Happy (busy) Holidays!

Theres a lot of talk that goes on around this time of year about what the Holiday's are "really about." Whether it be a blog post, facebook status, email forward or tweet; people always seem to buzz about local charities, soup kitchens, angel tree drives and goodwill drop offs. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad there are so many avenues for people to read and share their hearts for those less fortunate, especially at a time as special as Christmas.
But I find myself curious as to where all the personal involvement has gone?
It's easy to post an add you came across for "A thanksgiving meal" or "Present drop off". But where are the face to face encounters? Where are the post about the man you spent Christmas day with?

This is not a guilt post! So it thats what your getting out of this, maybe there is something at work in your own heart.
I simply would like to know what people are ACTUALLY doing...no more mass stories about those 1 in a million people who did an incredible act of kindness. Brag on yourself! I want to hear about it! I want to be encouraged by the neighbors in my own community who aren't just reading about the nice stuff, their doing it.
I recently took a homeless woman out to breakfast, at what felt like, an ungodly hour. She said she wanted to go early because she wakes up when the sun comes up (of course) and "enjoys the quietness of the city at that time of day." I have never really considered the sleeping patterns of a homeless person before. Never sleeping in, never going to bed early, waking up to all kinds of sounds that you can't control. When I apologized for all my pestering questions, she stopped me and said "It's nice to have someone curious about whats going on in my life."

I love that. When the meal was over, she didn't ask for anything, or even want anything else. She was content with company and conversation over a hot meal.

This short encounter made me regroup back to the basics. It's not about the number of blankets, food or presents we pass out this holiday season. It's the faces of the people we are handing them too. Try to remember to not get overwhelmed by the needs. Just see and hear the one person who is in front of you today. I encourage you not to just hand out money to the sign holder, but to maybe pull over, stop your "busy schedule" and mind from racing, to remember whats important. People.

Christ was never overwhelmed or discouraged by hundreds of faces and needs he saw every day. Why is that? He was fully human, fully capable of giving into that stressful feeling of "never doing enough" or the guilt of doing nothing at all.
It's because he concentrated on the individual. It's because he was so in-tune with the Father that he was able to focus (fully) on one need at a time, allowing both hearts to be opened and prepared for each other. So that both the homeless man and he were blessed.

I know its easy to use the "I'm busy" excuse. There is so much pressure from society to always be doing something. It's a subconscious answer when friends ask me what I'm up to, to say "Oh just crazy busy!"
SO heres the challenge; Be open. Don't be so busy. Just don't. I promise that you are the one who sets your schedule. You make time for the things that are important to you.
Give time and love to the things that last, people. When you look back on this christmas, years from now, you wont remember sending a check in. You'll remember the single mom and 4 children you had over for Christmas dinner. Or the man you handed a blanket to downtown and listened to his life story.
You'll never know the value that people give to a good listener or someone who simply cared enough to notice. For some people, its everything. 

Happy Holiday's everyone! May it be filled with tons of happy people and love 

Email me with needs in your area, or your encouraging stories.
To get involved with a need in Richmond you can also contact me through phone or email;
Kourtney@hetrickpainting.com 804.461.6252
Our Sponsor

Community Development, just a reminder...

Community development (CD) is a broad term given to the practices of civic activists, involved citizens and professionals to build stronger and more resilient local communities.

Community development seeks to empower individuals and groups of people by providing them with the skills they need to effect change in their own communities. These skills are often created through the formation of large social groups working for a common agenda. Community developers must understand both how to work with individuals and how to affect communities' positions within the context of larger social institutions. 

How are you investing and helping your local community?

I am so excited to be back in Richmond for the Holidays working with Hope Provided and other local business! Only a few short weeks left here in Chiang Mai Thailand!

Plans for Thanksgiving? How about taking some of those leftovers to local parks to share with your neighbors who don't have families to sit with? Or maybe organizing a Thanksgiving dinner with a local soap kitchen? All kinds of ideas!!

Please share with us your plans to give back this Holiday season, or email us for needs in your area you'd like to help with!

Kourtneyhetrick@gmail.com
Our sponsor! 

The Red Light District

Have I told you yet that Kalzone and I work on the red light district?
Right in the middle of it.
Every night girls line the streets by the dozens. They stand outside "karaoke bars", "massage parlors", "cafes" or places labeled things that leave no mystery as to what their selling...
The girls are usually sitting in a chair, being looked over by a man of all nationalities, staring down at their laps or having their faces and hair checked over by (what I can only assume is) their pimp.




Most nights I want to pull over and ask them questions, why they're here, who they are, whats happen to them...
Maybe it's a blessing that language separates our lives. I'm sure the answers to these questions would cause more harm then good. 

"... I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want. I can do ALL things through Christ..." Phil 4

I can feel my mind spreading thin with all the dreams of things I want to accomplish with I'm here...or in life.
The distraction of myself is still the greatest battle, trying to focus my mind to finish the goal that I started and not be swept away with the emotions that over power my passion at times. 

Thailand is full of so much life. So many good things. The wonderful aroma of food sizzling in the markets, tuk-tuk cabs rushing by, music from musicians hoping to make a few baht. Its all yours, how much can you take in?
But the underline deep depression...one that I feel in America at times. Is also very present. Lurking in the faces of the girls "selling flowers" on the streets. Lingering outside the bars that line the streets...following the men that walk in and out of them.

What must it feel like to loose your soul. To use money to buy a human. 

I heard a story the other day of missionaries who had come to teach english to some hill tribe children in the mountains... Sounded similar to the work Kal and I are doing so my ears perked up!
To the twisting of my stomach the story unfolded into a horror tale of a man who had actually raised support to come to Chiang Mai to molest and rape children who spoke neither thai nor english...a sick, perfect plan. The Hill tribe people are not actual citizens of Thailand and therefore nothing can be done to the perpetrator or for the victims...

Or the story of the famous "trafficking ring" just north of here, where all the boarders meet. A woman sold her 2 day old baby to foreigner men trafficking children...the baby was sold for 5,000 baht....(roughly $150 dollars).

I wish we weren't so desensitized. I wish we could picture, in such a raw way what all of this actually means.

I'm encouraged by all the great work I do see happening here, and that God is raising up people all over to pursue their passions, whatever they may look like.
But this morning...my heart is heavy. My mind is tangled. And my arms feel weak... It's one of those days where you feel like, nothing could ever be enough.
That is why I am thankful that not only are mercy's new every morning, but also that, it is through the weak man the Lord finds His strength in us...

Sawat dee Ka (Honored to be in your presence)

In love with this place already.

Thailand, which is appropriately nicknamed "Land of Smiles", somehow finds a way to capture people in both its cultural beauty and physical enticement.

Most of the missionaries have lived here 5 plus years.

"I just can't seem to leave...when people ask me where home is, I instinctively reply- Chiang Mai."
--Heather (one of the Volunteers at Garden of Hope) 

                                                          Kalzone and I teach English 4 days a
week and volunteer for a missionary family once a week.
So far the greatest challenge has been my own limitations. The children are eager and willing to learn. Like little sponges, they sit quietly in those moments of silence when I am praying through the next step to teach in class.

Kal is with the elementary children and I have the honor of teaching kids that look 5 years older then me, though I am told they are high school age.

We're taking Thai classes twice a week to help us be more effective here, this has been a huge blessing as our tutor has offered to teach us for free in exchange for English lessons at the end of ours. Unfortunately, where we teach in the Hill tribes, the kids speak neither English nor Thai....I can't begin to tell you faces I've had to make and ridiculous gestures I've had give to get my point across and teach a simple word.
Sometimes I'm feeling very unequipped and bored with my own material, wondering how the kids will ever be enthusiastic about the subject if I am not. But God continues to be both faithful and gracious with me. I feel like I am already learning so much about myself and more of my purpose for God's work through these faces. Even in the heat of the 100+ degrees, I'm feeling very much at home during our time in the mountains, it is, still, my happy place and where I feel most alive. 

We are missing 30 of our kids in this picture....

Despite crazy traffic, many warnings and statistics like, "Thailand being the second place in the world for more tourists to die from motorbike collisions.", one of my favorite things to do here is drive around Chiang Mai. Kalzone is extraordinary with directions and makes me feel like a local with how well we are able to get around. Between my fearless driving and her amazing sense of direction...we make a pretty great team.

God has been very merciful and we have only been honked at once!

Prayer request:

Our biggest need right now is SLEEP! Poor Kal and I have not slept through the night once since we've been here, our backs and necks have been achy every morning. Please pray for peaceful, restful sleep.

Our visa run trip! Laos is just around the corner, 2 weeks! And with it is coming many hidden fees....Kal and I need about $150 more dollars to cover the trip and prayer that everything goes smoothly at the immigration office and the trip itself.

The Hill tribe children. We were a little shocked by how little the school was getting on without. The kids in my class share 1 pencil for ever 4 students, paper is often something ripped off a poster, not to mention other basic needs like flash cards, crayons, notebooks, books, etc.
Along with school needs the children also have a few health issues, many of them are orphaned and the ones who are not are here away from their families because their original tribes are to poor to feed them or school them. This being said, many of the kids come from all over and share everything they have...including lice and worms. We were able to go buy basic school supplies and good shampoo, but obviously all that is temporary. Please pray for a more permeant solution and wisdom for Kal and I as we treat some of the health needs and teach them English and the love of God.

Protection for both of us. Against sickness, lice and spiritual battles.


Thank you so much for all your support in every way!
We are so overwhelmed by the community that has come along side us in this trip.

We made it! Thailand Day 1!

Thai food= My taste buds have never been this excited about foreign food.

The market place is magic. So many colors and wonderful food.

Kalzone and I are jet-lagged, but happy to be safe and sound in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Bring it on...

Thailand Here We Come!

After a traveling to DC twice in 3 days, Kalzone and I finally have it all! And God is SO SO good! Thank you for all the prayers and support that poured in over the past week.

Hearing terror stories of lost passports and expensive visas had me rebuking worry the past few weeks. But now, sitting in a coffee shop, passport stamped with a visa in hand, I can't describe the my overwhelming thankfulness. The Lord has far exceeded all my expectations, goals and what I deserve over the course of this month. We leave Tuesday morning for Chiang Mai and it feels like a dream. Theres been so many blessings and so much confirmation covering this trip. I just know the Lord has huge things for the 2 of us, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds.
Thank you for all you do!

- 2 Blessed girls -

Prayers Appreciated!

Kalzone and I head to Washington DC early tomorrow morning to get our work visa's from the Thai Embassy! Prayers appreciated! <3 

An Unexpected Journey

Thailand will be a very foreign place to both Kalzone and I. 

For Kalzone it will be not only her first missions trip, but her first time overseas as well. 

For me, it will be my first time in an Asian Culture AND my first time learning all this visa crap!!! 

Oh my word I could pull my hair out! I'm sure I'll look back and be pleased with myself for learning the process and making myself do it, but good grief, it seems to never end. Don't the Thai people want us? I mean have you met me and Kalzone, we are awesome! There should be no required documents for our entrance....

Alright I kid. I mean, we are awesome. But I get it. All this to say: An unexpected cost for a work visa has come up and Kalzone and I have to make a trip to the Thai Embassy in Washington DC on Monday.
This however, Kalzone reminds me, is just the start of our journey. This whole "preparation stage" we're in has been a humbling one to say the least. Every time the Lord has asked Kalzone or I to give, He has replaced the "give" to the exact amount, every time. On top on this, I find it oddly ironic that I found out this morning we have to make the trip to DC when just Sunday afternoon Kalzone was asking if her and I could make a trip there 'someday', "My last visit there was 8th grade and I don't remember a thing, maybe for my birthday we could visit, I would really like that" she said. Brushing this comment off as I had "so much on my mind" I am reminded gently this morning that God never brushes things off, he cares about them all, big or small. And He keeps giving us stuff, I don't quite understand it, but its been very cool to be apart of. God not only loves me and Kal, but he likes us too! So much that he wanted to give us a fun day trip to DC, all because Kalzone simply asked.
 Please pray for finances to be covered, a safe trip to DC and for a speedy visa processing! Thanks everyone! DC Bound. 

The story of Callie McSorley Hetrick

(aka Kalzone)

I’m sure many of you are wondering about the “extra” Hetrick child running around . . .  then again, I’m sure many of you are not wondering at all.
Well, we’ll fill you in anyway:

About this time last year, a friend of mine (Kourtney), Leney Breeden, invited me to check out a new ladies Bible study in the west end. After attending for several weeks, I was starting to wonder why God was so persistent about me going. The time was nice, most of the girls were very quiet and sweet, but it was not affiliated with the church I was attending at the time and it seemed a little random that I was there at alt. But for whatever reason, week after week I felt a strong sense that I was suppose to keep going.
So I did.
One week during prayer request time, Callie McSorley, who may have been the quietest out of the bunch, shared for the first time a little about herself. She asked us to pray for her dad. The comment was quickly jotted down in the girls “Prayer Book” and the circle continued.
But of course, nosy me, I wanted more info…So I interrupted whatever poor girl was trying to speak next, to inquire about Callie’s prayer request. She told us she didn’t know where her dad was. She said one night last year he left and never came back. No one knows where he is and no one has heard from him.
I’m not sure if it was the love of Christ for Callie in me, or my sadness of imagining my life without my own dad in this way. But I broke down…I walked over to Callie with tears running down my face and started to hug her and pray. Right then and there all the girls put their hands on Callie and started to pray with us.

Later that evening Leney asked me if I wouldn’t mind giving Callie, (who most likely thought I was a little strange at this point), a ride home. Of course I wanted to know more about her and said yes.
On our way to her house, Callie opened up to me about her life at present. It was incredible to hear this sweet quiet girl, who I had written off as an average, church going kid, speak about her life story. She had been through more trials and heartache then I could imagine.
…You have to understand, Callie is the most joyful, chill, peaceful person I have ever known and getting her to talk about herself was like pulling teeth! I had to ask specific questions. It was clear she did not want any pity from me as she talked in a very polite cheerful manner. Always ending her sentence with “But its okay now!”
Towards the end of our ride she mentioned that her living arrangements here were coming to an end an. she would be moving away to Texas in a few weeks. She admitted that she wasn’t particularly excited about the move as she was finally adjusting to life in Richmond, making friends and community here. It sounded to me that she had been living the life of a gypsy in various ways for many years, and needed a safe place to call home. As Callie got out of the car I turned and looked at her to say “You’re not moving to Texas.”
She laughed and said “Yes, we need to come up with a plan.” (Probably still thinking a was a little off my rocker…)

That night I went home, burdened by Callie’s story and a bit perplexed by her attitude on life. I shared with my mom and dad about “this girl I met at Bible study.” The next morning dad and I talked in the kitchen, as we often do before he leaves for work. He said; “I can’t explain it, but the girl you were talking about last night has been so heavy on my heart this morning and during my devotions I felt the Lord extending an invitation for her to live with us.”

The rest is kind of obvious; she moved in and changed her name to Kalzone, (so as not to be confused with Kalli). And we all lived happily ever after… Except to say, I know some people make jokes about the “Hetrick’s taking in another stray” or “adopting another one.” But the truth of the matter is, I can’t remember what home life was like without Kalzone. She fit in so well from day one it was like it was always supposed to be this way. I’m in awe of the way the Lord molds lives together. The story of my sister Kalzone is no different. I’m very grateful to the people who listened to God this past year and made this all a reality; Leney, for inviting me to the Bible study; my parents, who fearlessly chase after God’s will for their lives and the lives of their children; Kati, Kris, Kari, Pete, Kalli and Kyle and all of my extended family who welcome people in with open arms never asking questions and of course Kalzone for having an open heart to take that leap of faith with us.

Who would have thought that two girls who didn’t even know the other one existed a year ago would be traveling halfway around the world together to spread God’s love…Kalzone has never been out of the country or on a mission’s trip. I’ve never done a missions trip with a sibling nor been to Asia. It’s a first for both of us, but we are so excited and blessed to have a community around us that loves and supports us in this new journey. I know the Lord has huge things for both of us.
Thank you so much for all you do in our lives.

Measured by Choices

We've all heard the quote: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

While this has become a favorite saying of mine, I feel that the way life is shifting and moving, (at warp speed I might add) that this quote has taken on deeper meaning and different wording in my life. This morning while reflecting on the past 4 years, thinking of all the places I've gone, people I've met, things I've lost, and experiences I've gained...I realized that I never really had moments where my breathe was taken away...but rather that the tiny, what seemed like, insignificant choices at the time, have made up where I am sitting now and are the "moments" worth remembering. I would say that, 'Life isn't measured by success and status, But by the decisions that we make and choices we choose. No matter how big or how small. The things you decide today will shape your future forever.' 

 I think if I had thought that way all along, I may have done things differently...but looking back I'm not sure I was suppose to be that "mature" in my way of thinking just yet...

It started with brokenness. Coming to the end of myself and needing to get out...In the beginning it was somewhere between the desire for attention and need for a change. But it became so much more then that. I remember perfectly clear the moment God showed up in their faces. That kind of perspective really changes a person. I became more broken that day then when I had originally started out. And you know what? It was beautiful.
But if I had never tried...If I hadn't made the choice to leave. If I hadn't been brave enough, even with, what was a selfish desire in the beginning. I would have missed out on so much.
You see, I think that christianity is so much more then what its become; I think we settle. I think that

"Christianity is being brave enough to let Christ live through you...Whatever that may look like, wherever that may take you..." 

And being bold enough, for whatever your reasons may be, to make that decision. It won't matter years from now if it was a stupid, embarrassing "dream" or a "I'm at the end of my rope" choice. Because the exquisite part about life and our relationship with God is that it shapes and molds us into so much more when we take that leap of faith.
I don't want to settle for ordinary... because Im not ordinary. The Christ through me makes me an extraordinary human-being. Made for extraordinary purpose.

I don't want moments to "take my breath away" I want to take a deep breath, look all around me and dive head first. I want to make choice to pick up my feet so that the Lord can move them. It's no one else's choice but my own. I want to be brave enough to make the decision to leave, whatever it is, behind.  I want to consciously loose my life to gain my soul. Mark 8:35 

I leave in 3 weeks for Chiang Mai...Its not a long trip and I'm not really "giving up" anything that amounts to any real sacrifice. There are so many people today that I admire, people who have really given it all for the sake of the cross; Katie Davis (http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/), My dad Rob Hetrick (www.Hetrickpainting.com), Sarah Gardner (serving in the Middle East), Any and all YWAMers (www.YouthwithaMission.org), Sarah Pomeroy (www.RichmondJusticeInitiative.com), my Aunt and Uncle- Patty & Peter Ford who have been serving in regions of Africa since I can remember. The list goes on & on...These are the people who will "gain it all."

What have I really given up for the sake of the cross? For the sake of "The Good News"?  What choices am I making that will make THE difference in my future? 

Am I running fearlessly towards my passions, making the best choice based on discernment that I'm seeking out daily in my relationship with Christ? -> Or have I convinced myself that "this is enough."?
My hope is that we can all appreciate the different passions of others...I think sometimes we get swept up in the judgment that - because some peoples dreams don't look as humanitarian or successful as ours that they must not be happy, or must not be where the Lord wants them. Let me be clear; we are the hands and feet of Christ...how can I be the feet that go, if I don't have the hands that send?  
Be where your suppose to be.

I can't wait for this Fall! - To experience Christ through the Thai culture and live out my passion to be exactly where I am suppose to be.

I'm feeling so thankful and blessed for purpose this morning. Thanking God for all the relationships in my life and the support and encouragement of others who are also pursuing their dreams and passions.

Thailand count down: 25 days.

Thailand Bound

Hello Friends, Family, and Friends we consider Family!
HOPE PROVIDED IS HEADED OVERSEAS!!!!!!

*********

Among the many forms of ministry we will be doing, we will be working closely in the fight to stop Human Trafficking. Here are some facts about what we’re up against so you will be more informed as you pray -

Globally, the average cost of a slave is $90.

Trafficking primarily involves exploitation which comes in many forms, including:

•                      Forcing victims into prostitution

•                      Subjecting victims to slavery or involuntary servitude

•                      Compelling victims to commit sex acts for the purpose of creating pornography

•                      Misleading victims into debt bondage

According to some estimates, approximately 80% of trafficking involves sexual exploitation, and 19% involves labor exploitation.

.    There are approximately 20 to 30 million slaves in the world today.

According to the U.S. State Department, 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year. More than 70 percent are female and half are children.

The average age a teen enters the sex trade is 12 to 14-years old. Many victims are runaway girls who were sexually abused as children.

Human trafficking is the third largest international crime industry (behind illegal drugs and arms trafficking).

It reportedly generates a profit of $32 billion every year. This is more than Starbucks and Google combined.
Of that number, $15.5 billion is made in industrialized countries.

The International Labor Organization estimates that women and girls represent the largest share of forced labor victims with 11.4 million trafficked victims (55 percent) compared to 9.5 million (45 percent) men.

Ways to Give:

We both need to raise $3,000 buckaroos each! So along with totally working our butts off, we plan lots of fund raisers and small jobs here and there.

 You can keep up with our adventures and support us through PayPal by following the link below:

www.hopeprovidedinitiative.com

All fun and games

 I am always so excited to learn how many local places in Richmond are giving back! Who would have thought buying a simple "summer fun" game like corn hole would do something as amazing as support a local charity!

Corn Hole is one of my families favorite games. We always set it up in the front yard on hot nights, grab some glass bottle cokes and play for hours.
We were so sad one afternoon to find that our corn hole set had been taken from our shed one night...

BBBBUUUUT
SOOOO HAPPY to find out that we could support our neighbors in need by buying a (super nice, I might add) Corn Hole set from C.P. Dean, Billiards and Gameroom Authority, Founded in 1886 by C. Preston Dean, a woodworker of great skill.

When you buy a corn hole set from C.P Dean, you are supporting a local boys ministry located in Church Hill, Richmond VA. This program is working to give struggling kids a hand up by providing a safe environment and community to be apart of. While giving them something constructive to do with their time. Offering a chance to learn good work ethic, how to handle challenges, teaching to work together and separate!
WAY TO GO C.P. DEAN!!!
9071 W. Broad Street
Henrico, VA 23294

Do you know any local businesses that are doing something like this?

Pass on the Neighbor to Neighbor mission!

Partner April 2013

Each month Hetrick Painting, Inc and Hope Provided partner with a local business to support the Richmond area. 

Last April we partnered with "M & S Auto Repair" of Cary Town Richmond. Owner, Wagih Sharoubim has a huge heart for community, and has help HPI in so many ways! He does excellent work, and we are so proud to be partner with him and his business!

                                               2422 Wet Cary Street, Richmond Va, 23220 
                                                                    804.271.2262