HOH Photos.

Such pretty r a i n.

When it rains, it p o u r s. Our team had the joy of working in the rain!

Authentic Thai "Squattie potty".

The 6' by 6' septic hole some of the guys dug.

  Team weeding, not your typical weeding! 

    The children's home & playground.

A home for two mothers living with HIV.

The artwork of a child.

"Bamboo Palace"

Beauty of Chaing Rai.

(I don't have much time, so more to come later.)

Superman, and Aching Hands.

This week our team woke early to work with HOH (Home of the Open Heart). I believe I've shared before about the ministry and what their vision is, but recently I've been updated with a few more details.

There are 11 children on the base as of right now, 5 of whom are HIV+. About 6 of the children are orphaned by parents who died with AIDS. And 5 of them have family that it either to old to take care of them, or they are too sick (with AIDS).

HOH runs just like an orphanage, only with more ethics and moral standards than most orphanages. Plus, the children are raised there with an understanding of who Jesus Christ is, which is incredibly amazing! Each morning the children ages 5 and up go to an international school and come back around dinner time. The younger children stay at HOH with nannies (usually from around the world). Their days are usually full with english teaching, crafts and games, naps, and playing.

We are not personally working with the children, teaching them english and playing games. We are actually only able to be around the children when they are allowed for a break to come and visit. At least two children come and visit the team every day.

One young boy (age 4 and speaking perfect english), runs around wearing the infamous red and blue Superman outfit, asking to be called just that...Superman. He later told Ted his name "really isn't superman, its Joe." He also told Ted, "I am four and I don't pee the bed anymore." Very, very cute!

So what is our team exactly doing at HOH? More manual labor! Our team arrives around8:30 or 9 AM each morning, and splits into about four groups. One group is working on a 6' by 7' hole for a septic tank for one of the homes of the mothers living on the property with children and AIDS. They have worked SO hard digging, and digging away.

Another group works beside them at another home getting built for a mother living with AIDS. They have been working on a cementing walls, and sidewalks. Another group has been working with a lot of dirt. Shoveling, scrapping, moving, tearing,leveling...you name it, we do it with dirt! (I am in this group, therefore I come home covered in little specs from head to toe).

The last group has been working on weeding, and when I say weeding, I do not mean your typical gardening weeding of the occasional dandilion here and there. No way, they have worked full days, amidts the thorns, ants, lizards, spiders, snails...pulling weeds from a very long fence line, and the ground surrounding a newly built home.

Our team has really enjoyed the manual labor for the last few weeks of outreach. I am very glad that we have gotten this opportunity to help with a project where you can physically see the progress turning out to be beautiful.

Many of the things which we have experienced and been a part of on this outreach, are those which plants seeds deep within the people and the students (and ourselves!), but those seeds will take time to grow. We are so thankful for the opportunities we have had here Thailand, and many of us will go home, and never forget the memouries created here. N e v e r.

(Tomorrow, I will update you with photos our our week and weekend!)

love, Jami Joann
"Be blessed" - Ted

Red Letters and Revelation.

Recently, Ted and I both have really been inspired for more revelation of not only who we are in Christ, but who He is. God has really blessed Ted with revelation, not to mention the ability to read a scripture once, and memorize where it is, and what it says! Even when he does not get revelation or understand about something, He pursues and pursues until he knows! He inspires me so much to not give up! To eaglery await!

I want to have more understanding and revelation on what Jesus was truly saying through his parables and words. The red letters of our Saviour.

I'm going to try and read all of the words of Jesus, and get understanding and/or revelation of what Jesus was saying. Some of the parables seem to be simple, but some of them... I really want to know what He meant, you know?

However, for now...I love how the Bible is spirit breathed, and still to this day a l i v e. This is amazing, if you really, truly think about how much God has spoken to you, and to others through His love letter to us! God is relational to the core, and I love that!

Seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “ Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:1-11

Did you picture Jesus? It's hard not to get a mental picture. My mind is extremely "visual", so maybe it's just me! I actually thought of the Jesus we paint him to be in pictures. You know the one...long brown hear, beard, cream robe...only I picture him with eyes alive, and passionate.

How awesome that day when we will hear Him speak, sharing the "hidden things"! I can't wait, (hopefully like children waiting for a story!!), and listen to Him speak. How exciting!

Well, I need to run. Love you!

Jami Joann

Left Behind.

Tonight we had, yet another, adventure. They just keep coming!

Our team headed downtown Chaing Rai to explore the market. Where they sell authentic, hand-made Thai Souvenirs. We began around 6:30 and were told to meet at 9pm.

Ted and I walked, in and out of shops and booths. It was a lot of fun, and very very reasonable in price. We headed back towards where the team was to meet. Unfortunetely we decided to run inside a shop and buy water, making us 3 minutes late.

When we arrived at our meeting place, there was no one from our team to be found. (Side note: Our team is n e v e r on time. Not ever) So Ted and I sat and waited, for ten minutes, and then I went up and down the market streets, still finding no one. We then headed into the market together, realizing we had been left behind.

So, we knew we needed to find a way home. We unfortunetely also didn't have the address or any contact numbers on us. We decided to head to a fruit-smoothie shop, where earlier we had a few drinks. I remembered that the girl at the counter spoke very good english, so thought maybe she could help. Of course she could! I told her all we knew was we were on a super highway, across the road from the university street and next to a post office.

She wrote in Thai on a small piece of paper, and told me to give it to a tuk tuk (taxi). The nice part was Ted and I rode a two man Tuk Tuk earlier, and got another one on the way back.

Funny thing is, we both really loved the excitement of the night. The excitement of not knowing if we were headed the right way in the Taxi. Or even wondering at times is we would have to find another place to sleep and find a way home in the morning, in time for work to begin.

Ted told me this is definetely worthy of being in our blog, thus we are here, writing you of this evenings adventure.

Ted says "be blessed" and I say i love ya!

p.s. During this time of writing you, a spider has been taunting me horribly. You may or may not know, but my worst fear is spiders. Irrational as it is, it is the truth. This particular is on the pillar next to my head, crawling up to the top and back down towards me! And I can't kill it! Why? Well, to the Thai's it is incredibly rude to pick up your shoe and smash something or stomp on change or anything, so Ted says even a spider! Peace comes in handy at moments like these! YIKES!

Temple Tour Photos.

Everything was created with such intricacy.
created by God. Incredible!

Astonishingly tall.

From the temple's top.

Our team heading to the top to pray and look over the area.

More photos to come...

For My Burden is Light.

"Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soulds. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Lately my heart has been really burdened. I'm learning a lot about the burdens which are good to hold and those which just weigh you down. I've come to realize that I need to understand more about the peace and rest of God. For me personally, this verse is talking about the weary, and those whose hearts have unrest, or lack of peace. I tend to let the circumstances around me, really weigh me down, and cause my heart to feel unrest. Especially here in Thailand. Only this time, God has really shown me that burdens that he lays upon our hearts, do not need to weigh us down in the negative.

Last night, Ted was out with the guys, and I was journaling and reading in Matthew, and God showed me that the burden that is on my heart, He has let me have, but in this burden I can have peace and rest. It's always sounded like a contradiction to me, but last night He showed me, I can have a heart and a burden and still have peace. When I am weary, or burdened, I can pray for the very things which makes me weary at heart, sometimes even physically.

With Christ in us, we can have an everlasting rest and peace! It encourages my heart and mind.

I felt led to share with you, because I know that this does not just apply to me. The awesome part about reading God's word...it relates to everyone! So just an encouragement to you this day, when those things come to you which burden your heart, move in compassion, in love, and through prayer, and do not become weary or have unrest. For his burden is light!

"May the Lord bless you, and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance to shine up on you, and give you his peace." AMEN! (Num.6:26)

The Chang Village.

Oh golly, where to start. . .

Today began with our team heading to church/ministry. This church was specifically designed for the college students from the surrounding areas. This morning Ted led worship, and a student on the team spoke on 'Holy Love'. I loved the simplicity, once again. He spoke of love, and when we do things, whether it be a large or small, if in love, it is pure, holy. He did great.

Our adventures began as we headed to a Chang (Thai for elephant) Village. We hopped on small boats and headed up river to the village. It was a beautiful 40 minute ride! I'll post photos as soon as I can, so you too can see the beauty! The mountains here in Chaing Rai are incredibly stunning. True Asian mountains, if you've seen the pictures, you know what I mean! In the morning when we travel to work, the mountains are covered with a fog or sometimes smoke from the Thai people burning the rice fields. It is unreal, unlike any of the Rocky Mountains, as amazing as they are.

As we traveled up river, we saw a few elephants in the grass beside us. It was incredible to see such a gigantic beast roam wild! Unbelievable, and f r e e. When we arrived at the village, I didn't even know where to rest my eyes! There were so many things to see at once. Elephants, large and small, waiting to be ridden, our team checking out these large snakes, and finally, the view.

I personally love the more authentic Thai homes,the covered roofs, the huts and bungalows. Seeing that was amazing in and of itself. We have seen so much of the westernized Thailand, so this was "a sight for sore eyes".

Before we (Ted & I), could make our way to the Changs, we were stopped, (and stunned), by pythons, boa constructors, and an anaconda. I am not too fearful of snakes, but these were massive! Ted, the manly man he is, wanted to get a photo with one in our arms and around us. At first I stood still, staring at the snake, watching it's every move as it climbed up one of our brave students. And, then I said, yes. Can you believe that?

As they put the snake on our shoulders, I couldn't believe the weight of it! And the way the skin felt...um, not too amazing. We stood and smiled for a photo, I was breathing heavily, and we both were doing the "awkward" laugh...you know, the one where you laugh rather shortly and sporadic through your teeth? Yup, that one. I wasn't too frightened, until the head rose up and came face to face with Ted. Then I kind of panicked, we actually have it on video, and it's really funny to watch! So if you're interested...

The best part about watching students hold the snake, was of course, the reaction. One girl in particular, the entire time, was freaking out. I loved her response when someone asked her, why she even did it. She said, I wanted an experience! I think sometimes, it is just fun to step, be brave, and try something new. Even if it's frightening. I've always been somewhat of a daredevil, just ask my family! But Ted, he even frightens me, with the ideas he has!

As Ted and I walked away from the snakes and students laughter, we arrived in a clearing where they had the elephants. I once again, stood stunned. They too were massive. Ted then told me, I want to ride the biggest one they have. Again, I agreed.

As we waited in line, I watched as our students each two by two, got onto the magnificant animals and "took off", their bodies sliding from one side to the other at the movement of the elephants steps. We waited like children on Christmas morning, no joke. We were the last ones in line, and the elephant that arrived for us to ride, was in fact, one of the biggest ones there.

To me this was no coincidence. God even loves blessing us with the things in life that seem meaningless. Haha! Ted was thrilled, because this one was not only very tall, but it had large tusks.

As we rode, back and forth; back and forth. We videoed the land around us, the people (mostly children), and finally ourselves. We laughed when we watched the video. We are trying to explain the experience in mere words, our bodies moving in the motion of the elephant. It's rather funny. If we can somehow post the video, we will!

We rode for about 30ish minutes, through a part of the village, and then they took us through the river and back around the the begining. I would most definetly say, that each person on our team, enjoyed this day immensely. Everyone had huge smiles when it was all said and done.

We have learned a lot here, during this past month and one week, in Thailand. We've experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly. We've experienced the times to laugh, the times to cry, the times to pray, and the times to rejoice. Today was a breath of fresh air for me and for Ted personally.

I've really been weighed down with what my eyes have seen here. Many of you know, I have a heart and passion for the broken women and children. I long to see them with a light in their eyes, and a freedom in their hearts. It was hard for me to move on from Bangkok, when I wanted to do so much more to help the four girls we met. And the thought that there are more women, than the four broken and missused ones we met...well, it just makes my heart heavy.

Ted and I are planning on bringing an outreach back here, hopefully this summer or in September. Please, please pray for this opportunity to become a reality! We have such a heart to come back, especially now that we have experienced these times.

Well, I need to get going. I'm sorry it's so long. Thanks for baring with me!

Much Love to you hours away,
Jami Joann & Ted Harlan :)

The Simple Little Things in life.

This morning began with us waking up at the crack of dawn...and with chills from the breeze coming in through the window! Yes, we have chills in Thailand! Amazing, eh?

Side note: The wheather here in Chiang Rai is p e r f e c t. Lovely compared to the humidity we've experiened in Phuket and Bangkok alike. The mornings and evenings are cool, sometimes cool enough to cause goosebumps. During the day, it can reach about 75ish though we have yet to experience that.

Yesterday Ted and I found out we would be taking 10 students for the next few days to another project other than HOTOH. I was a little bummed, to be completely honest. Ted and I both have a heart for these children and women, so it was hard to hear we wouldn't be blessing them as much as we would have liked to.

BUT... there was a chance to bless still...this morning we woke early to head to the boarder of Burma and Thailand. The ministry home is a home for children who are orphaned, or in bad living situations (i.e. on the streets, homeless, bad homes.). Also for mothers who are abused or have bad living situtaions. I can't say a whole lot about the name of the ministry and the people whom they are helping, for the ministry could get in a lot of trouble. So, with that said, please pray for their safety as they do as God leads!

Once we arrived around 7:30ish, we immediately were put to work. Ted and I both were excited to find our days serving there would be completely filled manual labor for everyone. Pur students did amazing today! Casey Wright, who came along with, said he heard and saw no complaint, which we were proud to here. Amen!! Mostly we just had a blast as we worked!

We were working in an old four story building, a very common way of living in Thailand. The building was completely empty, minus paint buckets and such. We began scrapping the old paint off of the floors and walls, and once that was finished we began painting the walls two different colours, and the cement floor one colour as well. It was a lot of work, but with a lot of laughter, it made time pass a bit faster.

For me personally, I l o v e, to see things accomplished. I never really used to be like this, I get this from my wonderful sweet Madre. So it was incredible to see the new changes that took place to make this home a true home for the women and children seeking shelter.

At one point the team began singing together, and it echoed up from floor number one to floor number 4 where the rest of the team was painting. I was amazed at how well everyone worked together. God really has blessed our Thailand team recently, with student beginning to find who they are, and mostly beginning to believe it to be truth, and walking in that. It's been awesome to watch, and experience. So moments like today, really encourage my heart.

Let me share with you this funny little story! As we were working, one of the ministry leaders told us that a local icecream man was outside. Sure enough, there was this cute, little elderly man with a "rice hat" on. He served each of us, sticky rice and homemade icream and coconut. It was delicious!! Many had seconds!

After our break I headed back to a stairwell to finish paint the stairs, and soon I looked up to see the little icecream man standing there laughing ... at ME. Of course this made me curious, and I said one of the few things I know in Thai..."Sawadee-kah". He then walked down to me, "asked" for the paint brush with body language, and began showing me how to paint.

I'll admit, I have no idea what I am doing. This man was amazing. He made my stairs look like a child took a brush to them after seeing his even strokes covering the stair. Anyhow, for about 20 minutes he sat, painting, then having me try. Laughing at me each time I painted. It was a fun experience for me.

The funny thing is, he was so simple. A simple little man, with many talents, I would say. He also stayed and showed a few others on the team how to use rollers, and cut in walls, and even sweep, haha. I just found it ironic how the simple experiences have truly blessed my heart on this outreach. I love how God is so relational, and even being unable to communicate through words with this man, we had a fun time. I've come to realize, I love simplicity in life. Those moments that are simple but I will cherish as a memoury.

The other half of the team did go to HOTOH. They spent the day laying cement and a lot of the guys worked on digging a hole for a septic tank. I believe the hole is going to be 6' by 6'. So pretty large! Please pray for everyone to have energy tomorrow!

Also, quite a few people on the team are sick, and some have been for a while now. Our team began getting sick to their stomaches and now it is colds as well! Chest colds, sore throats, sniffles etc. Please pray for everyone to be healed and be wise in what they are feeding their bodies each day.

Ted is doing awesome with health, by the way! He has an incredible immune system! I still have a cough, which has gotten a little worse. But my stomach is slowly getting better!

Thank You so very much for your prayers (and if you lasted this long, reading this blog!). It means a lot to Ted and I to know you care and are excited to see what God is doing in Thailand. Thank You for your encouraging emails as well! We love you guys!

It's been a long day, and another awaits us for tomorrow! Please pray for good, deep sleep!

Love, Jami (&Ted)

A Sweet New View: Chiang Rai

Sawadee-kah from Chiang Rai!

Yep, we've moved again. And honestly for the better. Our team was getting a bit restless in Phuket. We left by bus on Monday evening, and traveled through the night, arriving early morning in Bangkok.

I'm not sure if you would remember this, but Ted and I traveled seperately with a group of 4 students, who originally were doing outreach to Mexico, but all of that changed after the tragedy in Denver. Anyhow, Ted and I traveled to Thailand with their flights, and when we arrived we were told we needed to get visas about a month into outreach.

So once again the team split, this time for only two days. All that to say, our whole team arrived in Bangkok together, and then the 6 of us, traveled on in daylight for Chiang Rai. Justin, the outreach leader, wanted time for the rest of the team to rest, so they actually just arrived today.

Ted, myself and the four students traveled to the boarder of Chiang Rai, and Burma to get our visas renewed. It was quick and easy, so not much to share there.

Today, after the rest of the team arrived, we were given a tour of Home of the Open Heart. It was incredible to say the least. I knew a lot about the ministry before we arrived, but I didn't realize just how large the ministry is.

Home of the Open Heart is a home for children and mothers living with AIDS. Right now they have 11 children, some of whom they have had since they were babies, and now are a few years older. As of right now they have three single mothers living on sight. One mother has one girl, another mother has two little boys, and the newest mother brought from Pattaya with her 3 weeks old baby Brenda or as the Thai would say Bendaih. I was able to see her right as we were leaving the grounds, and she was so tiny. (for more about the children staying at HOTOH or the ministry click the Thailand link on the page next to this > )

It's hard to imagine the life that Bendiah will have to live. It's a really bittersweet thing to meet the children, and I am looking forward to this, but also getting my heart as prepared as I can for what we see. Last time, in Phuket at Life Home Project, I honestly was not ready to see some things.

We were told today, what we will be doing here in Chiang Rai and it is A LOT of manual labor, which the team is pretty thrilled about...weird huh? Mostly because we have not yet really done much, other than paint. At Home of the Open Heart, our team will be helping lay concrete, landscaping some areas, laying "sidewalks" of gravel, and digging a hole or two for a septic tank, I believe.

Beginning tomorrow our team will split in half. One team will go to HOTOH and the rest of us will go to the boarder of Chiang Rai and Burma to help deep clean a home for children/women in need. I don't really know a lot about this ministry, or how it was started, but when I do know I'll be sure to share. Ted and I will be heading this project up for Friday, Saturday, and Monday and then be joining the rest of the team for the other project.

We will be staying here in Chiang Rai for two weeks, and then be heading back to Bangkok for debriefing students, and some more outreach opportunities.

I'm not sure if I've shared this before, but Ted is actually friends with the guy that is working with the two projects here. His name is Casey Wright and he went on outreach with Ted to Bolivia in summer of 04. Casey has been in Thailand for a little over three years, speaks fluent Thai, and is married to a beautiful Thai woman named Pirateh. He was married a month after Ted and I, and they are now expecting a baby! So it has been pretty nice to see Casey again for Ted.

A few quick prayer request for Ted and I, and the team...
Please pray forTed and I for time to spend with each other and really be able to talk about the trip.
For our future plans. We have A LOT of plans, and a lot of time for them all I'm sure. Please pray for more guidance in when to go where...
For our team, please pray that we would be more focused, not getting to distracted with things.
Please pray for team unity, which is good, but we all could be more loving and selfless...
Also for sickness, our team has had random sicknesses, and spreading them like wildfire.
I am still not doing the best, stomach is a little better, but now I have a cough and fluid in my lungs. Which is the last thing we expected to get in Thailand...a cold!

We love you all and miss you!
Jami Joann (&Ted)

Fun fact; public display of affection is not common here in Thailand, even with a husband and wife. Hand holding is okay, but usually the most loving thing for a Thai to do in public, to show affection, (which i think it incredibly adorable) is to lean over and slightly sniff the persons cheek! Ted and I have been putting this to practice and most of the time end up just laughing...

Beauty for Ashes

So much has happened since I last wrote a few days ago. So much in our hearts and minds. I was talking with a few girls here, about the challenges and experiences we have had in the past four weeks. It surreal how fast this has gone by, and even more so, the things which we have seen.

Early Friday morning, our team headed to a youth center to meet up with Phuket Christian Center's youth pastors.  There we began with a devotion and a time to study scriptures. Then we went right into working to bless their Ministry called Pais. It is a year long internship here in Thailand, for students to come and learn about ministry, leadership, scripture studies, relationships...etc.

The youth pastors wanted us to paint, clean, and help them ready the intern house for the incoming students. So our students went to work, and the leaders met together to figure out some future scheduled things. In the afternoon we split the team into three groups. Two groups did sports with youth and one group went to an AIDS home, called Life Home Project.

Ted and I felt we should go to the Life Home Project house, so we left in the afternoon. Stopping along the at a monkey park, where monkeys were everywhere! It was kind of frightening because Sarah, the youth leader told us that we could be attacked by them...she had been before. I was like, oh wow!

When we first arrived at the home for Children living with AIDS. I wasn't at all sure what to expect. Our team of 6 waited for the children to come in, and when they did they were so very thrilled to see us! Most of the children would walk right up to you and hug you with much excitement and joy! 

Life Home Project was a facility envisioned and designed by a Latino man. He had a heart to do something for the children with AIDS. He was also against Christianity, very much so. So for the longest time the youth center was not allowed into the AIDS home. But now they offer to teach the children music and not to teach a Christian teaching ,but just ethics and morals. So God opened that door! The only thing is we could only spend ONE hour with them! 

As the children came in, we began with music teaching, and then children's games. We taught them "Duck, duck, goose" But called it "horse, horse, pig" or in Thai, "Mah, mah, moo". It was a blast! They loved it and we loved playing with them. We also played a few Thai games and then began balloon animals and children's crafts. 

Some of the children, you could see very clearly, they were sick. And some you could see, we very weak. One little girl that really took my heart the moment I saw her. Her name is Fern, and she looks to be about 5 or 6, I later found out that she was 11 years old. And for some reason the AIDS really stunted her growth. Many of the children had the same problem with growth. 

One little boy in particular, named Aaron. He looked to be about 2 years old, and he looked like he had a mental disability. I later asked Sarah to share with me the stories of the children, though I knew it would not be an easy thing to hear. She told me that all of the children we saw except for one, were born with HIV. She shared how Aaron when born he got ill with Mindinjitus which caused a downward spiral. He looks to be two years old in body and mind, yet he is 5 years old. 

Another beautiful girl had such an awful story. Her name was ironically Joy. Her mother was in prostitution where she contracted HIV which turned into full blown AIDS. Her mother gave birth to her and then passed away, leaving Joy HIV positive and orphaned. She was then found out and sent to this Life Home Project. She too looks to be about 5 or maybe six and she is actually 10. Her eyes were completely bloodshot, and she had sores all over her arms and her legs. Sarah told us that they have been working with this place for 9 months now, and Joy each time is worse and worse. 

She also told me that Children in Thailand born with HIV, 65% of the children die before they reach the young age of 12. I was shocked to think about this. That means most of the children in the room with us, would most likely die before their 12 birthday.

As I think about all of these things. And how overwhelming they are. I can't help but ask God what He thinks of these things. Young children who did nothing to deserve what was given to them, and will most likely die with the disease. They already have gone through more than any of us probably have in our 20 years or 50 years. It's unbelievable, and so very sad to think about. 

Ted and I really want to bring another team here, and specifically back into the bars and into the AIDS home. WE MUST COME BACK!

The moments when we walk upon the streets of the Red light district, my heart aches inside as I think of the hardship these women endure. These women, most of them, have not a choice!! The moments when I watch a man walk away with a women, knowing how much he must ache inside, to live the life he lives each day. The moments when we sit, holding a child, who you know will most likely die before the age of 12, my heart aches to think of the physical pain these innocent children will go through. 

Nothing could have prepared us for the things which we are seeing here. I can read, and even do an intense study on these very things, but to experience them firsthand is like nothing I personally have ever felt before. A ache inside, a longing to see freedom breathed throughout this beautiful country.

One night, our team sat on the beach worshipping and praying for Thailand, and I sat stunned, overwhelmed by the numbers and statistics of AIDS and prostitution in Thailand alone. Immediately God reminded me of His glory. He reminded me that in each of use living our lives for Him, here in Thailand, we are spreading His glory. Throughout the streets of the Red Light District, throughout the homes of the children living with AIDS, throuughout the home of abused and used children, throughout ALL of Thailand .

I was reminded of God's authority, and the authority we have in Christ. God is more powerful than that of Buddhism, than prostitution, and AIDS!

Okay, I could keep writing, but I would probably bore you! Thank you for your encouragement to Ted and I in this trip!

Love, 

Jami and Ted

"To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, the joy for mourning, the garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, the He may be glorified. " Isaiah 61:3

The Beauty of who we are in Christ

Today began with a horrible stomach ache awakening me, and seconds later my wonderful Hubby walking in our room and kissing my head. For a second I felt a little better.

So this morning in ended up resting in bed, thinking a lot about our time so far in Thailand. I was somewhat saddened to remember we've been here 4 weeks already, and only 4 more to go! It's a bittersweet thing, for we miss our friends and family, but really wish we had more like 6 months here instead.

As I lay in bed, I realized again just how incredible God is. I remember when I first began to get a heart for Thailand was through an old friend. I remember he came back from a Thailand missions trip a few years back, and how he couldn't stop talking about it. I think at first I just wanted something to be passionate about, and then the more I learned the more I truly had a heart for Thailand.

I remember in my DTS when I traveled to Malaysia and Indonesia, and what an incredible experience that was for me. And how much God changed me and challenged me. I believe he is doing even more now!

Now, Ted and I are leading! It is hard to imagine that this would ever happen, and to know I am really not dreaming! It has been difficult leading to be honest. Ted and I both are learning a lot of "do's and don'ts" right now. And hearing even more of what not to do from others around us, which is to be expected.

This is Ted and I's first opportunity to work together in ministry outside of the Denver base, and I cannot even tell you how beautiful it has been. Don't get me wrong, there are most definetely the challenging moments or days, but the beauty of watching each other walking in who we are in Christ, and leading...it's incredible to say the least.

I am so, very proud of Ted and how he leads. How he does not get discouraged and back down. He has a true leader's heart, and he has really surprised me as he leads here. He's really challenged me to not shrink back, but to push forward, despite of the circumstances around me or despite what people think of me.

It has been challenging, personally. I have felt attacked from the moment I arrived until one week ago. I know the enemy would like nothing better than to make me feel like a failure and defeated, especially while I am where my heart has longed to come.

This morning as I thought of this, I realized just how much God has been working on in me in this season. When I look back at the growth that God's done and is doing in Ted and I, I am in awe. Of who God is, and who He is molding us to be!

Basically without God's grace, strength, and l o v e, it would be impossible to go through everything we are going through. One thing I hadn't experienced in leadership until now, was how much you are put under a microscope! It's intense!! You really need perserverance and God's strength to be a leader!

I have felt, (key word felt), like a failure a few times, to say the least. It seems easier to believe lies about myself sometimes, but when I do realize the truth I cling to that. In my moments of weakness, God holds me, and helps me through. Same with Ted. And that is what encourages us.

As we are walking in who we are in Christ, we are being Christ, and therefore we are not failures! And we are NOT of those who shrink back!!

Please pray for us to remember the truth of who we are, and most importantly, to walk in that truth. Please pray for our marriage, as the days are sometimes tiring, that we are still loving with each other. Please pray for guidance as we lead and for us to love our team.

I was thinking a lot this outreach about Tiff and Phil's lives. I've watched their videos countless times, mostly because most of the time it still seems like a bad nightmare to me and to Ted. We watch, sometimes cry with each other. But one thing that God has really pressed on my heart to remember, is who they were. The amazing legacy they left behind.

Tiff's life has helped me remember to be Christ to EVERYONE and to love, truly, genuinely LOVE everyone! And Phil's life has reminded me to serve God with my whole heart, despite everything going on around.

Well, im so sorry this is long. It is my rambling thoughts for the day.

We love you and miss you greatly!!

Jami Joann

Prayer Request

Hey again!

Well I (Jami) is sick right now. I actually have been since our bus ride here a week ago. I am starting to feel really week and tired now that it has been a week. 

The first few days I would just get sick every time I would eat. And now I just get sick. My stomach is really bad right now!

Anyways I know there are my sweet family and church family back there praying for us ,so I thought this would be a good thing to pray for.

Also, a few of our team got "sun poisoning" or at least that is what we think! So they are wiped out too!

Thanks!

Jami

Exploring the Land of Smiles

Thailand Continued...

From Bangkok we then rode a bus 12 hours south to the Island of Phuket. Here we are working with a ministry called S.H.E (Self Help and Empower), a ministry directly involved with the women in prostitution, providing them a way to get out of their lifestyle and into one of freedom. 

The ministry S.H.E. was birthed in Mark & Sharon Biddell's hearts while they served on the coasts of Africa. S.H.E. began in October of 2006, so a little over a year ago now. The ministry has really grown since then, and in June of 2007 they hired 6 former bar workers! And since we have been here in Phuket working with them, they have gotten two more girls!

Each week Mark and Sharon make their way to the Red light district where they have so many relationships with the women and with the managers of the bars. They pursue the women so hardily and faithfully until they choose to make the decision to come to S.H.E. and leave their broken lifestyle behind. 

Once the women decide to leave the red light district, they are able to begin working right away with S.H.E.  Each day from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm they work doing devotions, learning english, cooking, and mostly making jewelry to sell. 

Mark and Sharon then send the jewelry in bundles back to England where they are originally from. And people from their churches and friends and family buy the Jewelry to help support these women here. 

Right now I am sitting at a table where the girls are working hard making beautiful jewelry. They are taking their time, and making sure everything is perfect to be sold. 

(At the Well in Bangkok there were about 30-35 women working! I'm sure soon the S.H.E. will be filled as well! How awesome is that!! God is moving ALOT here and it's encouraging to see!)

When I walk the streets of the Red light district, knowing that there is more going on than that which meets the eye, I feel so burdened. There are so many women working in prostitution on one street alone, its almost unbelievable to think that there are 2 million women in Thailand working in this "industry". 

I walk the streets feeling overwhelmed, then I remember how impacting it can be to speak to just one or two women, just being there to listen as they share. The language can be a hinderance somedays but as I saw in Bangkok, God moved us past that and really impacted the girls' lives and ours. I can feel God's glory showing throughout all of this despite where we are. He is victorious still!! And THAT is what keeps me moving forward in pursuing these women.

They need love that is pure, unbroken, and true. They need the Redeemer, to know they are loved and free. He will pursue after them even when we are gone, and THAT encourages my heart. 

Please pray for movement in Thailand, and the surrounding nations that deal with this very thing. Please pray for truth to spread farther than the deciet. God is more powerful than anything, and even death which I learned this year. 

I'll write again soon with another update, and hopefully photos!!

The Land of Smiles - Thailand

Sawadee kah!! (The traditional Thai greeting)

Hello from Thailand!

We are now entering our fourth week of outreach this next Monday, which is hard to believe! How fast time here flies! 

We have had a busy schedule since we've arrived. Our first two weeks were spent in Bangkok, getting to know the culture, the religion, and how the people live. One of the first things that we did on arrival, was a temple tour. Which  I believe I shared in the last email update. But just in case you didn't get it, we went on a very long temple tour of four temples in Bangkok. One with the largest Buddha in the world, we were told. 

The tour really opened my eyes, and the eyes of many others on our team, of the grasp that Buddhism has on Thailand, and India. It is very sad. You can literally feel the oppression somedays, of how lost the people here are.  Please pray for us as we are here spreading God's glory throughout the areas we come to. 

A few nights after our arrival, we headed to the Red light district in bangkok. The red light district is a place where women of all ages sell themselves to customers. This is where is got rough on the eyes. To actually see what we have read about and learned about, was horrifying. How young some of the girls are who work in the bars, offering themselves for money that they need and do not have. 

The guys on our team mostly did a prayer walk, while the entire group of girls and myself, walked up to different bars to begin relationships with the girls. 

The women in those places all are longing for love, a true fulfilling love. Every women that I came in contact with, after a while of talking, would tell me how they are not happy. I heard some very disturbing stories of their lives while we were down there. And to know that it is their reality was very hard. 

One group of girls in particular in Bangkok, I really felt led to build relationship with. There were four of them, and three of us. The first night we met them, we went to their bar, ordered some waters (which is required in order for them to talk with us), and then started conversation with one girl. Her name was Jiip, and she was just 19, and very beautiful. She looked so young and innocent.

She didn't speak much english, so it was hard at first. She didn't understand why were were there.  She every 15 minutes would have to go back inside to work, and then she would come back out. She introduced us to two other girls as well. Elle 25 and Weet 23. Both who were completely outgoing and smiling in your face. We later met Faah who was 31. She was sent out to us by the manager to see why we were there chatting. Faah's story was so hard once she shared. She had been in the "industry" now for 11 years, and now at 31 years old she is trying to get out and raise enough money for her and her 10 year old daughter to get an apartment. 

We told the girls we would be back for the next 4 nights to hang out. And every night we did just that, each night it got a bit harder to communicate more, so we finally brought a translator with us. She was an amazing blessing. 

The third night there all of the girls showed their true emotion of what they were doing. EVERY girl told us they were not happy, they did not want to be doing what they were. They told us of how they need to get a certain amount of customers each day and night, and how they had to pretend to be happy in order to do just that. I ached when I saw Elle 25, cry to us as she shared how much she hated dancing and working there. She wanted out. 

The awesome thing about building relationship with them was letting them know there WAS  a way out. See, during the day our team would work with a place called the Well. Which was a place of refuge for the women who wanted out of prostitution. These women would be working at the Well, making handmade cards, and jewelry. And each of them made money to live off of while working. They also had the opportunity to learn english and have Bible studies and worship each morning. 

When the translator with us, shared to the girls about this opportunity, they all leaned in to hear what she had to say. So now that they know, we've given them the Well's cell number as well as taking their numbers to share with the Well and they will continually contact them until they decide to come!

The fourth night we visited them, and this time the manager kicked us out. We knew this was coming, and we were just happy to be able to be with them for three nights. So we said goodbye to the girls and prayed and blessed them. 

I have never experienced ANYthing like being with the four of them, learning about their lives, and aching for them to be free. It was a bittersweet thing. Please pray for Elle, Weet, Jiip, and Faah whenever you think of me over here. Because right now that is what is burdening me for prayer, more than anything else. 

Well, while in Bangkok we also did kid's ministries. We went to a slums area and did puppets, and dramas to get children to come out and watch, and SO many of them did from the surrounding areas. We ended the ministry time by face painting and balloon animals which they of course loved. 

We also did alot of random prayer walks, and random acts of kindness, as well as intercession times, and worship times. So far this outreach has shown itself to be incredible, and God once again has shown himself faithful.

Well we love you and will see you soon!

Love, Jami & Ted