Soi 4 Road

This is a video of the road we walked down every day to get to the different red light districts, starbucks, shops, etc.

Im home.

It's taken me a few days to write this one sentence because I can't think of anything else to say. I've had a few people ask me, "So how was Thailand?" and my response was, "It was, Thailand". It's exhausting, going into detail, about what the girls experience on a day to day basis and the over stimulation of ads, music, and sounds.

You know how when little kids cover their eyes and pretend to disappear and because they can't see you, they automatically think you can't see them either? I guess the little girl in me thinks that if maybe I don't talk about it, then girls who work the streets day in and day out aren't really working the streets, they're living a life like mine. Naive, I know.

But, as thankful as I am, that I live in this country where I have any and every opportunity to become who I want to be, where freedom is not only a right but the only way I know how to live my life, and where my mother would do anything before she ever allowed me to sell my body to support our family, I can't help but think of the girls on Soi 4, Nana Plaza, and Soi Cowboy. What about them? As I wake up every morning in the Land of the Free, to my family who loves me so much they would never allow me to disgrace myself, what about the girls on the other side of the world?

Where did everything go wrong? And what do I do now?

What do you do with your life now once you've seen oppression with your own eyes? What do you do with the friendships you've made? What do you do with the experiences you've gained and learned from?

Psalm 37:7 Be still in the presence of Lord and patiently wait for him to act.

How reassuring, Be still in the presence of the Lord. God has always been with me and he is now with some of these girls who decided to trust in Him and I've learned from this trip that a little light shines very brightly in the mist of complete darkness. Someone once told me that when it seems like God isn't doing anything, is when He's doing the most work. God is so good. 

*I have uploaded video under Soi Cowboy's Christmas party's blog post*

Nana Plaza's Christmas Party

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…cheesy, I know J. Nana Plaza’s Christmas party went very well Thursday night! Some of our groups shut down entire bars, can you believe that?! So if you prayed, THANK YOU!, seriously. We didn’t come back to the house until a litte after 1 A.M because we had to break down the Christmas trees and close up shop and I was too exhausted to blog. Even though our bodies were exhausted, our hopes were lifted. The highlight of my evening was when the pastor asked the women to raise their hands if they wanted to know more about Jesus and this little girl, no older than 10, raised her hand. 

What made this little girl (who totally caught me snapping a picture of her) stand out was that while we were going to different bars to see who could attend our party, she was outside begging for money. It blew me away that she was able to come but more importantly that she wants to know how amazing, wonderful, loving, and merciful our savior is. That thought alone changes my grumpy mood almost immediately. Someone so young is able to see when the truth is right in front of her eyes, not caring if it goes against her Buddhist beliefs she was probably raised on, if she was raised at all.

Psalm 139:16-18 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me!

Yes God, you are still with her. 

Tonight I was able to go back to Soi Cowboy to visit my friend Pim who I met Wednesday night. When she saw me she ran and hugged me. If I ever felt like I had a purpose, it was that moment. I asked if she enjoyed the party, she did, and she apologized that she had to leave early. I told her I understood and I was just happy that she came. She asked when I was leaving and if I would ever come back. I don’t know if I will ever come back, but I have a feeling God’s purpose for me isn’t over yet. I think that because I came back and proved to her that I care about her, she saw the love of Christ, even if she didn’t raise her hand to know him. I will be praying for Pim.

Our trip is slowly coming to an end and although I’m not ready to leave, I’m ready to go home. Since you guys are already in the habit of praying for us, pray that Denise and I have a safe trip home, that we have time to reflect what we’ve seen and done these past 10 days, and that this experience brings us closer to God and helps strengthen our faith.

Isaiah 58:9-12 Stop oppressing the helpless and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day. The Lord will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well watered garden, like an ever flowing spring. Your children will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as the people who rebuild their walls and cities. 

a very exhausted Noon and I :)

Soi Cowboy's Christmas party

Before the party

During the party

Wow.

The Christmas party went so well. We went to Soi Cowboy around 6 last night and didn’t leave until 9. If it had been up to me, we would have gone in, executed the plan, and gone out but God had other plans. I asked him to open my eyes and he did. It was a little bit of a disappointment, how many mama-sans (bar managers) said no and how many girls said they’d rather work than go to the party. The group I was in got maybe 6 girls and the other groups we passed by on our mission had less than that. It seemed like it would be a very small party, if any party was going to happen. But by the time we got back, almost every chair in every table set up was full. I have no idea where these girls were coming from, but they were pouring in. 

Setting up the party

almost every chair filled by 10!

Last night was the first time I really saw Soi Cowboy for what it was, a playground for the lost and broken. The last time I went down the strip of clubs and bars, I just walked through to get an idea of what it was, I didn’t really pay attention to what I was seeing. Last night, spending almost 3 hours in this hopeless place, I saw. I saw girls in skimpy nurse’s costumes lure men into their bars, I saw men get off tour busses with plans to divide, conquer, and return, I saw little girls no older than 11 used as bait, I saw girls bringing their children and siblings to work, I saw faces of girls who were miserable and every face of these girls was miserable.

But in the Christmas party, I saw hope. Every woman and child who attended the party felt honored and rightfully so! They laughed, they cried, they sang, but most of all they were able to hear that someone greater than all of us loved them so much that He died on the cross for their sins, that no matter that they’ve done in the past, Christ will welcome them into His family, if they believe!!!!! How does that not excite you!? These girls were able to just hang out. No customers, no job, no feelings of worthlessness. In fact, quite the opposite, friends, food, party, gifts, and HOPE! I can’t stop smiling just thinking about it.

I met a 33 year old woman named Pim last night while we walked to the hotel together and she told me that it had been so long since she’d been to a party. I told her that she would love the party because it was a night honoring her and all the other ladies who would attend. When you really think about it, when was the last time that these girls were able to sit around, hang, out, eat, sing, and just enjoy their time without having to sell their bodies? Even if some of them went back to work afterwards, which some did as we passed by them walking back to Beginnings, I’m sure the seed of love and hope was planted, even if it takes a while to grow.

Tonight is the last Christmas party for Nana Plaza, which is supposed to be bigger than Soi Cowboy’s night. Please pray that God opens doors and hearts of the mama-sans and girls. 

Correcting my last post.

After re-reading my previous post, I realized that I may have come off insensitive to the girls who are forced to work in the sex trade scene. Although it is a way of life here in Thailand, it gives no excuse to the foreigners visiting the right to abuse what happens here. It’s sickening how you see it everywhere and even more heartbreaking because most of these girls stories begin way before they enter the bar scene. They’re abused, sold into prostitution, molested and raped, and taught that they mean nothing probably before they even hit puberty. Earlier today, while setting up the Christmas party (pictures will be posted eventually, if the internet allows), I overheard a story of a girl who has come in and out of Beginnings. She is no longer at Beginnings, by choice, and is now working at a fast food restaurant making her own money and going to school. She said that she enjoyed working because it made the money she earned have value.

And that made me think.

If the girls who are forced to work at these bars are made to believe they have no value, then why is the money they make any different? The money goes straight to their families, to support siblings, gambling debt, crop failure, hospital bills, and anything else their families need. Their parents don’t care where the money is coming from, just as long as money is flowing into their pockets. These girls aren’t working for themselves; they’re supporting everyone but themselves because if they were given a choice, I guarantee that they would all choose another lifestyle, maybe a fashion designer, artist, teacher, engineer, super model, or business owner. These girls are capable of so much but will most likely never experience anything except abuse, heartbreak, emotional distress, and any other negative feeling that comes along with selling their bodies. I’m sure they die a little inside with every baht they “earn”.

After having a moment with Denise, I was able to understand why it was difficult for me to really understand what I’m feeling, why I was unable to pinpoint what exactly is going on in my head.

Distraction.

The bright neon lights, the music, the noise, the innumerable amount of taxi’s and vendors, the people on the streets, the bars, and the children on the streets. I have been so focused on taking it all in that I missed the most important thing God’s been trying to show me, the Thai women. From restless nights of waking up every hour and getting insufficient amounts of sleep, to not having good internet signal, to not being able to talk to my parents for more than 5 minutes at a time, to the sour smells of sewage, to the blaring horns of taxis, cars, and mopeds, to the loud secular (this one’s for you Jo) music playing in the bars, it’s all been distracting me from seeing, really seeing, the faces of the girls who are used to what I’m not. And I’m sorry. I’ve been caught up in trying to not be distracted that I didn’t realize how out of it I was. So tonight’s Christmas party is where I will try to redeem myself because I will be at a table with about 9 Thai women who sacrificed their time and money to just spend time with people who care about them. Tonight, I will look at these girls for who they really are, children of God, and just enjoy their company.

Psalm 150: 1-6 Praise God in his heavenly dwelling; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness! Praise him with a blast of the trumpet; praise him with the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that lives sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!

Tonight, we will praise the Lord. 

Tuesday.

I don’t really know what to say. Pictures will be easier to understand than the words I am writing. I’m not sure what I feel, if I feel anything extreme, and I know that sounds awful, but I don’t feel hatred nor an overwhelming sense of grief either. My heart does ache for these girls who walk the dirty, sewage scented streets, and my heart does ache for the men who chase after them, but am I crying myself to sleep? No. The only way I can explain how I feel is that there is a peace not known to man. A peace that proves God is working in what seems like a God forsaken place, a place where Satan has clearly made himself comfortable, this place he calls home.

a "lady boy" (transgender)

To be quite frank, prostitution is everywhere. Literally. You can’t escape it. It’s on the streets during the day, like a plague at night, on the way to the train station, at the train station, at Starbucks, McDonalds, it’s in the advertisement and stores you pass by, it’s a way of life. It is thrown in your face and you can’t escape it and even if you could, you’re now surrounded by the many homeless people who live on the sidewalks you walk on, to find your Thai women. Talk about heartbreak. 

It truly is a humbling experience because before Christ I was no different than the men and women who flock and beg on the streets, blinded by my own desires and selfish wants. And maybe this is why I am neither angry nor wallowing in pity, because I have hope. Hope that Jesus can save all these people. 

Our Christmas party is tomorrow night (your Wednesday morning) and Thursday night (your Thursday morning). I am excited to see how many girls attend. Please pray that God opens the hearts and eyes of these young ladies, so they can also experience how great our God is.

Our First Night Bar Hopping.

Its 5:16 A.M Sunday morning and I can’t sleep. I fell asleep around 11:30 exhausted and now I’m wide awake. I can’t stop thinking about what I saw last night in Nana Plaza. Nothing extreme. Just faces of miserable girls doing the Junior High Shuffle (Bonita describes it as a middle school girl with a hand on her bouncing hip, nail biting as she’s chatting with her friends), some topless and some in skimpy bikini’s, two-stepping on a stripper pole to the music the DJ’s playing and waiting for the night to be over. And I think what's really sitting heavy on in my heart is that when I leave Nana Plaza and go out to eat dinner with the New Beginnings team, my night is over. I get to go home, jump in the shower, and lay in bed. These girls, well, they’re probably still working while I’m complaining that I can’t sleep. Where’s the fairness in that?

I was able to visit a few pool bars and go-go bars last night. It’s ironic how Thailand designs Nana Plaza for its Western costumers. I guess its one owner, an American Mafia man, knows what his customers want. Some of the bars are called Hilary’s (1-4) and Hanahans. The only American thing about them is the men that occupy the bar stools. I was able to take a few pictures last night, not as good a Jo, but I think the message gets across. In respect to the people here, I have blurred any faces of the men who are in my pictures. 

Photo Cred. Jo Calfees

This is the Entrance of Nana Plaza, as Jo likes to call it "The Belly of the beast", where the majority of the go-go clubs, strip clubs, sex on the spot bars, lady-boy bars, and so on are located.

This man and Thai woman sat down right next to us at the same high top table. She used him for drinks, beer after beer. He looked over at me a couple of times and I couldn't make eye contact with him because I knew my face would give away my disappointment and disgust. 

This man had about 3 Thai women around him early in the night. He looked over at us a few times as well. I don't know if because we look American, these men are looking at us wondering if we're judging them, or maybe they're looking for approval? I just try to avoid eye contact all together.

These 3 pictures were taken from the back of the bar to the front. There were groups of men just sitting around and playing pool, either flirting with the staff or girls walking by.

I thought that I would develop a sense of anger towards these men in the bars, but my heart aches for them. They do not know what they’re doing. And my heart aches for these Thai women, because they don’t have any other choice. Yes they smile, all Thai people smile, it’s their culture to always smile. Doesn't mean they like what they do and when you see that brokenness in their eyes, right before they go on stage, or you catch a glimpse of how miserable they are strutting around on the stage, how can you not want to reach out to them. I prayed this morning, “Lord, what am I doing here? I know I’m here for support, but WHAT am I doing here for you?” I don’t want to fall into the feeling of helplessness, because all I was able to do last night was just sit at these clubs and look around, and that makes me feel guilty. Like I’m a part of the male population, just eyeing these girls, and I want to do so much more. I know it’s only the first night out and I know that I shouldn't expect anything less of just planting a seed of love, but I wish I could just go in busting down doors and saving these girls, Wonder Woman style. But I’m not the savior, and Jesus can do so much more of a better job than I could ever dream of and I know that he will be able too.

Please keep praying. 

On our way to Starbucks this morning, even at 10 A.M, women are out looking for men. Here a just a few pictures I was able to take.

In about 2-3 hours I believe we will try to head out to the bars. I'm not sure how well I can play the "blissfully ignorant tourist with camera in hand" character, but I'll try to get some more pictures. 

We had a great luncheon this afternoon where we were able to meet Bonita and the rest of the New Beginnings crew. This trip has gotten off to a good start. I still can't upload many pictures because of how fickle the internet is, but I'll do my best. Thank you again for your prayers.

We Made It!

It is 7:59 A.M right now, here in Bangkok, on the other side of the world. The last 29 hours have been the longest 29 hours of my life. At one point, I thought I was going to go mad on the 14 hour plane ride to Japan, but, Delta did have a great movie choice selection and I was able to catch up on all the movies I’ve been wanting to watch but didn’t have time for because of school and work. I’M IN THAILAND!! I spoke to my parents around 2:30 A.M (we’re always going to be 12hrs ahead of Florida) and my dad said Japan had a big earthquake hit them which closed their airports about 45 minutes after we took off. While we were waiting for our plane, I was in a small gift shop and had to hold myself up against a wall because I “thought” I was getting light headed and losing my balance because of low blood sugar. Nope, turns out we were feeling the earthquake before it hit hard lol. This little Floridian experienced her first earthquake ever. Thank God that He is in control because we made it on our flight to Thailand with no problems.

Driving to the house, we got a sneak peak of what we would be encountering this week. We passed Nana Plaza around 2 A.M and saw tons of people on the streets, Thai women dressed seductively looking for American men. There was one Thai woman who caught my attention. She was in a strapless red dress, walking with an American man in a blue v-neck sweater, laughing and chatting it up when another American man passed right by them. She let go of the man in the blue sweater and went for the other man. The other man brushed her off and she tried to run back to the man in the blue sweater but he already walked off and she stood on the side walk ready to find someone else. That is the reality of Thai women on the streets of Nana Plaza. This is there life. I hope and pray that we’re able to shine a little light, even if it’s the equivalence of a dim LED light in a dark room.

I will try to post some pictures later on today, right now my internet connection keeps going in and out. Thank you to everyone who is praying for Denise and I. Please continue your prayers because we need them. 

Too Excited To Sleep

...well, I'm sure the venti cinnamon dolce latte I drank at 8 P.M. has more to do with the fact that I'm WIDE awake right now than actually being excited (but that doesn't negate the fact that I'm uber pumped). I still can't believe that this time tomorrow I will be in Thailand. THAILAND. God is so good. Since I haven't slept yet, I was able to do some cleaning around the house, packed a few extras that I forgot, and signed up for SEMS. I am very happy to have completed a lot of paper work/interviews before the trip so that when I come back I can get the ball rolling on finding a job. This truly is a new chapter in my life and I am excited to embrace what the Lord has in store for me. The next time I write I will probably be in Thailand. Unfortunately, the airplane only has outlets for first class and business (I am not in either), so I will most likely not be using my laptop for the duration of the flight. I will however take full advantage of my video camera, so do expect some video footage upon our arrival. I do apologize before hand on my appearance, seeing as my attire will consist of pj's. See you on the other side of the world!

Hello From Thai Erawan!

Today was my last day working before going to Thailand and I thought it would be really cool if the staff at Thai Erawan said a little hello to all the girls I will be meeting. I wanted to show the girls at New Beginnings what our restaurant looks like and introduce them to the people I work with, who walked in the Walk for One and who truly care about these girls!!!! So here's the video!

I also got my first baht, from my amazing boss Amm. Shes the lady in middle of the group of Thai people! Now, its time for me to finish packing and get ready for tomorrow :)

4 days!

Time really does fly right on by.

4 days. 4 days! 4 days!?

Am I packed? Nope :)

Today at church, Jerry had everyone pray for us. It's crazy to think that in less than 4 days Denise and I will be on the other side of the world, physically and mentally. These next four days are crucial. I plan on spending as much time in the word because I need to be emotionally and mentally prepared.

Ephesians 6: 10-14 Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against the wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. 

Lord, help us to be strong.

Thanksgiving

So today is Thanksgiving and I truly have a lot to be thankful for. For starters, I am so thankful that God is merciful, loving, slow to anger, FORGIVING, and is the corner stone for me to live my life by because I am none of those things and without Jesus I am just stumbling in the dark. To say it's been an "eventful" week is being kind with my words since the past 7 days have been a roller coaster of emotions from anger to irritability. Last Wednesday I was on my way home from DeLand to turn in some paperwork to apply for substitute teaching and I got into a car accident. I am fine, thank God, but my car is not. The whole front end was damaged and although my car is still driveable during the day (I'm missing a headlight, it's really a tragic sight) it's going to need a lot of body work. Right before the holidays right? Yeah, that's been my attitude. And I know it's wrong and I've been praying and trying to be in the word more, but it's been hard fighting these feelings. Since the accident I gave into the "WHY ME!?" attitude and then felt convicted because right afterwards someone posted on Facebook about the trials and tribulations we often go through and instead of asking "why me" we should ask "why not me?" I tell you, when God is trying to get the message through, he sure gets the message through. So now the million dollar question, What am I supposed to learn from this/How is God going to use this for his purpose? I don't know the answer, but I am trusting that God does have a purpose and I am leaning on the truth that nothing can happen to me without first going through His hands. I won't lie, since the accident I was feeling very uneasy and unsure of going to Thailand. I had this unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach that something else was going to happen that would prevent me from going on the trip, but: 

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Psalm 27:1 Of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

and my personal favorite...Lamentations 3:31-32 For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion according to the greatness of his love

So, if God is telling me not to fear, I'm going to listen to the guy who came back from the dead (words from the wise Jerry) and trust God. 

32 days and counting!

Tickets have been booked!

Denise and I are leaving December 6th-16th! How amazing!!? We will be out of the country in less than 2 1/2 months, doing God's work! So excited. Still can't believe we have the opportunity to go to the other side of the the planet to tell these girls trapped in the sex trade industry that God loves them and they matter to Him.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

I got this email from Jerry a couple of weeks ago and I want to share it with everyone. Please pray for the team in Thailand. 

Romans 8:31 "...if God is for us, who can ever be against us?" 

WALK FOR ONE!

I know its been some time since I've written, but I just wanted to briefly express how awesome Walk for One was! I believe about 150 showed up!! I was able to snap a few pictures before the walk, but if I can get my hands on other pictures, I will definitely post them!

Thank you to EVERYONE who participated!!!! I cannot wait til next year. SPREAD THE WORD!

9 DAYS!

I just realized that Walk for One is only 9 days away! I don't know why I thought it was still a month away!? That being said, our Thailand trip is a little over 3 months away! It feels like just last December I was reading Calfees in Thailand (calfeesinthailand) and the experience the Freedom 4/24 team went through in 2011. I'm still amazed that I am going to be a part of this, a part of something so much bigger than anything I could ever dream!

I'm learning that if God calls me somewhere, he's already there.

Walkers & some info on Thai culture!

Great News! Jerry posted on the Walk for One's facebook page (Walk for One) that there are 142 people registered to walk on September 1st at the Port Orange City Center!! Thank you to everyone who signed up! Because of your generosity, 142 girls will get the opportunity to hear that because they matter to God, they matter to us!

For those who don't understand what's happening in Thailand and the reason for the walk, I'll break it down for you. 

In Thailand, young girls and women work the redlight district every single day because it is their responsibility to earn income for their poverty stricken families.

You're probably thinking, "Ok, well if it's the daughters responsibility to earn the income, why choose prostitution? There are tons of other jobs that you can make money with right?" yes and no. Most girls who work in the sex trade industry come from rural villages where their education does not exceed 6th grade. In order to get even a remotely decent (and I use the word very loosely) job, children must have completed school up to 9th grade. Graduating high school is very rare and only a few from these poor villages ever go on to a university.

In Thailand, it is not the same from the North to the South, or the East to the West. The entire Northeast (Isaan) region produces roughly 80% of the girls working in the sex-tourist industry. The majority have only four years of primary education while only 25% reach the 7th grade. Some have no formal education at all. In the local sex trade, statistics reflect that 40% of the girls enter voluntarily, while the remaining 60% are forced, coerced, or tricked into it. --From the Book Only 13: The true story of Lon.

If you have the opportunity to read Only 13, I highly recommend that you do! It breaks down the economics, family values, traditions, and reasoning for why young girls go into the sex trade industry.

So back to the real issue, the money. This chart should clearly explain the difference between working a legit job (in Thailand the shifts consists of 10-12 hour days where you work about 28 days straight, with maybe 3 days off) compared to selling your body (depending on whether you're a 'freelancer' where you have no boss, or you work for the clubs) 

This is the monthly earning of Lon, who Only 13 is written about. But can you see why a girl would choose prostitution over any other profession, if they are responsible for providing for their families. If you want to know more, I really recommend you read Only 13!

I hope this information helped you understand some of the Thai culture!

The girls on a mission.

Denise and I are the two luckiest girls on the planet, who were given the opportunity to go on this mission trip!

An opportunity of a life time.

Last year, my pastor's daughter went on a missions trip with a group called Freedom 4/24 to Bangkok, Thailand, to help young girls and women trapped in the sex trade industry. Before I go further into detail about the missions trip, lets talk about what the "sex trade industry" is. Sex trade is known as the act of providing sexual services to another person in return for payment. Freedom 4/24's mission is to create relationships with women and children who are trapped in the sex trade industry by providing an opportunity to become educated, so they can break free from the attitudes and customs which currently lead women to being treated poorly and considered "disposable" (Freedom424.org).

This December, my friend Denise and I have the amazing opportunity to be a part of Freedom 4/24's mission in helping to save young girls and women from the life of selling their bodies to support their families. Our church, Atlantic Coast, is putting together a walk on September 1st to help raise money for our trip in December, because unfortunately, in order to get to know these girls who work in the bars and clubs, you have to pay them for their time. I'll go into more detail later about where girls work and how they earn their money, as for right now I need to go to bed!

Goodnight :)