Help Save Lives Via change.org

Everyone knows I like a good petition or protest, but I don't do it just for the heck of it. I do it because I believe in making a real and lasting difference in the world. I believe in not standing by while innocent children and women are mistreated, malnourished, abused, and looked down upon. Many people don't want to hear about the sad ills of the world, but just because you don't want to listen, doesn't mean it's not there. It's there and YOU have the power to do something about it.


My wonderful friends Phil and Dalene Hamer wrote a petition on change.org: petition the adhesive industry to add nasal irritant to glue to stop kids from inhaling their products. Phil Hamer was large part of the creation of the documentary Glue Boys which highlights the issue. The issue is very close to home as the Hamers have adopted two boys from Kenya who were formally street kids. They believe in a better tomorrow for all children, even the children society casts aside. I believe with them in their dream for a better tomorrow.


Please take a few seconds out of your day to sign this petition. There aren't any hidden catches, other than it pretty much makes you a better person. Please take a second out of your day to step outside of your comfortable situation to think about all the children out there who are huffing glue to escape their painful situation.

How He Loves Us

Since being here, I've been reminded so many times that there is a tidal wave of Grace and Love available to each person here on this earth. You don't see genuine forms of love out on the streets of Pattaya too often, but it's there. Most of the "love" you see is predatory and aggressive entitlement to what some of these men think is theirs... but it's not theirs and it's not love.

One of the songs that has been marinading in my heart is "How He Loves Us" by the David Crowder Band. I randomly came across this video and was very impacted by it's message. Please take a look:

Convicted Felon or Kidnapped Victim?

Here in Thailand, there is one TV channel in English that is even mildly entertaining. This channel is the "Universal Channel" and it is perpetually playing "Law and Order" episodes as well as other doctor/hospital shows. What I have found endlessly interesting is a particular episode of "Law and Order" named "Hot Pursuit" which aired November 8th, 1995. The episode is centered around the main character, Amanda Peet, who was kidnapped six months earlier, raped, held captive, and forced to do everything her captor told her to do. Unfortunately, that involved the robbing of two stores and the murdering of 4 people. What I find so interesting about this episode is how the legal system (on the show) treated Peet. Instead of looking at Peet as the victim suffering from extreme trauma and Stockholm Syndrom, among other issues, she was looked at as a criminal.

The prosecuting attorney asked questions like, "Why didn't you run away when you were alone?" and "Were you intimate with your alleged abductor?" They questioned her for seeming to be affectionate with her abductor when out together. What they didn't understand is that when someone is held by fear, they can be coerced to do pretty much anything. Much like what the LRA does when abducting child soldiers. They make an example out of a few, making brothers maim and murder their family, killing a few, raping the girls, so that the rest will follow the leader's directions.  Can the children taken by the LRA REALLY be held accountable for the horrific acts their leaders tell them? Just the same, could a girl kidnapped, raped, and terrified be held accountable for her actions while her abductor has a loaded gun to her back?

In the episode, she was convicted for the four murders to the fullest extent. I know this is only tv, but I find this interesting because I'm sure there are so many cases that have been tried like this one and outcome was just the same. I guess this is my point: I hope that there is a huge mindset shift in the future. I hope that those who are kidnapped, trafficked, victimized, and marginalized are heard in the future. I hope that they are heard today. I hope for compassion to help law enforcement understand that there is little to no choice when someone is kidnapped.

I'm not an expert on this subject, but I do know what I have observed in my journey of becoming a modern-day abolitionist. These are only my opinions and observations.  

The Brainwashing Begins

Technically, I’m staying in a village in Khorat. The house I’m staying in is far nicer and more stylish than other houses (see previous post). During a relaxing morning, Poo and I took a stroll around the village. She was able to tell me that this village seemed a lot better than other villages, particularly her village. People seem happy, there are many brick houses, and people are friendly with each other. Of course, I’m thinking to myself, “How do people live like this?” but they do and they are happy. Unfortunately, the love of money and material goods has swept even this village.


As we were walking around we saw this group of women sitting under an overhang. Since I stick out like a sore thumb, the group of women asked Poo why I was here and where I was from. I don’t know when was the last time they saw some white girl just strolling around their village. They had a 3 month old baby (so stinking cute with her big cheeks) to whom I gave may complements and coos.

After I complemented their baby, the apparent mother looked at the baby and said, “Don’t you want a foreign boyfriend? You want a foreign boyfriend, don’t you.” If I had not had someone interpreting, I would have thought she was cooing to her baby as I was. Instead, the brainwashing begins. Never would I look at my little baby girl (if/when I have children) and say, “ohh don’t you want a rich boyfriend! You want a rich boyfriend someday, don’t you!” That’s basically what they are saying. They aren’t even brainwashing her to want a HUSBAND. Someone who will be committed to providing and protecting them. Someone they can count on in sickness and in health. No. They are being brainwashed to want a boyfriend. Someone who may or may not stick around, be faithful, or honest.


When I was a young child, I was rarely, if ever, told by my parents that I was “pretty”. They always told me how smart I was, how kind I am, or even how talented I am. I don’t ever remember hearing from my parents telling me that I had to get married or even have a boyfriend. I do, however, remember my parents telling me that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. They told me that with an education, drive, and a dream, I could do ANYTHING. No boyfriend. No husband. No one else is holding me back from my success. This, I understand, is a very “American” mindset, but I believe this is a big part of who I am today. Don’t get me wrong, when my partner comes along (whoever he is), I’ll be thrilled, but until then I am okay. Being content in singleness is a gift. These girls who are brainwashed that they need a man to take care of them are robbed of fully understanding that gift. It’s wonderful to understand that you can go out and pursue God’s plan for your life without having to consider anyone else, not have your heart elsewhere, and being able to be fully present in your current location.


What do you all think? Would you tell your little one that someday, a foreigner white knight will come and sweep them off their feet? Maybe I’m just too idealistic…

Where I stayed in Khorat

While in Khorat, we were hosted by a cute little family who is friends of our ministry. It wasn’t what I expected, but it gave me a more accurate picture of what it might be like to live as a normal Thai person. Of course, this place is a lot nicer than what the rest of the village has, but it was still a shock to me. It is out in the village of Khorat and has a beautiful two story living area. I think they just had built it and weren’t quite finished, but it’s really cute. Most Thai people sleep on the ground with only a blanket, fan, and mosquito net.

This was a new experience to me. I see how simply someone can live and be happy. Do we really need beds, dressers, even an indoor kitchen? I’m not sure anymore. The way western houses are is so far removed from how these people live. I supposed that if it were to be a colder climate, having an outdoor kitchen and living room would be a bit of a challenge, but here, it totally works! I can tell that they have put so much work into making this place beautiful. It has polished natural wood for decoration, beautiful windows, and a nice deck. It works!

This is however, yet another example of how I don’t really make the ideal missionary. While sleeping on the ground would work for the majority of the people health-wise, I spent the whole night coughing and hacking for whatever reason… I won’t ever be sure. My asthma and other health issues limit me quite a bit, and I’m still considered to be very healthy! By the GRACE of God, my stomach has been happy and I’ve even started eating out of food carts on the street. Let’s face it, it’s fresh, tasty, and much cheaper than other food places. If I can get my body used to eating that, I’m golden to live a lot cheaper.

The One Month Mark

I have been in Pattaya for one month. Four weeks ago, I got of the plane in Bangkok after over 24 hours of travel. I had just moved out of my apartment, distributed my things, said goodbye to my family and friends, and left the love of my life: My puppy dog Raleigh. I knew that I was supposed to come and that it was a giant leap of faith to get on that plane in Seattle. It didn't make it any less shocking, though. I've stepped foot into the Bangkok airport many times before, but this was my first time being completely alone (and with too many bags). There I was, about to step into this new adventure complete with it's ups and downs.

As expected, I've experienced a wide range of emotions since being here. I've been overwhelmed with excitement, homesick, sad, happy, doubtful, and proud. I have really good days and I have really bad days. There are days where I feel like I am right where I'm supposed to be and other days where I feel like it's impossible to get anything right. I am a loud woman with a huge personality, so that must often be suppressed in this very polite and quite country. Pattaya, however, offers a lot of grace due to the enormous volume of "farangs" (foreigners) here who are, well, even less aware than I am. The good news is that the food here is fantastic and fairly inexpensive. There is always that to count on.

It is often uncomfortably warm and I'm constantly reminded that I am a foreigner and will never be a native. This is difficult for me, because even in America, I feel like a foreigner. I never really feel like I fit into a particular geographical culture. I am German by blood, Californian by upbringing, Mexican by proximity (and food), Italian by extended family, Seattleite by the Lord's calling, and most importantly daddy's little girl to the God who created the universe. Where do I belong? The feeling of being the black sheep or even the ugly duckling comes up sometimes, but I remind myself that when you are following God's call, you shouldn't fit in with "the world".  Also, a wise woman once told me; "When you're dead you should stink. You're either dead to the world and alive in Christ or dead in spirit and alive in the world. Nowhere in the middle, but either way you will stink."  I guess this is all about my journey of learning my way as this "foreigner of the world". I used to think of myself as a citizen of the world (due to my trans-global travels), but since being here, I feel more like a foreigner than a citizen. Or maybe I'll feel this way until one day I find my place: my citio. I don't know, but I'll probably know if I get there. Until that happens, I'll be enjoying the ride. :)

One month down, unknown amount of months to go :)

Starting to feel like home :)

I've only been here for three weeks, but this foreign place is finally starting to feel like home. I'm beginning to understand some of the language, know most of the main streets, I'm not always sweating like a beast, and my schedule is starting to be consistent. I'm super blessed because there is a handful of American missionaries here doing similar work, so there is a bit of community here for me too. It's just starting to feel nice to be comfortable here.

There is a ministry here working with the people living in the slums. It's pretty cool how open everyone is to a group of Christians coming in and loving on them. I just can't imagine going into "the hood" in the US with gifts, ministering to the poor of America and it going well. I know there are ministries that do that sort of thing, but it just seems it wouldn't be easy and it takes quite a bit of safety precautions. I'm sure there are precautions and relationships were cultivated to make this ministry happen, but I'm just overwhelmed with how open Thai people are to help, Jesus, and unadulterated love from another. It's refreshing. At home, Bible studies are getting broken up because of HOA and city "regulations" defining it to be a church (never mind the Bill of Rights and that our country was founded by Jesus loving Christians subtracting one), people protest crucifixes in public cemeteries that have been there for decades, and "under God" is being taken out of the pledge of allegiance. It's just refreshing to be in a society where we are accepted.

I sometimes feel like the only religion it's okay to attack is Christianity. Mention the name of Jesus or break out your Bible in the wrong place in the "Land of the Free" and someone might get offended. It's becoming clearer to me that Jesus is probably offensive to the ones who need Him most. A lot of these Thai girls know they are looking for a savior and are pleasantly surprised to find that He is with them; always has and always will be regardless if they believe or not. It's a relief when they hear they are open to have a deep and meaningful relationship with the savior of mankind and He will never disappoint them. To the many who have had absent and abusive fathers (or father figures), it's wonderful news that the God of the universe wants them to call him their Daddy so He can love on them like His little princess. It's the only way I see to be whole.

I'm so happy to be here and to be able to grow like I am. I'm even more thankful that when we were not lovely, God made us lovely.