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