to write a little something about what the Lord is teaching me about love:
Here in Lesotho, our beautiful residents have nicknamed the shelter 'the Love House'. I think that it speaks to the dream that Jennifer Crow had when she first founded the Beautiful Dream Society; over the past year, the team here has created an environment where survivors can come to heal. A place where they feel safe, empowered, and most importantly, loved. It is amazing to me that every morning when I arrive at the shelter, the girls greet me with hugs, smiles and 'I love you's'. And each evening when I leave, I get to wrap them up in a big hug and tell them each that I love them. I could not think of anywhere else that I would rather work.
They say that time heals all wounds. I would beg to differ- I think that it is Love that heals all. Each day, I am thanking God that He has given me this opportunity to love each one of these amazing girls, and each of our wonderful house moms. I pray that through love, in our Love House, He will heal us all :o)
"...and now these three remain: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is Love."
~1 Corinthians 13:13
Here in Lesotho, our beautiful residents have nicknamed the shelter 'the Love House'. I think that it speaks to the dream that Jennifer Crow had when she first founded the Beautiful Dream Society; over the past year, the team here has created an environment where survivors can come to heal. A place where they feel safe, empowered, and most importantly, loved. It is amazing to me that every morning when I arrive at the shelter, the girls greet me with hugs, smiles and 'I love you's'. And each evening when I leave, I get to wrap them up in a big hug and tell them each that I love them. I could not think of anywhere else that I would rather work.
They say that time heals all wounds. I would beg to differ- I think that it is Love that heals all. Each day, I am thanking God that He has given me this opportunity to love each one of these amazing girls, and each of our wonderful house moms. I pray that through love, in our Love House, He will heal us all :o)
"...and now these three remain: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is Love."
~1 Corinthians 13:13
Thursday, February 9, 2012
I got hit by a taxi on this adventure...
While I was driving home from the gym the other morning, I tried to be nice and let one of the taxi-vans here pull out in front of me... the driver cut the wheel too hard and ended up hitting the front corner of my car. He then proceeded to wave 'thanks' to me and drove off. A bit of a traumatic morning, but lesson learned- the locals here drive like crazy people!
In Africa, you have to learn to do many things backwards. In Chicago, you have to drive defensively. In Africa, you have to get aggressive on the road. Back home, the taxis may be crazy, but they are skilled drivers- when in doubt, hit your breaks and the taxi driver will find a way out of whatever situation you have found yourself in. Here, you have to hit the gas, assuming that the taxi driver has no idea what he is doing and you just need to get out of there ASAP.
Unfortunately, I had to learn this little lesson the hard way. Fortunately, the car had barely any damage- just a scrape on the front bumper, and the headlight is now just a bit crooked. I am proud to say I managed the big roundabout in town during rush hour last night, cutting off taxis and maneuvering around pedestrians like a pro ;o) On to more (hopefully less impactful) adventures this weekend!
In other news, the girls at the shelter are doing well, and we are in the process of looking for a transition home... Please pray that we find a home for our wonderful residents who have completed the crisis care program and are ready to move on into transition care!
"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you."
~Psalm 5:11
In Africa, you have to learn to do many things backwards. In Chicago, you have to drive defensively. In Africa, you have to get aggressive on the road. Back home, the taxis may be crazy, but they are skilled drivers- when in doubt, hit your breaks and the taxi driver will find a way out of whatever situation you have found yourself in. Here, you have to hit the gas, assuming that the taxi driver has no idea what he is doing and you just need to get out of there ASAP.
Unfortunately, I had to learn this little lesson the hard way. Fortunately, the car had barely any damage- just a scrape on the front bumper, and the headlight is now just a bit crooked. I am proud to say I managed the big roundabout in town during rush hour last night, cutting off taxis and maneuvering around pedestrians like a pro ;o) On to more (hopefully less impactful) adventures this weekend!
In other news, the girls at the shelter are doing well, and we are in the process of looking for a transition home... Please pray that we find a home for our wonderful residents who have completed the crisis care program and are ready to move on into transition care!
"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you."
~Psalm 5:11
Thursday, February 2, 2012
a CGPU adventure...
Over the past week or so, the need for trained mental health professionals here in Lesotho has become more and more clear. I was pretty aware of it after my first trip here, and once again requests for counseling services and training's are mounting! It all serves as an affirmation that I am serving where God wants me, and I am so excited to be able to help.
This week's adventure involves the CGPU (Child and Gender Protection Unit), which is a part of Lesotho's law enforcement. I met with them this morning; apparently they have 4 minors in their custody that are victims of trauma and/or sexual abuse. They would like me to work with these children, to assess them, counsel them, and testify on their behalf when their cases go to trial. I never thought that part of my job description here would involve helping the police investigate child abuse cases! While I am a little apprehensive about taking the stand, I just have to trust that my education, training, and experience has prepared me for this. I also keep reminding myself that my testimony might be able to give these precious children a voice and help them see justice done. Well worth a little fear and discomfort on my end!
I will see the first two children tomorrow morning, and the others on Saturday. Please pray that I am able to cross cultural and language barriers (I will have a translator present) and build trust with these little lambs. Also, pray that I am able to quickly get licensed here. Because I am already licensed in the U.S., I should only have to fill out a form and pay a fee. However, my new license did not arrive before I left, so I do not have any original documentation. Please pray that they will accept either a faxed copy or an internet license look-up.
Other than those things, please continue to pray for my beloved residents here; there is some spiritual warfare going on with my 16 year old. Also, several cases go to trial in the next two weeks, so pray for justice!
"However, as it is written: 'What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived'- the things that God has prepared for those who love Him."
~1 Corinthians 2:9
This week's adventure involves the CGPU (Child and Gender Protection Unit), which is a part of Lesotho's law enforcement. I met with them this morning; apparently they have 4 minors in their custody that are victims of trauma and/or sexual abuse. They would like me to work with these children, to assess them, counsel them, and testify on their behalf when their cases go to trial. I never thought that part of my job description here would involve helping the police investigate child abuse cases! While I am a little apprehensive about taking the stand, I just have to trust that my education, training, and experience has prepared me for this. I also keep reminding myself that my testimony might be able to give these precious children a voice and help them see justice done. Well worth a little fear and discomfort on my end!
I will see the first two children tomorrow morning, and the others on Saturday. Please pray that I am able to cross cultural and language barriers (I will have a translator present) and build trust with these little lambs. Also, pray that I am able to quickly get licensed here. Because I am already licensed in the U.S., I should only have to fill out a form and pay a fee. However, my new license did not arrive before I left, so I do not have any original documentation. Please pray that they will accept either a faxed copy or an internet license look-up.
Other than those things, please continue to pray for my beloved residents here; there is some spiritual warfare going on with my 16 year old. Also, several cases go to trial in the next two weeks, so pray for justice!
"However, as it is written: 'What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived'- the things that God has prepared for those who love Him."
~1 Corinthians 2:9
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
An adventure that will go down in history
This past week has been one for the books- Lesotho saw it's first human trafficking conviction! One of our sweet, courageous residents fought bravely in court and has won her freedom from a terrible man once and for all. The original recommendation from the court for his offense (which included both labor and sex trafficking of the resident in our care) was 5 years in prison or a 5,000 Rand fine (about $625); however the judge did not find this to be punishment enough, so he sentenced him to 15 years in prison with no option of a fine and deportation (the man was from China) when his sentence is complete. The judge said that the man's conduct was not acceptable for a Lesotho resident. Praise the Lord for justice!!
We have several other cases going to court in the coming weeks, so please continue to pray for convictions; that people will take notice that trafficking human beings will be punished, and that it will cease. People are not for sale.
In other news, I am living the dream over here- I love the residents and the staff, and have been hard at work training to take over as shelter coordinator. I have a great peace about being here and doing this work! It has been wonderful being able to be myself (dance parties, singing, and just being a bit silly) with my BDS family, as well as hitting the gym (it is like a club up in Africa at the gym in the mornings), and also getting to know the fabulous local volunteers- LOVE my house moms and the social work staff! Much love for everything Lesotho at the moment, and I trust that it will continue :o)
"You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that mere earthly mortals
will never again strike terror."
~Psalm 10: 17-18
AMEN!!
We have several other cases going to court in the coming weeks, so please continue to pray for convictions; that people will take notice that trafficking human beings will be punished, and that it will cease. People are not for sale.
In other news, I am living the dream over here- I love the residents and the staff, and have been hard at work training to take over as shelter coordinator. I have a great peace about being here and doing this work! It has been wonderful being able to be myself (dance parties, singing, and just being a bit silly) with my BDS family, as well as hitting the gym (it is like a club up in Africa at the gym in the mornings), and also getting to know the fabulous local volunteers- LOVE my house moms and the social work staff! Much love for everything Lesotho at the moment, and I trust that it will continue :o)
"You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that mere earthly mortals
will never again strike terror."
~Psalm 10: 17-18
AMEN!!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
This adventure is too much nice.
I have arrived, safe and sound in Lesotho! I am all settled in at my home here, where I will be living with the director and her family and about 4 other Beautiful Dream Society volunteers. Everyone has been absolutely wonderful, and I have felt very, very welcome. My anxiety has all but disappeared and I am confident that I am exactly where I am supposed to be!
I have been busy getting re-oriented with the city and picking up a few odds and ends that I couldn't fit in my suitcase. Also, I had my first individual counseling session last night with a resident at the shelter who was due to face her perpetrators in court this morning. As soon as I sat down with this sweet, brave girl, my nervousness vanished and I realized how the Lord has been preparing me for this over my years of training in trauma work back home. Needless to say, she touched my heart and I know that I will LOVE it here.
Shortly after my arrival, I was told that there are going to be a lot of staff changes here over the next couple of months. I am now not only going to be in charge of the counseling end of the shelter, but I am going to be the whole shelter coordinator- nothing like getting promoted on your first day ;o) It will be a lot of responsibility, but I am so incredibly excited to jump in and get to work! I will be keeping you all posted on what I am up to and the progress that the amazing residents in the shelter are making... as they would say here in Lesotho, you are all 'too much nice'- I appreciate you!!
"One who loves with a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend."
~Proverbs 22:11
I have been busy getting re-oriented with the city and picking up a few odds and ends that I couldn't fit in my suitcase. Also, I had my first individual counseling session last night with a resident at the shelter who was due to face her perpetrators in court this morning. As soon as I sat down with this sweet, brave girl, my nervousness vanished and I realized how the Lord has been preparing me for this over my years of training in trauma work back home. Needless to say, she touched my heart and I know that I will LOVE it here.
Shortly after my arrival, I was told that there are going to be a lot of staff changes here over the next couple of months. I am now not only going to be in charge of the counseling end of the shelter, but I am going to be the whole shelter coordinator- nothing like getting promoted on your first day ;o) It will be a lot of responsibility, but I am so incredibly excited to jump in and get to work! I will be keeping you all posted on what I am up to and the progress that the amazing residents in the shelter are making... as they would say here in Lesotho, you are all 'too much nice'- I appreciate you!!
"One who loves with a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend."
~Proverbs 22:11
Thursday, January 12, 2012
An Unsafe Adventure...
"I am going away for a while, but I'll be back don't try and follow me; I'll return as soon as possible. You see, I'm trying to find my place, and it might not be here where I feel safe." ~Paramore
I came across this song shortly after my return from Lesotho last year, and it spoke to my soul. As excited as I am for all that the Lord has for me this year in Africa, I have a lot of anxiety aswell. I often find that the less comfortable I am, the more room God has to work... It is going to be a good year ;o) I look forward to walking by faith and not by sight, stepping out of my comfort zone so that I can grow spiritually, personally, and professionally.
In less than 12 hours, I will be Lesotho bound at last! Please pray for me, that I will not have any issues with immigration, as I spent hours on the phone with the airline earlier today trying to problem solve my one-way ticket dilemma. I have taken as many measures as possible to prove to the airline that I will not be remaining visa-less in a foreign country, but since I cannot get my Lesotho visa until I get there, I may still have a problem getting on my flight. However, I have many praises this week, one of which is with my support goal- between monthly commitments and one-time donations, I am at 50% of my goal for the year! Well on my way! Also, several therapists that I worked with here donated art therapy supplies, as did some of my fantastic clients, so that helped considerably with my program supply budget!
Good-byes were extremely hard this week... I have not really had the time or space to process them yet, and I know that it will probably hit me on my 30+ hours of travel. Once again I sincerely thank all of you for your prayers, support, and encouragement. I would not have the courage to do this without you all- I appreciate you, and will miss you!!
"Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."
~2 Corinthians 5:6-8
I came across this song shortly after my return from Lesotho last year, and it spoke to my soul. As excited as I am for all that the Lord has for me this year in Africa, I have a lot of anxiety aswell. I often find that the less comfortable I am, the more room God has to work... It is going to be a good year ;o) I look forward to walking by faith and not by sight, stepping out of my comfort zone so that I can grow spiritually, personally, and professionally.
In less than 12 hours, I will be Lesotho bound at last! Please pray for me, that I will not have any issues with immigration, as I spent hours on the phone with the airline earlier today trying to problem solve my one-way ticket dilemma. I have taken as many measures as possible to prove to the airline that I will not be remaining visa-less in a foreign country, but since I cannot get my Lesotho visa until I get there, I may still have a problem getting on my flight. However, I have many praises this week, one of which is with my support goal- between monthly commitments and one-time donations, I am at 50% of my goal for the year! Well on my way! Also, several therapists that I worked with here donated art therapy supplies, as did some of my fantastic clients, so that helped considerably with my program supply budget!
Good-byes were extremely hard this week... I have not really had the time or space to process them yet, and I know that it will probably hit me on my 30+ hours of travel. Once again I sincerely thank all of you for your prayers, support, and encouragement. I would not have the courage to do this without you all- I appreciate you, and will miss you!!
"Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."
~2 Corinthians 5:6-8
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