As the weeks fly by, a stable semblance of routine has been
pulled out from under me, and I have lost my sense of time in the spiraling
free fall. The last month has been a whirlwind of travel, decision-making, a
changing work environment, and hosting visitors. Yesterday, I hit the
metaphoric ground with a thump and am taking some “me” time to recharge and
write to you.
Since coming to South Asia, I have spent a significant
amount of free time haunting coffee shops to study for law school exams and
apply to grad programs. In March, much of that work was rewarded when
Pepperdine Law School offered to fly me out to Malibu to visit their campus. At
my colleagues’ urging (ok fine. It didn’t take that much urging), I took a full week off from work and flew
through China to LA, where I spent my time being romanced by Pepperdine,
visiting various other law campuses, and connecting with family and friends in
the area. Needless to say, I have accepted Pepperdine’s generous offer and look
forward to moving there in the fall. Thanks for praying over that!
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| Guangzhou, China on a 14-hour layover |
After months of listening to constant construction that sounds oddly like a gaggle of dying geese, our office has officially expanded into two floors and I moved upstairs to sit in a room with the most good-humored investigators and government relations officers around. My work day is peppered with outbursts of laughter and random impromptu self-defense sessions. The expansion has been healthy for our office; I feed off of my new colleagues in a way that leaves me full.
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| A typical Tuesday near my new desk. |
I thank God for a strengthening and growing workforce at IJM because stories of horrible labor situations and bonded labor swirl through my inbox daily (we have an excellent Bandhua 1947 Campaign Communications team that can track much of the current news). Here is a story about farmer suicide that is worth reading. It is a chilling look into the rising rates of rural farmer suicide and the stories of families who are left behind to carry the debt of their husbands and fathers. Ms. Musukula, one such surviving widow, has recently learned that her husband left a $6,430 debt in his wake, an amount almost completely inconceivable for a family in rural South Asia.
In the face of such horrendous stories, my team is in the midst of brainstorming and dreaming about the future of IJM advocacy in South Asia. We see a country free from bondage, restored to itself, and filled with whole, empowered families and villages. And we dearly want to have a part in that process. Please pray for God’s clear guidance as we think together about our longer-term presence in South Asia.
Last night, it hit me that I have entered my final three months in South Asia. There is much I could say in response to that crazy reality, but I will limit myself to one thing: it is a miracle that I have been healthy for over 15 months in South Asia! That it is due to your prayer so thank you for that support! Please continue to pray that the Lord will sustain me (financially, emotionally, physically, etc) through these next few months. It will undoubtedly be an intense season.
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| Recently, a friend an I received impromptu auto rickshaw driving lessons from an eager driver. It is quite possibly one of the better and more responsible decisions I have made this month. |
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| Passion came to Delhi! In a city that is 0.1% Christian, this kind of gathering is significant. |
With so much love,
Alice
p.s.- Are you interested in financially supporting me during these final months? Please click here if so!
