People have been telling me to blog. I caved in.I randomly typed in "blogspot dot com", and it took me to this page (I guess gmail & this blog thing are connected?). Evidently, I made this blog years ago & forgot about it. So it was pretty neat to see a profile already created...and everything in it is still applicable (& I'm not going to edit it, except maybe the polka dots). I guess I haven't changed much? Well, I definitely have (which is good), but I'm fundamentally the same. Which is even better.So my first post will contain the words that caused people to tell me to blog in the first place: my Thailand letter.
"We get one story, you and I, and one story alone. God has established the elements, the setting and the climax and the resolution. It would be a crime not to venture out, wouldn't it?"
-Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller
In the Old Testament book of Exodus, it's easy to look at the Israelites and think, "There is no way I would have behaved like that." After all, God freed them from enslavement, provided food and water, destroyed an entire enemy army....The Israelites were delivered countless times out of unfortunate situations. However, once the Israelites found deliverance, they forgot about their Deliverer.
There was a time last Spring when I realized I was just like them.
For the past several years, God has provided for me in seemingly unimaginable ways & has placed on my heart the desire to do overseas missions. But something else has always been more ‘appealing’ or ‘necessary’. Last May, I found myself with the opportunity to defer a year from med school—and the chance to devote a year to doing Kingdom work. This time, I wanted to be different from the Israelites; I had to.
This year has been filled with unbelievable opportunities. Each day is filled to the brim with meaningful experiences and significance. (I’m more than happy to share them with you. Just ask!) But I'm writing you today to tell you about my upcoming month-long trip to Musekee, Thailand. And I need your support. As I work part-time at a music & arts center and
in a research lab, I’ve saved up enough to cover the trip’s expenses. However, there’s no way I can do this alone. I need—and graciously ask for—your partnership in prayer. In addition, I ask that you please consider financially supporting a couple ministries that have shaped, and will continue
to shape, my year. I’ve worked with a handful of organizations in the last several months, but the ones mentioned in this letter are bound the tightest to my heart (and 100% of your tax deductible donation goes straight to them).
I want to give you a peek into this heart of mine that God's holding in His hands, molding and twisting it to be more like His. Sometimes it hurts, as it’s broken and put back together, but this heart of mine has proven to be more resilient than I thought. Please read on….
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Hill Tribes Resource Development Center (HRDC) in Musekee, Thailand: Unlike most missions trips, I’ll be traveling to Thailand on my own. But as you may know, this year has definitely prepared me for it (which is a testament to how God works in mysterious ways). The HRDC provides not only a home for the local children, but spiritual nourishment and encouragement. One of the goals is for the children to go to college, then come back and develop their own people. In addition, the HRDC locates avenues for the women to sell their crafts, which is particularly challenging during these times. I offered to bring an empty suitcase, so I will be coming home bearing
handcrafted gifts! I was told that the village women were beyond grateful to hear the news,
but I can’t help but think, “It’s just one suitcase. I wish I could do more.” The HRDC also has a sustainable farm with vegetables, rice, pigs (my favorite animal!), and dreams of
having fish ponds.
The HRDC has two specific requests:
1. Black & blue pens from America. Instead of buying generic packs of pens, I'm hoping that some of you will donate a pen that represents you or something you love--a city skyline, an animal, a TV show....And if you'd like, feel free to use that pen to write a quick note describing yourself and/or the pen! I think this will be very meaningful. :) You can either give them to me in person or send them through the mail.
2. A used laptop--or donations to purchase one--to teach the children computer skills. (UPDATE: I've already received 3 laptop donations, but if you'd like to donate another, they're more than happy to accept more!)
Please consider supporting the HRDC and the full-time staff. I will only be there for one month, but these people pour their lives into this ministry. They’d love some fish ponds…Can you help? Handclasp, P.O. Box 1506, Lomita, CA 90717
Breakthrough Urban Ministries in Chicago, Illinois: I don’t know where to begin, mostly because I don’t know where to draw the line between this organization and the great friendships I’ve formed with the staff & kids. But perhaps that’s what makes Breakthrough so wonderful. I’ve been volunteering here since last June, and I hope to be here forever. I help out with the Breakthrough Beginners (preschool), Bible Study, and after school tutoring (kindergarten through middle school); each day is a new adventure (to say the least). We often stereotype “inner-city kids” and package them into a box, but let me tell you, each child has a name, a face, and a unique desire to live an immense life. Everyone has a story, and every story is significant. Some of them have beyond broken homes, but they have faith that moves mountains. Their great capacity to love constantly reminds me that God redeems. If you’d like to know more about my experiences here, just ask. I have a lot to tell you, stories upon stories!
Please support Breakthrough. This is a ministry that I have the utmost respect for, and I know your contributions will be used mightily.
http://www.breakthroughministries.com (check out this website!) OR Breakthrough Urban Ministries, P.O. Box 47200, Chicago, IL 60647--------------------------------
I’m writing you today because you’re part of my story. We have one story to live, and I’m so thankful that you are a part of mine. But I don’t want to keep living the same page over and over, so if you’re willing and able to, please pray for me as I venture out. And I know that God will shape you through your generous giving, just as you're shaping the stories of the people you bless.
I have you in my heart, and I am grateful for you.
Love,
Jessica
P.S. If you would like to receive updates from my trip, email me & I’ll add you to the list.
