How Did This Happen?

Somehow it happened.  I don't know how, but I definitely did not plan for this.  Somehow I missed it and will now be staying the night in an Indian airport. 

What the junk?!

How does someone miss that?  Maybe the fact that I had been looking at 12,000 different flights to Bangalore for the first week of September had something to do with my overlooking layover times for the flight I actually purchased.  Either way, I have come to the conclusion that I really can't do anything about it, so worrying is pointless (isn't it anyways?...not to mention a sin). 

Freaking out to my brother about it a little was the beginning of my calm, "it is what it is" attitude I now have.  He reminded me that Indians are smart and have to have a technologically advanced (or right on) airport. =)  Go Indians!  Then I remembered the airport in Nairobi and how I would feel totally safe and worry free staying the night there.  If Kenya's airport was stable enough for my liking India's for sure must be suitable.  I also realized that the airport I will be staying is the largest one in South Asia and in the capital city of India.  My thoughts and fears of a scary, small, leaky, unstable, dark airport left after I found out that information...really a little dramatic in the first place. 

Honestly though, the thing that most calmed my thought and slight fears was the fact that I will not be staying the night in that airport by myself, but my Father will be there with me.  He has planned this whole thing and I know He has not planned it only to leave me alone, scared in an airport.

How cool is it that He led me to this whole India thing, being with me every step.  He was there with me last night as I cooled down from freakin' out about staying overnight in the airport.  And He will be with me that night in September as I do stay the night in the Indian airport.

I thank Him and seriously do not know how people can live without Him.  He is my strength, my bravery, comfort, and so much more. 

"...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:20

FAQ

What organization are you working with?

Freedom Firm (FF).  FF is an non-government organization that seeks to eliminate child prostitution in India by rescuing minor girls, providing effective rehabilitation, and prosecuting the perpetrators of sex trafficking.

How did you get connected with Freedom Firm?
I first heard a little bit about them at the Urbana mission conference December, 2009.  In March I spoke with a family friend (Adam White), telling him I was interested in India and working to fight sex trafficking.  He then connected me with missionaries he knew working with Freedom Firm.

Is the the same organization you went to Kenya with?

No.  I went to Kenya with Adventures in Missions (AIM).

Why is money being sent to Engedi Church instead of FF?

FF, unlike AIM is not a sending organization.  AIM's mission is to send high school/college age people overseas for a few weeks to a year at a time.  The money is sent to them and they take care of all team expenses (i.e. airfare, travel within country, food, lodging, etc.).  FF is not a sending organization and I am only a volunteer.  I will be paying for my airfare, travel within country, food, lodging, etc. out of pocket (provided by supporters).

How are you connected with Engedi Church?

Engedi is the church I attended while living in Holland with my sister.

How long will you be gone?

I will be leaving September 5, 2010 and returning March 3, 2011 (six months).

Where will you be staying/living?

I will be living in a guest house that FF places their volunteers at.

Will you be traveling with a group or by yourself?

I will be traveling by myself.  When I arrive in Ooty there may be a couple other volunteers there.

What will your job be?

My job is to be friends with the girls in the aftercare program, model Jesus, love them, and help them with their bead making business.

Are you scared to travel by yourself?
No not really.  I am actually quite excited about it.  I love flying and it will be a fun new adventure to travel half way across the world with just me and God. =)

Are you scared in general?
It depends on when you ask me.  For the most part, no.  Although sometimes I let my mind wander and freak myself out or start missing people.  It's cool though because whenever I feel that way I remember all the confirmation I have received from God and it's there I rest in Him.

Informational Video Clip

Freedom Firm from Freedom Firm on Vimeo.

Contact Info.

For any questions, comments, or concerns you may have feel free to email me at sdenning09@gmail.com

For My Sister

Our God is an awesome God.

He reigns from Heaven above with

wisdom,

power,

& LOVE.

Our God is an awesome God.

On July first, 2003

He knew.

He loved.

He cared.

His heart broke.

He was there.

He held you.

He held Caylin.

Today, July first, 2010

He knows.

He loves.

He cares.

His heart still breaks.

He remembers.

He holds you.

He holds Caylin.

This song always reminds me of you, sister.

Two months is too little.

They let her go
They had no sudden healing.

To think that providence

Would take a child from her mother

While she prays, is appalling.

Who told us we'd be rescued?

What has changed and

Why should we be saved from nightmares?

We're asking why this happens to us
Who have died to live, it's unfair.

This is what it means to be held.

How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life

And you survive.

This is what it is to be loved and to know

That the promise was when everything fell

We'd be held.

This hand is bitterness,

We want to taste it and

Let the hatred numb our sorrows.

The wise hand opens slowly

To lilies of the valley and tomorrow.

This is what it means to be held.

How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life

And you survive.

This is what it is to be loved and to know

That the promise was when everything fell

We'd be held.

If hope is born of suffering,

If this is only the beginning,

Can we not wait, for one hour

Watching for our savior?

This is what it means to be held.

How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life

And you survive.

This is what it is to be loved and to know

That the promise was when everything fell

We'd be held.

This is what it is to be loved and to know

That the promise was when everything fell

We'd be held.

This is what it means to be held...

I love you, sister.

I love you, Caylin.

I am thankful to God for holding you both.

Happy Birthday Caylin Grace.

Our God is an awesome God.

He reigns from Heaven above with

wisdom,

power,

& LOVE.

Our God is an awesome God.

Song:  Held

Natalie Grant