Wait...why are you going?

Well, 7 weeks folks.

*side note, this blog needs more pictures*
 

To be honest I am super concerned about two things before I leave. The first, again, is going to the dentist. Turns out, I can’t go see my friend, so I HAVE TO GO TO A STRANGER. Ugh.

Second is the state of my room. It really is pretty obscene. But at the same time, I just don’t care. Maybe I’ve given up. In fact, the way my room is right now is probably the poster picture for giving up in general. I found packing tape (with the razor edge to tear off) IN BED with me last night, in addition to a ghungroo, and many other gems I have been searching for.

Now onto more- er- meaningful (?) things…

At 3 or 4 years old, my answer to the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” would always be ‘a missionary!’

Haha. What a weird ambition for a little kid. Nevertheless, it has always been on my heart, and I’m pretty sure I was the last one to know it was actually going to become a reality someday.

I hadn’t seen what poverty looked like until I was 18. YoungLife at ASU had organized a trip to Tijuana to build a house for a family in need over a weekend. I was changed on that trip.

There were a few more mission trips that I went on including one to Argentina, where I was so desperate to “be changed” that it didn’t actually end up happening, probably because I was more concerned about me than the people I was going there to serve.

Uganda was next. It wasn't really a mission trip, since it was just me.  I went to visit a friend who worked with street kids out there, and got to sleep in the slums for 2 weeks, which, to me, was really neat. I loved those kids, loved Uganda, and even loved sleeping in the slums. I learned so much about how to do missions well.  You hear everyone talk about Africa and “getting the bug.” As much as I loved Uganda, the time spent there, and all the beautiful people I met, I didn’t acquire said bug.

Then came Cambodia. There aren’t adequate words to describe the feeling of stepping off the plane for the first time. It didn’t feel foreign, even though it absolutely was. Everything was familiar, like I had come home. Interacting with the Khmer people (Khmer is how Cambodian people identify themselves) was a constant joy, and still brings a smile to my face.

 We went to the various organizations who sacrifice over and over again for those who have been rescued. I was knocked off my feet by the people I met. Charmed by stories I had heard, and the careful way they care for these girls hearts. After several days, we got to meet some of the girls. What an honor. Restoration and redemption beyond belief.

Yes, sex trafficking is one of the most evil, and darkest things (I can’t think of a better word than things) in the world. An ‘industry’ that brings in an estimated 36.1 billion a year. Violence, abuse, and degradation beyond belief.

Oddly enough, that isn’t what wedged its way in my heart and got under my skin.  So what did? Resilience, light, grace, LIFE. More darkness than I can ever imagine, but the light is so bright, it’s arresting.

So, I have been twice to Cambodia-land and both times I was offered jobs. Both times I declined, much to my friend, Heather’s dismay. And my sister’s. And my other friend’s. Apparently, everyone was in on the secret that I was too stubborn to listen to due to my own selfishness.

There were things I wasn’t willing to give up. For 3 years I resisted. Finally, after my stubbornness blew up in my face, by the Grace of God, my heart softened and I am off, doing what I was created to do.

I.Cannot. Wait.

I have little to give, but what I do have, I pray it is used.

 

Any of you have experiences where you felt at home even though it was a brand new thing/idea/place?

Ummm... hi.

Umm… hi.

As Jamie Wright (theveryworstmissionary.com) said “Feel free to ignore this.”

This is going to be a pretty uncomfortable post for me. Probably because I have already written one like this and feel like I need to do it again.

First of all, everything up to this point (other than the waiting period) has been totally in my comfort zone.  Filling out applications… easy. Interviews…not too bad. Getting people to write really nice things about me to send into the organizations….ok, that was kinda uncomfortable. But this is difficult for me. I don’t like asking for help, we should probably just add that to the list of things I do terribly.

It is an inevitably awkward conversation. “Hi, I know we only met once, but would you consider donating to me?” Honestly, I kinda feel like I have no business asking people.

I have received some donations (y’all know who you are and there is something that will be in the mail for you shortly) and every time one comes in, I cry. It OVERWHLEMS me. Partly because I feel like the most unqualified person in the world to be doing this, but mostly because the Church has become tangible to me. I don’t feel like I am going over there alone. I feel very much supported and cared for and loved, like you guys are my teammates. Cheesy, I know, but it’s how I feel.

You guys are showing me more about what the Church is and who Jesus is. And it BLOWS me away. Seriously.

 

With that said, I still need help. There are still more funds to raise and I can’t do it without you. If you would please pray about supporting me, I would so appreciate. ANYTHING helps. I know that small gifts are often big sacrifices, and I appreciate every single donation.

If you want, please email me and we can set up a time to talk if you would like to know more about what I am doing out there.

There is also a link above that says “Donate here” that you can click on.

You guys are so great. Thank you, heaps!

-janay

Janay.jarvis@gmail.com

Birthday Grinch

Hi, I’m Janay, and I am the Birthday Grinch.

This is the first year that I have actually tried to not have a birthday. Not because of getting older or anything. I really don’t feel like I am 28 (probably because I spend most of my free time with high schoolers) so the age thing doesn’t really bother me.

I’m not sure what it is, but everything birthday related is making me a cranky grump. My roommate asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday this year and all I want to do is see a movie. Granted, the theater I want to go to has recliners (and a wine dispenser!) but seriously, I have come down with a serious case of being a lame birthday grouch.

I have actually made an effort to help people forget my birthday this year.  For example, at work, people make a big deal out of birthdays, so, I took my ‘trusted’ friend aside last week and told her that I really didn’t want anything to be done as it just makes me feel uncomfortable. It had the opposite effect. When I walked into the office this morning my little cubical was decorated in banners and twinkle lights and confetti and streamers. I took a picture and sent it to another friend (who is obnoxiously trying to let everyone know) with the caption of “asdf;lkmjfdvnj;akdjshkf.” Her response was laughter. Thanks, Ash.

Why in the world am I having such an issue this year with receiving from others? I get so annoyed when others don’t let me bless them. Apparently, it’s just a double standard, which, clearly, I have become the queen of.

Anyway, what is our (my) issue with accepting love and gifts and blessings?

Do we (I) feel unworthy? Are we (I) afraid of intimacy (emotional, spiritual, mental) with others? Maybe we (I) just plain don’t like people. Is there a feeling of ‘owing’ someone afterwards? I don’t know.

 Or maybe I didn’t want people to know that it was my birthday because, I mean, what if no one even said ‘happy birthday!?’ Since, clearly, I am at the center of the world, devastation would set in for sure, and you would find me face down on the floor of my incredibly disastrous room (which is a whole other issue in and of itself) listening to something super emo that would remind me of the ‘better times.’ Let’s be honest, it would actually  be NSYNC or something equally lame.

Anyway, I digress. Here’s the deal. It comes down to the dumb insecurities that I have of wanting people to like me. As if that will satisfy me. I mean really, I want people to like me, but there will always be one person (at least) who can’t stand that I ask a million questions, or that I have a tendency to use profanity, or that I only brush my hair, at most, once a week.

  I am reminded of Galatians 1:10 “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. “

It is refreshing to read, but sometimes, honestly, I hate reading verses that convict me. At first. Then He softens my viciously stubborn heart, and eventually, I come around. It really is a win-win situation. Having to only have the approval of one (Jesus) and not 6.9 BILLION is kind of a relief.  Especially because I only need to seek the approval of my biggest fan.

So, I am going to (try) enjoy the flowers that were purchased for me, the cookies that were baked, the Diet Cokes that were bought, and every Happy Birthday along the way.  The Birthday Grinch is retiring (sort of, because I most definitely won’t post this until after my birthday).

Financial Breakdown- Updated!

In advance, THANK YOU!

Here it is, the dreaded financial breakdown:

Essentially, I need $1000/month to live off of. That is a lot of money to raise. However, every bit counts.

Keep in mind that ALL donations are tax deductible.

I know that some people can give more, and some people less. Please be encouraged that in any way you support me, it is not only appreciated, but a game changer.

 Prayer is a game changer. I can’t emphasize that enough.

One time donations are a game changer. $10 a month is a game changer.

I appreciate each of you, deeply. 

As a bonus, for those who donate, please know you will get an in person (or virtual, if you live far away) high five, and maybe even a wink.  (You actually will receive a super cool orginal print designed by my sweet friend, Alicia)

And so it begins...

Hey Everyone,

I am moving to Cambodia! I can’t believe it. Before I go, I need your help (in more areas than one). First some background on the country and why I am moving there.

Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, sandwiched between Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. In the 1970’s Cambodia experienced a massive genocide of at least 1 million people. Pol Pot was the ring leader and had a plan to create a peasant society, and in that vision included wiping out all those who were educated. This was ironic, since Pol Pot himself was highly educated. Because of this, Cambodia went into a tailspin. As a result, the sex trafficking industry exploded. Girls were being taken, sold, and tricked into forced prostitution. Today, it is still a huge issue that plagues Cambodia and the rest of Southeast Asia. Thankfully, there are many organizations that are dedicated to seeing trafficking end and are making great strides to turn that into a reality.

My first time in Cambodia was in 2010, and I witnessed firsthand the hard work of those who have committed their life to rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintroducing these precious girls back into healthy living. I went back a year later (apparently I just couldn’t stay away) and saw a few new organizations who were working tirelessly and sacrificially. I was hooked, yet again.

So, after 3 years of my own stubbornness and two previous job offers in Cambodia that I turned down, it seems that the third time's the charm! The Lord is calling me to full time ministry in the capital city, Phnom Penh. I will be working with an organization called Daughters of Cambodia (check them out, they are too awesome:www.daughtersofcambodia.org), who work with girls who are coming out of trafficking in the 15-20’s age group.

Like I said before, I need your help. First and foremost, I absolutely covet your prayers. I cannot do this alone and need the body to be lifting me and the ministry up in prayers on a daily basis. Without that, I will surely fail. Secondly, I need help financially. If y’all can prayerfully consider supporting me financially, that would be so great. I am needing one time and monthly donors. You can find donation info and a video about the organization below.

You guys are the best, thanks for just taking the time to read this.

-janay

janay.jarvis@gmail.com

Isaiah 58:6-10

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.

If you would like to donate, you have two options. You can donate by mail (feel free to email me for all the paperwork) or you can donate online, and the instructions are below.

click on this link: http://internationaloutreachministries.org/support.html
and then you can click on one time or monthly donations. Please make sure to put my name in the box that says "For the ministry of," otherwise the money will not be allocated to me.
All donations are tax deductible.
Thank y'all for everything.