TwentyThirteen. It is heard to believe you are already here.

A great many things happened in twentytwelve.

I started in Chiang Rai, on outreach. Went back to Montana for a month, and then came back to Bangkok and lived here for half a year. Moved again to Chiang Rai for almost 5 months. Opened a coffee shop, learned how to make coffee and apple pie, wrote & recorded multiple songs, led worship for small churches and big conferences. Went to Ethiopia and Cape Town, South Africa for two weeks each. Moved again, back to Bangkok. Used my degree in missions!! (YESS!!!)

Saw people come to know God (YAY!) and saw people walk away from God (sad…). Saw people being inspired by God, and saw God growing His dreams in peoples hearts. Talked to a muslim man on a plane about God for 5 hours (and by the way, I don’t usually talk to people on planes…) and spent 8 hours on another flight encouraging and being encouraged by a girl who was wanting to know more about YWAM and missions.

So much has happened this past year, that is drastically different from the life that I have been living for the past twenty-something years. Eyes so open, heart so ready, mind so hungry and soul, thirsty for more God!

That’s not to say there have been no struggles this past year. There have been many… but they all pale in comparison to the great privilege of being able to walk in and alongside the power of Christ in me, of being able to be used by Him. Living for Him, being unsure in human terms of where He might take me next. Massive adventure, Holy Spirit as my guide.

I am so excited for 2013 =D If what I’ve been experiencing is only the beginning, then bring it on God!

First update in a while! Apologies, friends, followers and supporters. Life has been crazy! But good.

Today though, was an exceptionally crazy day.

• I lost my parking ticket (I would of been fined for 200baht for loosing it! Thank you LORD I ended up finding it around 7 hours after I had lost it, after I had given up and was about to leave. Did not have to pay the fine, but it was still an expensive parking ticket because I left my car there for so long XD…oops)

• I lost one of my most favorite earrings… and I know exactly where I lost it and when too XD But I didn’t discover that I had lost it until I got home so… sad! It’s a very valuable pair that I love dearly so… goodbye, beloved earring… At least I still have your partner…

• I’m about to loose my voice XD uncool… well, guess I wont be singing any christmas carols this year.

• I also saw a motorbike crash into the car in front of me. Freaked me out (he almost slid out but got his foot on the ground before he actually crashed and made the corner), definitely slowed down after I witnessed that.

• Spent a LOT of money…

On the bright side, I have got my Christmas Shopping done in time for Christmas eve tomorrow! Praying that I actually wont loose my voice… because I do so like singing Christmas songs in Church with my family and friends…

Ministry Spotlight! Home of the Open Heart is run by friends of mine in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand.

Their heart is to assist, help, and love on HIV affected women, children and families by providing education, hospice care and orphan care in their homes and in the community. Please check out this video to find out more about this ministry and pray for them!

You can also find out more by visiting these websites:

• http://homeoftheopenheart.org
• http://www.baannamjai.org
• http://www.ywamthai.org/homeoftheopenheart/ 

See you in a month, Bangkok, Thailand, friends and tumblr!

Or most of it at least. The big journey, there and back, confirmed and paid for!

Our team has now narrowed down to 12 (from 16). Some people, after much prayer and consideration, decided to pull out of the trip (yes, finance was one of the reasons) but the rest of us are 99% packed and ready to go =)

We’re still in need of $800 as a team - for 2 people in particular. 3 people still have not been able to confirm their flights… but tomorrow, all of us are going to take the overnight bus to Bangkok, in faith that by the time we need to fly out (Tuesday night/Wednesday 1am morning) that God will pave the way and figure out all the details, and provide for us.

Very excited, but also quite tired.

Please pray for us - for provision, for health, for good relationships and patience and love for one another.

I look forward to sharing God stories and fun adventures with you all when I get back =) And pictures too of course!

Love, and blessings!
Dawn. 

Time for an updaaaate!!

Life has been crazy busy! The Africa trip is coming closer and time is running out! But, God is so faithful and gracious to us =) Over the past couple weeks, we’ve been able to raise almost half of our original financial need! Let me tell you… it was a huge number. It still is! But God has obviously been speaking to people and calling individuals to come forward and to give faithfully.

Right now, we’re going through team outreach prep! We start our mornings with worship, prayer time and devotionals. Then we figure out what there is to be done (getting information on flights, financial updates, visa requirements and other things like that. In the afternoon, we spend time preparing testimonies, skits, dance routines and worship music.

Tomorrow, the team (minus me and one other) will drive over 2 hours to Chiang Mai to get Yellow Fever Vaccinations (I already got mine in Bangkok).

So yes! Busy busy busy =) We’re also spending most of our mealtimes together as a team (instead of just going and eating on our own) which has been fun!

Anyway, please continue to pray for us as we prepare! Still believing that God will provide for all of our needs, in His perfect timing =)

Love, Dawn.