We head back to the camps in the morning so I'm not sure when/if I'll have internet access again so I will try to give you many prayer requests to keep you occupied if I cannot keep you updated.
First of all, pray for safety. The Thai soldiers have been coming and capturing Karen people who don't have IDs. If they take them back to Burma, there is a high chance they will be killed. Some of the helpers at the camp don't have IDs. They are very afraid. Pray that the Karen people are able to live in peace. They've already been driven out of their homes and have lived in fear for so long. Now they come to a safe place only to find they once again have to guard their every step. It is heartbreaking to watch.
Second, pray for health. There is an outbreak of chicken pox at my camp and another one currently. Nothing serious, but unpleasant for the children. Also, since the people are refugees, when they get sick, they cannot get medical aid unless a Thai citizen takes them (like we've done on this trip).
Thirdly, pray for income. The Karen people have no money. They cannot work because they do not have ID, so they cannot buy clothes, food, blankets, etc. That said, there is a great need for many items. Some things I have noticed are CLOTHES CLOTHES CLOTHES. At my camp most people, adult and children, have about 3 shirts and 2-3 bottoms. Therefore they wear through very quickly. Most of the clothes these children wear have holes in them and are covered in dirt. We can only hand wash here (no running water) so once something is stained, it stays that way. The kids do not complain, but you should see the look on their faces when they get new clothes. :)
Another need is potholders. Everything is cooked over little fire pits and they use old towels or shirts to lift these very big, awkward, and very hot metal pots. I've seen the people cooking burn their hands so much, I couldn't take it and went to a nearby village and bought 2 of the thickest towels I could find. It is amazing to think how something as simple as potholders could help them so much.
Medicine is a need also. Like I said, they cannot receive medical care, so the Karen only survive off of what we are able to send them.
English books. EVERYONE wants to learn English but they have only a few, often incorrect, brief books. They ask me to teach them grammer and all that jazz, but I do not remember. If they had books they could learn so much faster.
There are many more things, and if you would like to know more information about helping supply some needs, let me know.
My last prayer request is for me. I only have a short time left here and I ask for your prayers that I can spend every second wisely as I finish my time. I want the children to not only think of me fondly, but to think of Jesus when they remember me. Also, the woman I am working under is desperately in need of more help. She asked if I would return and stay for 1 year. I told her I would pray about it. I ask that you pray with me. I know my life is meant to change from this trip, but I don't know if it means I am to work from America or if I am the one to fill the need. This is weighing heavy on my mind and heart and I would really appreciate your prayers.
Thank you all for everything! May God continue to bless you as He has blessed me through your prayers.
-Kelsey
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
I'm in love
The moment I stepped out of the van and saw the kids running down the hill to say hello to me and the team, my heart was theirs. I have never seen children so beautiful! They are so precious, sometimes I remember that I only have a few weeks left with them and my heart breaks.
I feel like there are so many stories I could share that I don't even know where to begin... but I'll try to give you a decent picture of what life has been like for me these past few weeks living with the Karen children in northern Thailand.
We started out with eight children because there is a 5-week summer break and those with parents went back to their families for a short while. Now, because the families are so poor, they are back at the camp and we have about 20 children and a few adults. The children range in age from 6 to 14 but everyone looks and acts alot younger than their actual age. There are 3 boys close to my age that speak English (sometimes), and they have become my brothers. They tease me and hit my like I'm their sister, and of course I hit them back. I love them very much. All the people in the camp are of the Karen tribe. It is not part of Karen culture to hug or hold, but the children love to be held and kissed and loved on. I don't think there's anything I love more than holding a child on my lap or holding my hand or kissing me goodnight. They have gripped my heart and are not letting go.
Everyone calls me "Teacher" (which actually sounds more like "Teacha" or "Tee-ah"). It was weird at first but I'm getting used to it. Every morning we wake up at 6 am for worship. They sing and dance and pray and recite scripture and listen to a short sermon everyday twice a day. I love it.
After worship we get brooms, go outside, and sweep the leaves and the loose dirt into piles and burn them. (Unfortunately by about 2 o'clock all the leaves have fallen from the trees and no one could tell that we ever swept.) At about eight, we eat breakfast-- usually consisting of rice, fish paste and a vegetable. Because they know I like eggs, they'll usually cook some with an onion just for me, even though I told them not to. They love to serve as much as they can.
After bfast the children will play outside before it gets too hot. Once the heat sets in, we may watch a movie, or take a nap. At around noon we'll have a small snack, usually of soy milk and a few cookies to hold us over until dinner. Everyone takes a shower at around 4 or 5 while it's still hot enough to handle the cold water, but about to cool down so you don't continue to sweat (as much). There is no running water so its just pouring cold water over yourself. At first this was a little hard and weird but God is helping me get used to it.
At around 5 we have dinner-- more rice, maybe potatoes or chicken, and a veggie. At 7 we will have worship again and then watch an episode of Mr. Bean or Tom and Jerry before bedtime at 9 (or before). Those are their two favorite shows and the can (and do) watch them over and over again.
I am getting to understand and learn about Karen culture and some of the language. I love being able to sing with them during worship and tell them "goodnight" and "I love you" in their own language. They are gracious to me though in my mispronounciation.
Tomorrow I will tell you how God has been stretching me and some prayer requests, but for now, I am very tired and we have a big day tomorrow of showing some kids the big city for the first time. The smile on their faces is priceless as they are introduced to a world they have never known (most have never left the jungle and say that a 7-11 is a big shop). I'll be here in Chiang Mai until the 8th and will do my best to give you more information while I'm here and the internet is fast enough for me to update this. Thank you for your prayers. God is working in my life and I pray He is in yours as well! Naluggy! ("Good night" in Karen)
-Kelsey
I feel like there are so many stories I could share that I don't even know where to begin... but I'll try to give you a decent picture of what life has been like for me these past few weeks living with the Karen children in northern Thailand.
We started out with eight children because there is a 5-week summer break and those with parents went back to their families for a short while. Now, because the families are so poor, they are back at the camp and we have about 20 children and a few adults. The children range in age from 6 to 14 but everyone looks and acts alot younger than their actual age. There are 3 boys close to my age that speak English (sometimes), and they have become my brothers. They tease me and hit my like I'm their sister, and of course I hit them back. I love them very much. All the people in the camp are of the Karen tribe. It is not part of Karen culture to hug or hold, but the children love to be held and kissed and loved on. I don't think there's anything I love more than holding a child on my lap or holding my hand or kissing me goodnight. They have gripped my heart and are not letting go.
Everyone calls me "Teacher" (which actually sounds more like "Teacha" or "Tee-ah"). It was weird at first but I'm getting used to it. Every morning we wake up at 6 am for worship. They sing and dance and pray and recite scripture and listen to a short sermon everyday twice a day. I love it.
After worship we get brooms, go outside, and sweep the leaves and the loose dirt into piles and burn them. (Unfortunately by about 2 o'clock all the leaves have fallen from the trees and no one could tell that we ever swept.) At about eight, we eat breakfast-- usually consisting of rice, fish paste and a vegetable. Because they know I like eggs, they'll usually cook some with an onion just for me, even though I told them not to. They love to serve as much as they can.
After bfast the children will play outside before it gets too hot. Once the heat sets in, we may watch a movie, or take a nap. At around noon we'll have a small snack, usually of soy milk and a few cookies to hold us over until dinner. Everyone takes a shower at around 4 or 5 while it's still hot enough to handle the cold water, but about to cool down so you don't continue to sweat (as much). There is no running water so its just pouring cold water over yourself. At first this was a little hard and weird but God is helping me get used to it.
At around 5 we have dinner-- more rice, maybe potatoes or chicken, and a veggie. At 7 we will have worship again and then watch an episode of Mr. Bean or Tom and Jerry before bedtime at 9 (or before). Those are their two favorite shows and the can (and do) watch them over and over again.
I am getting to understand and learn about Karen culture and some of the language. I love being able to sing with them during worship and tell them "goodnight" and "I love you" in their own language. They are gracious to me though in my mispronounciation.
Tomorrow I will tell you how God has been stretching me and some prayer requests, but for now, I am very tired and we have a big day tomorrow of showing some kids the big city for the first time. The smile on their faces is priceless as they are introduced to a world they have never known (most have never left the jungle and say that a 7-11 is a big shop). I'll be here in Chiang Mai until the 8th and will do my best to give you more information while I'm here and the internet is fast enough for me to update this. Thank you for your prayers. God is working in my life and I pray He is in yours as well! Naluggy! ("Good night" in Karen)
-Kelsey
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Praise and Prayer
Praise: Items successfully brought into Vietnam
Prayer: 10,000 more needed
Praise: Items successfully brought into Laos (more than ever before)
The Communist government allows citizens to have Bibles unless you are of the Mung (sp) tribe. Because they are so numerous, it is illegal for them to own one.
Prayer: That this changes
Praise: Everyone made it to Chiang Mai. Going to meet the kids today. Finally getting this trip started!!
Prayer: That I can settle in and be accepted by the kids, not rely on my own strength, let the love of Christ flow through me onto them so they know they are a treasure
Prayer: The Thai people have no idea what is going on with the Burmese refugees. Instead they have a misguided view of them as being illegal peasants who will bring in a lot of drugs.
Prayer: The gunfire persists near the camp I will be staying at. Pray that it stops, and the soldiers leave the children alone.
The tsunami is affecting the weather here causing it to be rainy and cold despite the fact that it is summer. I'm enjoying it while it lasts, but that might just be a selfish thing :P
Thank you all for your prayers! My journey is about to begin =)
Proverbs 3:5-6
Prayer: 10,000 more needed
Praise: Items successfully brought into Laos (more than ever before)
The Communist government allows citizens to have Bibles unless you are of the Mung (sp) tribe. Because they are so numerous, it is illegal for them to own one.
Prayer: That this changes
Praise: Everyone made it to Chiang Mai. Going to meet the kids today. Finally getting this trip started!!
Prayer: That I can settle in and be accepted by the kids, not rely on my own strength, let the love of Christ flow through me onto them so they know they are a treasure
Prayer: The Thai people have no idea what is going on with the Burmese refugees. Instead they have a misguided view of them as being illegal peasants who will bring in a lot of drugs.
Prayer: The gunfire persists near the camp I will be staying at. Pray that it stops, and the soldiers leave the children alone.
The tsunami is affecting the weather here causing it to be rainy and cold despite the fact that it is summer. I'm enjoying it while it lasts, but that might just be a selfish thing :P
Thank you all for your prayers! My journey is about to begin =)
Proverbs 3:5-6
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Oof
It's our last night it Vietnam. Today we attended a service. What an experience to worship with different languages but to one God. We even sang "How Great Thou Art," my favorite hymn. I am overwhelmed with the love God is pouring on me with His acts and His people.
This afternoon we drove an hour and a half through the countryside (which is so beautiful and green, yet dirty and poor) to view a Vietnam War battlesite, also created by the Communist Party. We saw the craters left behind by the bombs dropped. We also got to crawl through the tunnels that the Vietnamese soldiers used to hide, attack, etc. While crawling through my first tunnel-- which already freaked me out due to its very small size-- a bat flew right by my head, causing me to scream and everyone else to laugh (sigh). Needless to say I was hesitant to crawl through any more after that (I only made it through half of another one once the people in front of me warned there were a couple more).
Tomorrow back to Bangkok to visit an old friend. Should be a good couple of days.
This afternoon we drove an hour and a half through the countryside (which is so beautiful and green, yet dirty and poor) to view a Vietnam War battlesite, also created by the Communist Party. We saw the craters left behind by the bombs dropped. We also got to crawl through the tunnels that the Vietnamese soldiers used to hide, attack, etc. While crawling through my first tunnel-- which already freaked me out due to its very small size-- a bat flew right by my head, causing me to scream and everyone else to laugh (sigh). Needless to say I was hesitant to crawl through any more after that (I only made it through half of another one once the people in front of me warned there were a couple more).
Tomorrow back to Bangkok to visit an old friend. Should be a good couple of days.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Vietnam
Thank you all for your prayers! We are currently in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon). Wow. I thought the traffic was crazy in Bangkok... I was wrong. It is CRAZY here. There are at least a hundred motorbikes on each street. Center lines don't mean anything. Lights and pedestrian signs are optional. Blinkers are pretty much nonexistent. I've been honked at but not hit (yet). Oh, did I mention people drive their motorbikes on the sidewalks too?
This city is very fascinating. There is a drastic difference between the poor and rich buildings-- though they are right next to each other. Sidewalk is pretty much just another word for market and chair. There are people EVERYWHERE. There are SO many peddlers and they love us. Many times they will follow you around until you finally buy one of their items. I think I'm going to have a lot of $1 souvenirs when I get home.
A few hours ago we visited a museum concerning the Vietnam War created by the Communist Party. It was both intriguing, heartbreaking, and a little eye-opening seeing as I did not know much about the war beforehand. It was an interesting experience being able to see it from their point of view.
We are about to go explore the night market and hopefully eat some dinner. I will talk to you all again soon.
In Christ's love
-Kelsey
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Bangkok
Alright! After waaay too many hours of flying, we are finally in Bangkok. It was 80 degrees when we landed last night (at midnight) and should get up to the upper 90s later. There's a light breeze now that is keeping me cool but when the humidity reaches its full power-- I'm going to look like the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz. We have one day in Bangkok to recooperate before flying to Vietnam tomorrow. Please please pray for safety for the team and the objects we carry. I am excited to see God's hand in this communist country where even reading a Bible is prohibited.
Thanks for all the love everyone! I appreciate your encouragement and prayers. Look forward to talking to you again soon!!!
A bondslave of Christ
-Kelsey
Thanks for all the love everyone! I appreciate your encouragement and prayers. Look forward to talking to you again soon!!!
A bondslave of Christ
-Kelsey
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Almost there!
Less than three days until I fly out Missoula... wow wow wow. These past few weeks have been a whirlwind. I am so happy to announce that I have reached my financial goal. Thank you SO MUCH to everyone for your prayers and support. I am so humbled to be blessed by so many. These past few weeks I have just felt to humbled and in awe of God and His love for me. Why He choose to pour an abundance of love upon a weak and foolish girl like me is beyond my comprehension. I cannot wait to be able to bless these children with the same love I have received from all of you. Praise the Lord for uniting us in one common goal-- Love. No matter where we are or what we have, this is a gift we can always give. Being able to help others understand and experience the love of an all-powerful, all-knowing, Creator God... what better way to live life?!
As the day that I leave swiftly approaches, I ask for your prayers as I am beginning to get quite nervous. However, every time I begin to give in to my desire to freak out, God reminds me that He is in control and I need not be afraid. Everything involved in preparing for this trip has gone perfectly. When it looked like there could be a potential road-block, it has been immediately resolved. I have no doubt in my mind that God wants me to go on this trip. I already feel like I have grown so much and I haven't even gone there yet. I am ready for my life to be changed, my heart softened, and eyes opened.
"Take my life and let it be all for you and for your glory."
Prayer requests:
-Safe travel and a smooth entrance into Vietnam for the team
-A focused, calm, and brave heart for me
Give thanks to the LORD for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1
As the day that I leave swiftly approaches, I ask for your prayers as I am beginning to get quite nervous. However, every time I begin to give in to my desire to freak out, God reminds me that He is in control and I need not be afraid. Everything involved in preparing for this trip has gone perfectly. When it looked like there could be a potential road-block, it has been immediately resolved. I have no doubt in my mind that God wants me to go on this trip. I already feel like I have grown so much and I haven't even gone there yet. I am ready for my life to be changed, my heart softened, and eyes opened.
"Take my life and let it be all for you and for your glory."
Prayer requests:
-Safe travel and a smooth entrance into Vietnam for the team
-A focused, calm, and brave heart for me
Give thanks to the LORD for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)