December Update!

Praise GOD! I am $4,727 funded!
I still need $7,373 to be fully funded. But this means that from the very minimum (only covering the program) I have a little over $1,000 to go!! God is so good and faithful! Thank you for the wonderful team of supporters who have encouraged me and been supporting both prayerfully and sacrificing financially. It has been very encouraging to meet with friends and see a genuine interest in missions.

I can not believe that there is TWELVE days left before my flight is scheduled to leave for Thailand and this Friday my Visa will be ready for pick up! Things are passing by quickly. Thank you again for all who have supported this endeavor. I am so excited to tell you what I will be doing. I am so nervous and just got some library books for learning Thai :).

So praise God also that as December is coming to a close and the New year is quickly approaching we can anticipate the fresh start reflect on the journey over this past 2014 year! Are you READY?

Ephesians 6:1-20

Enter this year equipped. Put on the full armor of God :) 

The countdown continues...

This is an amazing video WARNING, it is strong! True but very strong once you begin I highly recommend watching through to the finish to know the whole picture before deciding. But WARNING. It is very strong but is about the Gospel. This video is called the Full Armor Of GOD!

Merry Christmas!

Although it is a day after, the meaning and important of this holiday will not pass. Jesus's life began so that hope may follow, and even more, so that we may follow him away from a cliff of self-destruction, to a meadow of everlasting life (with streams and food of plenty).

"Jesus answered "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'". 

Matthew 4:4

 Even during the times that Jesus was tempted, he stood firm. He did not succumb to peer pressure or even the desire to prove to others who he really was, instead he knew his identity and clung to his purpose. A son, who was here to do the will of the Father who sent him. God has a plan for each and every life given!

Recently I have been processing this upcoming trip to Thailand quite a bit. Just today's ago I was able to submit my visa application, and praise God, and scheduled to pick it up the 2nd of January, 2015! But what catches me off guard with these verses or even the chapter is the question that it creates. what is sustaining me?

God has a purpose for every single life. No matter how many mistakes, or how many times we try to self sustain our lives, he continues to rescue us in what ever manner possible. Out of oppression, disaster, and chaos that it may call us home and that those you see / your friends will follow too! Praise the LORD!

Thank you to my wonderful support team, who have been supporting me physically and mentally/spiritually towards this trip through prayer and donations! I can not go on this trip with out you guys. Thank you.

Funding Status:

I am $3,709.25 funded!!! And I need at LEAST $6,000.00 upon arrival (just for the program itself). Total fund needed for the anticipated goal of $12,000.00 to cover all costs.

= $8,290.75 left to raise!!
Check out my website for more details:
Raquelitainthailand.webs.com

Praise the Lord once again.

Psalm 103

 

Praise the Lord, my soul;

    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

 

Praise the Lord, my soul,

    and forget not all his benefits—

 

who forgives all your sins

    and heals all your diseases,

 

who redeems your life from the pit

    and crowns you with love and compassion,

 

who satisfies your desires with good things

    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Lord works righteousness

    and justice for all the oppressed.

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How beautiful the words from King David inspired by a Redeemer and Justice maker.

A brief summary of Mission Thailand's Progress:
I can not believe how soon things are coming to pass. Only 19 more days until leaving for Thailand!!! Thank you to my wonderful Team who have been faithfully praying! Also for Team members who have taken their time to help and to those who have sacrificed financially to help support this trip!! Praise the Lord!!!!!  So FAR funds amount approximately $3,709.24 dollars!!! This has been able to cover my air ticket, my visa costs, and initial application expenses. Left is $8,290.76 to go!

Today Mother took her time and even though she hates driving in D.C, drove me for me to apply for my visa, but we were not allowed in due to the hours for the public is only lasting from 9-12:30--even though it reopens later. Thankfully the trip helped inform me that we would need a money order and tomorrow we will try again, but my cousin will take me to apply.

I am also still writing support letters and have been really slow on sending letters out. I hope to finish them most of them by Monday--and send out appreciation notes as well!!!

Thank you for being a blessing and for your support. Hope this has been a Christmas Season to remember the reason of Life and mercy. Rest in the joy from the hope which comes from Jesus and His life which was not only a sacrifice, but one of servant characteristics.  Peace be with you. Keep posted for news to come :)

~Rachel

Update December 17th, 2014

Hi there :) 
So after packing and by God's grace I had a chance to return home for a day. After gathering up the information with my Mother, who has been a huge support during this process (thanks Mom!), I found out that so far I am $1,670 funded!  This means $10,330 to go! Thank you team members for your prayers and support!! I know it is by God's grace and your willing hearts that I will be able to be trained for integrating business and missions.

The current sum is contributed from generous donations by church family, friends and another portion from the profit of $10 for each Papa John's Fundraising Cards sold at $15 (This deal is a card that allows you to buy one get one free Large Pizza for an entire year!).  
If you are in the Northern Virginia vicinity and would like a card, or know people who like Papa John's Pizza and would like to help by selling cards, please contact me at: rmuno003@odu.edu. 

Hope to keep you all posted. Please let me know if there is a specific topic that you would like me to blog about in this preparation stage. Also if you decide to use the online option of raquelitainthailand.webs.com to donate please message me as well in order to ensure the successful transaction of funds through the Internet. 

Thank you for your time and commitment to stopping out and proclaiming that God is not dead but is alive in every part of the world and walk of life! :) 

Verse of the night: 

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),Luke 1:68-70 NIV

~Rachel

Fall 2014

Wow!! I can not believe it.... I am officially done? As of tomorrow I will be a graduate of ODU. I can not believe it. Saying goodbye is not one of my things, instead I hope to meet again. As Uncle and Auntie from FFF (Japan) says: "Till we meet again".
_____________________________________________________________________

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Maybe this is why I  <3  Pooh Bear

It is crazy and awesome, in exactly 30 days, Lord willing I will be going to Thailand!!! Wow!! I can not begin to what a journey it has been, but that the entire time I have been help up by Grace <3 and know that Grace will be a continual story from now until the day I rest to be with the Lord. God is so good. All the time. In good times or bad (even though I may complain, He sustains).

Now to study Thai and finish packing! Graduation is in 13 hours... to sleep or not to sleep... that is the question?? :D. Hope to tell you all how fundraising is going ( I will have to wait until I get back home to check the mail). Thank you all for your prayers and support over these last 4 years. It has a blessing to get to know each and every one of you. <3

~Rachel

Update Dec.9th, 2014

Treasures:

What moth and rust will decay, or mold infected stay, of these things life will  pass, unless storing up treasures in heavens, and for-ever last. ~Raquelita

Inspired by a wise man who said; 

"Do not store up treasures for yourself on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." 

~Jesus  (Matthew 6:19-21)

~Rachel

Morning Hours: Senioritis?

             (jucoolimages.com)

Good morning? Goodnight? I guess it depends which part of the world :). Hello! I am working on some assignments in the Library as finals and projects rear closer and closer. I am excited that God has provided about $350 towards my Thailand funding!!!! Praise God! And thank you so much to the ones who have stepped out in faith to support financially, and to my team of prayer warriors who have dedicated time in prayer for our mission team. May you all have a wonderful Monday back, and restful week. Now, $11,653.50 to go!! 

Study music: 

What a blessing it is to the soul to not only hear a song of praise in your native tongue, but when you hear one that you know in another language. Brothers and sisters all over the world praising God. Feeling like this is a glimpse of heaven. Verses to ponder: 

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 

Philippians 2:14-16 

(Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2&version=NIV)   

That one thing that you want to say but don't take the time to...

Thank you, 

Verse of the day:

"LET the message of Christ dwell among you RICHLY as you TEACH and admonish one another with ALL wisdom through psalms, hymns, and SONGS from the Spirit, SINGING to God with gratitude in YOUR hearts". 

Colossians 3:16 NIV

Such a simple two word combination which can impress someones heart with a sense of appreciation. Whether working hard on a project, or just being available, when someone says thank you, we feel appreciated and the pain or work that was incorporated into our task seems shockingly small. Take a second, say thank you :). Not only will it impact the one you are thanking, but it will reminds us to put us our pride and selfish thoughts about (me, me, me), and remember it is not all about us. Humbling ourselves, though for some it might be tough and others more challenging, reflect on all that you have been through to be where you are now. Alive, breathing with life, and in Hope we are called FREE INDEED :) . What a great gift, freedom.

 ~*~P.S Thank you for faithfully keeping up with these posts, for your prayer, and encouragement. I am thankful and am in awe of God's mercy to provide people like you who love and care for others by giving your time!

~Rachel

In The Making: 6'oclock thought

As I am in the fundraising and preparation process for Thailand, I continue to be challenged and reminded that I am still in the makings. Meaning, that I am not a finished product. We are not finished products. There are many things that we might improve upon, or even think have been achieved and are out of the picture. But in reality, we are constantly in the making. We are being made new! Each day a new set of problems, but an even greater potential to give God the glory. Things that we may not realize affected us, later are brought to the surface, with a song, a situation, or even the powerful words of God. This is a sobering thought. Just like clay, we are being shaped and made a new piece; a new work of art. Though painful, it is beautiful and worth it.

Picture from: http://www.poemsbycc.com/ThePotter.html

"Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' Does your work say 'He has no hands'?"

Isaiah 45: 9b-10

Sobering but sweet, because we are being made anew. Sometimes beautiful things stem from pain. Just like the pain that Jesus bore for us on the Christ, so that we may KNOW life. 

Fundraising Update:

With donations the Lord has provided $250 thus far!

Still $11,750 to go! 

Thank you to all the people who have contributed thus far and who are supporting by praying for me as I prepare to leave and finishing out the semester strong. Three weeks left till graduation!

Welcome: The Beginning





Welcome to my Thailand Trip Blog!

(This is the page where you will find my updates, prior, during, and sometime after)

About Thailand:
We will be in Chiang Mai, which is in the northern part of Thailand. Known as 'The Land of Smiles', Thailand is a Constitutional Monarchy. With the majority, 85.32 percent of the Thai population claiming Buddhism, in recent years there has been a growing population of Christians. Most are "first generation believers", but have a strong desire and thirst for the Gospel. Politically there have been and remains to be political tensions and disputes. Prayer for Thailand and the spiritual battle that is present as, many struggle with their religious and national linkage of identity. (Mandryk, Operations WORLD Seventh Ed.; 2010)

The Trip:

Youth With a Mission will be partnering with Business as a Missions. This DTS  (Disciple Training School) program, will begin in January 2014 and will end in June 2014.

About Me:
As an Old Dominion 2014 Graduate, I majored in Business Management, and International Business with my concentration in East Asia-Japan. Since a young age I have found myself with a growing interest in several things: God, Dance, Culture, and Languages. I have a passion to reach the world with the gospel, as well as teaching business skills and empowering others to use and enrich the talents, with which they have been blessed. Seeing many blessings in College, like the joy of watching friends come alive through Christ, stirs the passion to see others who are looking for Him and desire Life to the fullest!

Currently: Fund raising for the trip! It is a large sum, but I trust that God will provide, as all is His. The program itself costs $6,000 but that does not include airfare, insurance, living expenses, etc. Therefore, including all other expenses my goal is to raise, $10,000~$12,000 to cover all costs.