Thoughts on Ashton Kutcher & Village Voice - Twitter War - Human Trafficking

During the past week, @villagevoice (Village Voice) and @aplusk (Ashton Kutcher) have begun a twitter war on a topic near to my heart: Human Trafficking. Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have recently started a non-profit organization raising awareness for human trafficking. From my research, I gained a large insight insisting that raising awareness for this large problem is crucial. In our awareness of what human trafficking is, citizens are more likely aware, and more likely to report. I am grateful that 'stars' like Ashton and Demi are stepping up to fight this battle. Through their short time in doing this, awareness has been raised in this growing problem.

Let me clarify something which has been misinterpreted. Through my research, I found that there is an estimated amount between 100,000 and 300,000 victims trafficked within the US every year. Somewhere between the lines, news stations, churches, organizations, etc. have made this an actual amount. If we actually knew how many victims were trafficked within the US borders every year, we wouldn't have a problem with trafficking - because we would have all of these victims located. While remembering that this is an estimate, let's remember that those who created this estimate did not just think of the first number which came to their head.

Ashton & Village Voice have been going out in a twitter war (check it out) about human trafficking. The war actually started because of this article regarding numbers of victims of trafficking, you can view that here. Village Voice states in their article that 827 arrests have happened because of trafficking. Only 827 may have been arrested for sex trafficking/trafficking in persons [which I personally believe is an extremely low number after looking at several different news stories about individuals who have been trafficked]- but girls are being treated as prostitutes & arrested rather than their traffickers and Johns being arrested and trialed. Behind almost every prostitute is a pimp who is forcing her drugs and taking the money she earns from selling her body. Not only are there prostitutes who are being treated as sex slaves from a pimp, but there are women, men, and children who are forced into labor on fields, massage parlors, nail salons, factories, landscaping, pornography, and personal labor.

Let's step back, though. Regardless of the money that is made, the numbers, ages, prostitutes, johns, or traffickers... my main problem with The Village Voice is that they have not denied their classifieds section selling young women. A 15 year old girl is suing the Village Voice because she was prostituted through their newspaper. Why would a 15-year old girl put herself in the newspaper as an escort to turn around and blame the Village Voice for it?

The Village Voice refuses to back down and fight for the victims they do know about, some of which appear in their paper. Let's face it: no young girl wakes up and wants to be a prostitute. Through a series of unfortunate situations (poverty, kidnapping, run-away, and corruption), she is easily sold into slavery... potentially from the home she lives in. Secondly, any man (who IS a john...) buying from an escort service (who IS a trafficker), is engaging in Human Trafficking - and engaging in trafficking of a minor.

Maggie Neilson stated in the Village Voice article that regardless of the numbers of human trafficking, the problem needs to be addressed.

If I had all the time in the world, I could continue research regarding this article in the Village Voice... and I may do so at some point, but not today.

In summary, I support Ashton Kutcher and his fight to abolish modern-day slavery. Speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves in the first step in which we will end this problem - regardless of numbers. Ashton is taking action against this newspaper which is profiting from the exploitation of children.

Read for yourself the actual statistics of Human Trafficking in the 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report.

ch-ch-ch-changes

Well, here I am. A week and a day since my first day of work. What hasn't happened in my life since then? [No, really, there's been a LOT!]

I was basically 'transferred' to a different office & new role in Oklahoma City! This is such an exciting opportunity for me. With this opportunity, I will work alongside a team and minister to Student Ministers across the state. I am so excited that God opened this door of opportunity here, too. I remember as a Falls Creek staff member saying, "I want that job one day"... and somehow, by the grace of God, it happened! I got the job I wanted! I work with a wonderful team who really encourages me personally, and just by watching them day-to-day. They are the biggest example in my life of what Godly men look & act like.

I always wondered how the Lord would use me in Ministry - being a woman for starters. It's unfortunate how stubborn people are today (in my opinion), and how some refuse to be ministered by women. I remember a year or so ago being completely confused by the call I knew the Lord had placed on my life. Through that year, I continued to doubt God's call on my life, and also doubted his faithfulness to pull through for me.

But... He did. He did pull through.

What a good God we serve. He pulled through.

Some things I have learned since being out of college:

I need to learn how to love my neighbor.

When I knew that the Lord was calling me to stay in America and not go to China, I felt the Lord calling me to Love my neighbor. I can Love people I don't have to be around often - because honestly, I can 'fake' a love to them. However; that is not genuine and real love, and definitely not a love which comes from Father.

I need to learn how to delight in all circumstances.

Some circumstances, which are considered 'bad' in my opinion are blessings in disguise from the Lord. Not having a boyfriend, not having my own place, not having a large income, feeling like I'm alone because of no friends in the area - ALL work for the goodness of God's will for me. I heard this song today, and it really made me think about the blessings from God which we count as curses. A few of the lyrics are,

"Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise"

I need to learn that behind the scenes work is ministry, and perhaps a very, very important ministry.

I have often felt a need to be in the center of attention, i'll admit. I'd like to believe it is a part of being an only child, and thank goodness I didn't inherit all of the only-child traits. I'm used to ministering to people relationally, and often in the spotlight. I love to speak, live life with people, and walk alongside others through their rough times. However; my ministry at my job is calling me to fill in the small details so that others can do those things. This is extremely humbling to me - because much of their ministry would not happen if I were not setting everything up for them. They would not have adequate time to prepare like they do now.

Yep, this one's long. Sorry!

First Day in the REAL world...

Today was my first day on the job. What an interesting first day it was. I learned a lot. I had several awkward conversations. I couldn't answer anyones questions, and I'm hoping tomorrow is a bit easier.

However, my favorite thing that happened today begins at 10:00 AM. The phone had been ringing consistently from guests needing assistance (that's our job, so we did it). Somehow in the time frame of 10:00-11:00 AM, The phone had NOT stopped ringing once. However; it was not guests. It was a virus of sorts on our phone line. So pretty much from 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM, I said, "Falls Creek, This is Heather". - It was fun and memorable. I can still hear the consistent ringing in my head...

my enemies are men like me.

Osama Bin Laden has been dead for just about a week now. My first thought when I heard that the United States Navy SEALs killed him was different from most of Americas celebration.

Osama Bin Laden is behind the horrible attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. OBL and Al Quaeda ran two planes the World Trade Center in New York City. This was a horrible day - as millions around the world did not understand. We watched footage of People jumping out of the WTC - and our lives changed because of it.

After finding out that OBL's AL Quaeda ran these planes into the building, America went to war with Al Quaeda. Our war with their leader, Osama, ended last Sunday.

You see, I cannot celebrate in the fact that Osama is dead. Romans 12:14-21 NIV says, "

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.Do not be conceited.

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

This verse sums up my feelings towards how we should respond to Osama. The man killed 2,740 civilians on September 11th alone. Our instinct is that he should be punished for what he did - and after killing so many civilians, our first instinct is to hate him. However; Jesus calls us to not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (v. 21).

My boss talked to me about this the day after we heard the news of Osamas death. He asked me how he should respond to this situation (if it were true): A man takes is 14 year old daughter and sends her into sex slavery.

Still, my plea is that we will love our enemies. Others will know Christians by our love for one another.

I can celebrate that the US military achieved their goal in finding and capturing him. It is a great accomplishment for our country. I do not agree that his death should be celebrated. It is a human life, afterall. A human life that will spend eternity separated from my Father.

Senior Year Reminiscing...

And when you stop looking...

From "The Path of Loneliness" by Elisabeth Elliott

"If we love someone more than we love God, it is worse than inordinate - it is idolatry. When God is first in our hearts, all other loves are in order and find their rightful places. If God is not first, other lovers, even those which are in no sense sexual, easily turn into self-gratification and therefore destroy both the lover and the beloved" p. 60

"How can we be sure not for thy harms is true? How shall we fix our eyes on things unseen? There is no answer but faith, faith is the character of God himself. That and no other is the anchor for our souls" p. 63

Farewell, Michael Scott.

Tonight was the last episode featuring Michael Scott as the Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. I will not tell you that I didn't cry, because I did. Like a baby. You'll be missed, Michael Scott.

In other news, I was offered my first full-time job today. You just read that correctly! A full-time job! 40 hours a week, salary, and benefits. I can't believe it! It's crazy how the Lord has really worked in my life even over the course of a few weeks.

I will be living in Ardmore, OK as soon as the summer is up - which, isn't the big city... but I'm looking forward to getting involved and finding community. I worry, sometimes. I fear that I'll hate the city... but I know without a doubt that this is where the Lord has placed me for this season in my life. I know that I am to be fruitful in Ardmore, OK even if it is not China - where my heart is.

Please be praying for me as I make a very quick transition from graduating to working full-time in a place where I know no one. Please pray specifically for:

-Community
-Friends
-Opportunities to share my faith
-A Church Family that I love
-International People to be placed in my life

Wednesday Favorites!

I decided to take a post and dedicate it to three of my favorite things. I will begin doing this weekly.

Cuties. So tasty, juicy, and easy to eat. These have become my breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. They're good and easy to grab on the go!

Diet. Green. Tea. With. Citrus. I don't know where to begin with this drink - it's amazing.... the best one out there. I never thought any drink could take the place of blue powerade - but I think this one did. I was skeptical at first because I'm not a huge green tea fan, but this stuff is bomb-diggity.


This devotional has really taught me how to live in the presence of the almighty God. The Lord daily speaks to me through this. If you struggle with reading your bible, or figuring out how to listen to the holy spirit - I encourage you to pick this book up... It's great!

I would be happier living overseas.

I would be so much happier living overseas. I understand there is an aspect of spiritual darkness, but I think allowing myself to be a light in a dark place would bring me joy and peace. Last night, I told a few of my close friends my decision to turn down an offer in Asia. My friend Rachel, said to me, "I think you'll be blessed for it. I'm proud of you for being so brave".

I don't know when staying in America became the brave thing for me to do. But, it did. My heart is clearly not here - and really not for these people. I love Asia, Asians, and especially rice. Those things are not commonly found in America (well... real asians, real rice, and ... well.. Asia).

That was just an extra thought for last night - you don't even have to pay for that... it's totally free.

change of scenery

Just a few days until I graduate college. Your read that correctly. Days. As in... 20. Which is 10 days less than a month. Wow. I'm growing up. Sometimes, I feel as if I should just be beginning college again - start the whole process over. Maybe go further back than that - maybe go and enjoy my senior prom once more.

But, I'm excited about what Father is going to do in my life. He's providing - in ways that I wanted Him to work otherwise.

I've learned lately that we can have really great God-glorifying passions that aren't necessarily His plans for us. It's cliche but... "I know the plans I have for you - plans to prosper, not to harm you - to give you a hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).

This has been a battle to me desiring to spend time overseas. For some reason, Father has called me to stay here. Which, I won't lie: is frustrating. I ask God, "why do you have me stay when there are so many who need you over there?". I guess Father is slowly teaching me how to minister here. He's teaching me to dwell in his quiet, tender presence... and that's nice.

I'm going to miss college - but I'm ready to embark on a new Journey in my life. Granted, I'm prepared for the wilderness. I don't want to be there yet again - but I'm prepared for it. As I take on this new journey - of a single lady living in a town where I know only a few - I can listen to the quiet, tender, and passionate thoughts from my Abba.

Reminiscing.

Well, I graduate college in a mere two months. Can you believe it?

So, in lieu of my reminiscent attitude.... here are my top 10 favorite memories during my time in college [that I can share to the world wide web]: (in no particular order)


1. OBU Hut Staff 2008 - this was literally the best summer of my life.... and it would take something pretty amazing to steal the title. I met some of my best friends; and I worked with people I call family even today. (Love you, Eager Kev, Hypochondriac & Grande) Somehow during the summer, we created a 'gang', won a 'most likely to revolt award', got our golf-cart privileges revoked, and invested in students lives. Gosh. What a good time of my life!

2. Pledging Theta Sigma Chi - I did not want to be in a social club. People told me not to join, and it wasn't the coolest thing to do at the time. But... today, my sisters in Theta are by far my closest friends on the planet! It's true. I was once hazed......... and it was fun, then we got in trouble. Now I have a story to tell.

Oh, I also got tackled for stealing a pledge book from another sorority. BOOM SHACKA LACKA.

3. Information Gathering & Research - This was my most time consuming and hardest class. I spent the entire semester researching and writing about how a victim of Human Trafficking can initially begin a journey of recovery to a safe house - you can read my paper here.

4. Vandalizing Kevin & Kyle's apartment.... we broke in and moved everything around.... they got us back by dumping mountain dew on us.... fun times.

5. Being so involved - In high school, I wasn't involved at all. In college, I've been involved & co-chair of practically everything. It was my only goal for college, and I achieved it!

6. Living in WMU - we had a party everyday. We played nertz until 3 AM... we laughed together, cried together... it's where I pulled my very first all nighter.

7. My first TWIRP date - boy, was i swooning over that boy or what!? ha! We went out to eat at Hideaway (I paid, of course!... because The Woman Is Required to Pay) and then we went to my house and tye-died shirts. It was a fun night. I then dated the boy my freshman year.

8. Spring Break 2010.... I traveled across the US with two friends. We went looking at Grad Schools, went to the beach, and lived life.

9. Realizing through a series of unfortunate situations that Jesus is all I need. It literally took stripping me of my desires, and my best friend... which was hard. Through the process, I was molded into a completely different person. I'm thankful for that.

10. Friday Night Traditions with my Roomies of aPARTYment 10.

Inspiration of design!

As I sit through my sixth hour of work with 3 more to go, I have been unashamedly glancing... er.... digging through my favorite blogs. So, here are pictures that are inspiration of what kind of crafts I make, and what kind of person I want to be. Enjoy.

Isn't this kitchen WONDERFUL?! So clean, colorful, and welcoming.

If I had to pick my wedding colors today, this picture would define it.

Okay, so I don't want this to resemble the kind of person I am... but I do think it's a pretty clever idea for a pin cushion!

Okay, these long-stemmed fabric roses are TO DIE for. I think about them everyday... that's probably not healthy. But I LOVE them, and I want them in my wedding, house, office, and car for the rest of my life. I usually HATE roses... but these are toooooo cute!


Oh, Martha. You know how to bring color and love into a girls life. One day, I'd like this cabinet.

Valentines Gifts!

Remember that post where I wanted to honor my single friends? Well, I found a fun, crafty idea that I am really glad I went through with!

I got out my trusty Singler Stylist and then...

cut paper bags to fit a CD/note in them.

I sewed up the sides.... and added some stamped letters

And here is the final result! a cute little CD case complete with a little note from me. We're going to have a dinner! Full of single ladies!

Happy Valentines Day, folks! I hope it's a good one!

They will know us by our love.

A lot of times, I think we think sharing our faith with one another can only mean literally opening a bible. And sometimes, we say, "Love those so they can see the gospel in us". These are essential truths in our faith - and I strongly believe as believers, we must share our faith with those that do not believe.

However, this picture captures at least my faith, and my belief that we are to love one another. These Christians are protecting these egyptian-muslims while they pray.

What a beautiful picture. Not a rush to convert these muslims. Christians aren't running at them with tracts to show their love for them... but they are simply showing them love by allowing them to worship in a safe environment.

We forget in every day life how to love one another. I heard a moving story this week of a Church who sent flowers to imams at muslim temples after the 9/11 attacks on America. That is love. How would Jesus himself show love to these people, is what we should consistently ask ourselves when we face our enemies, a coworker, or a friend.

Be encouraged today to love louder.

Snowpacolypse. Snowmageddon.

By the views of the streets, the grocery stores, the news station, and the school closings list..... you might think that the Mayans predicted tomorrow, February 1, 2011 as the end of the world. Its like Y2K.... except it's the mother of all snow storms.

The national guard has been called - they're on standby for tomorrow.

We've been asked to stay inside & not risk our lives beginning at 7pm tonight.

However; there isn't one drop of precipitation on the ground.

Oh well. No School. I'm sleepin' in!

Life Update.

Well, here I am. Still alive, breathing, and catching a laugh.... occasionally. (Okay, a little more than occasionally).

I have lost 7 pounds. This makes me ecstatic. At least three more until February 13. 10 pounds a month = 50 pounds by graduation.... then, i will look good.

I have started my internship... and I enjoy it so far. However, waking up at 5:00 to get to Oklahoma City on Wednesdays is tough. Oh.... to be a big girl & grow up.

Father and I have been spending some good, quality time together. I'm so thankful to be called his child. I'm blessed to be able to have a father who I can spend time with. His blessings overflow for me.

First week of classes went well. I've been spending a lot of time with my friend, Yue Yue. She came from the best country on earth... She is very good at english, and gives me all sorts of foods that I don't exactly like. She and I have become very good friends, and I am loving the time and goofy conversations we have. Please PR that I continue to have good conversations.

Also, I stopped at my favorite restaurant in the Asian District on my way back to Shawnee this week called Cafe Oasis. A lady that works there named Jessica, from Taiwan, told me she would help me speak Chinese! SCORE.

Well, thats all. I'll be updating again soon.

Valentines Day

Alright, people! I need some help!

This valentines day, instead of moping around and wearing black (the last time I did that was highschool... PROMISE), I want to honor my fellow single friends!

What do you think I could do/ give [possibly anonymously] that would be meaningful to my single friends??

Worship.

Last night, OBU hosted a worship night, featuring Shane and Shane. Not only is one of the Shane's married to my favorite artists, Bethany Dillon, but they are also a favorite of mine. However, I noticed something in particular last night. Let me start by saying I don't think the church is called to be 'charis-maniacs' by any means, but... I don't think all worship was meant to be sung in a mono-tone... 'I don't care' voice. For the record, we ARE singing to the King of the Universe, and the God who created our innermost parts.

I am not only talking of worshiping through song in this mini-section of my blog.... We are called, as believers in the God who created every complex cell on this earth, to worship that same God with our lives. We get so caught up in the world we live in, that we forget to worship God outside of a song or the four walls of a Church. We live live with this, "I don't care that you just gave me another breath.. I'm BUSY, God" kind of attitude, which... isn't fair to someone who loves us. He deserves our worship and praise through every moment of every day.

You wake up? Praise God.

You walk to class? Thank God.

You live in community with others? Give God's joy.

He loves us. He loves you. He loves me. He's bothered when I sin. He's bothered when I don't glorify him.... but he LOVES me. The King of the Heavens, and the Earth... Loves me.

Be reminded today of God's love for you. Live your life today to glorify your maker. Live in JOY with him, that you are ALIVE and REDEEMED from sin.

Encouragement.

Trust Me by relinquishing control into my hands. Let go, and recognize that I am God. This is my world: I made it and I control it. Yours is a responsive part in the litany of Love. I search among My children for receptivity to Me. Guard well this gift that I have planted in your heart. Nurture it with the Light of my Presence.

When you bring Me prayer requests, lay out your concerns before Me. Speak to Me candidly; pour out your heart. Then thank Me for the answers that I have set into motion long before you can discern results. When your requests come to mind again, continue to thank Me for the answers that are on the way. if you keep on stating your concerns to Me, you will live in a state of tension. When you thank Me for how I am answering your prayers, your mind-set becomes much more positive. Thankful prayers keep your focus on my Presence and My promises.

Psalm 46:10, Colossians 4:2, 2 Peter 1:3-4

From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Rant, Part 2

So, maybe it's hard for me to be happy for people. Maybe I'm too jealous. My time will come, my time will come.

But why is everyone else getting their three chances of love when I haven't had one yet?

oh well.

Dear Jesus, please give me patience, and a genuine happiness for others.

Ranty.

Kind of getting tired about hearing of everyone else on campus find a significant other and start dating.

Also tired of living alone. Its been 4 days, and I'm lonely.

I'm also tired of my messy desk.

Thanks for listening, and have a great day.

2011

I don't like resolutions. I never keep them. My friend Melissa though, blogged about her dreams for the year. So, I'm a copycat.

I dream... of graduation. That I manage my temper, my thoughts. That I learn to trust God with my future - even if it is... or is not in Asia.

I trust, that God will provide a job, a house, a roommate, and friends in 2011.

I dream... of fun, and laughter... everyday. I dream of serving, and finding joy. I dream of not being kept up in my selfish dreams of the American dream.

I'd like to learn some mandarin, and lose 50 pounds. I'd like to grow deeper, not wider in my faith, and I want fruit to be noticeable in my life. I want to learn more about the world, and I want to share my faith with people I come in contact with.

Lord, this year let Jesus be seen through me.