I have an Appointment

In July 2010, the founder of International Justice Mission came to speak at my church.  They are a human rights agency that brings rescue to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression.  The work this organization does is amazing, literally life changing for its staff, the people that they liberate, and those that they bring to justice.  The speaker was so well spoken and heartfelt; I was in awe of his passion and strength of conviction.  I came away telling people, “I want to be passionate like that about something.”  But not a cause that I choose from a laundry list of charities, but something that truly speaks to me…something specifically for me.  And so, I began to pray and then went on about my life, not realizing what my prayer would lead to.  Sometimes we forget that prayer works! 

In October I went to the Remember Nhu fundraiser here in Portland.  I met Nhu, and learned more about her story.  And then on December 23, 2010 I had dinner with some of my dear girlfriends from church, and one of the girls asked what was something each of us wanted to do in 2011 that was significant to us, outside the box or a challenge.  And when my turn came, I blurted out, “I want to go Cambodia.  I want to go to Remember Nhu.”  And it wasn’t as if I had even been really mulling this over or thinking about it.  This just came tumbling out of my mouth.  Out of my heart.  And as soon as I said, I knew that this wasn’t something I came up with, it was the Lord’s thing, for me.

Fast forward to October 22, 2011. While the destination has slightly changed, this is the fulfillment of that word from December and prayers that began over a year ago.  I have a divine appointment!  God has a specific mission for me, and 17 other people, as we head to Thailand.  And as I look back on my life and the last several years, I know that this divine appointment came about because of what God had for me at Solid Rock, and the people I met there.  This means that the catalysts that brought me to Solid Rock and these relationships were also things that God used to guide me to this next season in life.  To know that you are right where you are supposed to be brings peace and joy that only God can give.  And I am right where I am supposed to be…which is on a jet plane in less than 12 hours!  I can't wait to see what is in store.

Nefarious

Nefarious: Flagrantly wicked or impious...evil.

I had never even heard this word before until last month.  Because I have no previous knowledge of this word, my mind was impressionable, ready for a definition.  And now, I have one.  Last month I saw an incredibly impactful movie on human trafficking called Nefarious Documentary.  It stunned me, fascinated me, and made me rage inside, all at the same time.  The Bible talks about righteous anger and while I certainly do not claim to be righteous, the boldness and indignation that rose up in me was alarming...it could be powerful if I channeled it and actually took action.  Instead of just feeling compassion, I moved forward and showed mercy.  Stood for justice. 

Nefarious Documentary, The Trailer - http://vimeo.com/26792244

The Facts of Modern Slavery
> A child is trafficked every 30 seconds.  UNICEF
> The average age of entry into commercial sex slavery in the United States is 13 years old.  US Department of Justice
> Human trafficking occurs in 161 out of 192 countries.  The United Nations
> Pornography is a 96 billion dollar per year industry.   The Internet Filter Review
> Up to 96% of women in prostitution want to escape but they feel they can't.  United Labor Organization
> Human trafficking is a 32 billion dollar per year industry.  The United Nations
> In some countries, it is estimated that 70% of men purchase sex.  Victor Malarek, The Johns
> Over 27 million people are enslaved around the world.  This is more than double the number of Africans enslaved during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.  Keven Bales, Free the Slaves

My airline ticket for Thailand was already booked months before I saw this documentary.  This cause was already ion my heart.  But I don't want to just go to Thailand for two weeks.  I want to do something. 

Two Weeks & One Carry-On Suitcase

I  cannot begin to tell you what I have been busy doing getting ready for this trip.  Either I am a control freak, overly organized, or think way too much.  Thankfully I have shared my crazy to-do list with several girlfriends, my mom and my aunt and they all laughed and breathed huge sighs of relief that they are not alone.  So, to all you planners out there, this shout-out is for you, baby:

Go to REI 5 x - 1 for shorts, 2 to return shorts, 3 to buy crazy bug spray with Deet, 4 to buy awesome Eagle Creek compression packing bags, and a random nylon purse since I only have nice purses and I don't want to ruin any of them, and I need something to put my bug spray, sunscreen, shades and Kleenex into each day.  Tomorrow will be trip #5 to return the random nylon purse because I changed my mind.

Go to Target 3 x - 1 for misc toiletries and meds like Pepto, Immodum, Aleve, travel Kleenex, shower cap, sunscreen; 2 to get waterproof mascara and underwear, as I have decided that I don't want to take my normal undies because I only have cute undies, naturally, and I don't want to take the good stuff to Thailand.  3 to return the Hanes undies as upon trying them out I have confirmed that no one should wear Hanes undies...saggy, saggy gigantic butt syndrome ensues.  The view in the mirror was a little horrifying and I am really not exaggerating.  And no, the view had nothing to do with my cute tush, just bad design & excessive amounts of fabric and elastic.

Go to Nordstrom 4 x - 1 for Keen sandals during the Anniversary sale, 2 for fancy tinted sunscreen, 3 to hit the MAC counter for waterproof eyeliner 4 to return fancy tinted sunscreen as on trip #3 my MAC girl confirmed that the tint is far too...tinted for my fair skin.  FAB.

Go to Croc Store 1 x - To try on Crocs since I only have nice shoes and I need a second pair of shoes since wearing the same pair of shoes for 14 days straight might not be the best idea for my feet.  Determine that they do not have what I want nor my size. So then add a to-do list to order correct shoes online.

Go to Nike Employee Store 2 x - 1 to buy another pair of dry-fit capris as I have decided that these would be a good idea, but I only have 1 pair and a 2nd pair would be smart.  But store is too busy to try anything on, so I buy 2 pair different styles.  Tomorrow will be trip #2 to return the pair that I don't want.

Shop Online...

• Crocs.com for sandals - check
• One-piece swimsuit since you can't wear two pieces on church trips - check
• Atlhleta.com for shorts since on a church mission trip you can't wear shorts above your knees, and of course my closest is not brimming with knee-length shorts and I can't find anything appropriate in late August.  Thankfully they were having a big sale & I found some perfect shorts - check
• Return all of the shorts that I did not like from Athleta.com either because of size, style and or length (I basically ordered 2 sizes in everything that I thought might be an option as I had no idea on my size in their clothes) - check
• Timbuk2.com for sporty purse because I did not like the random nylon purse I found at REI
• Return 2 out of the 3 purses to Timbuk2.com because I only need 1 - check
• Then return purse #3 to Timbuk2.com as an entirely separate shipment because on trip # 3 to Target I found a perfect, canvas, CHEAP purse that I won't care about..finally, because they didn't have any good options when I was there on trips 1 - 2.
• Drugstore.com - Order travel-size dry shampoo...only $3.50/can for my favorite brand, score!

This weekend's To-Do's

1. Returns to REI (trip #5) and Nike Employee Store (trip #2).
2. Drop off Mom's swimsuit to her house since I had the crazy idea that borrowing a suit from my beautiful and fashionable but obviously older than me, mom might be a good solution...it wasn't.
3. Get a 2nd passport picture because I am supposed to have one.
4. Do laundry...5 loads, why not?!
5. Do an entire packing trial run as we have to pack for 2 WEEKS IN A CARRY-ON BAG and this is of course a challenge for the girl whose motto when packing has always been, "it's better to have and not need, than to need and not have."
6. Clean my house as naturally I want it to be sparkling clean when I leave, rather than doing it while I am around to actually enjoy it.  Bizzare-o, I know.

This has been a bit exhausting....  But I know it will be worth it!  And I feel so blessed for the opportunity and the ability to go.  Two weeks unplugged, no cell phone, laptop, blow dryer or curling iron, or conference calls, agendas for meetings, notes to send out from meetings, etc.  Eighteen people, 1 house, 2 bathrooms = opportunity for personal growth and a lesson in creative hygiene.  Which makes me think, I should probably pack some baby wipes.  Awesome, that's trip #4 to Target.

Remember Nhu

This beautiful young girl pictured here is Nhu.  Before I leave on my trip I hope to share with you the video of Nhu telling her story.  In the meantime, here is mine.

When I first arrived at my home church of Solid Rock, I learned about an organization called Remember Nhu, http://www.remembernhu.org/.  Remember Nhu is a non-profit that is working in Thailand, Cambodia and India to prevent child sex trafficking.  They have homes in these three countries, where at-risk children who are in danger of being trafficked, are referred.  These children are given a safe place to live, food and clothing, loving house parents, and they receive an education and learn about Jesus and His love and faithfulness. 

As I learned more about Remember Nhu’s cause, I was horrified by the reality that exists beyond my everyday life.  Human trafficking is the largest criminal enterprise in the world, with a market value of $32 billion per year.  An estimated 1.2 million children are trafficked every year.  That’s 3,287 children…a day (United Nations).  In October 2010, I personally met Nhu, the organization’s namesake.  I listened to Nhu tell her story of being sold by her grandmother when she was just 12 years old, to a man for her virginity and being held against her will for 3 days in a hotel room while she was forced to service him.  She told this story all by herself, standing on a stage in front of more than 200 hundred people…in her own words, in broken English.  And then I was broken.  I am going to Thailand because after listening to Nhu courageously share her experience, I am compelled beyond reason, to do something…anything.

Why

So many friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances...complete strangers have expressed interest in my upcoming trip to Thailand...why, where, what is Remember Nhu, tell me about human trafficking.  The support and curiosity has been surprising and at times overwhelming.  A blessing.  Encouraging.  Daunting.  This blog is my attempt to share...which I must be honest is a bit terrifying.  If you blog, you really should be honest and transparent.  There is no point in blogging if your message and posts are superficial and lack vulnerability.  So, I am sharing with you...a window into my adventure.