True verses REAL

Last night a groupd of us watched a movie from 2007, called Trade.
I encourage many people to watch it though it may not be suitable for children.
There is so much happening in this world that we kinda know happens, but we don't have to pay attention to it so we don't.
Most of the time we will only pay attention to things that directly affect us.
Gary Haugen, the founder and director of International Justice Mission, says even though we know that these things are TRUE, because they are not as REAL to us as the things and people in our lives, we are not truly moved by them.
When something becomes truly REAL to us, do we ignore the pain and disgust or annoyance that they cause us, or do we "breathe it in" (as W. Wilberforce says in Amazing Grace) so that we are moved to action?

I don't know exactly what action I (one person) should take in ending this great shame on humanity, but I do know that I must do something. This horror may not be reality for me, but it is reality for over 27 million people. That is more than 27 million people who cannot enjoy the spiritual and physical freedom that I enjoy. To THIS, I cannot turn a blind eye.
Can you?

'Happy' the Orange Snowman says 

Today, January 11th 2013, is Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

Human trafficking is described as the illegal trade of human beings mainly for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor. Other purposes can be extraction of organs, or tissues etc.

There are many websites with tonnes of imformation about the plague that human trafficking is on humanity. Here are a few links for you.

www.ijm.org

www.un.org

 

Also check YouTube.

There are an estimated 27 million people affected by this problem.

Campaign Orange has been about using the colour ORANGE to bring attention to the subject.
People have been asked to wear ORANGE, today.
A few of us from work searched through our closets and took up that challenge.

 












This is my first week back in the office, after moving to another apartment last week. I am still in the process of unpacking, which is always 'fun' but rewarding.
Why is it so difficult to wake up in the mornings when it is dark outside? I think that it is more difficult than before Christmas.

When my alarm rings, I have to turn the energy saving bulb by my bed on... then when I am awake enough, I turn the second alarm off and then i get up and turn some other lights on. Eventually I figure out that I need to shower and get dressed and then find myself rushing around to get out the door.

This morning before showering, I looked outside at the depressing darkness (it was 07:30) and I longed for snow to bring some brightness to the place. At around 08:30 when I was leaving the buidling I was shocked to see the strangest looking snow on the ground... and it has been snowing steadily for a little while now as well :)
I am soooooooo very happy that the snow is back, if only for a short while.

Christmas day 2012 has passed by so quickly and 2013 is almost upon us.
So much has happened in this last year and so much more will happen in the coming year as far as I can see.
Sweden is so beautiful when there is snow on the ground, that you find yourself wishing that it would be cold. It isn't so nice when the temperature is just above 0 C but so nice when it is around 5 C and the trees are covered with snow.

I was able to go skiing for the first time a few days ago which was fantastic! However on my second day of skiing, although it went well for the most part, it ended with my twisting my ankle which is NEVER a good idea.

Snow, Julbord, sliding down hills in the snow and falling in the snow, time with friends and time with God. That is how I spent my Christmas!

Dear Friends,

One day someone told me that I should ask God what He wants me to do in the time that I am still here in Barbados.

Sometimes figuring out what God wants can be interesting because it doesn't look anything like what we think it should.

I have not worked in the traditional sense, which is a bit upsetting in a way. It feels like if I have been here this long maybe I should do the normal thing and get a regular job for a while. However, though it would make me feel more productive as a person, I am not sure this is what should happen. Why? Well this time of decreased responsibility has been difficult to accept in some ways but I believe that it has been important as well. 

This has been a good time of healing both physically and emotionally as well as a good time of rest.

(If you would like to hear more about this time of healing, and the reasons for rest drop me a _____).

Music

They say that music heals the savage beast. Well I am not sure about savage beast, but I do enjoy music, so I have invested some time in becoming a more proficient musician. This has been slow going for various reasons but has been a source of great joy.

I have enjoyed being involved with the worship team at the living room which I have been able to play twice with at church recently. I also enjoy visiting a band which practices on Friday nights when I can.

I also had the opportunity to spend a little time at YWAM's King's Kids camp during the Easter Holidays. I was asked to help with the worship 2 early mornings and one evening. I think it did me more good than it did the kids. It was awesome seeing God moving in the lives of the kids and leaders as well... not to mention much fun.

Progress

At this point I only need $100USD more a month to be given persmission to leave for Sweden. God has shown His goodness in many ways, including providing possible accomodation until September, and lowering the required support amount. I will still need to raise a bit more than this $100USD in order to deal with a few needs here in Barbados I.e life insurance etc.

Thank you all for your support in prayers, finances and care. 

It has been a blessing to have so many people who want to get involved in what ever way they can, whether it be praying, or giving large amounts or giving smaller amounts (ie $20 BBD a month). Every contribution, great or small is appreciated.

At this point, I need to arrive in Sweden before Mid May, in order to be welcomed by the office. If I do not arrive then, I will have to wait until September.

Communication

I have already asked some people this question, so please bare with me.

Would you prefer to receive newsletters by email, by post, to read it online (blog) or not receive at all? Please let me know your preference if it makes a difference how you receive the newsletter.

Thank you all again for your support through the years and months.

Blessings,

Jackie