There are so many exciting things happening here in Lesotho that I haven't even had time to write about them! Three of the biggest highlights seem to relate to new beginnings and fresh starts. First off, I have been promoted... again. I will now be getting TRIPLE free pay ;oP and I am officially known as the Program Director for BDS. This means that I am now in charge of both the crisis care shelter and the transition program. Another missionary will be taking over my position as shelter coordinator very shortly, and I am trying to figure out how to be in multiple places at once in order to keep up with my responsibilities :o) I am learning a lot in this new beginning, and God is growing me personally, professionally, and spiritually.
Another new experience that will hopefully lead to a fresh start is the ongoing trial that we are in the middle of with one of our residents. One of our sweet, precious Ethiopian residents will hopefully be liberated from her traffickers once and for all by next week. She has already testified, as have other witnesses. I will take the stand tomorrow as an 'expert witness' for the first time on her behalf. Please pray that the Lord grants me wisdom and the right words to speak so that this resident that we have all come to love so much will see justice done. There will definitely be more to come in updates on this trial, so please pray for justice!
Finally, as if we didn't have enough going on with fighting human trafficking, we are planting a church! I have never planted a church before- it is a lot of work, but incredibly rewarding. Victory Church Maseru (which will be a church plant of Victory Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) will open on 6 May 2012. We could not be more excited for what the Lord is doing in the lives of the local pastors here that are going to be serving at Victory, and for what He is doing in our own lives as we help to support, encourage, and serve them as well as the people of Lesotho!
Another big prayer request that I have is for one of our former residents, the Chinese woman who saw a conviction against her trafficker back in January. About two weeks ago, the Chinese Embassy contacted us saying that they had been in touch with her family and that they wanted to pay for her flight back to China. We put her on a plane with many tears on everyone's part- we were extremely happy that she was going back to her family as this is what she had been wanting, but also grieving the loss of a dear friend and sister. Less than a week after she left, her perpetrator was released from prison, even though he was supposed to serve a 15 year sentence. They cannot appeal the case without our client being in the country. The timing of all of this was very suspicious, and we cannot get ahold of our client or her family. We are all very worried about her safety, so please pray that we begin to find answers. Corruption runs rampant here, as it does in many parts of Africa. Please pray that she is safe at home and that we can put her perpetrator back behind bars somehow.
"In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you remain..."
~Psalm 102:25-26
Monday, April 16, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
New residents, new adventures...
Last weekend we were privileged to open the shelter to 4 new residents. We only had them with us for about 3 days, but it was truly a blessing to have known them. During those few days, they taught us a lot about love, grace, and fellowship.
Some photos from my trip:
We thoroughly enjoyed getting to serve these amazing people throughout the weekend. There was art therapy, jewelry making, singing, dancing, eating and good talks. I learned about strength and courage and keeping your Faith in the face of adversity from them. Unfortunately, we cannot disclose any details of their case right now, but please pray for them; they are homesick and heartsick for their families, having been away from them for years at this point. Pray that they remain steadfast and patient, and that they find peace in this difficult time of waiting.
After a fabulous weekend with our new friends, I took a little vacation over this past weekend. I headed to Semonkong, a village with a stunning waterfall about 3 hours from Maseru. Two other missionaries came with me, and we stayed at a great little lodge and had an incredibly relaxing weekend. We were meant to do the world's highest abseil (204 meters of repelling), but it got rained out :o( We completed the training, though, so I will definitely be back to conquer that adventure sometime in the near-ish future!
Pray hard this next week, another one of our precious residents will be in court as they prosecute her traffickers. I will be testifying in this case, so please pray that I will have wisdom and the right words to say, and for my physical safety aswell.
Some photos from my trip:
Kisses from a sweet Basotho pony
Beautiful scenery everywhere you look!
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
~Ephesians 4:2 (yes, I know that I have used this verse before- I just really, really like it :o) )
Friday, March 16, 2012
Another year older, another adventure...
Oh where to begin. I had a fabulous birthday in Africa this past Monday. I could spend this post reflecting on all of the things that I have learned in this past year, the ways that I have grown, or the goals that I may (or may not) have set for this next year of my life... But today I just can't seem to embrace my inner narcissist ;o) Instead of reflecting on myself, I'll give you all an update on how and what BDS is doing!
It has been a great two weeks- the board came and went, and we all had a great time with them. We talked about what was going well (the residents, the teamwork, the shelter), what needs work (human resources being spread too thin, healthy balance needed between work and rest) and where Beautiful Dream is headed (transitional care, a men's crisis care shelter). All in all, great conversations were had and it is wonderful to know that the board is behind us, raising funds for us and encouraging us back in the US.
Also, while the board was here, we got another property here in Maseru!! We are very excited to be opening "The Hope House" this weekend... It will officially be known as the 'Hand of Hope Transformation Center' as Joyce Meyer Ministries is funding it- what a blessing it is to partner with them! It will be a home for our transition program; our residents who have graduated from crisis care will be moving in on Sunday. While in transition care, we will help them find jobs, receive additional training, and instruct them in basic life skills for 6 months to a year. Praise the Lord for His awesome provision!
Please be in prayer today, as we are expecting 3 new residents at the crisis care shelter. Pray that the police are able to collect them and deliver them to us safe and sound. Pray for peace, that they will settle into the shelter quickly and gain a sense of safety here. We are ready and excited to welcome these survivors into the Love House!! Updates to come...
"You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance."
~Psalm 32: 7
It has been a great two weeks- the board came and went, and we all had a great time with them. We talked about what was going well (the residents, the teamwork, the shelter), what needs work (human resources being spread too thin, healthy balance needed between work and rest) and where Beautiful Dream is headed (transitional care, a men's crisis care shelter). All in all, great conversations were had and it is wonderful to know that the board is behind us, raising funds for us and encouraging us back in the US.
Also, while the board was here, we got another property here in Maseru!! We are very excited to be opening "The Hope House" this weekend... It will officially be known as the 'Hand of Hope Transformation Center' as Joyce Meyer Ministries is funding it- what a blessing it is to partner with them! It will be a home for our transition program; our residents who have graduated from crisis care will be moving in on Sunday. While in transition care, we will help them find jobs, receive additional training, and instruct them in basic life skills for 6 months to a year. Praise the Lord for His awesome provision!
Please be in prayer today, as we are expecting 3 new residents at the crisis care shelter. Pray that the police are able to collect them and deliver them to us safe and sound. Pray for peace, that they will settle into the shelter quickly and gain a sense of safety here. We are ready and excited to welcome these survivors into the Love House!! Updates to come...
"You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance."
~Psalm 32: 7
Saturday, March 3, 2012
An anxiety inducing adventure...
After meeting with a CGPU client's mom today and discussing anxiety, I have decided that the universal scale for anxiety in Lesotho ought to be the Pick-n-Pay parking lot at a given time on a certain day. (Pick-n-Pay is the big grocery store in the mall here). It is very likely the worst place to have to drive in all of Lesotho. Nay, Africa. Here is what I came up with:
Extreme Anxiety:
P&P on a Saturday morning at 10am. (Pretty sure I am giving myself an ulcer right about now)
High Anxiety:
P&P on a Monday evening, say around 6pm (Can't find a parking spot, extreme annoyance at the big truck that just took my spot)
Moderate Anxiety:
P&P on a Tuesday afternoon, 3pm (It's half price movie day, so the parking lot is fairly full even though it shouldn't be in the middle of the afternoon)
Low Anxiety:
P&P on a Thursday morning at 7:30am (the stores don't open until 8, so there really isn't anyone around except employees)
No Anxiety:
No P&P parking lot after all (I decide to stay home and make someone else go get groceries. Best decision I've made all week, my blood pressure will thank me for it)
So after seeing my client this morning and then having an extreme anxiety provoking experience at the P&P parking lot, I needed a little humor. Send up a few prayers for safety as I continue to figure out African driving and make my way around Maseru :o)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
~Philippians 4:6-7
Extreme Anxiety:
P&P on a Saturday morning at 10am. (Pretty sure I am giving myself an ulcer right about now)
High Anxiety:
P&P on a Monday evening, say around 6pm (Can't find a parking spot, extreme annoyance at the big truck that just took my spot)
Moderate Anxiety:
P&P on a Tuesday afternoon, 3pm (It's half price movie day, so the parking lot is fairly full even though it shouldn't be in the middle of the afternoon)
Low Anxiety:
P&P on a Thursday morning at 7:30am (the stores don't open until 8, so there really isn't anyone around except employees)
No Anxiety:
No P&P parking lot after all (I decide to stay home and make someone else go get groceries. Best decision I've made all week, my blood pressure will thank me for it)
So after seeing my client this morning and then having an extreme anxiety provoking experience at the P&P parking lot, I needed a little humor. Send up a few prayers for safety as I continue to figure out African driving and make my way around Maseru :o)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
~Philippians 4:6-7
Saturday, February 25, 2012
An adventure in redemption.
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
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
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
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