UPDATE

So far, I have made $1600. I just have $1400 more to go! We are going to have a Yard Sale here at my home on July 8th & 9th. Also, I am having a Thirty-one party and ALL profits go to the mission, as well, thanks to my dear friend Sheri!!! You can shop the party by going to http://www.mythirtyone.com/sheri31/ Their stuff is WAY CUTE!

After that, we are hoping to have a big fundraiser at the church in August, but the details for that are still being worked out.

Thanks so much for all of your support and prayers. It is SO AMAZING to see this God appointed journey unfold. AMAZING!

GOAL #1 ....... CHECK

Thanks to the amazing generosity from some of the most surprising friends and family, I have met my 1st GOAL that I needed obtained by July 1st!!! I am starting to really start to see myself in Cambodia with the girls and leadership of RAPHA HOUSE. Here are the things that God has made happen so far:

1. $ to cover passport renewal
2. Vaccinations and malaria script
3. widespread awareness of RAPHA HOUSE and the girls in Cambodia
4. HALF of the $ needed for my mission ($1500)
5. DONATIONS given for an upcoming YARD SALE ~ This will kick off meeting goal #2!

Thank you to all of you who have given to this mission so sacrificially. You are a FREEDOM FIGHTER, and I will be better at giving in the future because of your example!!! YAY!!!!!!

RAPHA HOUSE FACTS

I thought it might be wise to share some RAPHA HOUSE facts today. There are 4 SAFE HOUSES in Southeast Asia. While there each girl gets her own bed, social services and assistance with justice issues, an education, specialized counseling.

I will be at 2 of these houses when I go!

from the Safe Houses they go to HALFWAY HOMES called FREEDOM CENTERS:
~ vocational training
~ supervised living
~ preparation for independent living
~ options for her future

RAPHA also has Reintegration Programs:
~ job placement
~ start-up loans and grants
~ social services
~ family counseling
~ income generation projects

It is amazing to me to see this program in action and working. WOW!!!!!

Roller Coaster Ride

It is quiet around here this week on the TEAM CAMBODIA front which feels sort of scary since last week was SO hopping and exciting. I am guessing this is how the summer will be, fast and furious or quiet as night.

Let me tell you about how God blessed my journey last week. My pediatrician friend Meredith did give me my tetnus and HepA shots and also wrote my malaria script for me. She was so sweet to me that I hardly know how to take it. She researched Cambodia and made sure that I got exactly what I needed for that particular area. She also inspired me with her stories of her recent medical mission to Africa. She is amazing. If you need a pediatrician in Fayetteville, go to Dr.Denton.

As for the fundraising, last week was huge in this area as well. I really felt like God was reconfirming my decision to go which was so cool. After posting this blog on FB, I had a sweet friend that I grew up with give generously and had a few checks come back from some of my support letters I sent. SO, I am almost 1/3 of the way there!! The only way to make myself comfortable with this is to take myself out of the equation and remember that it is for those kids and RAPHA.


To have all of that momentum last week, it has been hard to see the brakes slammed on everything this week. I know God is telling me to trust Him and His timing. It is all one big lesson. You all have NO IDEA how badly I need this lesson of faith.......this JOURNEY OF FAITH. LOVE to you all!

Answered Prayer

After getting so stressed about the vaccinations, to the point of tears even, I get a wonderful message from my friend Meredith who is not only a fellow missions minded sister in Christ but also a doctor. She said she would personally give me the shots I need which has been approved by her clinic. Having prayer answered so directly like that makes me want to cry for days. Loving and supporting one another as part of one body of believers is more powerful than I ever realized. Dear enemy, you aren't going to get to me yet!

Please LIKE Rapha House on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/RaphaHouse

obstacle #1

I am really upset and discouraged this morning! But, I am determined to conquer the problem!!! Apparently, it is very expensive to get all your medical shots and meds for travel to Cambodia. A minimum of $200! And I thought the $130 for my passport renewal was a lot. I just keep seeing the $ needs rise which is the biggest obstacle of course. I know the enemy is after me! Ok, no more tears. I am off to find the solution .......... or to sell my kidney. Stay tuned. ; )