Pattaya {A City Not Forsaken}

Pattaya City Thailand

*An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 men, women, ladyboys, and children working the streets.
*Established as a coastal vacation destination during the Vietnam war, American soldiers would go for a brake and for the women...In fact, many American soldiers are sent to Pattaya today.
*Up to two million tourists visit Pattaya each year, most come because of the night life.
*Prostitution is illegal in Thailand. However, if a man pays a bar fee, he can hire a person out of the bar.
*It costs 300-400 Thai Baht to hire a person from the bar ($10-$15USD).
*A worker can make around 1000 Thai Baht for a hour ($30USD).
{The stats go on a on...and they brake my heart}

     In Pattaya is a YWAM base called Tamar Center. Their vision is to reach out to the women and ladyboys working in the bars, and provide them with hope. They do this by going out into the bars three days a week, providing English classes, and twice a year, they have a training program for those who really want to change their lives and leave the bars.

     Before going to Pattaya I knew most of the stats. I understood that Pattaya was a city build on the sex industry, and I would be confronting sin face to face everyday. For weeks before going I prayed God would prepare my heart for what I was walking into, and I asked for the covering of the blood of Jesus on my life. Our team met and prayed many times before going, and developed a vision statement.

{We are daughters of God: Image-bearers of His beauty and His holiness. Created by our Heavenly Father for His glory. We are delighted in, loved much, defended relentlessly, and empowered by Him. Because of who He is and the redemption He has brought to each one of us, we can be fearless, we can love the unlovely, and we can see the people of Pattaya through His eyes. We will fight for each other and bear one another's burdens. We will not shrink back from the darkness, Instead, we will turn our eyes upon Jesus and *RADIATE HIS LIGHT*}

~Written by Katelyn Dye





     Yet, all of this did not sink into my heart until the first day I walked down Soi Six, heading to the Tamar Center. This one little street in all of Pattaya, is said to have over 50 bars. There are dozens of streets just like this one all over the city. My heart cried out for the salvation, freedom, and hope of these women. 

     My heart would brake just a bit more every time I would walk the streets. Especially as I started to see familiar faces, and know the names of the women. These women became more then statistics. They became people with stories, family's, personality's and pain; they became friends. I will not soon forget the women on Soi Six, if I ever do. 

She is only 18

They are 21 & 20

She came for English class, and got prayed over. Tears streamed out of her eyes, and she said she hates her job. Not ten minutes later she waved to us from across the street, a plastered smile on her face...just another day providing for her family.

     All this seems so hopeless, and sometimes I would ask God why?? Where is the justice God? How can these men come and treat these women this way. Please God, show your mighty hand, bring salvation to these women. Be their protector and their provider. Save them from the hell they are living. God, do you hear my prayers? And in His gentle way He would remind me of His grace. He reminded me that if He were to come back today, these women would live eternally in hell. God is being their protector, He is giving them the chance to turn back to Him.

     Pattaya is not forsaken, and one day things will change. The prophecies over Pattaya are incredible, and the song "God of This City", was written in Pattaya for Pattaya. God will bring redemption to these people. Until then, I can pray for the ones I know personally, I can intercede for the salvation of their souls. And what a gift that is.



The More I Seek You...

{But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find Him, if you search after Him with your whole heart and with all your soul} ~ Deuteronomy 4:29

{You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart} ~ Jeremiah 29:13 

{The more I seek You, The More I find You, The More I find You, The more I love You} ~Kari Jobe

{Brittany Ann, my noble daughter, I'm here just waiting. I'm waiting for you to seek me, I can't wait for you to find me, and the depth of my love for you.} ~ Abba Father

     This week brings the first semester to a close. So much has happened the past four months, God has taught me so much, and my life will never be the same again. I'm beyond thankful for the opportunity to be here at IGo, and I know it was ordained by my heavenly Father. 

     Jesus has taught me so much about seeking Him. When I truly spend time in His presence every day, He is so faithful in allowing me to find Him. The more I find God, and the more I know about Him, the more I want of Him. I become dependent on His filling everyday. My understanding of the "Living Water" becomes deeper as I realize I can't make it through a day with out my special "Jesus Time". My heart cry has become "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is NOTHING on earth that I desire besides You" ~Psalm 73:25

     Isaiah has always been one of my favorite books of the Bible, and in coming to Thailand I decided I was going to read a chapter everyday. This lead me to reading through Deuteronomy, and these two have changed my view of God drastically. I'm starting to more fully understand what God's grace really means, I'm starting to see how Holy God really is! As I realize His holiness I understand how unworthy  I really am of Him. And yet His whispers to me, "Brittany, my daughter of royalty, I love you, I formed you, and I care about you and your heart. I will keep fighting for you. You Brittany will be a crown of beauty in my hand, and no one will be able to pluck you out. I delight in you,  and I will declare to the nations "My delight is in her"! I greatly rejoice over you, and my banner over you is love. I am your Ishi and you are my bride. Come away with me and be my Child". ~Isa 62:1-5, ~Song of Solomon 2:4 ~Jon 10:28.

     

Laughter

     My first ministry trip is over, and come Tuesday, it will be back to the books, desks, computers, paper, pencils, homework, and late nights. The last ten days have been very challenging and stretching. Father taught me so much about submission and following and what it really looks like to serve with others. He also showed me that He delights in the joy and laughter of His children. The country we visited was very dark and we faced much spiritual oppression.
     The journey started out with the loss of a contact, and a trip with no set destination. We got to see much of "real" Laos and pieces of my heart were left in each village we passed. A personal goal for the trip was that Father would give me a heart of Laos and that I would leave feeling like part of me would always be there with the people. He totally, completely fulfilled that desire! One day I will go back to Laos and spend more then a few days, and until that day comes, I will lift them before the throne.
     Memories, memories, memories, wow, I don't even have the words to describe everything that happened on this trip. In fact, I could probably write a whole book and still not tell it all. My main word for the trip would have to be laughter. We girls have long moments of healing laughter everyday and that was a huge blessing from Abba. Without the laughter, I'm not sure we would have made it. I praise Him for the time we had to grow together, and learn more of each other, and glorify the Father together. When we seek His face, He is so faithful to show Himself. When I cried out and asked Him why, He said He wanted to teach me, and to simply be faithful in learning.
     So, what did God teach me?? Well for starters, the gift of laughter. Secondly, He really taught me about me...where I'm at in life, and areas I need to work on. As we were driving though the beautiful mountains God gave me a vision of my life. That was simply amazing and one of the most powerful things I've ever experienced. Also I learned how much my attitude affects others. We had some problems on the trip with leadership, and as a team we talk about them today. During this chat it came out that a lot of the problem was the attitude we girls had towards the leader. I pray I will be very aware of my attitudes from here out. Communication and its importance was also hammered into my head!!! In fact, I think it would be VERY safe to say ever person on my team learned that!!! :) :)
        Another huge gift and blessing from Abba was the amount of time I was able to spend with Him. He has given me such a hunger for Him, and a desire to know more about Him and His depth! I'm ready for classes to start because I was given time to relax and prepare for the coming weeks. Coming home, really felt exciting. It was as exciting to me to come home to IGo, as I will be when I go back to the states, and that in its self was a blessing.

Laos Flag

We loved the signs 

I love Tuk-Tuks!

Our guide said this temple is considered the heart of Laos. I'm not for sure what that means but it was a dark place.

Such beauty even in the darkness

Another Temple

Sorry about the poor quality of the photo...this photo really shows me the difference in Christ...and Buddah

This lady, wow. She inspired me so much. I will call her the forget me not lady. One day we were walking the streets and she makes eye contact and holds up a sign that says "Don't forget me", Then one that says "I have everything you need". She owns a convenience store and really does sell everything. Her personality is amazing. She is very out going and it would be amazing to see her come to know my Father!

I wanted to bring him home in my pocket...Don't think that would be IGo approved... ;(

Please pray as we go into the next term! Its going to be busy and crazy!! 

Redeemed

     I don't even know where to start. This week has been amazing, crazy, stressful, and most of all, God filled. Several times though the week God moved and blessed me so much. He is amazing, and I'm so thankful to call Him Father!!!!!
     It is already time for ministry trips. Time simply must go faster on this side of the world, because it does not seem like first term should be over already. End of term of course means many tests, which
means Bree is very stressed, which means, lots and lots and lots of coffee, and restless nights. He is faithful, and they are all done! Now its time to catch up on sleep....only there is not a lot of time for that. :)
     When living with someone, you get to know them very well, and soon you become like a family. That is truly happening here. I'm so thankful for the friends I am making. They have all blessed me so much! Going though this journey would not be possible without others walking beside me, and holding me up. I pray I can be the same for them. We need each other, or we would not make it. Each of us makes up the body and we need every part!

So these are the 26 people who are becoming my family on the other side of the world. They have all touched my life in many ways. 

We matched very unintentionally and needed a photo. I love these ladies! 

This girl is amazing. Polly, I'm so thankful for you! P.S. I like you.... 

LaRonda is the women's dean. She is our mama away from the states and she has been such an inspiration to me! God has used her to speak so much truth and love into my life and to say I'm thankful for her would be a huge understatement. Ron-Ron, you bless me!!! 

So in a nut shell, we serve a Father who loves us unconditionally, and is there for us whenever we are willing to make the change and call out to Him. For a long time I have been saying my life word was surrender, I just have to say that word has changed to redeemed!! I'm so happy for the work Jesus is doing in my life. I did not know how much coming here would change me. However, if I went back to the states today, I have no doubt in my mind that I would be a different person. Praise be to the Father for His care, guidance, love, grace, and gentle calling of His children! 

Caught In The Rain

     While life is very full of classes and homework, we still find time to have crazy fun. Last Wednesday five of us girls headed to the pool. Our plan was to spend a few hours at the pool, and order supper by the poolside. Only, we lost track of time, and the weather conditions. Suddenly, out of no where a storm popped up. We all scramble out of the water and rushed to get changed...hoping to get ready and on the road home before it really started to poor. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately :) :) it was a soaker and we were left with a choice....start biking home...or try waiting it out. Many times rain will last maybe 20 minutes and then be done. This shower ended up lasting quite a bit longer. So, we started the mile ride home. It was freezing!!!!!!! And....SOO.....MUCH....FUN!!!!!!!!!!!

When we arrived home we decided we needed some photos. 

I just have to say that God is amazing. He has sent me some of the most amazing ladies to be friends with.

(Judith, Me, Janelle, Polly, Abby)

When we got back everyone was headed out for ice-cream. We decided we were too wet to go :). We stayed back and broken into the food from supper. It was an amazing night and gave me the energy to make it through the rest of the week. 

Beauty From Ashes

*Disclaimer...not for kiddos...  
     Beauty in brokenness. Beauty despite the sin, shame, exhaustion, stress, overwhelming odds against life. A huge desire for love, peace, healing, livelihood, prosperity. This is what my eyes notice as I walk through the red-light district of Chiang Mai, Thailand. One thing I don't see, a yearning to leave the lifestyle.
     God has placed a dream in my heart. A dream of healing and safe-haven for women and children who have been abused, trafficked, or worked the streets. When I found out IGo had a bar ministry program I knew that is what I wanted to be involved in. However, there were many reasons I would not be blessed with that ministry. Many of the girls who come to IGo want to be involved, and the administration has to make a very hard choice about who goes where. When I filled out the ministry night paperwork I prayed that God would place me where I would be most used, and grow the most. In my heart I did not think I would be placed with Ransom. Truly, I just wanted to be used by God, and I wanted His will to reign in my life.
     My Father is so faithful in my life. The desires He places on our hearts, he fulfills. I was placed with Ransom and already my heart for these beautiful ladies has grown. My friends and family, I plead with you, please lift us in prayer. Every night we go out the enemy tries his best to drag us down. We need extra coverage in prayer on Monday and Friday nights. For those of you in the states, this would be Monday and Friday mornings. We are fighting on the front lines, a battle we are so ill-equipped for. Only by the grace of God can we continue. So again I ask, please, please lift us before the Father.
     Imagine not knowing how to provide for your family so you resorted to selling yourself. The thing is, it was only going to be for a time. Just until things turned around and money was not so tight. However, you started to like feeling beautiful and desirable to men. It validated who you were as a women. Until the emotions you had been pushing down started to rise to the surface. Now you start to feel shame and guilt. You know something is missing but what is it? Maybe you just need to make more money. So you raise your price. Thats better, now you are not only providing for you family, you are prospering. In fact, a new car is just in reach, and maybe even a new home. Still, that does not take the feelings away, but at this point the money is too good, and nothing, nothing would make you leave that behind. This is all too real here in the city. In spite of that, I love these women, my heart brakes because they are in such bondage, and most don't even know it. What they need is Jesus!!!
     So, we walk, pray, sing, bless the streets we walk. We proclaim Jesus over buildings, individuals, and nights. The Holy Spirit is asked to move, convict, and breath in the lives of these women and men. Sadly, its easy to grow angry at the men. They need Jesus just as much as the ladies. Pray that we would see them as broken people who are looking for love.
     Also, my last ministry trip I will be going to southern Thailand. In this area women line up on the streets waiting for men. Its one of the biggest red light districts in this part of the world...if not in the whole world. Pray that God would prepare my heart for that trip.
    This next week starts exams and finishing up projects. Pray for sleep to be increased as I take late nights to study and cram. After that is when we leave for ministry trips. Please pray the Father prepares each students heart for what is ahead. Also for strength, courage, excitement, health, protection from the enemy, and open eyes, hearts, mind to the things Jesus wants to teach.
In AMAZEMENT of Him,
Bree
P.S. If you want to commit to praying specifically for us on Monday and Fridays please shoot me a comment or email. I will send you the list of all us girls going out and specific requests if they come up.

A Day In The Life...

     Praise God! After feeling horrid for the last two days I'm healed. All the Glory is God's alone!!! Thank you all who were lifting me up before the Father. He truly is the great physician!
     The days here are packed very full. When we aren't in class our noses are in our books and our minds are working. It's so amazing to spend day after day doing nothing but learning more about Jesus and His heart for missions.
     There are two semesters in a year, and in each semester 3, three week terms. At the end of each term there is a 10-12 day ministry trip. Each term has different classes. Basically this means we are learning completely different subjects every 5ish weeks.
     On my first ministry trip I will be going to Laos (north, east of Thailand). On my second trip I will be going right out side of Tibet, China (I think...north, west of Thailand). We will not be able to go right into Tibet because it is a very restricted part of China. The third term trips have not been planned yet. It seems there were some problems that came up. We should know soon. Sadly, it does not look like Pakistan is going to happen this year. Because of relationship with them and the states it is very hard to get into their country as an American citizen. Its also very unsafe at this time. I keep praying it will happen at the end of the year. :)
     Mondays and Fridays are ministry nights. There are six different ones to choose from. A few of them are: Ransom Ministries (Praying for women who are working in the bars, only for the ladies), monk ministry (Only for the men...I know they do a lot of chatting about religion), teaching english to children,  university outreach, and street witnessing. We all had to put down where we wanted to spend those evenings. I, of course, put down Ransom. I knew many of the girls were hoping to spend their ministry time there, and I did not really think I would get it. Each time I would think about it I would just pray for God to place me where I would be used most. Yesterday I found out that by God's grace I was placed with Ransom. I'm very excited to see what this journey is going to look like! Please pray that God would use the team I'm on to bring glory and honor to Him.
     Tuesday and Thursday nights are recreation nights. Typically this consists of volley-ball and or basket ball. We had to write down goals for our time at IGo, and one of mine was to learn to play volley-ball. Ask me how its going in a few weeks :).

     Each day looks something like this

~ 6:15 Rising Bell (Most girls are up by 5:45)

~ 7:00 Breakfast

~ 7:30 Life Of Christ (This class is an overview of Jesus and His ministry, starting with Him being to total and final sacrifice. It has been so interesting to study the sacrifices...it give me such a better understanding of why Jesus is the sacrifice.)

~ 8:30 Five Minute Brake 

~ 8:35 Chapel (Singing, speakers, worship, and on Fridays the Student Council plans what happens)
~ 9:20 Study Period
~ 10:15 Growth In Christ 1
~ 11:15 Five Minute Brake
~ 11:25 Cultural Anthropology
~ 12:25 Lunch
~ 1:10 (Tuesdays & Thursdays ONLY Thai Cultural Class)
~ 2:00 TESOL 1
~ 3:00 STUDY PERIOD (This lasts until recreation or ministry nights start...that ranges from 5 - 6:30)
~ 10:30 Lights Out (Except Weekends)

Now you have a feel for what a week looks like here at IGo. :) I have already been so blessed by the Father in my classes.

Purpose

One thing that has been stressed over and over is that each student would know WHY they are at IGo. When we write down why, it helps keep us from distractions.  Dear friend, please pray God’s protection over distractions in my life. I’m here because of Him, and for Him. This week has already been crazy!! God is already doing an amazing work in my heart and in my life. Praise Him!!!

Purpose For Being At IGo

  

1.     Because God called me

2.     To grow in Jesus

3.     To be stretched

4.     To seek the face of the Father

5.     To build lasting friendships

6.     To learn more about the heart of God

7.     To remove self and give it all to Him…a change of heart

8.     To serve each person I’m around

9.     To love all people

10. To care about hearts

11. COMPLETE SURRENDER

  

Dear Father, protect me from distractions that will hold me back from these purposes. I’m here for You and because of  You. Praise you for being so faithful in providing this far! You are worthy of all my praise! Thank you Jesus for caring about my heart. I am your vessel, your slave. Use me in whatever way you want. I am YOURS. Allow me to grow and change in you. Reveal Your heart to me and teach me how to seek You in everything. I completely surrender to You…every area of my life…heart, mind, body, soul…Jesus, they are yours. 

A New Beginning

     It's quickly becoming apparent, that time alone with Father is going to be hard to find. I'm going to have to consciously make the effort to make time for Him. With so many adjustments, and all the new faces, I am needy of Jesus. Of this I will remain thankful. All of this is teaching me how long I have been reliant on things other then God to take care of my needs. Friends, this IS idolatry in my life... and any form of idolatry is sin.

     Today in my time with Jesus I was taught to pray that I will see things from His perspective. This has been my prayer as each day new girls arrive. I want to see these beautiful women of God from His eyes. Each of them have needs, hurts, scars, and seeping wounds. Just like me, they need Jesus in every area of their lives. Truly it has been a struggle not to judge by what I have seen the first few days. Oh Jesus, I want to be totally un-judgemental and a safe haven for each of them. Pray dear friends and family that God would use me in ways I never saw coming. I am HIS slave!!!!

    Today is Sunday. We have church and then hopefully some of us are going to hit the pool again. One of the girls and I walked today and figured how far the pool is. It is a mile one way. Its great exercise to walk and then swim and then walk home! I think it is going to quickly become a favorite place! 

Prayer Points

1. Strong mind for the classes ahead

2. Total adjustment to the time 

3. Endurance for the heat

4. Courage to be more involved with the students

5. Willing ears and heart for others

6. Neediness of Jesus

7. All idolatry would be removed from my life

8. The friendships that have been made would be strengthened.

9. Compassion for each person here

10. To see the world through His eyes and from His perspective

11. Gods guidance would be clear

12. Physical endurance for every day ahead

13. Excitement to learn

I love you all, thank you for praying and caring about my life!

His slave, 

Bree

Classes Come Soon!

     The last few days have been wonderful. I feel like I'm starting to get adjusted to the time difference and  very very slowly the heat. Of course, its easy to say that as I sit on my bed with many fans blowing on me :).
     Yesterday I got to see Martin, Rachel and family. It was a blessing to be at their home again. Before that all the students went out for lunch. It was american food, and tasted wonderful. :) Monday is when we really start eating Thai everyday. :) Before lunch, (Don't you just love how I'm telling the events backward? ) :) the girls went fabric shopping. I was able to find two pieces. Hoping to get them sewn up before too long.
     This morning I got up and 4 of us girls went for a walk. It felt so wonderful to be out moving about. Seems like we have not done a lot more then get settled and sit trying to cool down. This afternoon we are planning to go swimming and that sounds AMAZING!!!!!!
     All of this to say...I'm SOOO ready for Monday to come. We are all getting a bit stir crazy and will be grand to get classes underway. I'm sure by tuesday I will be wondering what I have gotten myself into so please pray for all of us students. :)
     Thank you all for the prayers!! I feel them, so please keep them up! God has been so faithful and I know He will continue to be!

Day One

     Praise God I made it home. Life is a bit different then in Ohio. This is truly going to be the biggest adventure I have ever taken. I'm in one bit room with many other girls. I'm all unpacked and getting settled. Living with this many other people in the same room will be an interesting experience.  
     White noise of many fans, sweat dripping, unpacking, loud Thai voices being blasted on a speaker outside on the street, and many many many girls...and...only half have arrived...My brain starts working and I start to think "God, I'm not sure I can do this. I need time alone, how will I live with so many people and not go crazy?" After getting unpacked, having a phone call with Courtney, Getting dressed and ready for the day, I  get to just sit and be with Jesus.
     The first thing I read today talked about God wanting me to be needy of Him. When I am weak and faint of Heart, God can really move in my life. Jesus wants me to come to Him with a longing to know more about Him. He wants me to be completely and totally dependent upon Him. He knows what I need and He will take care of me. What encouragement after feeling so overwhelmed!! The Father knows what He is doing in my life and I can just lean on Him and trust Him to take care of me. He has me in His hands even in Thailand.
     So, I am needy of Him, and that puts me right were He wants me. On my own there is no way that I can live with this many girlys. However, with Him...Nothing is impossible: Luke 1:37. On my wall next to my bed I have a hanging I got in Michigan that has Phil 4:13...my life verse. God is here and taking care of me.
     Its still only 11AM and God has already comforted me and taught me to rely more on Him and less on me! Praise be to His name. Also, its warm and the sun is shining and I LOVE not being cold!!!!!!!

All Grows Dim

     I’m sitting in Chicago O’Hair International Airport, as I have been for the last four hours. Lack of sleep is casing my head to ache, and lack of food is making my belly growl, and I wish I could get online. Yet, I’m grinning and can’t wait for the plane to arrive at the gate so I can gaze at it until they will FINALLY let me board.  As I sit and sit, I’m reading a book called “Kisses From Katie”. Her story is so inspiring as I leave everything I know and hold dear.

     I’m sitting on a painted bench overlooking entrance of the airport. In the distance I can see the skyline of Chicago…mainly the Sears Tower. Cars keep flying by, and planes can be seen approaching the runway. The sun is warming me and I take some time to search my heart. Time to just let my mind go and try to understand how and what I’m feeling. 

     Life will be so different when I arrive in Ohio eight months from now. Clark and Courtney will be married, Vienna Kate will be almost one, Carson will be taller, and hopefully God will have done some amazing things in my life and my heart. And I pray… for divine appointments that can only be from God.  

     So I’m thinking of all these things…but really it all starts to fade away as I put my focus on the Father. My Father, who sent His ONLY Son for me…He loved ME….so much that Jesus was sent to a place that was down right vile compared to His home with the Father. A place full of filth, disease, sin, confusion, heartbreak and so much more. It all grows dim because I know that God is sending me…and yes things will be much different then here. There will be filth and sickness and it will be hot and there will be all kinds of nasty critters. But, its all so worth it when I put Jesus as my focus; and I choose to have a kingdom perspective.

     This will be my last writings from the USA, but it won’t be posted until I’m in my new home.  From here on out, I plan to write of Thailand as home. I’m sure there will be times that I will forget and I will think of Ohio as home…But to fully experience what Jesus wants I need to fully immerse myself in the culture of Thailand and IGo. Today when I get on my flight across the world, I’m going home. Each of you will be missed and I wont forget you and I will call, email, Skype, Google Talk (Thanks to Clark), and we will stay in each other’s lives. But I need to remember that I can’t have feet in both places…I need to choose to be home.

     Please, please keep me in your prayers. There will be many new things and many adjustments. This is Gods calling and He has confirmed it over and over. To follow the will of God is the best decision I can make with my life. None of this would be possible without Jesus and prayers of my Christ family. I’m sure there will be times that I just want to go back to Ohio and to normal American life.  Homesickness is a real thing and many people struggle with it so please hold me up before the Father.

Prayer Points:

~Praise God, he has provided the finances for this trip over and over and over

~Praise God, I did not cry my whole flight from Dayton

~Praise God, for save travels this far

~Praise God, that the world is smaller today then ever…I have technology to keep in contact with all of you

~Praise God, for friends and family who support me

~Praise God, for being God, for loving and caring about His children in a way we can’t comprehend

~Pray for divine appointments

~Pray for words of God to spring forth from my lips to bring glory to Him

~Pray for souls realizing they need Jesus and come to have a personal relationship with Him

~Pray for God to really show up in these 8 months

~Pray for my heart, that it would be completely, fully, totally focused on Jesus the Author and Finisher of my life

~Pray for my spirit, that it would grow in Jesus and never be pulled astray

~Pray that I would only hear truth and be able to discern what is bible and what is opinion

~Pray for strong friendships being made

~Pray for physical strength

~Pray for motivation to keep getting healthy, and eating the way God intended me to eat

~Pray that I would keep choosing to be Christ’s slave

Thank you all for you prayers, love, and support. Each of you has a place in my heart. I love you and will see you in December. Until then…you can pray I make time/have time to keep my blog up to date.

Choosing to be a slave to Christ,

Bree

Day Before

     I have sat down multiple times in the last week to pen words. Alas, every time I get distracted, or it just makes me too sad. However, today is the day before I leave...and its time to get some thoughts down on paper.
     Yesterday I said some of the saddest goodbyes. Cody's and Trent's were over, and we had a fun family day. Mindy and I redecorated Mom & Dad's house while Trent slept, Dad worked on Skype, and the rest played Settlers. Thinking back over the day, I think it was the most fun I have had with my family in the last few months. It was relaxing and refreshing.
     Today has flown by. I was up at six and out the door by 7:45. I ran errands, and stopped to see Nat and Courtney. Came home, finished packing, wrote thank-you notes, and went to tell Grandpa's goodbye.  My wonderful brother was a HUGE help to me today. He ran around for me, weighed my luggage and helped in anyway he could. After that Mom, Carson, and I played a last game of Settlers and I actually enjoyed it.
     Tonight some friends are coming to spend the evening and the night with me...and tomorrow I get on a plane to Thailand. Its so hard to explain the emotions I'm feeling...I'm so excited, and yet my heart feels sadness. Eight months is really not that long, and it will go by so fast...but things will be so different when I arrive home. Please keep me and my family in your prayers...This is a journey for all of us.

Food...The End

     It starts around age 11 at Teen Camp/Youth Camp (name dependent on being said by a camper or by a chap), and continues through Canoe Trip, Annual Meeting, California Camp and so on. Because this is such a tradition we felt that the Michigan Trip needed to carry it on. Therefore, our theme song was Strong Love by Jon Thurlow. ------> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JortYbyzyeo <--------- I wish we had a recording of us singing it. 

Every time we played this song dancing, singing, and hand motions broke out!

It was the before and after song or worship time

GAMES!!!!! Many were brought, only one was played. We decided to play Quelf it was very fun at first...until someone got the laughing card...wow...so much fake laughter. :) 

BACON...Apparently, I'm the ONLY person on the face of the earth who does not think bacon should be part of every meal....

So much junk

SHRIMP....Now thats a food that should be part of EVERY meal.

Pepper Poppers....and Olives

Fruit and meat...best combo EVER

She was writing her love as we waited, and waited, and waited for the water tank to drain....look at that face lol

On the road home

Beautiful friends

We were tired on the way home...and all slept some

We stopped at Panera and got some decent food. None of us water to do fast food again

Another beautiful sky

     This trip was an amazing blessing. We had some crazy times and some faith growing worship time. Testimonies were shared, some funny and some hard. Father, thank you for being present during our trip. It was sad to come home, but at the same time, we were all ready. Maybe 20 years down the road we can do it again. :) Girls, you are an amazing gift from God. Truly, I can't imagine where I would be in life without your friendship. I'm so thankful about what the Father is doing in each of your lives. Hannah, thank you for being a strong friend, someone trustworthy and caring. God has great things in store for you. I'm so excited to see where He leads you in the coming years. You CAN/WILL make it through nursing school with excellent grades!!! Abbey Girl, it has been soooo fun to get to know you better. I love how God has brought us closer....True sisters in Him. Thanks for your encouragement, and caring about my heart. Praying as you continue in school and life. Courtney, I'm so sad to not be here for your big day, but I'm soooo excited for you. Praise Jesus for the work He has done in your life. Thanks for being a faithful friend, one I can ALWAYS count on. You bless me. Last but NOT least...Lauren Joe. You're going to be a mama!!!!!!!!  I'm so excited for you guys. You will be amazing parents. I can't wait to meet that bebe girl Bowman. You have been such an example to me of a wife and proverbs 31 women. You are truly following what God asks of a women and wife. Girls, I love you all. Sad summer 2011 had to come to an end...maybe we can visit it again soon. Blessings in the coming months, Bree

Down By The Lake Shore

     There is nothing like water to make a person feel close to God. After the eventful trip to town, the 5 girls headed home and took a nap. Once nap time was over they got ready and headed down to the beautiful lake shore. It was a freezing cold trip. Four of the five girls very seriously contemplated taking a swim. However, they decided it was just too cold. In fact, said girls, were so excited about the swim they got up early one morning to go...a few, however, were too chicken and tired to do it so sadly, they don't have the amazing memories they could have had from that. (Not to mention the photographs). :) Oh well, there were still some good ones! :)

Five Girls All Grown Up

For the most part

We love Bebe Bowman

Part 1 & Part 2

http://philippians4-13-bree.blogspot.com/2012/04/other-is-gold.html

http://philippians4-13-bree.blogspot.com/2012/04/story-continues.html