Morning From Bangkok

Morning from Thailand! I get one night of luxury before meeting up with the team and moving into a guest house. This sweet ride picked me up from the airport last night. I felt really important, but it was midnight during a curfew so my level of cool wasn't really noticed by anyone. It's 6:30 am here and I'm dying for some breakfast.  My people at the Oriental Residence Bangkok have been amazing. If ever looking for a place in Bangkok they have my full endorsement.  #hospitalityatitsbest

Last Weekend to Prep

My last weekend before the trip was a great one! I was very productive Friday night paying in advance any bills that would come due while I am gone and making sure all my personal things are ready for the trip. Saturday I went for a much needed haircut and purchased some supplies. I bought some of the most trendy pants you will see in Thailand.  I figured why not? :-) Trust me, you will know them when you see them. I got to spend some much needed time relaxing with friends and family Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It was a great way to spend my Memorial Day weekend and get ready for the trip.

An email came in tonight from our trip leader saying all was a go. We were continuing on, but would do so with caution.  That is an answer to prayer. Now I pray for God to keep us safe and let us make a difference. 

Three more work days and then I'm off!

Shirts Arrived!!

I'm very excited that my shirts finally arrived. I am a little disappointed in the process that it took so long but they turned out great! I have already had requests from others that would like a shirt.

As for the Thailand update, the US Embassy is recommending for a reevaluation of travel plans. I am praying that things settle quickly in Thailand so that our ministry is not interrupted. 

God opened so many doors so quickly for me to go on this trip I am praying that the door is not shut for us to go.

BBQ Fundraiser

Big thanks to Charles and Cami Gregg for coming up with the idea of supporting my trip by doing a fundraiser BBQ. They went above and beyond to supply the food, and donate an ipad mini to be auctioned off for the cause. Tony and Becky Philo also brought several items to use in the raffle including autographed jerseys.

It was so touching to have so many friends and friends of friends come out to support the cause. We raised over $1055 at the BBQ.

Praying for Stability in Thailand

While I was in NYC this weekend for the NFL Draft my friend pointed out a scrolling news alert in Times Square.  The Prime Minister of Thailand was no longer in office.  I did a little research and government websites are advising against going into areas where protests are taking place.

I know God wants me to go to Thailand.  I don't know what He has in store for me there. I pray that He will provide stability and allow our time there to be the most beneficial.  I am not afraid because I know I am ultimately in His hands.

Be Strong and Courageous

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged,  for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Today I checked the mail to find my packet from AIM with my t-shirt that I am to wear to be identified at the airport by the driver that will be picking us up.  Because of the Delta flight schedule out of Atlanta, I will actually arrive to Bangkok 24 hours before the team is scheduled. I get into the country around midnight on Saturday.  I will then need to get transportation to a hotel and meet the team the following day.  Of all the things I will face on this trip this is the one piece I find most uncomfortable.  Yes, I'm sure it sounds a bit crazy that this is the one thing. Once I get my bearings and meet a few people I will be much more comfortable. 

See I signed up for this trip without knowing anyone on it and I found the organization through Google. I have had a passion for those trapped in human trafficking and have wanted to do something to actively help them.  Few organizations (I couldn't find any other) allow you to get this close to the problem during a short term trip.  Most want a commitment of 3-6 months, so I was very grateful to find AIM.  

The package also included a journal that started with the verse Joshua 1:9, which I entered above.  Several people have been concerned about my safety and I appreciate the concern and ask for their prayers before and during the trip. A couple years ago I came down with bacterial pneumonia, which led to a blood infection.  God used this time to cause me to evaluate my life and it's purpose.  I had gotten a bit off track. When I die I want to leave a legacy. I want my funeral to be a celebration of a life lived to impact others and the future.  There is danger in our everyday life. We just have to trust God to get us through it.  The safest place you can be on Earth is where God has a purpose for you. 

The Beginning

It's Saturday night.  I just read my first emails from our trip leader.  The reality is starting to set in and I am getting excited.    

As I sit here I reflect on each of the people who have contributed to my trip.  Thanks to so many donors we will be able to make a greater impact than anticipated during our time in Thailand and thereafter.  When I first created my fundraising site I remember it said I had 53 days until my trip.  I was about 15 days away from the deadline to have the minimum amount raised.  I was a little stressed, but I told God "this is what you wanted me to do and therefore I know you will make a way, even if that means me having to figure it out on my own."  

The next morning I woke up and someone had already donated.  I was surprised and delighted when I looked down at my phone and saw "Anonymous - $1,000."  It was like God giving me a sign that it's going to be okay.  Within the first 24 hours of posting my fundraising site, you had helped me raise enough money to cover my portion of the minimum to go to Thailand.  

Since then so many people have stepped up and been a blessing of encouragement.  Donnie Johnston and his wife Jennifer wanted their t-shirts early so that they could wear to a trafficking awareness event they were attending in Gainesville.  Ross Myers made me aware of another organization that is purchasing children and arresting those who are selling them.  The stories could go on and on.

I have to give a big thanks to Cami and Charles Gregg.  They are hosting a BBQ fundraiser for my trip on May 17th and donating an iPad Mini for a raffle item.  They are such an amazing couple with an incredible heart.  I am so thankful they came into my life back in 2006.  

I will try to update the blog regularly leading up to my trip and while I am in Thailand.  Thank you for joining me on this journey.  

Be Blessed.

Tameka