Phnom Penh

Cambodia.  How do I put down in words the impact my trip had on me?  I can't.  I can only share little bits and pieces of the joy, heartache, love, friends, and memories I experienced.  It was exhausting, rewarding, and I can't wait to go back.

                                                                     Our Crew

                                        Alli Mellon, founder of The Hard Places Community

Punlok Thmey is the first prevention and restoration center in Cambodia for boys.  It is located right in the middle of the community rumored to be the worst for selling boys for sex.  There are around 25 Khmer staff members that devote their time to 80 street-living or street-working children, all of which  are at risk of being sold to a pedophile for sex. Their main objective is to build relationships with the boys, and by doing so, they can teach them about decision making, love, hope and our Savior.

 In the mornings, we helped the staff with teaching English, computer classes, play room therapy, and crafts.  In the afternoon, the we split up into two groups, one to go to Wat Phnom and the other to the river front.  Both of these public places known for its sex trafficking and prostitution of women and girls.  Here each day, we played with children, did a VBS type skit and craft.  These were different children than one from the center.  Once again, it was all about helping build relationships.  Many of these children also lived on the street, park, or in the slums.

The children love the Punlok Thmey staff.  They are outside every morning and afternoon, waiting excitedly to come in.  Here they find love and safety.  These children are so precious.  Many of them stole each of our hearts.   If I could, one or two would have come home with me.

This country needs prayer.  It is dark and needs healing.  I believe that HPC is planting seeds for the next generation.

Remembering

Two individuals that played a significant role in my life, passed away in the last couple of days.  Both Rebecca "Becba"Hayes and Ben Puckett, will be missed by so many people.

Rebecca was my children's nanny for several years when I live in North Carolina.  She first came to help me when Dixon was three and Gwynn two.  It took them a little while to warm up to her, so she started bringing "special treats" everyday.  Little white donuts or a cookie were constant treats for them.  Then, Grace was born, and she became known as "Becba's Baby", and from then on, she held a special place in Becca's heart.  After a couple of years in Lenoir, my family decided to move up the mountain to Blowing Rock.  I hated telling her we were moving because she had become such a part of our lives.  When I told her, she said "I already knew it.  The Lord told me, and as Ruth said to Naomi 'I will go where you go' "  So, she would travel several days a week, up the mountain, even in the snow to be with us.  I loved Rebecca Hayes, and I look forward to seeing her again one day.  And I know I will.

Ben Puckett was one of my dad's best friends.  I've known him and his wife my whole life, but it wasn't until over six years ago, that he really made an impact in my life and the life of my family.  Ben was an integral part of my rescue, and for that, I will be forever thankful for his generosity and friendship to my parents.

So, this painting and post is dedicated to two special people that touched my life.

Studio View

The painting is a view from my studio.   Three walls of my studio are windows overlooking the lake in our back yard.  The view is breathtaking early in the morning and at sunset.  The lake is claimed to be one of the best fishing lakes in Madison County.  Today, I had 9 young men fishing from the pier.  I can not tell you the joy I have when I look outside and see so many precious friends of Dixon enjoying themselves at our home.  That is one of the main reasons I wanted this house, because it is a great place for young people to hang out.  I love having them around.

Emily

11x 14

Named for Gwynn's best friend who is a wonderful dancer.

                                   Dixon's home, and what can I say, except, I love my son!!!

Melissa

                                                                      36 x 36

This painting is named after my dear friend Melissa Davis McEachin for her encouraging words, her faith in Jesus Christ and her willingness to listen to The Holy Spirit.

That sums up everything I have to say tonight.

Waiting To Dance

This is another dancer painting for the Lafayette show on May 10th.  I love the texture of her tutu.  It reminds me of a big poof of feathers.  My girls would have loved playing dress-up in it years ago.

On another note, I want to update you on the progress of fundraising for our Cambodia trip.  This time last week, I was very discouraged as to if we were going to be able to raise enough money for all three of us to go.  I emailed an individual also going, telling him how my faith was wavering.  He encouraged me and reminded me that faith was the evidence of things not seen.  I shared with him how I know without a doubt that God wants us on this mission trip, and I was just going to stand firm and believe He would provide a way for us.  Well, just six days later, we have raised almost half of the cost.  Many friends have been very generous, I sold a large painting I forgot about, and Grace has been selling headbands she made to her friends.  I can't express enough my appreciation to my friends and I stand amazed at how awesome our God is.

Trois Danseurs

                                                                           30x24

The other day, I was talking to a friend, and we were discussing a house that a couple are building.  I made the comment "why do two people need a house that big?".  My friend looked at me and said, "why does it matter to you?  If they want it and can afford it, that's their business."  You know, he was right, and it made me think about what was behind my comment.  Envy and a judgmental attitude were two things that came to mind.  Then, it got me thinking how quick some of us (me) are to make negative comments or insinuations about others in our everyday conversations.  How eager are we to hear the latest "dirt" on someone, often even relishing in the facts, or share something about them out of "concern"?  Somehow it makes us feel better about ourselves.  But what if the tables were turned?  Would we want others to be doing the same to us?  I know I wouldn't.  Is it really a "Christ attitude" we are having? No.  Oh, how we love gossip!  It's something to think about, isn't it?

Clara

I was reading my daughter Gwynn's blog tonight, and was so amazed by her ability to put down her thoughts that I wanted to share them with you.  She and her best friend Emily have a blog called DREAMING OF VERONA  at http://secretsandshakespeare.tumblr.com/   They write about their dreams, joys, and heartaches.  I think it is wonderful.

Words on paper.

Writing. There is nothing quite like it. In my personal opinion, it is the best way to express oneself. Or at least myself. Sometimes when I’m thinking or daydreaming, I imagine my thoughts as words on a piece of paper. I am constantly writing poems in my head… Or at least a few lines of them. I will be walking down the sidewalk and see a bird in the distance or a flower peeking though the pavement and I will begin to write a story or a poem about what I think it means or how I think it’s feeling. All in my head. Some may consider it a strange thing to do, but I love it. I just think it’s a lovely way for my thoughts to be consumed.
I sometimes find myself struggling with expressing my thoughts and feelings with verbal words alone, so I just like to write them all down or imagine I’m writing them all down in my head. Because to me… Expressing my words through writing instead of verbally is not only easier, but is as pure and innocent as can be. Writing is also a tremendous escape I use when I’m upset or scared or heartbroken or just coping with a tough situation. If I need to get something off my chest or I need to vent about something, but I don’t want to trouble others with my problems, writing it down on a piece of paper is what I’ve found to be most effective. It’s sort of like having a conversation… But with your own heart and mind. There have been many times when I have just been so devastated from facing different sorts of troubles in my life where all I want to do is just run up to my room, lock my door, rip open my journal, and just write about it. Writing. There is just nothing quite like it. With love, Gwynn

Gwynndolyn

                                                                           16x20

A lot has been going on at the Prewitt household.  That is why I haven't posted in over a month.  We finally moved into the house that we renovated.  That, plus cleaning out our old one took weeks.  It would seem that considering the fact we have lived in seven different houses in the past six years, we would have weeded out a lot of stuff, but it only seemed to have multiplied.  We do have the art of moving down pat though.  It is just the cleaning out that has been time consuming.

I've been asked to participate in The Big Easel art show in Lafayette, LA, which is on May11th, so I've been painting when ever I can.  This painting is one that I will be showing there.  I've decided that whatever I sell will go towards the mission work at The Hard Places in Cambodia that I have the privilege of being a part of this June.  Twelve of us from our church will be going to Phnom Penh to minister to children who are either at risk of being sold for sexual exploitation, are currently being sold or have already been rescued.  I am so blessed to be able to serve The Lord in this way.  I will keep you  updated as things proceed.

Thanks for continuously checking my blog, even when I haven't posted in so long.

Trafficking

                                                                "Rebbecca En Noir"
                                                                         (SOLD)
Do you know that twenty-seven million slaves exist in our world today?  Girls and boys, women and men of all ages are forced to sell their bodies, fight wars, and work against their will.  Children as young as three and four years old are being exploited through sex trafficking.  Well over one hundred thousand people live enslaved at this moment in the United States, and an additional 17,500 new victims are trafficked across our borders each year.  It is in ever state in our country.   It is probably in our city.  It is every where in the world, and it is heart breaking.

For sometime, the trade of human beings has been a cause that people have been passionate about.  It wasn't until over a year ago, that I began reading about sex trafficking and it struck something deep within me, and I began to have a heart for this horrible crime.

Lately, I've been led to do some kind of mission work.  I didn't know when or where, but just trusted God to show me.  Then, a week or two ago, a young man spoke at our church about an organization called The Hard Places Community.  It is an international group of people that are dedicated to fight against child sex trafficking and who seek to reach people who are broken and hopeless.  In 2011, they open the doors of the first Prevention and Restoration Center for boys in all of Cambodia.  In Phnom Penh, there are several shelters for girls, but they found that there was no statistics on how many boys were being sold.   When Drew Mellon spoke at church and told about the up coming mission trip to Cambodia, I knew I had found my place.   I can not tell you how excited I am about the possibility of my family being able to serve here.  Nothing is certain at this moment, but if we can go, it will be such an honor.

On April 6th, Traffick Jam 2013 will be held in The Fondren area.  It is a 10 mile walk-a-thon to help raise money for the efforts of The Hard Places Community.  We would love to have anyone participate in this fundraiser.  Please check out the website at http://traffickjamasia.com/.

I'll keep you updated.

Waiting In The Wings

                                                                            36x36
                                                      Available at VIEW GALLERY
                                                                         (SOLD)
I'm at a lost for words today.  So many things are going on, yet I'm not compelled to write about them, therefore, I'm just going to write some of the lyrics to the song that has been stuck in my head for 2 days.  It's called " Your Love Never Fails"  It kind of sums up my mood.

"Nothing can separate.  Even if I run away.  Your love never fails.  I know I still make mistakes.  You have new mercy for me everyday.  Cause your love never fails.

You stay the same through the ages.  Your love never changes.  There may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning.  And when the oceans rage, I don't have to be afraid.  Because I know that You love me.  Your love never fails.

The wind is strong and the water's deep, but I'm not alone here in these open seas.  Cause your love never fails.  The chasm is far too wide.  I thought I'd never reach the other side, but Your love never fails.

You make all things work together for my good."

Show Your Scars

                                                                "Desert Highway"
                                                                      36 x 48

Last Sunday at church, we were challenged to roll up our sleeves and show our scars.  What exactly does that mean?  Well, to me it means to be willing to tell others your story, and share with them your past, your guilt, your pain, and the healing you have found through the grace of our Savior.

If you are like me, you feel so ashamed of your sins, and feel unworthy of such love.  Sunday, I was reminded that because of His death, we are worthy of the grace offered to us.  He makes us worthy.  "Our badness can never outweigh His goodness."

Jesus had scars on his hands and feet from the cross.  They were the evidence of His love for us.   Think about it.  Scars show us the healing of the wound.  We shouldn't hide ours, but tell others how Christ healed us and set us free from the shame.  We were shown forgiveness and grace, and because of that we shouldn't be ashamed.

So, let's not hide our scars, but tell others, so they too can be healed through the shed blood of our Savior.

Random Things

This is the newest member of our family, Sir Lancelot the Ball Python.  Gwynn some how talked her dad into agreeing to let her buy a baby python.  She said it has been a life long dream.  Yuck!

Grace put a streak of red in her hair using Kool aid.

Gwynn and her best friend Emily have started their own blog.  http://secretsandshakespeare.tumblr.com/

This is one of my favorite things.  I play it whenever I need a boost.  Grace woke up with a swollen eye and was unable to visit Camp friends in Birmingham.  (She ended up going for one night after her eye cleared up after a couple of days.)

Play The Movie

                                                               "Maybe Someday"
                                                        Available at VIEW GALLERY



Lately, I've been thinking about the consequences of our choices, and how they not only affect us, but others too.  I spent some time over Christmas break discussing this with my son.  Then this week, I started reading a book by Dr. Henry Cloud, that spelled it out so clearly.  In this book, there is a chapter on the fact that we truly reap what we sow.  He says that sowing and reaping is about what you will ultimately end up with (live with, be stuck with, etc.) if you sow a particular behavior, choice or attitude.  It is what will happen in the end, and a wise person will answer this question before they act.  The author calls it playing the movie.  "Any one thing you do is only a scene in a larger movie.  To understand that action, you have to play it out all the way to the end of the movie."

How many times have we made sin choices that have reaped consequences, not only hurting ourselves, but those we love.  If we had chosen to not say something or do a certain behavior and just took a moment and played out the movie, thinking of how it would probably end, then we could have saved ourselves and others many heartaches.

For myself, I know I need to plot the movie, evaluate each scene, and ask myself "and then what" and see where it will end up.  This can be a positive thing as well, helping us to achieve certain goals.  Then ultimately, if we take this path, the greatest thing we can achieve will be to hear these words spoken to us by our Father.  "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)

"9 Things You Simply Must Do" by Dr. Henry Cloud

Margot

                                                                          "Margot"
                                                         Available at VIEW GALLERY
                                                                           (SOLD)
Please forgive me for being so neglectful on posting on my blog.  I tell myself everyday, I need to write something, yet, I'm at a lost for something to write about.  I haven't been painting that much, being so preoccupied with renovating our house, but I miss it so much.  For the past five years, painting has been my outlet and the way I express so many things I am feeling.  I'm going to make an effort to commit myself to take time out of my busy schedule and paint.  So, by doing that, I will be more diligent in blogging.

On a different note, after three and a half years of visiting different churches, we have finally found one that everyone loves.  My main requirement was for the church to be Bible based and that they believe the scripture is the infallible Word of God.  I also wanted expository teaching, where they teach through God's Word, verse by verse.  I didn't want "catchy" sermons, but someone to teach me the truth from the Bible.  I need that and my family needs that too.  Well, we have found that at Fondren Church.  Robert Green is so knowledgeable of the scripture as well as the Greek and the Hebrew interpretations of them.  If you haven't figured it out yet, I am so excited about my new church.  If you know me, you know how important it is for me to find one that teaches the truth.  I just wanted to share this with those who know my story.

This painting is another one from my Dancer series.  For someone that doesn't have a graceful bone in their body, I love painting ballerinas.  I've sold everyone I've painted, so I am thankful for those that enjoy them as much as I do painting them.