week 3

As I sit here in the SHE building simmering in the noon-day heat I can’t help but smile at the beautiful stories of grace that I am surrounded by. The fact that they are even here is a miracle! Definitely proof that hope does still exist in the darkest of placesJ.

 

We have been faithfully going to the bars for these past couple weeks and have made friends with the ladies. They recognize us and on most nights welcome us with open arms to have a drink (non-alcoholic, of course), play a few games and talk. All of the women we have befriended dislike their jobs but not enough to leave……yet. The need to survive, to have money for self and family is still strong. We are constantly kept on our knees praying that God will show them that money is not worth selling their bodies for. We’ve invited 5 over for lunch…all agreed to come but none have shown up….YET.

 

The life of a bar girl revolves around their bar. They work 7 days a week, from 8pm to 3:30am. And if they are picked up…that’s another story. Most wake up at 5pm. Just enough time to get a bite to eat and head down to work.

 

Our team has been doing really well. Although we live in close quarters God continues to give us grace to love and look over one anothers annoying habits (smile).

 

 

What do WE do with our days?

 

Well, I’m glad you asked!

Jenna, Breanna and Vanessa were hard at work last week photographing all the jewelry for the SHE website. Sharon and Mark (the leaders of SHE) were SO impressed. They previously had two professional photographers come in to take the jewelry photos but they don’t even compare to the ones the PhotogenX ladies work.

 

 Gideon has been Mr. Fix-it and has just finished making and painting new picture frames for the ladies work certificates.

 

John has been playing a huge part in updating and setting up the SHE website. Which has been a huge blessing to the leaders ‘cause they aren’t as technically savy.

 

Rachel and I have been photographing the women, which has been very fun, especially seeing the women’s faces when we show them their photo. At first they’re shy, but they can’t resist for very long.

 

.isaiah 61

 

-the sweating reporter.