Wednesday, September 19, 2007

bars/hotel

Our night started off meeting in the Nightlight office where everyone debriefed a little about the last bar visit. Then we spent time in prayer.
I really appreciated hearing people with experience speak about prostitution.

We ate dinner at an outdoor food court type place close to the bars. The place seemed full of foreigners (mostly men) some eating dinner with Thai women, as if they were on a date, I guess that’s what they would see it as. Some of the women looked like they were enjoying their time, but others seemed miserable.

The men I saw were mostly older, like 50 or something. As I looked at them all through out the night, I tried to understand why they are here. I think some are just lonely and when they walk into a bar and girls go crazy because you are there…. You are finally somebody… you feel adored, loved, manly…. An other reason, which someone pointed out to me, is they have no reason not to be there. Those are my current thoughts toward the men that I have been and will be thinking through.

We were walking through the city, turn the corner and boom, we’re in bar central.
I don’t really know how to describe it, maybe I’ll post a picture, but there were tons of different bars to choose from. We split up into groups, Sarah, a women here for three weeks, one of the founders of nightlight and I went into one particular bar.

I’ve debated over whether or not I am going to describe it or not and decided not to. Sarah might, I’m not sure. The women entertained and the guys watched. We have been told how to act and how to try to engage in conversation; Sarah and I didn’t get the chance. I have been realizing that the language barrier is just that, a barrier. The people we were with got to talk with some women.

It’s crazy to realize that the women we see everyday at nightlight used to be like that and it just echoes how good God is to bring people like the staff at nightlight to show love and hope.

(this is turning to be pretty long … thank you for those who are still reading)

we also went to a hotel. I guess this restaurant in the hotel is where a lot of trafficked women are. We saw about 30 Uzbekistani women sitting at different tables in the lobby, I think waiting for customers. I’m still learning about that whole situation.

I am have been learning a lot of different things and am still trying to figure out what my role is here. Thank you to everyone praying…. Because we need it and they need.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Carly you are an amazing person for doing this, I know God will use you we are praying for you Love and miss you! Eva and Matt

Anna Margaret said...

The Love Of God is Universal

Anonymous said...

Wow. that is incredible. thanks for sharing car

RobinDayle said...

I'm praying for you and Sarah, Carly.

You are being amazingly brave, (more than I think I could ever be), and I know it is by His power.

Love you, miss you.

Anonymous said...

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Anonymous said...

Thou there is a language barrier, the women will see your countenance, that says, GODS LOVE, GODS PEACE, HOPE. We are praying for you.

Adrian Martinez said...

Praise God for what He is doing through you and Sarah and the entire Nighlight organization. You have prayer in front of and behind you.

Anonymous said...

Carlita! Miss ya here around school. Wish you were here ... but totally thankful and amazed at how God has planted you in such a strategic spot for the coming months. Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Carly,

You and Sarah are missed severely by your pastor. However, I could not be more proud of you.

Your thoughts are deeply encouraging to me.

Thanks,

Dr. Mooney

Anonymous said...

Keep posting cuz we're definitely reading:) I'm praying for you. -Jenni

Anonymous said...

What an opportunity. I'm praying!

Anonymous said...

thank you for your post, carly. you are so brave and God's love will shine through you in this darkness.

you are in my prayers.