Picture imprinted in my mind-two days past

One morning as I spent time quietly reflecting on things I've learned, this was a picture that filled with words that flowed like a river which source did not seem of my own.

The Footsteps of a King
By: Rachel Munoz
Have you ever thought about life and death?
All the people you see on TV who commit crimes
The ones that get caught and are held, put in prison
As they await their time---- to be tried by a judge.
Guilty or innocent.
Imagine everyone in orange.
All lined up. All accused of a crime/crimes that they committed.
This is judgement day,
Silent
The people are us, everyone.
Where you will see no white, until the Lamb that was slain comes
He will give white robes to those who know him.
The ones who love him, and chose him, the ones he marked as his
These are his family
These are his friends
People have seen him, or others in his family but usually laughed, and criticized them,
Spat at them for who they stood with, but those who were his took it, didn’t abandon him, for they knew he is the one worthy to be followed;
Awesome in character, the Son of God
Who else can be more worthy of praise.
Go back, to the trial day.
People looking every which way, worried will he pick me…
Ask yourself if you were there,
Did you pick him when everything was good?
You would risk your life for a loved one.
Is He one of them? How much do we say we love Jesus, but stop at just the idea of him,
not willing to put our money where our mouth is,
How many can proudly say, Jesus is my friend in the end of these days.
My God and Savior will come again. He will come again.
So the next time the TV comes on,
And we feel self-righteous like they got caught…they deserved that…
Remember so do we, we deserve death to be sentenced with the first degree murder, because it was our sins that placed him on that cross, our sins which hurt even the ones we love and see; our selves. We are the guilty.
Our words that slander the beautiful creator and his creation.  With this we are all guilty, of murder for crucifying the Lord Jesus who came to release up from the burden of sin. Christ our debts paid LIFE eternal to be with him. What we choose in this life, will be enemy or friend.
I like friend, but it comes at a cost; I have to put myself aside and count it a loss for time, reputation, all to sacrifice for the one I love, but he is one worthy of it. And he will come again. Jesus Christ is Lord! And I call him friend. Who is he to you?

A blog long over due

God's not dead!
Just watched this film with my brother and a friend and it is so true! God is not dead here,  nor in the rest of the world. From my adventure to Thailand, despite seeing many obstacles and barriers to the gospel being spread, we got to witness God's kingdom grow and be apart of the process! From what we had learned in the lectures, and experienced in our time in Chaing Mai, Chaing Rai, Bangkok, and Pattaya, there are many ways to share the gospel; but out of all the lectures and visual acts of sharing that we experienced, one thing is for sure, credibility. To share the gospel it is important that our lives reflect what we say. Actions speak louder than words, and we are constantly being renewed.
Our lifestyle will speak about what is important, and especially in Thai culture, relationships are intertwined with your values.
God is so good! He remains faithful though we are broken. We were pushed to our limits during our out reach time--for about 2 months we worked about 8-9 hour days in the heat, painting, scraping, moving, and cleaning, then later to come home eat, and usually plan for the future events and more meetings. But despite the physical condition, one of the most cherished things that we learned during that time was the power of prayer. It seems so small, but is so strong. Going back to even the beginning of my time in Thailand, even during the lecture phase which lasted about 3 months, when we prayed and interceded together as a body, that is when we got to hear the stories of prayers answered. Not only that, but it was cool to see the heart focus of our prayers transition into something that we got to witness in the later outreach time to come. God is so GOOD!
We begun by praying for an issue that heated our hearts and burned with a distaste for injustice as we prayed for the issue of human trafficking. We were given the home work assignment to research it and see what we could find out about it. Angrily many of us felt a sense of hopelessness as we wanted to change the circumstances and situation. But as we discussed, we realized we do not have the ability to change it by our power nor ourselves. As we began to intercede and cry out, our worship leader Tab encouraged us to write words that stuck out to us as we prayed. Words like family, hurt, and other things cam to be written, root of the human trafficking issue. But what was unique was out of the three pieces of largely cut paper-a body, a heart, a triangle- each which represented a catagorization method for the words or visions received. As the weeks passed, there came a time where our prayer focus changed, as we realized we can not stop it from the outside in, but tour heart cry was directed toward the rising generation of Thai people. For the youth. As well as came the vision for the Thai church to arise. It has been years of missionaries trying to evangelize the gospel in Thailand, but many have had trouble and there remains a percentage of less than 2% of Thai's claim to be christians.
We got to witness in the North that God is raising up a generation of Thai and Hilltribe leaders to proclaim his message. People after His heart. It was amazing to work with the Christian Paisanart School in Chaing Rai, as well as see brothers and sisters becoming apart of the community and patiently proclaiming the Gospel through the means of Business! God is alive! One of my highlight moments was seeing kids come running to the front to receive Christ, and not only kids but one of the ladies that take care of the kids who had been having physical problems and worships idols, come to the front to accept Jesus Christ, with tears in her eyes I got to see her come. The Lord knows those who are his and is claiming lives for himself! Praise God! The second amazing answer to prayer was the prayer for the 200 mattresses for the kids. Praise God for providing !!! Not only did he provide but he has such a sense of doing it. He used our group to put together the things we had, and he multiplied it! Not only that but I had made a comment that I felt that the mattresses were going to come falling out of the sky if that was even possible right? But the day that they presented the mattresses, they had the kids tossing them off of the 2nd floor balcony where they were stored! They were falling out of the sky! So cool right?

Something as simple as a mattress, but I think it was just one way that God wanted to reach out and love on those kids, to show them that even the most basic things he cares about, and that he wants good for them not harm. What an amazing God we serve.
God is not Dead!

Thank you all for your prayers and support; for your time and love to send me to Thailand to learn about the Kingdom Business. its practices. I have been awefull on keeping everyone posted and I am very sorry about the delay time. I know that especially during the challenging months your prayers were heard as God has used your prayers and love to give not only me but the team strength as we were pushed to our limits; He hears, and nothing is impossible for him. Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Chaing Rai who are sowing, planting and reapung dailiy for God's kingdom. A comon struggle was the desperate need for workers, and for encouragement. Also pray for the Tamar Center in Pattaya who continue to pull girls out of bars by sharing the gospel and intentionally living life with them; Also for brothers and sisters in Bangkok whom are using Businesses to glorify God by doing it with excellence and making him known in and out tf the workplace. And las but not least, pray for our brothers and sisters in Chaing Mai who continue to train and reach out into various parts of Thailand to show Christ's love. Blessing and may God continue to recieve all the Glory for the work we do, how ever large or small. Start as a servant, God will do the Big :)

Reclips from Thailand- July15,2015

Hi there! I feel like there have been many things that I have missed to include in this blog, as well as an unfinished ending. But infact the processing still continues, dispite it being almost a month back now, I would like to recap in parts instead of spews of paragraphs.

This new part will be quotes, stories and recollections, answers to prayers, and lessons learned from my time in Thailand.

It has been a blessing to have had a chance to serve and learn in Thailand-more than I can understand fully at this time; but with every blessing will come a responsibility to pour out, to pour back. May the reclips of Thailand be a blessing to you.

Let's start at the end.

"It has been a pleasure flying with you."
-a quote from the film Apollo 13

-at the end of the DTS this is what one of our leaders M.S said to our team in an encouragement to not leave things open, but to close them off well. Sometimes we like to stay in our comfortzone we like to live in the past. But we cannot continue to grow if we are stuck reflecting on the past, or fearing the future. Instead, in each stage, address closure; when seasons change, put up the winter sweaters and put on summer clothes! Embrace it. Pull out the tools you have learned put them to use.
There are more challenges to come! Be brave! Thank God who created you and give him glory. Ask Him for guidance and walk ignited by faith.

Yahoo lessons- May 17th, 2015

Yahoo! It has been a while since my last post, but I feel the urge to post again :).
Praise the Lord for his amazing works. One thing build on another; one at a time as though not to overwhelm, but in proportion to what you can digest in that moment. God is so good. He is so faithful. With craziness, or in the midst of a storm, he is there. He is a friend when all else goes away. Recently I have had to surrender my control and find the freedom of letting God be God. He is the ultimate caretaker, provider, friend, and protector; planner too! Praise the LORD!

Working with the kids, and preparing for the lesson, has allowed me to see how God prepares us for what is to come. Just ask and see :). One step at a time. That was clear today as we got to present the Full armor of God lesson to the Kids church at the main church we have been going to here in CR. Praise the Lord for his grace and kindness. It was not until afterwards that even the songs, the bible verse was so key. My God is so BIG! so Strong and so mighty there's nothing my God can not do. Amen! We got to intercede after church, and seeing the spiritual battle in a physical manefestation was another reminder of what we are really up against. We are in a battle. The more we listen and obey, the arrows and attacks increase. But our God is bigger!

My Friend E asked me the other day: If we are Gods warrior princes, and princesses, and we are leading God's army, who is behind you?
Today that was very real. Jesus is behind us and backs us up. He sends his angels to charge, we are not alone. Do not be afraid.

This was one lesson that sunk deep into my heart today. Don't be afraid. Ask and obey. We are in the LORD's army :) YesSir!
Time for bed. Night.

Ephesians 6:10-19
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

~R

Clear accounts quickly

we were privalaged to go to the same church as last week :)! Praise the Lord how links between faces and people are becoming clearer as the days go by. Out has been about a week now since our out reach in CR started, and it has been amazing to see the different style of challenges we have faced. But God is faithful and multiplies what we have when we offer him the things we have been entrusted which. One key thing I have been learning is that God does not need. He does not need. He asks from us not because he needs, but because we need. We need many things. But first thing is first, the heart. For us to enjoy his love and outpouring Grace, we have to surrender what we have. My friend E explained this to me the other night... If we always get what we want and we never have to forgo something, it cripples us. Thus, to grow, there needs to be a cost; for things to be cherished there needs to be a price, even if it is minuscule, costing something is important for growth.

It is amazing to see our reactions in different Cultures. Once you become expectant, Joy is easily sapped from the gift. We loose motivation to work, or value of things. God creates and places value in things. Think about people. Each has a value and a purpose. If you miss the purpose and skip over to a problem, though you are tying to help, it may not be helping. Instead it may lead to embarrassment, diminished sense of dignity and even at times reliance. But to empower some one creates the opposite. It creates a motivation to work-which remember... Is one of the mandates given to humankind! Sweet eh? :) God bless. He is an amazingly deep God!

Dare to think deeper!

Ps. Need prayer 250 for the students are needed before they come back. We are preparing the dorms and cleaning up the damages. But we need these mattresses for the students who are coming near and far; from normal Thai to the Hill Tribes that have their own language. I think there are 6 different ones. Thanks for all the prayers. It really makes a difference.

~rachel

Redemptions call- April 21

the harder topics are the ones which we avoid. This morning was my turn to lead Intersession. While preparing trying to see what was the topic or verses for our group. James 3 continued to resign ate on my heart. I felt a strong block. For some reason verses and direction did not flow as I had expected or usually feel. Leading is a bit tricky. Especially when asking a God who I  not limited by human standards. More than I can understand. Who am I to understand or ask God how to interpret or speak about His words.

I fell asleep unexpectedly and dreamt long, as I woke up I was super nervous. Though I feel like God was asking me to rely on him and letting his words flow, I wanted to be clear and know before hand. as I was washing my clothes in out Hotel bathroom (we are staying at the ymca), I kept asking God to k ow what he would have me speak about. Again just hearing that it would be about James 3.

Closer to our devotion and worship time, I began getting impatient and nervous, feeling still unprepared to lead. During worship, Star led and opened with a song about repentance and being humble before God. It was amazing to see how the Holy Spirit prepares the way for things to follow. It proceeded to getting to a song about cleansing, and redemption. One sister prayed and encouraged us that God wants us to look past our current situation and hold on to the Hope of God's bigger plan. We ended singing God of this City by Chris Tomlin. So cool right!

Next it was my turn. Beginning with a bit of silence, and opening in prayer by one of our brothers, nervously I asked for a few volunteers to take turns reading the passage. Later, when it was my turn to read two versus, a heavy weight fell on my heart as I finished up to verse 12.

There was an intense burning in my heart and weight to the things that came out of my mouth. One of the sisters yesterday mentioned that it is the little things that build up and make an impact. The little things that build and make up our character. Just like the little things which leave an impression on others, so are words. It can take one word to build up or even one to tear down. But how much do we say unintentionally to break? Yet like accidentally forgetting the small amount of yeast in a bread recipe, it can change the entire outcome. When representing God's kingdom, we need to be rooted in His word and be mindful of the things we say and do. We are free peoples! We are also harvesters, and for this time here given the task to harvest. I know to be called there would be a need that is expressed. Hearts cry to the Lord for people to help with the harvest, and that is when He provides. Build one another up and carry each others burdens.

Later...
In the afternoon,  Mr.John came to speak to us about culture and the ministry here in Chiang Rai. It was so cool to see how many echoes of the things we talked about and heard in the morning were confirmed. The Holy Spirit uses God's word to pave the way, then affirms the message later--when no one knew what the other person would talk about. Even with such an overwhelming task, it is the little things that count. You do not have to do much. But many workers doing something little creates a unified change. So is the Message of the Gospel. It starts with something so little. Hope. Faith. An act of love. The ripple effect is what is so amazing to see. But it can change.

Right now just to serve as a servant to servants. :)
What is so cool is no matter what field you are called in, what venue you use, you only have this time. Use it! People say all the time You only live life once (YOLO),--which can be taken in many ways-- which way will you live if you know you only have today? It starts with the small things.

<3 all="" along="" and="" are="" be="" but="" celebrate="" could="" doing="" enjoy="" every="" given="" glory="" god="" guys="" hearts.="" here="" i="" in="" industry="" is="" laugh="" many="" may="" meet="" minds="" miss="" nation="" of="" or="" over="" p="" peace="" sector="" side="" silly="" so="" talk="" that="" the="" there="" time="" to="" together="" tribe="" we="" wish="" with="" work="" world="" you.="" you="" your="">
Verses:
James 3:1-12

1 John 4:4;11-14


~Rachel

Learing then processing.

Hebrews 1:3

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

It is so cool. Thursday night, I finished watching Divergent with my girls here. It was a movie that I began to watch on a late night with Sherley from back home, but we did not get to finish it because it was so late and I had a lot of work to do. I love action movies, although it was not like a war movie's level of action, but the excitement of challenging and standing apart was food for thought as I took a night walk. The rain had just finished pouring (which was loud and powerful during the movie, adding to the suspence). 

It is so cool to see the things that excite us. Somthing that I forget sometimes or even try to avoid, but God is a powerful One right:) He is just. He is truth. The movie strikes up courage to stand out if needed to do what is right, to fight against the norms. Even more, it shows the potency of judgement and objectivising people. We are NOT a problem that needs to be fixed. When ever there is something Good, there will be a potential for corruption. It does not mean the thing is bad, but it does mean that it needs to be redeemed. Just like me. 

God is so good! 
Movie Moment. :) 

~Rachel

Thursday Wrap Up

Hi Hi !

John 1:1

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The begining of Unity starts with the core.
Things have been getting  bit strange here. As we have been preparing for out reach phase, we have had more time to reflect and the group dynamics have changed a bit. The Create DTS group that has been participating with us this past week has changed our group dynamics a bit. We have been praying for unity in the Thai church, but as a DTS it has been something that has been a struggle (from my perspective). But it is funny, how different things have been bringing us together more. The spirit of unity or disunity can be powerful and subtly impact the entire product in the making. So it has been really cool to see, as well as be encouraged by their group and hearing about the differences in DTS's.

Ours has a lot more freedom, but with their structure, I think it has shown good things. But the freedom that our DTS has is something that although the fruit is taking longer to be seen, it is one that is a struggle and uses real life situations. We are free to make decisions, have conflict, make some choices, decide our bed times, etc. In a diverse group setting this can be very complicated, but the more complex and more friction that the situation has created, now we can see a sweeter fruit--giving us tools for the Real World ! (Or, at least that is my hypothesis).

In transition. We were interrogated today, as processes of investigation are occurring all over for visa holding foreigners. Later, we said goodbye at Connie's Home (The Orphanage my group was volunteering at). It was strange. Really fun, and we got to sing together to worship songs that our team leader and some of our groupies led. During the lesson time we made shakers and for snack our group leader Lu bought ice cream--of which we added the chocolate chip cookies that we made last night :). They really loved it! It was such a blessing today, yet so sad. Relationships that you build... yet you come to the moment when you have to say goodbye... What a blessing these kids have been, and the workers there. I want to take them home with me!

Prayers for our team:
That we will be united and bring that spirit with us when we go on out reach.
That God will provide another van (one of the vans broke during our weekend excursion).
Preparation of hearts, and healing three of the members in our team.
-one with gastritis
-one with a knee injury
-one with a skin and health condition sensitive to foods.

Personal Prayer:
Learning Thai!!!

Thank you for counting us in your prayers and for thinking of us as we are so far away. God is constantly at work, here and all over the world. May His name be Proclaimed to all the nations!! To all the class structures, and in every language. There is no place that is to far for Him to reach. We get to do the dirty work of planting, sowing!! So excited! No matter where, he continues to grow the harvest. Keep reaching out, no matter how discouraging. Seedlings take time. Let them grow.

Many Blessings from Thailand!
Please let me know of ways I can be praying for you or topics that you would like me to include in these blogs. :) Till the next.  Sawatdeekha.

~Rachel

A new start

a new starts to reclaiming the heart.
Last week, I had the privilege of turning 23 :)!!
Once again in a new place and new friends, it was difficult to explain the topic of my value of secrecy and exclusivity especially on the topic of birthdays. As I gave up on fighting I began learning the joy of eating go of my control and accepting the love and care of those around me. Though doing nothing would be okay, the fun of doing things together is richer that I have experienced in a long time. By God's grace, by learning to accept love from others, it allows for deeper friendships.

About to go on a road trip. Repost soon! Blessing and greetings from Thailand!

The sound of rain.

He is good! He is good, and his mercy endures forever!! Let it rain.

Finally!! This is the first time. today it rained for the first time since we have been here (about 10 weeks). Wow! It has been really dusty and dry, the air polluted from all the burning that the farmers do to their fields, but today, a fresh new smell in the air. Although the first rain is dirty and acidic, the cleansing process begins.  Praise God for rain!

Today was a processing day. When it was our turn to share, we had homework questions of which we reviewed and summarized for the rest of the team. It was amazing to hear the things that God is doing and the ways we are learning about His character.

He is good! He is really, really, good, and his mercy endures forever!! Let it rain.

James 3:13-16 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 

Proses of letting the pollution go and grace raining over it. Starts from the inside out. Capturing thoughts. Love truth. Love mercy. Love and obey. He came to Serve, how much more should  his followers?

More pics on Instagram to come. Nicamamii13

~rachel

Road trip- Saturday

Wow! Today has been a pretty amazing day.
Got to wake up early, and go on a road trip with the girls.
One of my friends, E rented a car previously for a friend that was coming, but when plans changed she suggested we visit the highest mountain in Thailand :). It was so beautiful, two of us continued to fall asleep in the back, as E drove and A helped keep her company. There was a temple near the top of the mountain that we went to. We took many pictures of flowers and of the place, it was very beautiful and extravagant.
We were about to leave to find a place to eat our lunches that we packed :)-nutella sandwiches inside-- and it hit me; how often do we hear about God meeting people at the top of the mountain. So why is there a temple here? But even more, despite there being a temple to a God other than the creator, all the flowers that the temple is surrounded by, and decorated with... all of them are praising the Living God. They were created to, and continue to from when they bloom, to when they die.

Wow! What an idea. That no matter how many things we as people try and turn something apart from the Living God Almighty, we can not escape it. This idea connected me back with what we learned this past week about the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of the World. Humans are the only creatures given the options to choose or reject relationship with our Creator. I can easily forget and make idols, but it never satisfies. Living water comes out of me! That means, it is what is inside my heart; if it remains empty or dead, how can life come out. But by dying, a seed of His kingdom can be  planted, rooted, and spring fourth fruit!

God is so good.
Found Him on the Mountain top of Thailand. There is only one God that truly REIGNS! And His son that came to redeem that relationship-the man named Jesus.

He is alive!

Blessings and can't wait to share more about what we are learning here, and what is happening in Thailand. Grace and Peace through Jesus Christ. Thank you guys for reading these :). More to come.

~Rachel

A week about relationships

The help to see something deeply, can impact in trickles and waves that you would never plan.
This is what last week was for me. Wakes and quakes of my emotional foundations. The dissecting of emotions and revealing he under deriving forces behind them. Rebellion and pride... Both very familiar topics. Just the emotions themselves tell the deeper volcano inside.

Praise Dad for his tender mercy.

When I can not understand or relate directly because of my self protecting defense walls, it takes a story, a testimony of another for you to pick what pieces describe yourself. Quickly seeing the flaws, I was left speechless and ashamed, things become more and more clear. More and more making me aware of how restoration begins at the core. How can we witness and not expect these things to be planted too. Seek God first, his kingdom, love, and all the rest will be added. When sew try to teach or make people like us... It replicated the bad parts too.

I am messed up, mutated from Gods desired plan, therefore why would I want to make more mutants? It is only be Gods grace that some may see the good and seek God to find it, but it does not take me. He can use me to shine, but I have no power to change; no power, especially since my heart is not pure first. I think this is also why we are warned not to judge. But each is accountable. Rest assured that love covers a multitude of sins. Begin with love.

Still learning what that means...
I'll keep you posted.

John 14:27New International Version (NIV)27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

My God gives me hope and comfort in his grace. he is not a God of manipulation or intimidation, he is so much bigger, he gives us freedom; freedom to create, breath, love. How amazing right!?! :)
Miss you friends and dear family!
Many blessings.
~Rachel

Late night posting again

This week is going to be intense. We are getting into the topic of relationships. This means, we begin to dissect our feelings and behaviors that sway away from God's truth. This effects our thinking and our reactions. Core of swinging to the right toward rebellion is pride; core of the left rejection is unbelief. It is honestly one of the most uncomfortable topics that we have had so far. I do not like it, but I know that it is going to be good. Keep you posted. Praise God for his perfect timing, the past weeks keep building and this week, woah, the water is gonna get deep.

Please let me know how i can be praying for you guys. Praise God for his love and time to listen and challenge us, no matter what step of life, we are drawn to come back to the original design of life.

Sweet day, and wonderful night.
1 Peter 3:5
Matthew 6
Matthew 10

~ Rachel

About beauty

Right now the seasons are changing here from cool to warm. And son warm to hot. It is a time where plants are dying and new ones are growing, you can tell by the number of seeds you will find in you. One seed in particular that looks similar to a dandilion loves,to atachnitself to you clothes and flies everywhere. Thailand is beautiful, but is it more than the U.S.? Maybe not...But then is the US more beautiful than Thailand? No. Neither. Each different each beautiful each messy and clean in their own way. It is truely amazing to see the different forms of beauty. Each in the eye of the observer right?

This past week one of my dear friends showed up here! It was so cool. We spent the weekend catching up and hanging out with friends here as well! Praise God for this joy to see him. Things have been up and down hills but just like exercising, some times it feels amazing and gives you so much energy, but there are times where you might be tired or even sore. But the process cleanses and strengthens you body. As such has been these last few weeks, both physically and mentally. So much junk coming to the fore front. Just like boiling meat, as it continues to boil the fat comes to the surface to be skimmed off. That kind of junk. The kind that is more attached. Praise God for his mercy and compassion. Amazing graceful reality.

How much I would love to spew out. But don't we all? Life is one step of a learning book at a time, each page is only a tiny piece of the grand story. You just have to read to find out!

Many blessings. We continue to pray here for the Kingdom of Thailand. For the team here, and the direction to which we are headed next. Our prayer is for unity in the church here and a rise of thai leaders like Joshua and Rahab.

Thanks for reading :) food for thought check out 1 Corinthians 4

8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you!


For pics check out my Instagram. nicamamii13.
Keep up the hard work. Treasure each day, each opportunity to dive out of your comfort into an adventure of life by faith in the master creator. Makes all things new!

~Rachel

Watch 2 Time

Hi! Back again!
This past week was the last week of the IBAM course. It was amazing to see all the wisdom that has been given to the speakers that we had. Business men, scholars, book authors, and inspirational leaders, all of whom took the time to pour out and into our lives. When we get to the basics, behind the stories, growth begins with dieing to the self BUT before that, learning about what God's character is about.
These things take time to unravel then the brokenness begins. Not a bad broken, but like an Oreo cookie, you need to crumble and mash it to make it, then mix it with butter before you can make it into a crust. If that one cookie stays how it was packaged, it only will have one form, and only for one person. But if it is crumbled and mixed with butter, you can form a crust for other things like ice cream cake--which can be shared and enjoyed with many people.

Yesterday, a friend came up to me during intersession time and spoke into my life about this very concept. It was short and simple and was signified by a watch. See, I had broken my watch that I had gotten just before coming here; it broke because I neglected to take it off during work duties, of which my job is cleaning crew.

Because I did not take it off the water resistance must have hit its limit, and just froze the time. I have been with out a watch for about two weeks and have been trying to function with out one-but to my avail have been late. I have been avoiding buying one because of pricing and quality; it struck hard when she did that. This theme, dying to ________. What is the strong hold? The idea that begins as a good thing/principle but becomes an idol. Even sometimes we can worship the Bible, and be attached to it, but if we quote it and use for vain purposes without remembering it is about a living God, we profane his name. Secondly we have now made the bible an idol of which we read "you shall have no other gods before me"--in the Exodus chapter 20 in the Ten Commandments God gave to Moses.


Keeps digging.
Time. But things will be a process, the Lord knows the time, but now just one step. One step at a time.
Thank you guys for reading these blogs. It is precious to me to share and hear feedback as well as to what our Creative Creator is doing! Many blessings and grace through out this new month of March.

P.s Keep checking Instagram :) I post randomly.

~Rachel

Morning in an Elephant Camp

Woke up to be at the Norwood house by 7 am.

The Sungtao took the eight of us there and we got to see the elephants! 

So sweet and exciting! Especially once we arrived. But if did not sink in until the elephant show that, these elephants constantly are required to perform. How tiring it must be... Even more, the people who took care of them appeared to be the same, their eyes sad yet stern. Of course they were polite and wai (a way to politely greet or say thank you) after doing things with the elephants.

Stuck--stuck because I cannot ask, can not speak the language. It is funny because the past few weeks we have been learning many things in our increased lecture hours--as the IBAM students are here with us these two weeks. We were taught last week by David Skew and Landa Cope. Landa Cope addressed many issues in business and challenged our worldviews. 

--Worldview is a belief or idea at the core about life that one is taught or is deeply rooted in the belief that it is true.--

Her book the Old Testament Template was assigned weeks prior, and has very similar content to what we learned in class. One of the issues that were addressed is our Superior Complex. 

We have this idea that we need to "help" people. Poor them... idea, but the thing is--they already have wealth. What takes that away is when we come in trying to fix something that may not be a problem. If you convince some one that they are poor, and they need your help (by helping them), you are actually creating a dependency and crippling societies for life! 

At the elephant camp, I realized I can not fix it--or at least not with money or objects. Second, as I reflected on the adventure to the elephant camp, I realized that I am ignorant. I am assuming things that have not been proved true. 

I do not know the situation, thus who am I to judge or look at someone and assume such things. 

It is a hard challenge and balance, but now to ask and learn is another. Language is so important. 

It can create or destroy societies. Culture is another. Each valuable and unique. Each person has a gift, it may not look like ours but each is rich, not because of money, but because God created them with talent that are unique, and a purpose. I can not do anything if I forget who God is and how he created value from the tiniest atom. Want to solve a problem? Just ask how. 

"For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is recieved with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. If you point these things out to the brotheres, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesuss, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teachings of what you have followed."

~1Timothy 4:5-6

For Pictures and Video's Check out Instagram!

Nicamamii13

*Blessings and thanks for your support and prayers*

~Rachel

Key Lesson from the last Week- know yourself

Stop trying to get better at your weaknesses, and focus on your strengths!

We got to take the Birkman Test, and have been dissecting it as a group.

A really awesome speaker from this week has been coaching us through learning how to make a team and business successful. One of the easiest things that we can start creating successful teams and players is: utilize and fine tune your strengths!

What are strengths? How do we know what they are? And what does this have to do with business as mission??

When working as a team, it is important that each know their strengths, and weaknesses. It is not a bad things to have weaknesses, we all do. The cool part is, if somethings is my weakness, maybe i should not be doing it, instead, let someone who LOVES doing that thing, which allows me to live out my potential with the talents I already have. So cool right?

Snippets for this week. Sorry for not writing in so long, Internet was inaccessible for a while here at home and then once it came back, have spent little time updating. Hope to share so much more about what has been going on here. Thank you for your prayers! I can not express how much it has shown. Praise God! Things continue to come up now, but different problems, and some times revisiting old ones. This past weekend I turned up ill with fever and all and spent the weekend recovering. After it being pased around to the room, praise God we all have been able to mostly recove and have had an intense week of lectures.
Many blessings and sending my love from Thailand.

P.s I have also written up the newsletter, after battling with it, but have not finished compiling emails. Please forgive my negligence and procrastination in this matter. It has been rediculous! If you have prayers requests, please email me :) I would love to hear back! Also suggestions a out the blog are welcome too :).

Good nights/Good morning
~rachel

?Back on track?

Powerful thought of the day:
No matter what you do, if behind it--is not love, then it means nothing.

"If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing."

Last week even struggling to do cleaning or any duty with out being sour, every time I keep being reminded 'my thoughts'. What is the point if i am picking at things, grumpy at people, and controling? It begins with the thoughts. Capture them and ask why does this bother me so much?  Deep Thought. Good morning :) Or Good evening. :D! 
 Check out Instagram :) 
hope to post again. Thank you all for your hearts and prayers. 
~Rachel

It has been a while!

Wow! It has been a week since my last post! Sorry for the late updates. I have been able to post a few pics on insta find me at: nicamamii13
Got to go on a late night run! Feels so good.it is so cool simple things that help make the ,place we are feel familiar and homie.

Wow! So much has happened. Where to start?
Summary of last week:
Strong .spiritual warfare!
Lost my journal (praise God one of the fam. Found it :)! )
Had intercessory time for a place downtown. Please keep praying for the stream to flow! It is moving, but that it will gush out and bring life to its neighborhood; restore and cut out lies! That it will flow onward.
Need prayer!
Last week was a nice topic on the nature and character of God!
Scripture which will be important : Isaiah 46 and part of 49.

This week is pretty awesome already. Praise God my journal came back and I am beginning to learn about confronting the tiring dreams that i keep having with truth. Many dreams just drain. About things heavy and disturbing, but claim truth over them and the strength of truth dissipates the burden of them. Learning not to pay attention, but instead, just begin praising God.

This week's theme is World Views! SO INTENSE!!! And it is only the second day!!! I want to share many things but before I can I will need to check with people to make sure it is alright.
~*~TTFN
It's night/morning here. Pleasant day/dreams, Blessings and encouragement from Thailand. God loves. I am not kidding. Even those we do not consider worthy of love. ---> But really, who is worthy of love? So pure so selfless, but so strong and protecting? So responsive and understanding, patient to what we call a 'fault'. Wow. How great is our God!
Okay.. off my soap box. :P. NIGHT/ Good Morning!!


~Rachel


P.S- Thai class is kicking my butt! One day at a time. *_*

Monday's Thai Class

I am so thankful that Thai class no longer makes my brain feel like bursting!

During one of our breaks, I played a Thai song shown to be by one of my close friends. At first I was a bit shy to play it too loud, but my friend E turned it up. To my amazement, one of our teachers, Cruu, knew the song! She showed us others songs too! This is one of the songs that she showed us: 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv8-0-cx1fA

So cool! :) She explained what it was talking about, since we do not understand Thai; it was a story about having to keep walking on, even though life gets rough, you have to keep walking pick your self up and keep walking because God will be with me. Even until death, he is with me. The hope of one day getting to be with him forever! So cool! 

There are so many things I want to share. But I am trying to keep it simple for now ;) . 

Excited to see more and more how amazing the living God is ! How truly wonderful the character of Jesus. They are the same. Consistent, and freeing!

Thanks for all your love and prayers! Walking with Jesus, will never lead you to regret!

Only have one up now but: Posting pictures : check out : nicamamii13 on instagram! 

~Rachel

Break through

So cool! So recently we have been learning a lot about intercession and not just being burdened down by the weight of Human trafficking and societal norms but that God wants to bring people out of it. He is in the restoring business.
Restore. Such a powerful word. Such an important word.

Love my God so much!

So... over this past weekend, have been blessed with the time to think a lot and research only a bit :P, but about these topics. I learned about the importance of identity and its part on holding out oppression. What does this mean? Many Thai residents who lack the official ID card, can not become citizens and are at high risks and are manipulated out of fear. They might even be forced into decisions just to avoid involving police. Can you imagine? Not being able to prove you exist or belong?
Just another thing. There are many fighting to assist in this process but the struggle is still strong.

Hold
On to
Pratchao (God)
Every day


P.S
Please be praying for our group here. Many of us want to be apart of what God has planned for this nation, but internal things easily arise to create division. Please be praying for our group. May our Savior increase and us decrease. Also against the spirit of confusion, bitterness, comparison, laziness, complaining, and the like. Thank you all for your support and prayers!

Also GREAT NEWS:) . Just got an Instagram! So... for you visual people (like myself) Check out the pic of the day, or even reel of the week :) . Nicamamii13

Humbling comes before movement happens.
My God has a plan! <3 46="" a="" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+46" in="" isaiah="" israel="" just="" like="" nbsp="" show="" to="">https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+46
or John's acknowledgement of God's greater plan in John 3:30.

~Love covers~
~Rachel

Adapting

We had rice left over the other day and I got to make rice pudding :)! So nice to be ablet to make home like foods sometimes. It is cool how much we have been learning. Sometimes our brains begin to just lock up. Thai classes are going well, and this week we have started our volunteering :) .
I am still indecicive on where to go, as usual when I over think things. Asking for guidance in this process.

So! Something cool that I wanted to share about what we have been learning. If a business was to go into a different country, should they keep their strategy? Or recreate it?
This exact question has been one that correlates in most of my prior international business classes at in college. It is funny. If by annalyzing the success stories, we realize that the model will need to change based on the country of context, why do would we not think that that would be nessesary for the way we talk about truth?

Good news is good news, but sometimes the highlights of the stories might need to land in a different place first BEFORE being able to understand the rest. Here, John 3:16 is not good news. Things like loving the world, or sending a son an being attached to the physical world, even having to die because of it... It seems like this person which you are telling them about must have been the unluckiest man alive! But in reality because the core values and world beliefs are different that this would seldomly--if ever--work.
Instead... I was thinking about it today. What about different stories. Ones like Esther? What about healing stories or the ones about farming and producing a crop? There are so many things! God is an AMAZING GOD! A unique and creative God! Why do I put him in a box share? He is so much bigger and better than that--or at least-- this is what I believe :).

Thought of the night. ~Influenced by business lectures~
Night~

~Rachel

Theme of the week- HT.

This week has been a bit heavy as the honeymoon cycle of culture shock has been wearing off. I am so thankful for the sisters here and thier encouragement to combat the lies and for talk times together! So many amazing speakers during our lectures, one time even the other day where something really stood out. Prayer and Intersession. Both times were times where we got to take a break and thank God for being with us, turn away lies, address issues our mistakes, and put away our imagination and ideas. After these, we listen. :)

We have been learning many things here. The spiritual warfare is huge, but God is bigger! It is good to remember that He has already won and comands armies as he pleases. We just got to ask for one step at a time and walk in Faith that He is leading us. The speaker today said something to me today that really stood out: God will not lead you down the wrong path.
What a thought. :) Fear is not from Him either. That is why, ask, walk and he will lead you, but remember sometimes the answer might be a clear wait.

Remember every tribe, every tongue, every nation, will one day glorify God! Have hope. Think about  brothers and sisters abroad as they work out thier faith in many complex situations. Pray for Hope, Truth, Strength. With open eyes.

This may be a bit of a complex blog, but hopefully it tells a snippet of what is taking place here. Blessings and love from Thailand.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206&version=NIV

~Rachel

A new take on a common thing.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me. You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

I did not notice this before. There is a difference between a rod and a staff. The rod is what is used to guide the sheep and yank them to where they need to go in order to protect them. The staff is used to protect them from outside predators like wolves and other animals that would try to hurt the sheep. It is so cool how the Lord knows when and how to use both. It is so cool how even something that might hurt at first to protect the sheep (like yanking thier heads with the rod to pull them away from a hole or something) is called comforting. I will continue to repeat... There is no better place than to be in His will. 

On Sunday, got to make new friends :)!! They were very kind and inviting in the new church. After the service we eat lunch together and talk. I did not know what to do as I was waiting for a friend before eating or sitting, but a sweet lady invited me to sit and began to talk to me. She shared with me her testimony and later even her neighbor--who joined us later--got to share her's. It was awesome to hear how Dad knows how to meet us where we are at. Spiritually, though against him, he finds the unique ways to get our attention. In her neighbor's case it was running completely out of money, and DAD telling her to give her money (of which she did not know she needed prior). When giving she revealed to her friend that God told her to give this money to her. Boom! She finally gave church a chance! And now is learning more and more about true Family!! :) 

So amazing! In Grace is no better place.

~Rachel

Smile and Wai

Adventure of the weekend. Several things:
Saturday:
*Got to see Maggie! Though short I am so thankful and glad I got to see her!!!!!!! http://maggiemcdonald.theworldrace.org
*Went down town with our lovely group for touring the old city (where the mote is and remnents of the castle?)
*Got to shop at the night Bazzar to get things like pants, and a skirt, sandals, a purse, and some dinner. (Things in Thailand are really good deals for shopping! Especially if you like to bargain :) )
Really glad that we found some Thai Pants and Skirt for about 4 dollars and 8 dollars :) ).
*Bug challenge!! Challenge to try the fried bugs off the street! (I got out of it because I tried them in Korea) So funny! But to us .. umm... not the tastiest food on the market by far!!
*So many people! But it was fun. Praise God we were all safe and made it home. Most of us do not have phones yet, or a mobile form of communication. So thankfully we made it all back okay.

So why is the title smile and wai? Those are two things that you need here! Even though we can not speak the language, especially in the night market it is interesting to see so many people. But if you notice, some are serious, some tired, some sad, some annoyed. It is amazing to think that God has given us such beautiful things as smiles. They can communicate so many things. But a genuine smile can lift a heart as well. That is why here, though you can not speak the language, the joy inside can seep out a bit with a smile. Wai is for politeness and for grace. So ... what to do ? Smile and wai.

If you are wondering what a Wai is, it is the Thai greeting which encompasses a show of respect with your hand together, meeting at the center of your chest, as you bow your head. The deepnes of the head bow/nod depends on the level of respect. For most you do not need much. Just a show of effort and a smile.  :)

~Rachel

A Fruit morning-Monday week two.

Got to go running this morning! Praise the Lord for the beauty creation of plants. Remember how I found a starfruit tree? Well one of our friends loves exploring and notices the different trees. There are many starfruit, there are coconut, banana, many papaya, and JACKFRUIT trees! So cool (KP)! Papayas are so strange; they grow from the top trunks of the trees. It makes me wonder, how do such heavy things stay on the tree when their stem is connected to the tree. One thing is for sure, it works because they grow to be pretty big. Stay connected to the trunk of the tree.

Another cool thing about me and Papaya? I used to feel nausea from eating papaya, I loved the juice that my abuelita (grandma) and aunts would make, but no matter how much I tried to eat it, I think the smell got to me. So here when my friends were eating it, I tried it and Praise GOD!! No rolling stomach! Even cooler. If you think about it, it is how we are some times. We can not handle the intensity of good things that Dad gives us, but later when we step out and trust to take the first bite, we are surprised with an amazing new adventure. Things change, that way we are given the blessing of a reminder- do not put your hope in things--they will change.

"The grass withers and the flowers fall,

but the word of our God endures forever."

Isaiah 40:8 New International Version (NIV)

~Rachel

A lesson in humility...

Of course, it usually take the hard way to learn right? But even then we fall back and fall back and fall back, after mustering the effort to sprint away from the conviction of pride.

Upon arriving, I thought I would be able to pass by and create smoothness when interacting in the cultural situations, the weird part is.. though I might have understood the things to do in my head, I no longer acted in such ways. Naturally I am a loud person. Here... No No. It annoying (as it can be in many countries). I had been trained well in Japan, but though I was trained, i saw that the more I tried, the less I began to "fit in".

So frustrating! Have you ever come to that moment where you had it all planned out but nothing seemed to go the way you had planned it? I began to see my self and the ugliness of boasting! Today it hit.
My friend that I have been writing about, bless the Father for his grace, she has been taking the time to train me. Each day, especially when she sees me trying to take over and do everything on my own (aka-dishes), she stops me and reminds me to take time to stop.

The first time she literally called me out and took me outside. There she gave me five minutes, and told me to just observe around me, with out doing anything. Just you and God. Sit and be still, listen.
Wow!!! Sounds simple right?? So difficult!!! My mind would race around every topic. Did you know you can eat some Orchids?? We did at a cafe one day--because they use them for garnishes. They taste like vegetables.

But anyways... The thing that hit! Praise God for letting me see how my way will NOT work. It will not work here, or anywhere. For things to work, I have to have Him at the core. I can not take his praise unless I seek the same result as Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4. (He was called out to be like the beasts because of his pride which caused him to fall). The pastor at the Thai church we went to today said that "just because something has not happened yet, does not mean that it will not happen". When we get caught up in pride, it will lead us to a hard fall. Praise God for his grace in these first few weeks. Better the first than the middle or rest of the time. Once we acknowledge we can not do anything, God will get glory for anything that happens. That is when you see miracles and wonders of not people but Light. That is when we will not hold on to our self worth over the worth of others. That is how we can preach a living gospel. If our Savior came to serve, how much servants should be we.

Really cool thoughts. Heavy to think, hard to acknowledge, but rich and refreshing to understand.

Don't believe it? Check it out for yourself.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+4

Update of funding to come...
Update on Pictures, also to come :)

~Rachel
Listening to :
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=C0z0mkR1kT8 How beautiful are Songs in every language. How beautiful it feels to just sing. ~*~

On a deeper note.

An idea of what impacts our thinking here. Is to begin and understand the culture. Of course we are foreigners in a foreign land. How can we understand the culture of a foreign people? We can not right. That is why some have looked to see a need and asked why. Income is a big reason for many things to go sour. The amazing part is, once you ask why instead of judge, you can then begin to pray and seek opportunities to serve and offer different life dreams. Praise God for love!

Some friends shared this video of just one of the ministries here working to reclaim hearts for Life. Check it out if you like: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v13WyMfVnCg

Been having orientation, and tonight mr.Cunningham s poke at a local church. Things keep getting interesting. We learned about spiritual warfare this week,and in the talk we heard about the same after seven years of bible translation. Goal is that it will be in every language by 2020.


-Rachel

Good morning Day Two

"We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete." First John: Chapter 1 Verse 3-4

It is so cool. Last night, we were talking (we as is me and a few of my room mates) and the topic came about light. As my roommate E was telling her story, all the things that she spoke were so encouraging. Praise God! Her story is amazing! She is one who is gentle and kind, very talented, yet humble. Wow! So cool. Blessed be around her. We were talking about it yesterday, that the Character of God is incomparable, and those being changed by it are contagious and have an awe inspiring presence about them. Not that is it them at all, but the Life that is in them. ~something to think about~.


Waiting.
Once again another amazing talk. Many amazing talks today, and so many lessons. There are several verses that strongly apply to my life and will be ones that are reoccurring as I know I will need to grow in several areas. One of my weak ones, I have to continue to face. I want to run but it seems that it keeps being put in front of my face. Again and again. I want to share so much, but do not want to overload you. Please give me grace as I am still learning to be concise and pick and choose important things to share and when. Although physically many things may not be happening, mentally and spiritually it is like a ropes course. But... we have just begun.

Thank you for being involved! Tonight I was encouraged to learn to ask and wait. Often times I am the type that needs to be and acts on spontaneity, but there are times where we are taught to ask, then wait. A thought or a call might be clear, but the question is to ask when and how.
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PS> It is hard for me to get on facebook with the time we are given. But pleae feel free to email me! I might respond quicker. Rmuno003@odu.edu.

PS.S> Still Pictures to come. And for those whose of you that I have emails for, I will try to send out a newsletter hopefully monthly. :) Topics you would like me to address/talk about ? Comment Please:)

~Rachel

Official Day One

Today is supposed to be the official day :)

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you. God is light: in him there is no darkness at all." First John : Chapter 1 verse 3

Got to have a Jam session this morning of which was an awesome time to reflect and enjoy being in His presence. Orientation began soon after. I love waking up to the sunrise here. It is truly amazing. The sun rises and sets in the same place every day, whether or not we see it, it rises and sets. It is mind-boggling how constant it is. It is so cool to see such beautiful things and know that there is some one that made it, some one who placed it to do that, to set out a purpose for it so that it can provide light to the world. Neat thought.

We had our Thai lessons today!! I was looking so forward to it. I get a bit funny about how I react when learning a new language, really shy and hesitant that is. It was okay at first, just repeating words, and sounds--mimicking the teachers lips as they spoke. It was not until after the break that my brain felt as if it was about to burst! My mind was having a hard time keeping up. We did not do much, but even such simple things threw me. Things like... my name is.. or i am ____years old. Crazy right!!?? Anyways, day one. :) I am so excited but embarrassed to learn. Thai is a beautiful language once you get used to hearing it. One step at a time. Patience. Patience for the things that are worth it. Patience :) I am excited!

Till tomorrow :) Sorry I am trying to figure out the situation with the pictures still. I hope to find another way to post since the pictures will no longer show up on blogger for some reason??...

Good night/Good morning friends.
~Rachel

P.S. By the end of the Month I hope to create a newsletter to send by email. If you would like to be added to the list please email me or comment thank you :) rmuno003@odu.edu.
Also by the grace of GOD and the sacrifices of all who have been praying and supporting financially, I have been able to cover the cost of just the program itself. I am still praying for the rest of the funds to come in as well. This is a rough estimate of funding so far.

Funds Raised :
About 6,500
Still need about $5,500 more to go to reach the $12,000 goal!

The power of a four letter word.

Pray.

So often we forget that the even the simplest things are power-ful. Wake up call. I have been forgetting my brothers and sister. I live comfortable, some days more than others, maybe I have some challenging days but still, comfortabley. It is not until I am in distress that I begin thinking of my brothers and sister right? Maybe to compare. 

This Sunday I wanted to challenge and call all my brothers and sisters back at home, or where ever you are to pray for the Middle Eastern countries and in Saudi Arabia. For Egypt and Siria. For Jordan and Jerusalem. 

Please. Pray. 

It is so strange, as I looked through an old note book this morning ( of which I have many that I do not usually re-read) I found a verse that I found this: 

All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. They will put you out of the synagogue, in fact a time is comming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God". Intense right? It hit me this morning because it is so true. That is why we pray. We need to pray for out brothers and sisters who are fighting the good fight, but are far from us. Who are enduring trials, to reap a greater benefit, God's glory and the salvation of hearts, even hearts of thier persecutors. 

Pray for strength and for grace to over flow! 

Hopeful Sunday!

~Rachel

The second journey: next stop Paris

This is a continuation of Today is the day. On my journey to Paris from IAD (Dulles International Airport) I sat around the three ladies, two infront of me and one besides me. The one beside me only spoke French but was reading her bible. How I wanted to know French!! Once boarding... The lady in front of me on my right was actually the lady next to me on the plane!!! Wow!! So cool right! Not onle that, but she was a Ukrainian Sister in Christ !! :) SO COOL!!! God's heart reaches the World!!!
We talked a lot and share a little bit of our hearts and stories. It felt like a push/confirmation, God is with us, he will not send me alone! He goes before me :).

Would love to hear thoughts and ways that you have been encouraged throughout the week or moments of challenging caliber.

~Rachel

Hi there!

Just wanted to let you all know that by God's grace, I arrived in Chiang Mai! :)
I am still editing posts about the trip before I post them, so please bear with me.
Right now it is 12:17 am here, but electricity is one of the more expensive utitilies, so I will go to bed soon. I have not been really jet lagged before. But my room make K pointed out that I must be because of my waking up after slept a few hours and thinking it is morning already. It was crazy.
Wish all of you are well. Thank you so much for your prayers and support, I can truely tell that your prayers are being heard. Go in the grace of the Lord. A man we met today sayed something really cool, inspite of persecution or risk of being a Christian, the is no safer place than to be doing His will.


Good night <3 p="">
~Rachel

Unexpected blessings

God continues to provide!

At church on Sunday the Pastor spoke about Saul, Samuel and David. It was an awesome sermon and was about talking in Faith, and asking God to direct our paths instead of heading into something by ourselves. It was an awesome day. As we sang many came to the front for prayer. God provided, again and again and again.

That night, I got to see a dear friend... I have not asked to name her yet but she has been like a mentor since I was in Middle school--rough years. Another thing on top of getting to see her was that I got to meet her friends, other brothers and sisters in Christ who, even though they did not know me, prayed for me and listened to my story about why Thailand. This might sound odd, but I was shocked and touched, I could see that they genuinly cared and that they were passionate about missions themselves. God is so good!  One blessing after another. It was a long night, but left me with packing to do. One step at a time. One step.

Though the morning was crazy, God provided for everything. My childhood bestie and I hung out as we went to Target to get some last minute essentials. We later attempted to finish paking, or unpacking and weighing the luggage which was 17 pounds over the maximum weight limit.
After sorting what to take off, Praise God! Got to decrease the weight to meet the weight limit.

As of Monday 12th, 2015
Fundraising Status:
Raised: $5,807
Needed left: $6,193

Today is the Day!

Today is the day that the LORD has made :)! It is also the day that I leave for Thailand!!! Still fundraising and pray that God will continue to provide support through every willing heart. I just want to thank my awesome team of prayer warriors and supporters who have sacrificed many things. I can not forget another PRAISE!

On Saturday after getting back,
God provided a tablet for me to go, and used my brother to fix my camera!!!! I have been without a working camera since the GSF Picnic in September. PRAISE GOD!! Wow it was a miracle how he continues to provide. Even then my attitude was horrible because of stress and things, I felt like griping about my problems, although God provided in each situation. He provided yet again! Thank you for all your prayers.

Please also be praying as I will be traveling on AirFance. I will be in Thailand tomorrow, but in Thailand it will be the day after tomorrow. In the airport waiting. So cool! God watches us where ever we are.

I am in the Airport waiting and IjJust got to hear a story. The plane got delayed an hour and a kind lady came to sit down and was saying how it must be her fault. She went on to explain. See I asked God that I would make my plane because my husband didnt want to take me to the airport. Not only did she make it.. but with time to spare. Praise God!

Learning to Listen

After the craziness of the last night, and grace shown to me, although undeserved, I felt a distance to read the bible. Weird right? Instead when asking where to read from today, a thought of John 1:1 came to mind. I flipped to the page and read only the first two verses:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning."

 Heading back on the road, after debating whether on stopping by Faith's again because I forgot to give her some important things, strangely I felt that I should not go. Getting back on the road, I turned the radio and GPS on to listen to Klove :). After several hours of driving, it was time to change the station. I felt to go backwards, not sure why but for some reason was looking for something particularity that I did not yet know. I landed on a station which had a man preaching. That's when I heard:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it."

Wow! How crazy! I listened carefully and it was Ravi Zachariah. He was speaking about seeing people. How he would go through the streets of India seeing the Delites, thousands and thousands of poor adults and children, just because of a label. 

He went on to tell a story. 

He walked sternly, trying to avoid the approach of beggars, he was on his way somewhere. That is when he heard a voice from behind him. Sir please, I do no have any one. My father is dead and my mother is sick, and my brother and I do not have even food to eat. He looked behind him to see a face of a little girl. One of the most beautiful faces he had seen of a little girl, it shocked him that she was a beggar. That is when he felt a tug that this was too the face of God's daughters. He got out all the money he had out of his back pocket and gave it to her. By the time he had finished, the green light had turned red and he had to wait again. This is when it hit him. Where the poor and broken are, that IS where GOD IS! He had not know what to do about all the Delites but asked that God will give him eyes like His. And a heart like His. 

As I listened to this sermon, streams of water began falling down my face. I felt such a sorrow and truth that hit. How often have I been the one to put on a stern face. How often! The same things have run through my mind, how can one person reach so many, if you help one, will there not be another? All these things have battled in my heart before. 

The problem that suck out to me this time was, have I been asking God for his heart and eyes? 

I was quickly confronted by the reality that I have been trying to do things myself, plan things my self, by just sympathetic or empathetic is not enough. How will we love if we do not see things like the God of the universe that created each person with a purpose.

I want to challenge you as well. Try asking God to give you his eyes and his heart. 

I think it has been since High School that I used to ask this, and those are the moments that I remember and wonder, what has happened since then? Why have I changed? Now I know. 

Praise God for grace! For reaching out and speaking even through something as old as a radio!

Praise GOD!

Praise GOD!
Fundraising Update:
Provided: $5,707

Left to be fully funded: $6,293

~Rachel