One thing you probably won’t be shocked to learn about me is that I LOVE to travel! I really enjoy road trips and I really enjoy seeing new things. As far as my bucket-list is concerned, there are very few places that don’t make the list. Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam do not make that list. But, God called me to the World Race and simultaneously called me to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, so I guess I’ll be going.
Even though these countries (or most of Asia) didn’t make the list doesn’t mean that I am not excited to go to these countries. All of them have intense poverty (Vietnam in particular), all of them have a major human trafficking problem, and all of them have struggled through times of bad regimes or being conquered by the “not so friendly”.
There is a LOT of great history and great culture in these places that I look forward to experiencing. But more than anything their is a LOT of great need.
THAILAND:
Just a few fun facts about Thailand. For starters, it is the only remaining monarchy in Asia and was never conquered by anyone. It is home to the River Kwai and its infamous bridge. It is also the location of the palace made of gold that belonged to King Mongkut of Siam (the real king from Anna and the King).
Unfortunately, I’m not going to Thailand to remake Anna and the King. I’m going to be in Thailand and I will more than likely be working with victims of human trafficking or peoples at risk of being trafficked. Human trafficking is a sad reality and one way to prevent it is to educate people and give them skills they can use to earn money without selling themselves or their children. In most parts of the world, human trafficking of people involves kidnapping or forcing people into the trade, but in Thailand, the women and men who are sex slaves, more than likely chose their profession and are free to go if they want. **This is not always the case**. To help deal with this issue, I will be helping provide people with skills to keep them out of the sex industry and by working with the women already in it to help them feel loved.
CAMBODIA:
Cambodia is located just south of Thailand. It is a country rich in culture, especially in its food. In fact, Cambodian food is said to be one of the longest standing cuisines world wide. While I’m there, I will be sure to try as many different types of noodle and rice dishes!
Like Thailand, Cambodia is also stricken with large amounts of poverty and human trafficking runs ramped through the country. In contrast, women in Thailand are unlikely to willingly venture into the sex industry. It is more likely that Cambodian women are sold into slavery by their parents to work of their parent’s debts or to pay for luxuries for their parents. It is also likely that they were tricked into becoming sex slaves with the promise of jobs in large cities. The sad reality is that in Cambodia poor families will raise up their daughters to be sold into sex slavery. To combat this problem in Cambodia, I hope to be able to help provide women and families with an alternate way to bring in an income. I also hope to minister to those who have already fallen into this trap because they need to experience real love.
VIETNAM:
Vietnam is different from Thailand and Cambodia. Less than 50 years ago, half of the nation was under harsh communist rule and the Vietnam War was happening. However, Vietnam is a very beautiful country with wonderful jungles and ocean scenes that are a real testament to God’s artistry!
Unfortunately, the nation is still recovering from these times. The nation is still divided, politically, and their is a lot of ruin and poverty through the country. These people are also at risk of being trafficked, but they have larger issues at hand. I hope to be able to help educate these people and show them the love of Jesus through the work I do there. Whether I am working with those who have been trafficked or the poor who are still recovering from communist rule and oppression.
If you would like to help make it possible for me to go to these beautiful countries and help combat human trafficking please click the link below.
