Passion and Work
With the beautiful change of bringing children into our family, I know that I will not have the time to invest in ministry that I have been privileged to spend during my time pre-kids.
God has given me a heart for survivors of trafficking, and I have been seeking a way I can support women in poverty or at risk for trafficking. While I would love to serve in a ministry or organization that supports survivors, our current life circumstances of adopting children requires the majority of my focus. (Rightly so:) ).
Originally, I thought that since I am working on my PhD in Psychology, then it would make sense to contribute to the literature and research modern practices and how successful ministries support women (as well as men + children) as they heal and reintegrate into society. After 2.5 years studying the existing literature and research and seeking how to assist in an informative manner, I found that I would need to alter my study topic in order to more closely relate to my degree focus. Although this change was not my plan, I know the Lord knows better than I do.
Long story still long 
, I have decided to partner with Trades of Hope, an organization that supports women who have survived trafficking or are at risk for trafficking and live in impoverished areas. While I may not be on the mission field, I can play a small part in supporting women who have survived trafficking or are at risk for it.
With Trades of Hope, the artisans (the women I referred to previously) set their prices and sell their handmade products to Trades of Hope, and then people like me help them sell their products. I certainly don’t see myself as a salesperson, but I do believe in the vision and mission. So, I will do what I can to support these women in the best way I can right now. 
(This is not related to our adoption!) If you would like to support these women through shopping, please check out the site!
