Dearest Friends,
As I write this it's a rainy, humid morning in Chiang Mai. I have been back in Thailand for almost two months now…and re-engaging with the work here at the New Life Center has felt at times like trying to catch up with a tidal wave!
It feels so good to be back. I am slowly but surely meeting with everyone, reviewing our NLC contracts and program outcomes, connecting with our partner organizations, and spending time with our staff and residents who I missed so much last year!
There is so much to review and do and so many people to see that I think it will take at least one or two more months before I'm up to speed, so to speak. But it's very exciting to be back and I am continually grateful to God for this opportunity. And I praise God that my Thai has returned (after not using it for almost one year!)
On a more serious note, there are several residents who are in critical circumstances right now, and I would ask you to pray with us for them. Please pray for:
Rosemary, 17 years old: She is a victim of human trafficking and rape. She is clinically depressed and suicidal. We are providing services to her while the UNHCR works to find a country to which she can be repatriated with her siblings. Please pray that our staff can work in unity to give her the care and hope that she needs to get through this difficult time.
See, 17 years old: I shared See's story at many churches last year. She came out of a brothel in 2002. She is finishing up her sixth grade education at the NLC. See's mother is pressuring her to return to their remote village to work. See feels a huge responsibility to take care of her mother and is considering returning "home". This would be extremely unsafe given her history. Please pray that we would be able to counsel See appropriately regarding this issue and guide her in making the right decision(s).
Also, please pray with us for our:
Staff at our Emergency Home: We are having some problems with some staff in this location. The situation is complex; it deals with language barriers, cultural differences, and the need for capacity building. We are considering hiring an extra staff person to work in this home. Please pray that God will guide the right person to us. She needs to be someone with a deep heart for these girls, the ability to build relationships well, and someone who speaks several languages!
In closing, I would like to share this: as happy as I am to be back in Thailand, I consider last year in the USA one of the biggest blessings in my life. The opportunity to meet so many of you, fellowship together and get to know each other a bit…was such a blessing. Now as I write these journals and other correspondence, I can picture so many of you- from California to Maine- and I am ever so grateful to have had the chance to meet you.
Thank you for your love, prayers, and support for both the New Life Center and for me! And thank you especially for your prayers for Rosemary, See, and our staff at this difficult time. Please remember to let me know how I can pray for you, too! (Feel free to contact me at newlife@pobox.com)
With love to you,
Karen