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!

Tags: AIDS relief., Bangkok, Gina Meola Photography, Missionary, Missions, Thailand

This entry was posted on Saturday, January 24th, 2009 at 1:06 am and is filed under Thailand, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.