I'M ALIVE!!!

This is the first time I'm communicating online because our team has been on the go since the moment we got here. Two days after we got in-country, we headed streaight up to the mountain with no internet or cell phone service. SORRY! Now that my mother has called everyone including the President of the United States to find out where I am, I am here to calm you all and let you know that I am safe in PakChong, Thailand. I have a lot of updating to do so please sit tight. This is going to be another one of my chaotic blogs. If you would like to see the Thailand team blog: http://08th0515rl1.myadventures.org/.

India updates:

Laura, one of the girls on my team, went back to India last week. She been to India two other times and going with our team was her 3rd India team trip with AIM. Needless to say she had made many great relationships there and went back last week for a wedding that was taking place there. If you guys remember, Wilson, one of the team leaders from past India teams, felt called to marry a woman named Paro who worked in one of the orphanages that we ministered at. They got married on May 26th, and Alli (my boss) was in India along with a lof of other people. 

Upon opening my e-mail I see that Laura had sent the India team updates on India. These communication days are difficult for teams because you either get good news or bad news. Anyway, her update message on India has me feeling a mixture of feelings. Here are some updates:

1. OUR PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED. We have been breaking our heads trying to find out what we were going to do about the children at Emmanuel orphanage (the orphanage I was at) because the administration was beating and abusing the children there and we had no idea what we could do to help the situation. It was so bad that I heard they weren't even going to let the children that DID have parents go home for the summer and visit their families. Well Laura informed us that both heads, Morrison and Anita are leaving (more like got kicked out) Emmanuel. I don't have any details why other than my team were prayer warriors and we prayed those suckers right out of there. Praise the LORD! Ugh, It feels so good to know how faithful God is. I can sleep a little better knowing that my babies aren't getting beat by them. They are bringin in this new guy, named JP (who happens to be a friend of Alli's, which makes me feel better). The word is that he was an orphan too and he will take good care of the kids. No one understands what an awesome answered prayer this is. We were about to take the case to the Internation Justice Mission because we didn't know what else to do. I had even mentioned it in my presentations at churches. Prayer works! God took care of it himself. You are amazing Lord!

On to the bad news...

2. I guess this is bittersweet news, but our team made so many relationships in our neighborhood that our landlord got upset and he kicked AIM out of the house that we were staying in. He didn't like that we were out in the neighborhood making connections with people so now Alli is looking for another place for our AIM teams to go. Our Host had told us not to be so friendly with our neighbors, but we felt the need to prayer walk and make conncetions with our neighborhood. Well you have to understand that India is spiritually oppressed with all of their false religion and lies of the enemy, he is trying to kick us out of there. Please keep this in your prayers because as of right now we do not have a house in India to stay when we go. This also happened to us at the previous apartment we were at. It's really unfair because it was a great house. I hate how the enemy sticks his nose into everything, but I know something better is in store for our teams in India. It kind of makes me laugh inside because if they are kicking us out it means we did something right. We stirred a movement in that neighborhood and it makes me feel like we got them all shaken up. God is powerful! I'm so happy that we allowed Him to work through us in such a powerful way. To Him be all the Glory!

3. One of the parents of the other orphanage we were working with (Baby Asha's orphanage) got into a bad scooter accident with one of the workers and he broke his arm and had to have surgery and it will take 3 months to heal. The worker, Oba, got scratched up but she is ok. Keep them in prayer (this is why I stopped using scooty after I almost died).

4. Sunita is my BFF in India. I wrote a blog about her. Well we met Sunita because of her father-in-law Sidappa. He was a leper that one of the guys from the past team had really made connections with. His name is Don. Don went to the wedding and made a special trip to the leper colony I ministered at called Lajpat Nagar. Come to find out that when he got there, he found Sidappa's box empty. Sidappa passed away May 6th, a few days after my team left. Sunita showed Laura and Don pictures of the funeral. I'm so UPSET that I wasn't there for Sunita! Ugh. Anyway, I had left the cookbook present Sunita had gotten me and Laura is going to send it to me. :::sigh::: This news broke my heart because one of our girls, Sarah Fletcher, was really close to Sidappa. She would sit there and read the Bible to him and pray with him even though he was deaf. Everythign works out for the best, but even though he died, Sunita will never be able to move out of that leper colony. She was married into that colony and because of status reasons, she can never leave, but I am going to pray that God moves in a great way. I really need to go back in Decemeber and see her. I miss her so much. This was very hard news for me to hear while being in Thailand. It seems that everytime I go somewhere, something happens somewhere else and I feel helpless. Thank God prayer is so powerful because otherwise I would feel helpless.

On to Thailand updates:

So we got here. It took 3 planes and 24 hours to get here. I was sort of in a daze for a while. It hard going in and out of countries, but once I felt like I wasn't sleep walking anymore, I got to enjoy the beauty of Thailand. I feel like I'm in Puerto Rico. This place is so tropical.

We stayed in Mae Tan, Thailand which is about a half a mile away from the Burmese (Myanmar) boarder. There are tons of boarder control police around there, it's almost scary. The mountains look like El Yunque and reminded me of the time I learned I get motion sick in cars on a mountain in Puerto Rico. It was nice. We were able to minister to Karen people who are a mix of Thai and Burmese and neither government wants anything to do with them so they live in this "no mans land" without any citizenship to either place. They live in these bamboo huts very primitive (and yes we spent two nights in these huts...it was fun!). Well we went and played with their kids and did door to door evangelism which was a really big challenge for me because I'm so used to relational evangelism like we did in India, but God is preparing us to be head on, so we went and witnessed to people. Most of them are Buddists, although some are Christians, but not very strong in their faith.

I went a whole 5 days without take a shower guys! That is a record! I didn't even go that long without one  in India. Thank God for wipies. The only thing is it's way more gross to be without a shower here because the humidity is 100%. You just constantly sweat and you're never dry. God is teaching me so much about dying to self. This is a totally different level of surrender and dying to self than India was. CRAZY but good.

We were able to pray for a lot of people. The people here are very spiritual and they recognize demons. They are very aware of the spritual realm and they have little houses on their property that they openly invite demons and sprits to protect their houses. It's illegal to get rid of these houses so our host has to go at night and get rid of these houses on new believer's property. That's why it's so important to do prayer walks and come against those demonic forces here. At one service that we held at the mountains, one mother brought her baby up to the front and asked us to cut off these black strings that were tied like bracelets on both ankles and wrists and around his neck. They were so tight on him but according to the pastor of the church we were staying with up on the mountains, those strings represent something. They hold a spirit inside of the child, which protects the child. Let me tell you guys that I was rebuking the enemy the moment they started cutting those things off of that baby. He had to be no more than three years old. There is a lot of spritual warfare that we are coming against here because they are so open to praying to spirits and believing in them.

Our Hosts have been in Thailand for about 12 years. The Lord called them here and they sold everything back in the states, picked up and came to live here. They told us that this method doesn't work for everyone, you have to know you are called to it. I hear that! They have been here and lived up in the mountains for a while with no electricity or running water. It's crazy, but it's true. They moved to PakChong a few years back and now they have a house and cars. They have been here for so long and they are just now seeing the fruits of their labor. I have been blessed by their persistent faithfulness to their ministry. It's amazing to see them. They are such a blessing to me. They have a church with a few faithful members here in PakChong. They are such servents, what great role models of the faith they have been for me.

 For the rest of the time here, we are going to be ministering to children in schools. This is really important because a lot of these kids need love. They come from broken homes.

I have so much more to tell you guys but I'm running out of time. Please pray for us and check out the Thailand blog because I'm sure more of my teammates went into detail about things that I'm missing. It's hard trying to update you guys with everything, but know that I'm the happiest person on earth. I am fulfilling God's purpose in my life and I can't see myself being anywhere else.

O yea so funny story:

Our bathtub in the mountain was a river. Yes a river. So I'm bathing in the river (mind you I left my bathing suit in PakChong so I bathed in a skirt) and I DROP MY SOAP. That sounds so bad, but it's true! My soap goes floating down the river and I was so ANGRY! Only me...So the Lord has been teaching me how to go without things and how I need to learn how to depend on others and learn to ask for things that I don't have. This is really hard for me. Well thank God I didn't have to shower for a while anyway because the truth is I lost my soap....And one of the boys on my team got a leach from the river! I got flashbacks from the movie Stand By Me. I was NOT  happy about leaches. I didn't get any. That would've been the icing on the cake. No soap and leaches is not a good combination. Well now that I'm in PakChong I have other soap and stuff, so I'm happy, but I had to let you know about my experience. I have many more to fill you in on. Can't wait to see you guys. Two weeks!

One of the first things I notice about Atlanta airport on my first visit to Georgia was that it was filled with soldiers in uniform. Inside of the airport atrium, which has a food court and nice sitting area, there is a hotel and when you look up on the balconies all you see are soldiers lined up against the railings, waiting for someone to give them a command.  Every half an hour or so you would see the line move and all the soldiers would disappear. Only moments later, someone announces their presence and the soldiers begin marching through the atrium. Everyone in the whole airport stops what they are doing and stands up, claps, whistles and acknowledges their presence.

Being in the airport for hours waiting for rides from my boss or participants to arrive I have seen this scenario a few times already; and every time is as powerful as the first. I literally get goose bumps standing there and applauding the men and women who fight for our country. A part of me is sad because I know where they are headed. A part of me is proud of them that they are doing such a great task and fighting for my freedom, for my comfort and my country. Time after time, I would stand up and everything in the atrium would stop; every conversation, every meal, every person hurrying to catch a flight---everyone stops to acknowledge the troops. I have to say that I saw about a hundred troops being sent out a few hours. It was shocking.

I had forgotten about this until I got to Atlanta airport again last week and was waiting for my team members to get there. As I watched this troops march through, heads high, eyes with pride, I saw so much more than just soldiers.  I saw mothers carrying their babies, daughters that missed their daddy's and husbands who haven't held their wives in months. I applauded them in a different way this time and realized that they were about to leave everything they knew to go to a place they've never been before to fight for a cause. I could never do something like that.

The truth is, I am. I'm a different kind of soldier. I fight a different kind of battle.  It hit me as I was applauding that last troop going to war that when we leave to go on the field, we are just like our troops in a way. We are leaving everything and everyone we know. We are apart of an army and we are going to war. That thought overwhelmed me.

As we get ready to depart for Thailand tomorrow, I envision my team walking through the atrium just like the soldiers, and all of heaven stops, looks at us and starts applauding.

One of the girls on my Thailand team will not be coming on the trip any longer. Her parents called in today and told us they were waiting on the Doctor's response, but were certain she would not be able to go. Unfortunately, the doctor called in and said that her physical condition was severe and she would not be allowed to pursue the trip.  All of her support is raised and she had everything she needed for Thailand. We are picking up the rest of the team from the airport tomorrow morning.

Please keep this young lady in prayer. The enemy has her believing lies about herself to begin with and I can only pray that this situation doesn't worsen her condition.

As for the rest of our team, we will soon meet them and go through a few days of training camp. I'm excited! It's always fun to see how awkward everyone is acting during the first few days together, but I anticipate a great trip.

Gainesville has been a refreshing experience for me. It's nice to be around people who are constantly uplifting you in prayer and pouring truth into you. I struggle a little because I truly miss my India team a lot and I catch myself talking about them and the experience a bunch. I'm going to have to be more conscious of trying to contain that. It's terribly difficult when the India team was truly the "dream team," on top of the fact that I miss them and love them dearly I just feel like I could be myself around them. It's hard starting from scratch all over again, but it is pretty exciting too.

The weather is beautiful in Georgia; so warm and sunny! I'm really enjoying it. Today we went out with a whole bunch of people and fellowshipped at Chili's and Starbucks. Then we went to a couple's house from AIM and everyone prayed for Teresa and I. It was amazing! I must say that it's exactly what I needed and it was great having people lift me and problems up in prayer. I feel like I'm home.

Hope all is well in Bridgeport. Love to my supporters and prayer warriors!

A series of powerful explosions occurred in Jaipur, Rajasthan including
Sangener Gate, Subhash Chowk, Hanuman Temple in Tripolia Bazaar,
Chandpol, Bari Choupad, Manak Chowk, Johri Bazaar, and Hawa Mahal at
7:30 p.m. local time, May 13th.  

Visitors and residents of Jaipur should avoid the areas affected by the
blasts. Americans traveling in India should maintain a low profile, and
avoid crowded areas and other public places.    

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should
regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at
http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public
Announcement, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found.  Up to
date information on security can also be obtained by calling
1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside
the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.
These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the
Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:
--  The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi <http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov>  is
located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone
+91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. The Embassy's Internet home
 page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov. 
-- The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay)
<http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov>  is located at Lincoln House, 78
Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax
+91-22-2363-0350. Internet home page address is
http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov.

• There have been two natural disasters around Thailand in the past few weeks. One is the cyclone that his Myanmar and the other is the earthquake in China. These two countries are very close to where I will be. In fact, the earthquake was so strong (7.9) that its effects were felt all the way in Bangkok (and Vietnam). I ask you to pray for my safety as well as the safety of our team. The reality is, as we have already seen, that natural disasters are real and can happen while I'm on the field. I feel at peace with the journey that is ahead of me, but I would really appreciate everyone's prayers      
  

• Please pray for my health. Going in and out of countries like I have been, my system is going through a lot of shock. Please pray for my stomach! Also, my sinuses because I get really congested in hot weather (all the plants and dust). I am bringing lice killing shampoo this time just in case and I have the tea tree oil as a repellent, but STILL! I need all the prayer I can get.

• Traveling mercies! We will be flying out May 19 and will not reach Thailand until the 20th. I ask that you would be praying for me at this time while I am traveling. The travel time is an estimated 22 hours. I will be flying from Atlanta to Detroit, Detroit to Tokyo and Tokyo to Bangkok. Once arriving to Bangkok, we have a two-and-a-half hour drive to our host site. Needless to say, we have a long journey in front of us. Please keep me and the team in prayer. I understand that things like lost luggage or missed flights happen, but it's great to have prayer warriors standing by praying for our protection.
  

While there are a bunch of other things I can ask for prayer for, these are the ones that stand out in my mind the most. I am so excited to be going on another journey for the Lord. He has been teaching me so much about being a leader and yet being humble. It's hard, but I feel like I was born to do this. It comes so natural to me, ahh. It's crazy how God prepares us to do His work. It's amazing how natural it feels to pursue His calling. I can't see myself doing anything else and as dangerous as it all seems, "There's no safer place to be than in God's will." 

I went to my grandmother's grave the other day. My aunt had bought some flowers and we wanted to dress up the plot for Mother's Day. I couldn't help to visit the plot of Mykey Santiago, which is only three spots down from Nana's. He was 23 years old when he passed away and I was a senior in High School at the time. He died in a motorcycle accident about two blocks from our church, the church he grew up in. I couldn't help to think about his age. I am 23 now. I didn't know that much about him. I know he had a family, a daughter. I know he worked and was saving up money to go to Disney World right before he died. I know he left the Lord when he was younger and was rebellious for most of his youth (who isn't?) and I know he was my age when he died. Many thoughts and questions ran through my mind as I stood there, but what impressed my heart the most is the reality of death. We live our lives as if they are owed to us. In reality life is a blessing. Every moment that we are still alive is a miracle. I can't imagine dying at 23, but the reality is that it can happen; at anytime. I'm glad that the little moment Mykey and I spent with each other last week made me realize just how precious every moment in my life is and how being 23 doesn't make me immortal. It doesn't make me more secure than say if I were 80 years old. I realize death can come at any time, but I also know that I serve the one who defeated death. I'm learning to come to terms with death. It used to be such a hard topic for me, but the more I yearn for heaven and eternal life with my savior, the more I realize I have nothing to fear.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
1 John 4:18