i'm ready

Dear Friends,

I am so excited to be able to share with you an amazing opportunity I have! A few years ago, God had placed Thailand on my heart. I never really questioned why or for what - but the seed was planted. About a year ago I became involved with a group of other ladies and moms - just like me, called Eastside Women of Purpose. Women committed to putting a stop to the horrific act of {Sex Slavery} and educating the women and children of SE Asia about {Human Trafficking}. Our group educates, advocates and fund raises for our partnership in Thailand with incredible people and organizations. These groups are on the ground pulling girls from the bars and brothels and setting them up into new life as well as doing prevention education for kids in the villages from where these girls come.

Which brings me to the purpose of this entry. I have been given the opportunity to go to Thailand May 22nd to 29th! To be honest…I am nervous about going. Nervous of what I will see. Nervous of what I will experience. Nervous about going without Chris and leaving the kids behind. Nervous of allowing my heart to be opened - and broken for the people of Thailand. But I feel blessed beyond blessed that God is revealing His plan that He placed on my heart several years ago - and it is actually happening! And with an unexpected bonus, a publishing company, would like to publish a book of photography on {Human Trafficking} with us. The fact that I am one of three photographers of our small group of seven that are going, is awesome! He’s using my passion for photography to be used with my passion for these women and children in Thailand - so cool! These pictures will tell a point of view that words just can’t.

On this trip, we will have the opportunity to do a few things. We want to continue to pro-actively be a part of the solution. In doing so we will build stronger relationships with our partners. By visiting and working with the project, we will be better able to recruit and provide needs for the solutions.

We’ll see the ‘border kids’ at risk for trafficking and visit a project that is rescuing and preventing kids from being trafficked. As we pray and walk the dark city of Pattiya, we will talk with the young girls and women. Inviting these women into a community of hope, healing and opportunity. Our group will meet with these young people that have been rescued and bring back the incredible testimonials of hope.There is a growing number of women of influence, that need to be involved. Our team will work to create a trip guide for future exposure that will impact and motivate others to be involved. There are many individuals we work along side that are in the thick of this tragic issue daily. Many are part of the organization that carries out the ‘sting’ operations on brothels and rescues these young children and women. We want to pray, encourage, help and give hope.

I would like to ask you to consider two things. First, would you please be praying for our team as we prepare for this trip and for during the trip. Second, would you consider praying about supporting this trip financially? I am needing to raise $1800 by May 1. Chris and I are contributing some funds and then prayerfully asking others to help. Would you consider supporting me financially? Any gift you feel led to contribute would be greatly appreciated. In a few days I will have a link for you to do so electronically here on my blog. If you would prefer to send a check, please email me or leave me a comment, and I will email you my address.
I know this trip is coming up here fast, and financially this timing is tough, but I trust that each of our financial needs will be met!

Thank you for considering helping me on this trip. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, chris.carlee@juno.com. I will follow-up with a prayer letter asking you to pray for our trip with day by day specifics.

Thank you so much!
Carlee

*If you would like more information on {Human Trafficking} you can visit: www.EastsideWomenOfPurpose.blogspot.com

Here is a video of our fearless leader, Marisa talking about Thailand: http://vimeo.com/3662997

Love God
Love People
Serve the World