January 31, 2009

No one should ever have to wave goodbye to perfect weather and beautiful beaches… Especially if they’re from Syracuse. Over the last week, Adrienne and I headed south to work at the Siam-Care office in Phang Nga (Pun-ga). The vast sand and low prices draw tourists from all parts of the world, but that hasn’t always been the case.

The southern coasts of Thailand were devastated four years ago by a fatal tsunami that took everything, including family, from 50,000 children. How could there have been absolutely NO warning? Visitors and locals experienced a tragedy few will ever fully understand, including me.

Siam-Care is one of the only organizations that still functions as an active support to the poverty-stricken and HIV/AIDS affected communities. Three women currently run the effort, and I had an amazing time getting to know them. I was in the office all day, everyday, so I’m still in desperate need of a tan! Krista – BEACH!

The photos in this post are pretty random, but a lot happens during one week!

 

I sincerely apologize to everyone in NY…

Sunset. 

 A home visit. This man’s hips and legs are basically useless, so he spends most days sleeping… on the ground.

This is his wife showing us the medication he takes three times a day. Not one packet is labeled with a name or dosage. Typical Thai-style…

This woman is 50 and spends everyday hunched over in the burning sun, separating recyclables from trash. She earns the equivalent of $0.02 for each kilo of garbage. Ahhhh…

 I met a fantastic family that makes a living harvesting mushrooms. 

The Siam-Care ladies earned an “Anytime” shoot with me! I think everyone deserves to feel beautiful and have pictures to remind them.

Lot’s of laughs… This is P’ Ne and she’s amazing! Pray a good man into her life; She needs to be loved on!

 

My little P’ M. Dress look familiar?   ; ) 

P’ Ying! They don’t speak too much English, but we still managed to have a blast!  

The blazing forest was our view at dinner one evening.

I discovered the best fruit on earth. No, really. It’s called Mankut and if I could describe it, I would. 

This photograph has a fantastic story behind it. First of all, it’s Pear’s dog’s name – woot woot! But to share my little fruit obsession with the world, I chopped this red ball in half with a butcher knife on my floor… and enjoyed a side of finger. With a delightful blood pattern on my dress, I ran down the street to buy whatever I could to disinfect and wrap it. Still pale and shaken, I walked back. A scent caught my interest and I noticed a man making crepe-like deserts. Bottles in hand and blotched with blood, I waited five minutes for a pastry – HOW GINA IS THAT?! The man stared in horror as he took my money. HA!

So yeah… Mankut. I’ll try to smuggle some home.

 

  • aaaa:

    Gems form the internet…

    [...]very few websites that take place to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly nicely worth checking out[...]……

  • cupcake flower bouquet:

    Sources…

    [...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……

  • luxury car rental Miami:

    Recommeneded websites…

    [...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……

  • Snow Removal 47403:

    Read was interesting, stay in touch……

    [...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……

  • Chase Online Logon:

    Websites you should visit…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

  • Feather hair extensions:

    Great website…

    [...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……

  • Healthy Vending:

    Related……

    [...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……

  • casull:

    Blogs ou should be reading…

    [...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……

  • Best Cinema:

    Best Cinema…

    If you want a good review about cinemas check out this site….

  • truck games:

    Recent Blogroll Additions……

    [...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……

  • wear ever super:

    cutter sugarcraft souvenirs…

    [...]we like to honor other sites on the web, even if they aren’t related to us, by linking to them. Below are some sites worth checking out[...]…

  • Lee Baucom:

    Gems from the internet…

    [...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……

  • vibrator for man:

    You should check this out…

    [...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……

  • diamond bands:

    Check this out…

    [...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……

  • webhosting:

    Check this out…

    [...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……

  • Premium Bond Syndicate:

    Great website…

    [...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……

  • Stop Smoking Pot:

    Our users liked this…

    [...]are the sites our users liked best this week[...]……

  • Backyard Water Features:

    Wall Waterfall…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]…

  • night vision:

    Visitor recommendations…

    [...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

  • Location Ile Maurice:

    Nice Site…

    […] … great article that everyone should read […]…

  • Productos para mayores:

    Websites worth visiting…

    [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……

  • man and van london:

    Websites you should visit…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

  • msn addy:

    Awesome website…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……

  • metas:

    Sites we Like……

    [...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……

  • best car insurance companies:

    best auto insurance companies…

    [...]we like to honor other sites on the web, even if they aren’t related to us, by linking to them. Below are some sites worth checking out[...]…

  • Chatroulette:

    Awesome website…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……

  • military backpacks:

    cheap backpacks…

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth a read, so have a look[...]…

  • Car Loans for People with Bad Credit:

    Car Loans for People with Bad Credit…

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth a read, so have a look[...]…

  • Fat Burning Furnace:

    Sites we Like……

    [...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……

  • Outsource:

    Check this out…

    [...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……


January 24, 2009

The response I’ve gotten from everyone has been amazing, but I get lots of emails with similar questions. Because keeping this updated takes up enough time, I’ll attempt to answer en masse.

Sooo, what are you doing?

Great question!  I’m here to share God’s love by serving others in every way I can. Siam-Care is where the party’s at! Its vision to serve underprivileged and HIV/AIDS-affected families in Thailand has made an overwhelming difference in so many individual’s lives and I’m blessed to be a part of it! The organization provides emotional, physical, spiritual, financial, and educational support to hundreds of families.

HIV/AIDS has escalated in poor communities for various reasons, but the lack of understanding is overwhelming. The government offers its citizens free AIDS medication, but without any knowledge of the disease or insight to government legislation… people’s lives are ruined and cut short unnecessarily. Communities, schools, and even some churches will shun and seclude infected children because they don’t understand how the disease is transmitted.

At the office, I’m currently tackling the annual report. I then move to a Web site update and developing new promotional materials. I’m involved in bits-and-pieces of everyone’s projects and join staff to meet with families and hold learning sessions. I’ve started teaching English to a couple people near my apartment. I’m trying to get involved in as many projects as I can, including prison work, the orphanage, and refugee camps.

Isn’t this stuff hard for you? How do you find strength?

“Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”

– Philippians 4:10-13      (Thanks, Laurie)

It’s difficult because I KNOW how amazing life can be… and for so many, life is an uphill battle day after day. My heart aches for this country and those in it, but I’m not here to be upset. I’m here to share God’s JOY and HOPE! In that, I can experience some peace.

Why don’t more people comment on your blog?

You tell me! Thanks to technology, I can track the hundreds of you that visit my site (not who you are, but how many there are). I usually receive a load of emails after I send out an update, but very few of you choose to actually comment on my blog.

You have wonderful things to say and I KNOW that others would benefit from hearing it, too! Please let me encourage you to leave comments. They make me feel warm and gooey inside and can potentially speak to others as well. Even a “cool” is appreciated (BOB)!

I’ll still respond to your posts via e-mail.

What should I be praying for?

Usually my emails will include specifics, but in general I’d appreciate prayer for strength and a continued passion to be here, focusing on God, NOT ME!!

How can I make a donation?

What outstanding people I have in my life! If at some point during my stay you read a story or feel led to support a specific cause, you can donate through paypal.

Our money holds a LOT of weight here, so what may seem like an insignificant sum is really a huge blessing!

 

 

Can I tell others or my church about what you’re doing?

Absolutely!!! It’s amazing to have people praying for me all over the place! If you’re interested in getting more involved, just let me know and I will provide you with anything I can!

What camera and editing software do you use?

I shoot with a Canon 40D and two lenses: 50mm 1.4 and 24-70mm 1.2… That’s it! I edit exclusively in Photoshop. Once I’m home, I’ll finally be able to upgrade… slim pickins for now!

 

A few of the lovely ladies I work with. They all think I’m nuts (rightfully so), but deep down, they love it…

I leave for the SOUTH tomorrow, so make sure to check back mid-week for pics of a beaaautious beach!! It’s not a vaca… we really have an office there… yay for leaving the city!

  • aaaa:

    Cooler sites…

    [...]we came across a cool website that you simply may appreciate. Take a look in the event you want[...]……

  • how to mount scopes:

    Read was interesting, stay in touch……

    [...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……

  • Snow Removal 47407:

    Recommeneded websites…

    [...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……

  • Chase Online Logon:

    Cool sites…

    [...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……

  • hair extensions:

    Gems form the internet…

    [...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……

  • Vending Machine:

    Gems form the internet…

    [...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……

  • magnum:

    Links…

    [...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

  • disney world orlando:

    bradley garment bag…

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth a read, so have a look[...]…

  • Here is best acne cure:

    Online Article……

    [...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……

  • servers for web hosting:

    Related……

    [...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……

  • savemymarriagetodayreviews1.org:

    Recent Blogroll Additions……

    [...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……

  • Massage Therapy Equipment:

    Websites you should visit…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

  • cheap plantation shutters:

    Visitor recommendations…

    [...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

  • anniversary bands for women:

    Awesome website…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……

  • Video Marketing:

    Visitor recommendations…

    [...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

  • webhosting:

    Gems form the internet…

    [...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……

  • walk behind concrete saw:

    Sources…

    [...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……

  • How to Play Euromillions:

    Recent Blogroll Additions……

    [...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……

  • militare-ordine-del-collare:

    Recommeneded websites…

    [...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……

  • jan-olov von wowern:

    Links…

    [...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

  • Makita chain saw:

    Visitor recommendations…

    [...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

  • Makita MAc2400 compressor:

    Awesome website…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……

  • save my marriage:

    Online Article……

    [...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……

  • night vision:

    Cool sites…

    [...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……

  • simvastatin side effects:

    Related……

    [... ]just under, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are really worth going over[... ]……

  • Mauritius Self Catering:

    Sources Trackback Link…

    [...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……

  • Productos para mayores:

    Sources…

    [...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……

  • msn addy:

    Sources…

    [...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……

  • Attorneys:

    family solicitors…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  • vindskydd:

    Blogs ou should be reading…

    [...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……


January 19, 2009

I scribbled the name of my second prisoner, Win Chit, as I restlessly waited on the steps. I knew entering Bangkok’s Klong Prem prison would be hard, but I didn’t expect this. Trying to paint a picture with words won’t do justice, but I’ll try.

We filled in the necessary paperwork, twice, and were summoned by an untranslatable and thunderous voice. After an initial frisking in security, crowds of individuals poured through the doors of a long, dirty room that stretched with benches below barred glass windows and a strip of metal to speak through. It’s quite chaotic at first glance. Only 25 minutes are allotted for visitation, so every second is invaluable for both the prisoner and his visitor. Once spotted, you frantically run to find an open spot to crouch and begin your conversation on HIGH. Everyone is yelling.

I saw Win. Twenty-five years old with a brilliant smile and radiant eyes. He has not heard from his family in six years and will not be released for another six. Win fled from Myanmar’s nauseating government and illegally entered Thailand (as many Burmese do). There was so much he wanted to talk about, but alas, his English was limited to a simple greeting. I could SEE the frustration through his entire body as he desperately tried to communicate with me. I drew pictures and asked questions using any body language I could. I banged on the window and found someone to translate a sentence for me: “Tell him to speak about anything. I just want to hear his voice.”

Win put his hands against the glass and I met them with mine. Surrounded by boisterous conversation and our foreheads pressed against the metal separating us, he began to sing to me. They were Burmese songs that cut through my heart. Win’s beautiful voice was the only voice I heard for the remainder of our time, and with a tear-stained face, I promised to write and come back.

In Thai prisons, the prisoners must pay for their own food and toiletries. If outsiders, like family, don’t make deposits… the prisoner has nothing. Win has no family, so thanks to the financial support I received in the States, WE were able to provide him with some financial help. He’s a Christian and I’m eager to begin sharing our passion for God through correspondence. As I learn more about Myanmar and meet its people, I’m utterly devastated by the situation. Please pray for the Burmese prisoners and refugees who are without anything and anyone.

750x750_myanmar_m

Another prisoner from Ghana in his 60s hungrily shared his enthusiasm for God. He said he’d rather spend time with Jesus everyday in prison than be without Him and set free… I’ve never met a man wholly devoted with that kind of reverence and pure JOY.

ONE prison alone in Bangkok holds 900 convicts on death row. Most of the sentences are drug-related, because here, involvement with drugs is considered worse than murder.

Some prisoners will not receive a phone call, letter, or visit for years. IF YOU ARE WILLING TO BECOME A PEN-PAL to one, please let me know and I can provide you with a name, background information, and an address.

I will never forget today.

  • aaaa:

    Related……

    [...]just beneath, are various completely not related internet sites to ours, however, they’re surely worth going over[...]……

  • cupcake bouquet instructions:

    Superb website…

    [...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……

  • Snow Removal 47404:

    Great website…

    [...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……

  • Chase Online Logon:

    Blogs ou should be reading…

    [...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……

  • Hair extensions:

    Recent Blogroll Additions……

    [...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……

  • casull:

    Recommeneded websites…

    [...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……

  • world passport cover:

    luggage set gray…

    [...]just below, are some totally unrelated sites to ours, however, they are definitely worth checking out[...]…

  • Best Cinema:

    Best Cinema…

    If you want a great review about cinemas check out this site….

  • dinosaur games:

    Sites we Like……

    [...]Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……

  • Save the Marriage Review:

    Online Article……

    [...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……

  • cheap interior shutters:

    Gems form the internet…

    [...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……

  • msn cam girl:

    Recommeneded websites…

    [...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……

  • tiffany jewelry outlet:

    Cheap Yankee Candles…

    [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]…

  • night vision monoculars:

    Related……

    [...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……

  • Villas Ile Maurice:

    Recent Blogroll Additions……

    [...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……

  • man and van london:

    Links…

    [...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

  • panelsawsource.com:

    Recommended websites…

    [...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……

  • Bankruptcy:

    US Immigration…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  • nike jordan shoes:

    Discount Yankee Candles…

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth a read, so have a look[...]…

  • Quickest Way to Lose Weight:

    Fastest Way to Lose Weight…

    [...]all of these websites may not be entirely relevant towards our web site however we unquestionably believe you must visit them[...]…

  • How to Lose Weight fast:

    How to Lose Weight Fast…

    [...]will want to check out our collection of related sites we think you should[...]…

  • thomas m monahan:

    Websites you should visit…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

  • Insurance:

    check out life polices…

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth a read, so have a look[...]…

  • Conveyancing Quote:

    Cheap Conveyancing Quotes…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]…

  • metas:

    Cool sites…

    [...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……

  • How to Lose Weight Fast:

    How to Lose Weight Fast…

    [...]just below are some worthy links that we recommend that[...]…

  • Keurig Special Edition:

    Great website…

    [...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……

  • nightforce g7 scope:

    Visitor recommendations…

    [...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

  • Fat Burning Furnace:

    Great website…

    [...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……

  • Hand Held Massagers:

    Sources…

    [...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……