Women Hold Up Half the Sky

Derek Bok, the former president of Harvard University once said that, "if you think education is expensive, try ignorance."  This is the mentality of our small team heading to Thailand.  Our time is short while we're there and one of our main goals is to learn about Thai culture in general, but also learn about the culture specifically related to the red light district.  Sure, we'll do mission work and share the love of Jesus, but as I've learned from my 4.5 years of counseling at our local crisis pregnancy center, often the women just want to be heard.  There's something special about listening, sharing stories and laughing together.  Aren't those qualities that set humans apart from all other creatures on earth?

Our small team met on Sunday as we will be every two weeks to prepare for our trip.  We're reading through an amazing book that I promise will change your world if you read it.  The book is called Half the Sky and it's  part of a larger movement world wide.  The book highlights true stories of women entrepreneurs, fighters and survivors who are able to rise above their circumstances (either on their own or through the help of others) to better themselves and those around them.  Here's a cool fact about women- they pull others up with them when they rise.

There's an African proverb that says, "You educate a boy and you're educating an individual.  You educate a girl and you're educating an entire village."  The United Nations and World Bank did studies in the 1990s and their studies were paraphrased this way: "Women's empowerment helps raise economic productivity and reduce infant mortality rate.  It contributes to improved health and nutrition.  It increases the chances of education for the next generation."

The Well in Bangkok is doing just that.  They focus on areas of education, social services and job training to help women who want to get out of the sex industry and make better lives for themselves.  These are women who want to be independent and integrate back into society (and often their families).  Our team had the opportunity on Sunday to meet two women, Corey and Jupe, who work at The Well who are in town for the Thanksgiving holiday.  They shared stories of hope and also told us more of what to expect on our journey, which will take place half in the city of Bangkok and half in the rural region, where we will be exposed to how The Well teaches women how to farm and create income for themselves.

With each meeting and through our readings, I'm becoming more excited about this opportunity to learn.  Thanks for your support, encouragement and for listening to my stories as I embark on this journey!

To give or follow my fundraising, check out my page and my teammates' pages as well!