text:
In case you are associated with a legal choice, financial claim or insurance coverage arrangement, the financing procedure to stay and resolve the declare could take two forms. The one-time lump sum transaction, or perhaps a long-term periodic group of deferred organized settlement obligations. But that is best for your scenario? A structured settlement entails a monetary or insurance arrangement with a periodic blast of payments, a claimant or plaintiff accepts to be able to resolve an injury claim or some other legal case. These were first employed in Canada and america during the 1970s instead of lump sum obligations and are now area of the statutory tort regulation of a few common law nations. A organized settlement is really a deferred payment way for compensating injury sufferers, and is really a voluntary agreement between your injuries victim ( plaintiff ) and the defendant. The plaintiff will have the monetary payout during the period of quite a few years through this deferred transaction agreement. Under a organized settlement, a personal injury victim will not receive compensation because of their injuries in a single lump sum, but instead, they will get a blast of tax free obligations made to meet future expenditures and living requirements. This kind of compensation method is now popular in a wide selection of legal cases. The advantages of a organized settlement over a lump-sum payment are the protection of a assured long-term revenue with deferred payments which are exempt from taxes. The government encourages the usage of organized settlements in accidental injury cases. Organized settlements also attract assistance from plaintiff attorneys, condition attorneys general, legislators, customer and disability advocates. Organized settlements could be ideally fitted to cases with: • People with disabilities • Guardianship situations that could involve minors • Workers settlement cases • Wrongful death situations in Manchester, NH • Severe injury case Desire to Sell Your Organized Settlement? Not everyone advantages from a long-term transaction situation plus some may desire or require a lump sum rather. Who owns a organized settlement, such as for example lottery winners, medical, insurance policy, incident and lawsuit settlement proprietors, could sell their legal rights to the deferred transaction stream, in trade for a onetime lump sum transaction from the variety of finance institutions. All situations will vary, so when with any economic or legal issue, it is best to check with your accountant and lawyer.
Previous Post
Comments are closed.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Your privacy is important to us. We have updated our privacy policy to better explain how we use data on this site. Read it here
Accurately cites latest poll
Polling shows that nearly 74 percent of National Rifle Association members "support requiring background checks for all gun sales."
— PolitiFact Wisconsin
on Wednesday, March 18th, 2015


text:
Hola! Welcome back to another episode of Piper's Life Abroad… terrible title-- forgive me. Forgive the corny TV catch phrase, too, but since Manola (my señora) enjoys the TV so much and chooses to watch shows that resemble Spanish Jerry Springers, at all hours of the day, I'm starting to feel like maybe I am living one of the crazy soap operas she so enjoys! Oh, also, Extreme Makeover Home Edition with Ty Pennington is about 100 times better dubbed in Spanish—Ty Pennington scored himself the squeakiest little mouse voice I've ever heard, and when the people walk in the house all they say is "¡Oh Dios Mio!" which makes me realize how much Americans say "OMG!"… sickening, really.
But enough about the grand ol' tube. Onto bigger and better things!
Last weeks classes went well, we visited more churches, drank more coffee, and learned more Spanish slang. I've started to use my map less, umbrella more, and am definitely finally stepping out of the "hate" stage of being abroad. ¡Oh Dios Mio! I just admitted it online! Okay fine, you caught me—when I first got here I wasn't exactly in the "Honeymoon" stage as some of my peers exclaimed to be… at ridiculously loud levels everywhere we went.… No, I was pretty annoyed that I just skipped the whole bliss stage after having to listen to some dried up, old lady with a monotone voice discuss the "4 Stages of Going Abroad" into a crackly microphone at Study Abroad orientation—seemed like I deserved some sort of prize for sitting through that. But I guess that's the price you pay when you have great people surrounding you in a place you love, and then you decide to jump ship (questionable joke and that sounded like brown-nosing… sorry). BUT the point of this complaining is to say—I AM STARTING TO REALLY LIKE IT HERE! I have not sent my mother emails twice a day (sorry Mom, no hard feelings), I have not skyped someone everyday (don't take it personal folks), and I HAVE laughed everyday (aren't I a ray of sunshine?!).
|A wall in a church I saw with my class-- it hasn't been renovated at all since 1496, and that is gold dust blown on the sculptures... the lack of flash doesn't do it justice!
Speaking of sunshine, it's getting warmer here, and yesterday my friend, Eve, who lives in my building and is in the same program as me, and I made the trek up to the roof of our University. We were able to see the "skyline" for the first time and sit in the sun—two very big pluses... my Vitamin D reserves were really running low.
Even better, today I ran in shorts and little kids smiled at me on the street… HOLD ON—I know that sounded creepy, but people do NOT smile at one another here unless they are already in conversation. The people are all very nice, but no one smiles as they pass by—it's very different than in Colorado… so that's why the kids smiling at me made me happy. Alright, well…
The sun helps. Especially because I was sick with a nasty cough for awhile there. I originally blamed it on the cold and rain, but after pulling my bed away from the wall and seeing the amount of dog hair and dust that was hanging out back there, I got another idea. So come Sunday, as soon as Manola had finished banging some pots and pans in the kitchen (what Eve refers to as my "daily wake up call") and had left for Mass, I found the broom and went to town. As if reading my mind, Manola changed my sheets when she got home and told me I could hang photos on my wall. So my room actually feels like MINE! This also is partially due to the fact that Manola and I have been getting along much better. You probably could tell things are better since I'm actually using her name, but she is using mine now too—I am no longer Pepé or Pee Pee… two things I would like to never think about in corrilation (sorry spelling is really hard for me these days...) to my identity again. But. At first I struggled to gage how much time I could just shut my door and be alone in my room versus how much time I should sit and watch Pedro try to find his long lost brother via some female Jerry Springer… clearly I have done a little of both. But after Manola told me the same story about her fear of swimming for… oh… probably the seventh time, I realized she wasn't exactly remembering every session we spent in front of the TV together, and started to feel less guilty about retreating to my cuarto… Vale.
So! Saturday when I still questioned if death was going to come grab be in between coughing and blowing my nose, my program and I headed up to Arácena, a little town in the mountains (Ha! Mountains my butt). We saw a mine (NOT super exciting) and a cave (SUPER EXCITING!) Unfortunately, photos were profibited in the cave, but not in the mine (typical), but due to some of my more rebellious amigas, I have a few shots for you below! Manola made me a beautiful cheese and tomatoe sandwich for the day (which all the other kids were jealous of, not to be a first grader or anything…) and the whole experience of traveling made this idea of being a study abroad student thing kind of click finally—in a good way!
|Rosie, Eve, and I at the mine.
|CAVE! Oh P.S. the humidity in these babies did wonders for my cold!
|The little town of Arácena
|"Mountains"... I'm still laughing.
Rosie, another friend from the building & program (see pic above!), agreed to join me in my quest to go to the art museum. The museum was nice… full of guards who took their jobs extremely seriously and quite a bit of Jesus pictures… but overall a good time. To make up for my… hmm… feelings… toward the museum (yes feelings…), I took a lot of pictures on the walk home… I'll make my own art…
|Obviously art-worthy... CHOCOLATE! (I'm coming home AT LEAST 20 lbs. heavier, get your fat jokes ready!)
|This was actually in Arácena, too, but how funny is this?! A fish shop with a shark on the front!
|Outside the Museum
|Maze thing?
|Ceiling of the Museum
|A broken water-pipe outside a store! This poor store owner had to sweep water out of his store!
¡Hasta luego!


text:
Scottish Kilt Rosettes – Made to order kilt rosettes to attach to the front panel of your kilt. To be sewn on to the right hand side of your kilt front panel, one above the other. Sold as a pair. Hand crafted by The House of Labhran in Scotland
We hand craft wonderful period Scottish kilt rosettes – Gaelic knot kilt bows for private Highland wear clients, film and television productions. Based on historical patterns. In addition we offer a range of Victorian and Edwardian pattern kilt hose garters for those clients looking for that period vintage style. We currently offer a wide range classic patterns including Argyle garters, Atholl Highlanders, Gordon Highlanders and Seaforth Highlanders patterns.
Scottish Diced Kilt Hose – Garters & Kilt Bows – We offer a fine range diced kilt hose. The House of Cheviot Scot Range is a range of classic diced kilt hose made in five colour selections that match with many tartans. The diced full hose and hose top range also offers the military pattern hose as supplied to the Highland regiments.
At the House of Cheviot, they combine traditional hand knitting skills developed over 200 years with the very latest knitting technology, to produce the best country socks, kilt hose, and shooting socks available. During manufacture, from the careful selection of yarns to the final hand-finishing, House of Cheviot products pass through many pairs of skilled hands, providing attention to every detail on every step of the craft making process, and thus ensuring that all of our finished socks are of the highest standard.


text:
Your cart is currently empty.
Application Methods
Yorkshire Spray Services Ltd offers manual and automatic spray guns for Airless, AirCoat and AirSpray atomization processes. All available with or without Electrostatic support or high speed rotary atomizer.
Our expertise, combined with the support from Wagner, TriTech and Anest Iwata's continuous research and development of application methods, guarantee a perfect solution, in line with Customers' wishes.
A wide selection of accessories (such as filters, nozzles, air caps, hoses…) enable you to adapt the gun to your specific application.
Spray Guns
- Sort by Default Order


text:
In a world without sight, we use technology to give your loved ones a reason to get out there and live life to the fullest!
In summary, this seminar explores the speaker's journey into assistive technology, the opportunities in assistive technologies, and the impact of data collected and analysed towards a future of inclusive, connected, independent living.
Daniel Vong is a Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics) (Honours) and Bachelor of Computer Science graduate with a passion for almost anything. He participated in many global competitions and hackathons ranging from HydroContest–a contest to build the fastest, most energy efficient boat–to Microsoft Imagine Cup–a global technology competition. He was the Engineering Lead of Microsoft Student Partners Malaysia FY15-17.
After a heart-breaking event where his grandmother lost her sight, together with his sister, Stella BBus (Accounting & Finance), they bring you a smart cane for the blind–BAWA Cane–with enhanced capabilities that reduces head-level and fall accidents to help blind and visually impaired gain confidence, mobility freedom, and independence.


text:
Game description
Vote: Did you like this game? 10
Jump on the colored platforms in the correct order, as indicated on the screen, and rack up a combo jackpot! If you can jump on enough platforms without making a mistake, you'll be able to earn extra time! Go for a high score before time runs out.
Game controls:
Arrow key Left/Right OR A/D OR mouse key - To move.mouse key Click & Hold - To open parachute.mouse key Double Click - To speed dash.
Purchase Equipment UpgradesPlatformsMouse SkillSeriesTiming JumpingRockRiskBlitz


text:
Bjorkstrand Metal Roofing – About Us – YouTube
Short video about the company – Bjorkstrand Metal Roofing. Interviews with the owner, Bruce Bjorkstrand and his son, Chris Bjorkstrand. Also, … View Video
Bjorkstrand Metal Roofing, LLC. Family owned and operated since 1996 Member of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Specialties include: Roofing, Siding and custom build/ design services 38+ years of industry experience Licensed, bonded and insured … Get Content Here


text:
Facility Issues offers facility benchmarking programs for several industry groups:
Museums & Cultural Institutions
This benchmarking group is designed for those who manage facilities for museums and cultural institutions. Over 130 institutions from nine countries have participated since the group started. The survey is endorsed by IAMFA, the International Association of Museum Facility Administrators.
Utilities Council
This is the benchmarking group of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Utilities Council. Active since 1995, the IFMA Utilities Council was created to share and develop knowledge among facility managers of electric, gas, water, and telecommunications companies. Benchmarking participants gather and share data and best practices related to managing utility company facilities.
Research Facilities
This group primarily represents those who manage research facilities, including several of the US DOE labs. Government, corporate, and academic organizations are all welcome to participate. Participants in this group tend to have larger, more complex facilities such as labs on a mixed use campus.
Critical Facilities
This benchmarking group is designed for managers of "critical" facilities – those that are always on 24×7 or mission-critical "can't go down" buildings such as data centers, utility control centers, emergency service facilities, life care facilities, research labs, financial institutions, museums, transportation centers, power production, communication hubs, security centers, and manufacturing operations. Many of the participants attend the Critical Facilities Summit where they share data and best practices on the operations of these important properties.
General Industry Facilities
The Facility Managers Round Table benchmarking program is suitable for all industries and includes a diverse set of companies and government agencies throughout the U.S. with office and manufacturing facilities. Participants in this program have included 158 million square feet of space at 85 sites.
The Facility Managers Round Table Program includes a full set of facility-related benchmarking topics while the Core Facility Metrics Program has just a couple dozen items for smaller organizations and those just starting with benchmarking.
Private Facility Benchmarking Programs
Contact us if you would like us to run a private and affordable facility benchmarking program for you/your member organizations. This might apply if:
- you work with an industry association and would like to have a customized facility benchmarking program for your members,
- if you are a facility service provider and want to offer benchmarking as a service to your clients,
- if your organization has many facilities and would like a third party to organize and manage your internal benchmarking program.


text:
Mountains are beautiful creation of nature. Mountains 101 is a 12-lesson MOOC teaching a comprehensive overview of mountains and their environmental and human influence. The primary women climbers were concerned in mountain climbing and mountaineering was a part of that. BlossomSB – this mountain has one thing for everybody – straightforward and strenuous trails, camping, boating, and picnic areas.
You're walking on the bed of that historical river that when flowed by means of these mountains and emptied into the Gulf of Aquabah. With the appropriate technique, nevertheless, hill climbing might be accomplished efficiently, without causing undue hardship to the bike or to the body.
Only three centuries in the past, climbing a mountain would have been considered close to lunacy. Then he moved to Garhwal Himalayan mountain ranges. 19 The uplifted blocks are block mountains or horsts The intervening dropped blocks are termed graben : these may be small or kind in depth rift valley techniques.
Instead of consuming alcohol 29 of 30 days a month, limit myself to a couple of times per week and limit the amount to half. These workout routines make you match not only for climbing mountains but also for the rest of your life. Many mountain hikers overlook the significance of a helmet, however it's a vital mountain hiking gear.
Nevertheless, the make-up of Denali's Park Highway and bus system, and the terrain itself, can make trail-less mountaineering more amicable than it could appear at first blush. Like climbing some other mountain, the results of altitude are severe with altitude sickness, and one might have to make use of supplemental oxygen.


text:
Dermot Gilleece: Rory McIlroy to shake hand of history at timeless Riviera
At a time of year when club committees grapple with the perennial challenge of toughening ageing courses in the absence of available length, along comes this week's Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club in the Hollywood hills. There, as a special bonus, Rory McIlroy will be renewing rivalry with Jordan Spieth in quest of a coveted title, starting on Thursday.
This, in fact, is McIlroy's first visit to one of the game's truly great venues. And he's making it part of his US Masters build-up because, quite simply, he heard it's "a great course".
Characterised by kikuyu grass originally blown across the terrain from nearby polo fields, there is much to admire about Riviera, which came into existence 90 years ago. Those addled greens committees, however, need not look beyond the par four 10th hole, which is a triumph of design, not least in its simplicity. Measuring only 315 yards and thereby reachable by a serious number of tournament professionals, it has plenty of sand but no water. Its difficulty lies essentially in a narrow, severely sloping green, angled from left to right. "The left front is the only place you can knock it on that green and have it stay," said last year's champion Bill Haas. "And you have to get a good bounce in the rough."
"It's a defensive hole," said Phil Mickelson, twice a champion there. "Believe it or not, you're just trying to make four." So, the next time your greens officer wants to build a back tee at that easy par four on your homeward journey, tell him to look instead at the green. Just like they've done at Riviera.
McIlroy is going to love a layout described by Johnny Miller as "definitely one of the greatest, no-nonsense golf courses in the world". Apart from the 10th, there's the majestic 18th and the quirky short sixth which features a bunker in the middle of the green. Then there is Riviera's colourful membership, liberally sprinkled with familiar Hollywood names.
I remember Tony Kelly, a long-time member of Woodbrook, telling me about a playing visit he made to Riviera in 1989, when his fourball partner was none other than OJ Simpson. A single-figure handicapper at the time, Kelly recalled Simpson performing well enough to earn both of them $32 in side bets on the match.
"I knew OJ mainly from the Hertz ads and was aware that he had been something of an American sporting icon," said Kelly. "He was a charming partner, very amusing, with a fund of funny stories. He was also a very good 16 and a powerful striker of the ball. In fact, he effectively won us the match by parring the famous 18th (420 yards off the members' tee). I must be one of the few people in these islands to have had a round of golf with OJ Simpson, which goes to prove that you never know who you're likely to meet on a golf course."
Six years after that meeting, Simpson was the central figure in what became arguably the most notorious murder trial of the 20th century. In a key assertion, defence attorney Johnny Cochran claimed that at the allegedly critical time of 10.10pm on the night of the double murder, his client was not at the scene of the crime but was, in fact, practising golf.
Cochran said Simpson liked to "chip or swing his four wood or three wood", so attributing to his client the sort of dexterity with a four wood which was thought to be the exclusive preserve of Christy O'Connor. Though Cochran's defence earned Simpson an acquittal, he was later jailed on other charges.
Which led to some charming reminiscences from television pundit Peter Oosterhuis, a one-time director of golf at Riviera. "I recall OJ as one of the most-liked guys in the club," said Oosterhuis. "After I moved on, I stayed in touch with many of the members who told me that after OJ left the club, his name somehow stayed on the handicap sheet. The guys at the club, who love a good joke, started posting scores for OJ. And his handicap dropped five shots while he was behind bars."
Meanwhile, the mouth-watering prospect of McIlroy and Spieth trading shots for the first time around Riviera, prompts inevitable comparisons with the celebrated rivalry between Ben Hogan and Sam Snead. These legends of the game each recorded two Los Angeles Open victories at Riviera, where Hogan also captured the 1948 US Open, causing the stretch to be dubbed 'Hogan's Alley'.
Having read gripping accounts of their titanic battle in 1950, marking Hogan's return to action less than a year after a near-fatal car crash, I felt moved on my last visit to retrace the great man's steps from the 18th green. It meant negotiating a grassy incline followed by 55 wooden steps before the clubhouse was reached, 60 feet above. We're told that despite limping on aching legs, Hogan was within sight of victory only for Snead to force a tie with birdies on four of the last five holes. Then, as an indication of how little the PGA Tour calendar has changed in the last seven decades, they competed in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am - being played this weekend - where Snead was involved in another tie, this time sharing victory with three others.
So, eight days after their tie at Riviera, they returned there for an 18-hole play-off for the LA Open, which Snead won by 72 to 76. The general consensus, however, was that by simply turning up, Hogan had won a resounding moral victory.
The requirement at Riviera to move the ball both ways, especially left to right, will make it ideal preparation for the Masters, which McIlroy has highlighted as his prime target this year. He will be treading where Jack Nicklaus picked up a cheque for $33.33 on his professional debut in 1962, and where Nick Faldo recorded his last tournament victory worth $252,000 in 1997.
Conscious of the Hogan connection, Faldo said afterwards: "This is the kind of course on which I was meant to win, and I played it exactly the way I wanted to." It came less than 11 months after Faldo's third Masters triumph, in a sequence McIlroy will be happy to reverse.
In the meantime, TV viewers can prepare for a verdant treat, where naturally spongy turf provides its own defence and subtle touches from the designer's hand, have created a timeless masterpiece.
Who is your sportstar of the year?
Vote in the Irish Independent Sport Star Awards and you could win the ultimate sports prize.
Prizes include, tickets to Ireland's against Scotland in the Six Nations, All Ireland football and hurling final tickets and much more.
Simply click here to register your vote
Sunday Indo Sport
Related Content
- Video: Rory McIlroy impressed as Mark Wahlberg goes agonisingly close to hole-in-one at Pebble Beach
- Rory hits the road in hectic build-up for Masters goal


text:
I was walking along, minding my business,
When out of an orange-colored sky,
Flash! Bam! Alakazam! Wonderful you came by.
I was humming a tune, drinking in sun - shine,
When out of that orange-colored view,
Wham! Bam! Alakazam! I got a look at you.
One look and I yelled "Timber! Watch out for flying glass!"
'Cause the ceiling fell in and the bottom fell out,
I went into a spin, and I started to shout,
"I've been hit, this is it, this is it!"
I was walking along, minding my business,
When love came and hit me in the eye
Flash! Bam! Alakazam! out of an orange-colored sky


text:
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll match you to the most relevant Hospital Let us do the hard work and save you hours of searching online, across countless different websites. And don't forget, our service is completely FREE with no upfront fees applied – you pay the hospital directly AND you pay the same as if you went directly to them. By submitting your unique requirements to us, you're guaranteeing the best value, priority admission to all our partner Hospitals and through our direct connections, we can get your questions answered as quickly as possible.
The Geneva Women Care center was established in 2017 and is a multidisciplinary team offering care for women with a full range of female health services, including gynecological check-ups, infertility treatments, and birthing options. The ethos of the center is to ensure that women receive quality treatment in a single facility – beginning with preconception through to pregnancy and delivery.
The care center has a renowned team of dedicated medical specialists, which welcomes both local and international patients and they provide many services to help the Medical Tourist which includes a guide that will assist you and your family or Friend with various activities including transportation, restaurant reservations, appointments for spa services, recommendations and travel arrangements to local events and city tours in Geneva and the nearby Geneva Lake region.
The information being provided by MyMediTravel about Geneva Women Care is for the visitor's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective treatments and procedures. Any information relating to Geneva Women Care referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange program defined by MyMediTravel. This web site may reference listings held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns this web site. Any information relating to Geneva Women Care, regardless of source, including but not limited to prices and available procedures, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The data contained herein is copyrighted by MyMediTravel and is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited.


text:
Welcome to the Champagne Bureau, USA
The Champagne Bureau located in Washington, DC, is the U.S. representative of the Comité Champagne, the trade association that represents all the grape growers and houses of Champagne, France. The Bureau works to educate US consumers about the uniqueness of the wines of Champagne and expand their understanding of the importance location plays in the creation of all wines. We are intently focused on ensuring Champagne is properly protected in the United States, as it is in most of the rest of the world.
1850 M Street, NW - Suite 900
Tél. (00/1/202) 777.3539
Fax. (00/1/202) 318.0063
NAPA, CA — The Comité Champagne, which represents all the wine producers and grape growers in Champagne, France, has donated $120,000 to the fire relief efforts of The Salvation Army in Napa and Sonoma counties. Maxime Toubart, co-president of the Comité Champagne and president of the Champagne Growers Union, presented the donation to California State Senator Bill Dodd at his 18th Annual Fund-A-Need Holiday Event held at the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa.
"Champagne values the relationships we have built over the years with our colleagues in Napa and Sonoma," Toubart stated during the event. "We were saddened to hear of the devastation to these communities caused by the recent wildfires. On behalf of Comité Champagne, please accept this contribution of $120,000 to start the Fund-A-Need effort."
"We are grateful to the Champagne region for its generous support," said Dodd. "With the catastrophic and deadly fires that raged through the North Bay, I felt compelled to incorporate relief efforts in my Annual Holiday Event. The Salvation Army had a significant presence locally by staffing and feeding thousands of people in shelters as well as feeding many of the first responders. It is an honor to support them and the incredible work they've done to help those affected by the fires."
October's Northern California wildfires destroyed more than 8,800 structures and killed 44 people. Nearly 190,000 acres were burned in Napa and Sonoma counties alone.
Linda Reiff, President and CEO of the Napa Valley Vintners, and Michael Haney, Director of Membership and Government Relations of the Sonoma County Vintners, attended the celebration and joined Senator Dodd and Toubart on stage for the presentation.
"Champagne has been a longtime friend and partner to Napa Valley and Sonoma County in our global efforts to protect wine growing place names," said Reiff. "We are enormously grateful for their generosity to help our communities rebuild following the devastating fires."
Haney added, "Our communities suffered great losses due to the fires, but the outpouring of support from our friends in Champagne as well as so many others has been far greater than we could have imagined. We are forever thankful."
All proceeds made to Senator Dodd's 2018 Holiday Fund-A-Need Event will go directly to The Salvation Army and specifically target those affected by the fires in Napa and Sonoma counties. In the first seven days, they provided meals to evacuees and first responders; over 22,386 in Napa County and over 39,901 in Sonoma County. For the next six months, they will operate and staff the local post-fire relief centers where they provide food, clothing, gift cards and toiletries to local families. In addition, they will supply housing and utility subsidies to those displaced and to local service employees who find themselves out of work and struggling to make ends meet.
Photos from the event can be found here.
Welkom op de officiële website van de Champagne
Om onze website te bezoeken dient u de wettelijke leeftijdsgrens voor het drinken van alcohol te hebben bereikt die geldt in uw verblijfplaats. Indien wetgeving op dit punt ontbreekt, dient u minimaal 21 jaar te zijn.
Hebt u de wettelijk vereiste leeftijd?
Overmatig alcoholgebruik is schadelijk voor de gezondheid. Geniet, maar drink met mate.


text:
We did things a little unconventionally when we got married. My husband proposed the night before my birthday on a three week trip round Argentina and Brazil, excitedly we put our plans for children on hold until after the wedding.
My eldest had other ideas as that was also the night that I got pregnant.
You couldn't have written it, landing home after a 12 hour delay in Rome thanks to snow that positive pregnancy test showed up the very next morning. Shocked, yet delighted, was the feeling all round. Vowing to keep it our little secret we rang everyone with news of our engagement where wedding plans and honeymoon ideas came forth.
Three days later and another change to plans as my dad died unexpectedly. News about the baby filtered out and through to others while the wedding of the century continued on. And on. Until 11th May 2013 I wed the love of my life.
The 11th May 2013 was also the day I found out where we going on honeymoon, my husband having kept it a complete surprise until he announced it in his wedding speech.
There was never any question of my eldest, then a bouncing 7 month old, not coming with us. I was aghast whenever anyone suggested he may stay at home with quality time with grandma. No, we were all going or no one was going. So we all went.
Fast forward to a year later, yes just one little year, and we began to see the benefits of going away just the two of us. No little people around at all. No being woken in the night, no Peppa Pig at the dinner table, no chasing a small naked person round the pool endlessly worrying. A break. A full on break, from work, from life, from parenting.
A childless holiday
Plans put in place, my mum flying out to Dubai to take our tiny terror for the weekend, and exactly one year after our wedding we flew to the Maldives to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.
That mum that was so aghast a year before at the thought of leaving her poor defenceless baby behind practically skipped to the airport after bidding a cheery farewell. Sat in the airport lounge, sipping a chilled glass of wine (and eating a Big Mac, classy bird) excited about the weekend ahead.
The mum who couldn't imagine entrusting her child to anyone else, not only doing so, but leaving the country at the same time.
It was as if I felt all the tension released as I sat on the plane and I knew that I only had to look after myself *and the slightly inebriated husband who had been on a stag do before we flew* the wine delivered on the flight, sipped slowly rather than gulped down. The tray table that was able to stay down without being knocked.
Arriving at our hotel and finding that we didn't have a room for a few hours, and it not mattering (except for the killer hangovers that started then) because we didn't have to find somewhere for him to nap.
It was liberating.
It was freedom.
After a year of upheaval, with emigrating to Dubai, the wedding, my journey to becoming a stay at home mum, it was nice to be able to shed that all away.
To remember everything about my husband that made me fall in love with him as a person, not just him as a dad. We went swimming together, we ate dinner together, we lay and sunbathed together, we ignored each other as we read books. It was like being the couple that got newly engaged on that so long ago South America trip.
It was much needed, a reminder that as a couple we need to work together to stay together. Keeping our relationship fresh and a stark reminder that there is so much more to me than just being Mum.
Yes, we missed our biggest boy, and yes we Skyped every day. But you know what? He had a ball with Grandma, he slept, they played, they went on day trips, he got throughly spoilt with new presents. They built their relationships and it was a reminder to him that he is loved by many.
It was, for all, a perfect weekend.
And now there are two
Now we have two little monsters. Double the love, double the trouble. Since that perfect weekend in the Maldives there hasn't been a chance to repeat, first I was pregnant, then he was newborn, then we were moving home… no to Qatar, there hasn't been a chance to go away together. I've been away on my own leaving the boys with my mum, my husband has been away on his own. We've just not managed to do it together.
Until now
We have our next weekend away all planned in and are headed off on a city break, where we will also squeeze in a friends wedding. Leaving the boys behind!! Yippee.
Yes, it's not until September this but the thing with living in a different country to your mum is that it needs careful planning. My mum is flying out to Qatar to stay with the boys, carry out their day to day routine, while we fly out for a long weekend together.
Another chance to reconnect. To act like newlyweds, being together in a way that we used to before one of us was alway chasing after a small person. Generally in opposite directions.
I cannot wait. That is why I holiday without my kids, with just my husband. And while I couldn't do longer than a long weekend, or do it very often, it's healthy for us to make the time to do it. For our relationship, for the boys relationship with their Grandma.
Thomson holidays asked me to share my views on going on a city break and although holidaying without your children might not be for everyone, for us it's perfect –Would you holiday without your kids? Where would you go and how long for?


text:
07 Aug 2017
You can barely tell the breed of this dog, groomed to look like two different animals
We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism.
We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future.
Thank you for your support.
Need help?
Visit our adblocking instructions


text:
Volcanoes of Urup Island (4 volcanoes)Ivao |Kolokol |Rudakov |Tri Sestry
(cinder cones)
|Ivao volcano is a group of several cinder cones on Urup Island, Kurile Islands. The cones are aligned NW-SE along the Krishtofovich Ridge of SW Urup Island.
The Ivao group itself consists of 3 young cones that are less than 10,000 years old. Ivao cone at the NW end is the h... [more]
(somma volcanoes)
|Kolokol volcano is a group of young volcanoes on Urup Island, Kurile Islands. The principal volcanoes are Kolokol (the most prominent), Berg and Trezubetz.
Many eruptions of the Kolokol volcano group have been observed in historical time since the late 18th century. Berg vo... [more]
|Rudakov volcano is a small isolated stratovolcano in central Urup Island, Kuriles, on the Tokotan Isthmus on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk.
The small basaltic-andesite volcano contains a 700 m wide crater with a 300 m wide lake. [more]
|Tri Sestry
|Tri Sestry ("Three sisters") is an eroded andesitic stratovolcano on the shore of the Sea of Okhotsk in central Urup Island, Kuriles. Its flanks are deeply eroded and cut by ravines. The only sign of activity are hot springs along the coast. [more]


text:
In response to demand and to accommodate candidates unable to participate on earlier dates in the year to date, a final MCQ will take place on Saturday 6th August 2016 at 4.00 p.m. in the Ionad Dara Community Centre, Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny. The MCQ will be preceded by an optional Training Workshop, 10.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., add-on cost €50.00. Candidates wishing to attend the Workshop should confirm participation by email to email@example.com or by text to 086 1927 845.
The Range Test for successful candidates from this MCQ, and for those candidates already eligible from previous MCQs, will take place on Saturday 20th August 2016 (10.00 a.m. start) at the Midland National Shooting Centre, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
There will be no further HCAP Assessments taking place in 2016.
The following candidates are currently eligible to participate in the MCQ on 6th August 2016 (this list includes candidates who were no-shows or deferrals at previous MCQs):
(Candidates are requested to make a permanent note of their HCAP number)
AS OF 6.30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY 3rd AUGUST 2016
Boyden, Owen, 2016/0094
Burke, Eoin, 2016/0085
Butler, Michael, 2016/0008
Brophy, Justin, 2016/0076
Brown, Bernard, 2016/0005
Carey, John Paul, 2016/0006
Carroll, Mark, 2016/0088
Caschera, Sandro, 2016/0090
Coady, Mark, 2014/0036
Cunningham, Brendan, 2016/0091
Cunningham, Bryan, 2016/0013
Curran, Tommy, 2016/0049
Day, Conor, 2015/0055
Duggan, James, 2016/0092
Eustace, John, 2016/0019
Flynn, Allan, 2016/0086
Geraghty, John, 2016/0077
Gillespie, Liam, 2016/0026
Horan, Michael, 2015/0009
Kearney, Alan, 2016/0078
Kirwan, Alan, 2016/0079
Martin, Neal, 2016/0087
McMillan, Gordon, 2016/0089
Mekss, Janis, 2016/0073
O'Reilly, Keith, 2015/0099
O'Sullivan, Rory, 2014/0094
Phelan, Patrick, 2014/0038
Pratt, Stephen, 2015/0014
Prendergast, Denis, 2016/010
Quilty, Liam, 2015/0054
Simms, Paul, 2016/0084
Stewart, Hugo, 2015/0051
Tighe, Patrick, 2015/0018
Tormay, Martin, 2016/0093
Vero, Ken, 2016/0038
AS OF 6.30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY 3rd AUGUST 2016


text:
|Back to the list
- Description
Details(Coral Bells) DOLCE® 'Appletini' Heuchera is fantastic foliage plant for full sun to full shade locations. The candy apple green foliage is dusted with a silver overlay that enhances the veining in summer. DOLCE® 'Appletini' has year around foliage color that changes. A robust grower, the mounding habit of DOLCE® 'Appletini' stands 6-10 inches. Bright red bell flowers are adorned on flower spikes that reach 18-24 inches tall. Consider using DOLCE® 'Appletini' as a border, in mass, or in a container. Create stunning combination planters by mixing 3 or more of our Heuchera, great for summer through fall interest. DOLCE® 'Appletini' is a PROVEN WINNERS® Perennial.
- More Info
DOLCE® 'Appletini' Heuchera hybrid 'Appletini' PPAF
Common Name Coral Bells USDA Hardiness Zone 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Plant Type Perennial Brand PROVEN WINNERS® Perennials Sun Exposure Full Shade (0-4 hrs.), Full Sun (+6 hrs.), Part Shade (4-6 hrs.) Soil Moisture Needs Moderate Nature Attractions Bee-Friendly, Butterflies, Hummingbirds Critter Resistance Deer Flower Color Red Shades Attributes Cut Flower or Foliage, Evergreen, Native Design Use Border, Combination Containers, Container, Massing, Specimen Season of Interest (Flowering) Late Spring or Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer Season of Interest (Foliage) Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
- Reviews
Write Your Own Review
- Homeowner Tips
Learn more about growing tips and how to care for your DOLCE® Appletini Heuchera and other Coral Bells. See How to care for Heuchera.
For general growing tips and how to care for your perennials. View Garden Crossings How to care for Perennials page.
Interested in growing tips for other plants we sell. Browse our Plant Care Tips.


text: Share: Comments Print January 25, 2010 at 2:23 PM Camp Day 1 attendance, y una bienvenida a David Estrada Posted by Jose Romero This is the official preseason training list of Sounders FC players. Goalkeepers (4): Terry Boss, Chris Eylander, Kasey Keller, Patrick Lane; Defenders (11): Taylor Graham, Leo Gonzalez, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Patrick Ianni, Tyrone Marshall, Lamar Neagle, James Riley, Zach Scott, Nathan Sturgis, Tyson Wahl, Jamel Wallace; Midfielders (10): Osvaldo Alonso, Brad Evans, Michael Fucito, Josh Gardner, Stephen King, Freddie Ljungberg, Yakir Lusky, Sanna Nyassi, Michael Seamon, Peter Vagenas; Forwards (7): David Estrada, Nate Jaqua, Roger Levesque, Fredy Montero, Tye Perdido, Jarrod Smith, Steve Zakuani. Confirmed sightings by me: Marshall, Montero, Alonso, Hurtado, Gonzalez, Riley, Sturgis, Perdido, Vagenas, Estrada, Evans, Wallace, Boss, Eylander, Lane, Keller, Neagle, Fucito, Seamon, Graham, Levesque, Wahl, Nyassi, Ianni, Scott, Zakuani, King, Smith, Jaqua (running on side). Perhaps Gardner was here, didn't notice. Lusky I was told is coming in in Arizona. And no Ljungberg. UPDATE: Josh Gardner, like Yakir Lusky, will be joining the team in Arizona. Thanks Frank! The title means "A welcome to David Estrada," the team's first round draft pick this year. He said he's excited to be in Seattle and remembers getting chills watching Sounders FC beat the NY Red Bulls 3-0 in the inaugural game. Here's Estrada with the media. Comments


text:
"In man of a different denomination we should see the one who needs God's grace ..." - this is how you can recapitulate the meeting that was held at Targi Kielce on June 11th
The problem of persecution seems to be the phenomenon of religion. This has been the case since the beginning of time, of all times, places and religions. This has been confirmed with the growing wave of discrimination, as evidenced by analyses published by international analytical organizations. Numerous religious communities are the tragic example: Rohingya - a Muslim ethnic group recognized by the UN as the most persecuted minority in the world, harassed Hindus in Bangladesh. Now defended by the Amnesty International. Jewish communities which suffer from the re-emerging anti-Semitism in Europe. The anti-Semitism seems to be on the top, having risen since the end of the Second World War. The phenomenon is also illustrated by data on the world's two largest religions. Christianity followers experience various harassments or even systematic persecutions in 130 countries, Muslims - in 117. The reports authors gained the data form the institutions which professionally analyse the human rights observance issue. They claim that as much as 70 percent of the world's population is persecuted for religious reasons. Faith in God seems to be increasingly dangerous.
The next in series "Dialogues on Religion" conference is devoted to religious persecutions and inter religious conflicts. The seminar is held within the scope of the 20th International Religious Expo SACROEXPO 2019. The discussion brings together representatives of international organizations which monitor religious persecution on a global scale.
The Conference is organised by Targi Kielce and the WESOŁA54 Association.
Recommended news


text:
It's become quite a community of One Worders, sharing and encouraging each other along the journey.
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
You know, my one word started of as being "hope" also! I couldn't believe it when I turned to your blog this morning and found the same kind of thoughts! However, the word "worship" has come more to the front of my mind and that is my one word for 2013.
Was blessed reading your post... thank you for sharing your one word. Happy New Year Laura xx
Laura, I love this word! THis is a great word for the new year! I am reading/implementing into my QT a wonderful book that I saved for January 1 called 31 Days of Praise - Enjoying God Anew by Ruth Warren. Maybe later this year you can check it out! One verse I was focused on this morning was Psalm 34:1 "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. " That is my heart's desire and He makes it possible...despite the fact that I am unable for sure! Well I love and am excited for you with this word as God has shown me so much about it and I know He will show you great things! Can't wait to here! Happy New Year! Looking forward to the study!ReplyDelete
Laura correction- Book author is Ruth Myers! WIth Warren Myers...oops!Delete
What a wonderful word to focus on! May God bless you through this journey.ReplyDelete
This past year I began a journey of giving Him praise in the midst of painful circumstances. You picked a beautiful one my friend. Happy New Year!ReplyDelete
This is such a good word -- to have praise always on our lips only gives way to GOOD things. My one word is useful and I cannot wait to write about it.ReplyDelete
Last year my One Word came so easily...I knew it was NOW. This year, I couldn't settle. I was praying about Service, Intentional. Then about 10 family and friends gathered round today to pray and share our words. I even had them skip over me. Then it hit me. My word is Change.ReplyDelete
Love your word...and the process of it coming to you!
Praying for all the ways it will unfold this year.
My word is Stand- not a word I would initially pick.
Praise Him always! Yes! What a great word. Thank you for sharing and have a blessed 2013.ReplyDelete
Praise him in the morning, praise him in the evening :) that song came to mind :)
Love the idea of praising Him in ALL we do!!! YES!
Such a beautiful, beautiful post and word. Thank you for sharing. My word is heart.
Oh, Laura, I love this. I haven't chosen my "one word" yet, but I'm leaning in a couple of directions. Still deciding.
I need to praise Him more. I know I do. He is so worthy.
Dear Laura
You have just convinced me to also join the one word community. "In Christ" has been my motto for so long ... not just as an concept, but as a daily living reality. Yes, dead one, let us all praise Him for no other reason, but Him being the Majesty of Love!
Oh how I long for my 2013 word. My mind is empty. I seek, search, and pray. Monday I'll be posting about how my 2012 word STOP wrecked me. This is beautiful and such a great word!!! Blessings as you praise!!ReplyDelete
Don't you love how He knows us better that we know ourselves. I love your word for the year. Mine is filled based on Eph. 3:16-19.ReplyDelete
What a fantastic word to focus on for this year, praise. To praise the LORD in all things is so fulfilling and rewarding, I believe you will really be blessed this year.
Praise is a beautiful word. Praise the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me, praise His Holy Name! BlessingsReplyDelete
Laura, when I saw your word, I had to chuckle. That's the word I really, really wanted God to give me this year. It's such a beautiful word, and I can think of nothing more 'God-connecting' than praise. Alas, He, in His incredible wisdom, chose 'Fearless' for me...I'm a little scared to see where He takes me with it! Precisely, I'm sure, why He placed it upon my heart!
Thanks for sharing this today...it was beautifully written.
Blessings to you ~ Mary
I'm so glad you came by Mary @ Woman to Woman!
I just loved this post Laura. Praise is such a challenge to me probably because it is what my name means ;-) I loved your personable honesty in sharing your advanced planning for 2013's word. I loved too how God changed it!!
My word for 2013 is JOY (in case you noticed on my blog ;-) but now I'll have to check out that One Word blog. Thanks so much for linking up such a timely and uplifting post at the start of the year. You are such a blessing to my Linky Parties.
Hi Laura,
I just joined in on the One Word 2013 blog hop. I'm visiting from Create With Joy. You have picked a fantastic word to guide you into the new year! My word for 2013 is 'Embrace'. I hope you will stop by for a visit.
I love God's persistence! In October I was fairly sure my word for 2013 should be healing (and I'm not good at planning so far in advance!). As I prepared to write my One Word post I tried on a different word, but I couldn't get away from the original one. So here's to 2013 and God's words!ReplyDelete
Laura, what a great word to share with us, Laura! "Praise" seems to have caught your heart and attention. So grateful to have you in the faith jam -- thank you for sharing your faith journey together!ReplyDelete


text:
|« Achiever's Nite
|Engagement of Ai'ra & M. Faizal »
A Day at Wonderland
My wife used to tell my daughter before her bedtime "Close your eyes and imagine..painted horses sliding up and down, wind in your hair, laughing, smiling children, holding on tight, carousel music tinkling." When my daughter saw those horses, she gave a bright brimming smile with a little reservation of curiosity .."is this real?. is my dream coming true?.." It's really a wonderful sight to see the children enjoying themselves and being amused by rides and beautifully decorated park as if they are in their own Wonderland.
1 comment
Comment from: tanhungteong
hmm...i see see see and seeee....your daughter is just so cute lah...just like your waimei...i believe next time grow up sure looks like you...
07/19/09 @ 14:33


text:
Google and Bing shopping reaches millions every day and is fast becoming the consumers preferred way to buy online. If you're business isn't selling on these channels already, then chances are you're missing out on profitable sales.
Make the most of what low-cost shopping ads can do to promote your product by taking advantage of the many different ways to promote them. The first tip: don't lump your customers into one basket. While some of your customers may prefer text ads, others want something more eye-catching to convince them to click. We know how to use all of the different forms of advertising and where best to place them, because we've been utilising this marketing strategy since their inception.
Our Shopping Ads strategy means you won't miss a sale. Our services include:
A well organised product feed listing is the first step to making sure shopping ads convert. Once your catalogue is in order we'll create the Merchant Centre Account for you, so all of your data is correctly fed into the search engines' shopping channels.
Shopping ads work by crawling the product information on your site. They will only give searching customers your products if they're formatted correctly, in line with SEO (search engine optimisation) best practise. We will work to optimise product titles and descriptions, making them search engine friendly for greater visibility, resulting in more sales.
Once launched, we won't let your shopping ads simply sit there. We'll check and recheck them, tweaking on bids and re-optimising adverts if needed so they keep turning conversions for your business.
Discover how we can help get more of your products on Shopping Ad feeds and reach millions more potential customers by contacting us today for a free of charge consultation.
Illuminating Fact: Shopping ad campaigns tend to achieve better conversion rates compared to text search ads.


text:
Recalibrate meaning, definition, what is recalibrate: to make small changes to an instrument so that it measures accurately. Cambridge English Dictionary.
Oh February…..this season of the year. Winter conferences, family activities, indoor recess, limited daylight and germs everywhere. At times the pace of this season can really knock me off my center. The hours at work are longer-so the time with family is shorter.
In recognizing this season during the past week I have made some intentional commitments to recalibrate my time:
- Sending a note home. When school pulls me away from home more than usually I have been mailing notes home to my husband. Some of these are funny, some are more sincere-by taking the time to recognize that your partner is carrying the weight for you at home so you can focus on what needs to be done at school is important.
- Prioritize. For the short term prioritize what has to get done versus what can wait until the season changes. I have switched up my morning routine to include cycle over outdoor running, and instead of 50-60 minutes of exercise I am doing 30 this week so I can catch up on the necessary sleep to function with our 12 plus hour days with winter conferences.
- Grace. Don't beat yourself up-we have all been there. You might be late to something, you might totally blank something from your calendar. The people around you see you every….single…day. If you are off for a few it just lets the rest of us know you are human.
Below (thanks Eric Ewald) is our Fun Friday Challenges in February. Keep smiling and reach out to your PLN for help during this season.


text:
A lot can happen in just a few days in an industry like this. Every Friday, we look at what's new and what we've learned in the past week.
- The use of e-cigarettes as smoking cessation tools across the European Union tripled from 2012 to 2017. That's according to Tobacco Control, the international peer review journal covering the nature and consequences of tobacco use worldwide. The research into changes in smoking cessation assistance in the EU over the five year period also shows that e-cigarettes have become a preferred method for smokers looking to quit for good. E-cigarettes are now as popular as stop-smoking medications and some smokers are rejecting 'medicalised' cessation services, according to the report.
2. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement on Monday asking tobacco industry stakeholders to share research and data on flavours in tobacco products. The latest FDA proposal contains plans for efforts to reduce tobacco use, especially among youth, "by exploring options to address the role of flavors ‒ including menthol ‒ in tobacco products." However, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, also acknowledged the positive impact flavours seem to be having for ex-smokers transitioning to e-cigarettes. In the statement, Dr Gottlieb said, "I've talked to ex-smokers, who've told me that they quit cigarettes altogether and that they now vape. And they've also told me it was the flavors that helped them make that transition off combustible cigarettes."
3. There are fewer American adult smokers now than ever before. The adult smoking rate in the US has fallen below 15% for the first time, according to a National Health Interview Survey from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The smoking rate stateside fell by 31.6% since 2009 to 14.1% in the first nine months of last year. Tobacco treatment specialist and Associate Professor in the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of New South Wales tweeted his views on the news, saying it was, "The population impact of
#vaping becoming clearer."
4. Ivanka Trump tried her hand at the science behind vaping this week, much to the online community's delight. During a visit to a high school in Iowa, the first daughter of US president Donald Trump tested the nicotine content of vape juice used in e-cigarettes while wearing a lab coat and goggles. She is reported to have said, "I can't promise that I'll get this right, but at least we'll look the part, right?" Cue the memes.
View this post on Instagram
Talking #WorkforceDevelopment and Infrastructure in Iowa today! @realdonaldtrump's #Infrastructure initiative includes a robust plan to expand skills-focused learning to prepare the next generation of American workers for 21st century job opportunities. Thank you @kimreynoldsia for your commitment to STEM education and skills training and for all the amazing work that you are doing in the great state of #Iowa! 📸: Rodney White, The Register
5. And finally, the Vapouround Bus is gearing up to hit the roads on our April tour of England. We'll be stopping at vape shops across the country to offer free advice, vape testers and free starter kits to smokers who hand in their cigarettes and lots of fun and games. We've given the bus a whole new look, so if you see us on the roads give us a beep! If you'd like us to stop off at your premises on the tour, call Reuben on 01332 650 239 ext. 5136


text:
Work on the project of your choice for 2-4 weeks in an international team. Or volunteer longer: up to 12 months!
Building Bridges Workcamps
SCI's latest campaign was launched after ICM 2015, where SCI activists decided to start a grass-root campaign in SCI workcamps in 2016. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness and stimulate the reflection about the current situation for those seeking refuge and forced migration in general.
Many SCI branches have various and long-term experiences in the implementation of projects and activities with refugees and asylum seekers.
The campaign includes the following activities:
• workcamps on the topic of refugees and asylum seekers
• study sessions to be implemented in SCI workcamps
• materials and methods to be used by branches and partners willing to get active on the topic
• microgrants for small projects
• seminars and trainings.
As we get closer to the starting dates of the first Building Bridges labelled workcamp, we would like to encourage you to take part!
There are two types of workcamps:
- Building Bridges Workcamps
Workcamps that directly involve asylum seekers and/or refugees.
- Workcamps with a study part on the Building Bridges Campaign
Workcamps that do not foresee activities with asylum seekers or refugees, but will have a study part on this theme.
You can find the updated list of the workcamps and more information about the campaign under Building Bridges.


text:
"You Are ONE Step Away From
Getting Your Hands On The Best
Basketball Coaching Resource
On The Planet!"
But Before You Buy, Check This Out…
For Coaches who are serious about taking their team to the next level, you can UPGRADE NOW to the Platinum edition for just $49.95.
Here's what you get (note that only Platinum Coaches get the items marked in RED)
Basketball Drills & Practice Plans
Platinum Edition
- 1. 50 Stunningly Effective Basketball Drills
- 2. 25 Clipboard-Ready Basketball Practice Plans
- 3. Bonus Report: Basketball Tryouts Secrets
- 4. Bonus Report: Basketball Strength & Conditioning
- 5. Free Premium Updates
- 6. 10 MORE Basketball Drills ($19 value)
- 7. 10 MORE Basketball Practice Plans ($25 value)
- 8. Basketball Halfcourt Offense Playbook ($29 value)
- 9. Basketball Zone Defense Playbook ($29 value)
- 10. Basketball Pressure Defense Playbook ($29 value)
- 11. Basketball Inbounds Plays Playbook ($29 value)
Yes! Upgrade My Order Now To The Platinum Edition ($49.95)
No thanks, I'll just stick with the basic edition ($34.68)
"I Would Recommend This To Any And All Coaches…"
"Using your plans, my practices were well rounded, and timed so there is no waste and no boredom with doing the same things repeatedly.
After using these drill on the first practice there was a marked improvement in my team. They were drilled, and skill trained with no sprints, no layup lines. Amazing!! I would definitely recommend the ebook to any and all coaches that are interested."
Al Moses
Long Branch Dominators
Silver Spring MD
From 1-13 to 9-5
"You Made Me Look Smart!"
"2-years ago, my team's record was 1-13. Last year, the record was 9-5, and I attribute that improvement to your coaching system, drills and practice plans.
The drills were simple to teach and execute. And because the practice plans are pre-designed and organized to the minute, it took me mere minutes to prepare for each practice.
The investment was well worth it. You made me look smart and prepared, and you helped me to improve my team. My frustrations virtually disappeared last season after investing in your coaching program. And, I'm so looking forward to seeing how this season is going to pan-out because I'll, once again, be using your coaching materials!"
Stefan Rybak
Infant Jesus Basketball League,
Boys Grade 6 Division, Team #3
Mount Sinai, New York
"Various Offenses and Defenses"
"My favorite part is the basketball playbook. It gives some great suggestions, with diagrams, of various offenses and defenses that will help us this upcoming season."
John Wohler
Mishicot Basketball
"A Great Program At An Awesome Price"
"The depth of your information does exactly what you said it keeps our pratices fresh, exciting and fun for the kids. They really enjoyed the Sumo Box-out drill. With your help we will improve our winning percentage this year. Thank for a great program at an awesome price. It has already more than paid for it self in the first week."
Don Pritchard
Diamond Springs, CA
Diamond Springs Christian School
"Money Well Spent"
"Easy to follow and implement at any level. It helped me on those days when I was looking for new ideas or struggling with what to do to motivate your team. We went 25-2, and your plans helped to challenge the team. Money well spent."
Leisa Kolberg
SPSL Panthers
Omaha, Nebraska
Yes! Upgrade My Order Now To The Platinum Edition ($49.95)
No thanks, I'll just stick with the basic edition ($34.68)
Test drive one of my Basketball Practice Plans. If you don't have the Best Practice your team has EVER had
You'll Get a 100%
No Hassle Refund!
Just email me right back and I'll immediately issue you a complete, fast, and full refund, with no questions asked.
But the book is yours to keep no matter what!
There are no if's, and's, or but's about it!
That's about as fair as it gets. You have absolutely no risk whatsoever!
Either you're blown away with how fun, efficient, and wildly effective my system is… or you get a refund and keep everything for free!


text:
Precious Moments
In many of our blogs over the last year, we have mentioned about the many baptisms we have seen and the many lives we have seen transformed. God has been at work in the lives of those that were at the brink of despair, those that felt helpless, bound, not able to walk in freedom, where the enemies lies had blurred the truth, those that felt all hope was gone, those that didn't feel they had any ability or worth.
NightLight is known as NightLight 'International'. This years retreat, definitely lived up to the 'International' status . A total of about 90 – 100 staff, volunteers, employees, survivours of trafficking from all corners of the world – USA, Australia, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Brazil, Thailand and the United Kingdom came together, to fellowship, worship, rejoice together at the baptisms and unite.
We have now lost count of the number of baptisms we have seen, whilst in Thailand. They have been a true testimony to God's power and all that He is doing. Every baptism we have seen has been as beautiful and as precious as the first.
The most recent baptism at the retreat were made even more special, with 11 women from different countries in Africa attending from NightLight's International Anti-trafficking programme.
Over the months the Thai women of NightLight have welcomed and embraced these African women with such great unconditional love, compassion, acceptance and understanding. We have watched as the Thai women took care of the babies of the African women, allowing them to enjoy and have time for themselves during the retreat. There was definitely no shortage of babysitters! As the babies were passed around and lovingly cared for.
Number of women baptised 6 African women & 1 Thai woman. We rejoiced with the angels as each life was set free in Christ.
All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name. Psalm 86:9 (NLT)
'Precious Moments'.
It is an amazing moment when you watch those you have been teaching and working with over the years, rise like phoenix's from the ashes. When God uses people and situations that were broken and brings them to restoration, fullness, hope that brings Glory to His name.
We have shared in several of our last blogs, about some of the bakery women who had become confident enough to enter into business training. It was a breakthrough, because they requested they were ready for this type of training. I (Sarah), didn't feel I had the Thai business language skills to train the bakery women to the standard they deserved. So after months of praying (over 1 year to be exact!), and searching for a professional Thai company that could run the business skills course, I almost gave up since we didn't have a large budget to pay for the training either. Thank God, He never gives up on us, just when I thought all was lost, Paul & I were introduced to a Thai Christian Business Coach, that completely ticked all our boxes.
The Thai business teacher was fantastic and was able to teach the women with such grace, patience and understanding. The women had nothing but praise for the teacher and the information they were learning.
2 of the women after completing the first 2 modules of the business training, decided to take it to the next level and wanted to be enrolled on the individual business mentoring programme.
I was over joyed, especially since 1 of the women in 2016 was adamant, she never wanted to do any form of business skills training EVER! I am not sure what changed her mind, but I watched her flourish with each session as she come up with the most original ideas… I could see that she was even shocked at some of the ideas she was coming out with. They learnt all aspects that will enable them, to start up their own business in the future, should they wish to do so – business planning, financial planning, designing their own logo/brand, marketing and presenting their businesses on video.
The bakery has been a foundation for these women to step out, grow and realise their own potential, to let them know that God has a plan and purpose for their lives and that they have great ability to put their minds to anything not just baking/sugar crafting but anything.
Paul & I was proud to witness these women, who once didn't think they could achieve much. Successfully complete the Individual Business Mentoring Programme .
In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 1 Peter 5:10 (NLT)
'Precious Moments'.
We truly thank God for these many precious moments.
BMS World Mission partnered with NightLight International
Lost & Found
Here is an account from the Founder & CEO of NightLight – Annie Dieselberg
"Recently, my laptop was stolen at the airport.
I had left it accidentally at the security gate, and someone decided to help themselves to it. Thankfully, airport security personnel immediately checked the cameras and were able to locate the man who stole it. Within a half hour—and with only two minutes to spare—I got my laptop back and caught my plane.
I recently shared this story on Facebook and was struck by how many people "liked" the post. I realized that the fear of having something stolen or lost is a feeling most people can easily relate to. Hearing that my laptop was returned so efficiently gave people just a little bit of hope.
Maybe that's why Jesus told the parables of the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the prodigal son. The theme of losing something valuable and searching to find it resonates with people around the world, in every era. When what was lost is not just a coin but something of our very own, the intensity and emotional connection with this experience grows. It's a fear every parent understands.
It's not as easy to relate to victims of human trafficking and exploitation. Yet every night in Bangkok (and around the world), lost daughters walk the streets in hopes of being found. Their parents do not know where they are and sometimes have not yet even realized that they are lost. These daughters cannot find their way home from this foreign land. They stumble around in the dark; their vulnerability being exploited night after night. The immediate terror and panic of being truly lost eventually gets pushed down beneath layers of coping strategies, but it doesn't take much to trigger the fear, the trauma, and the alienation. Their dignity, their freedom, their lives have been stolen from them.
**Anna was hired to work as a maid for a family in the Middle East. Once there, however, she was enslaved and forced to work for no pay under a cruel boss. Her employer brought her to Bangkok, where she was beaten and thrown out on the streets with no documents and no means of taking care of herself. Suddenly on the streets, alone in a foreign land, Anna realized she was hungry, desperate, and very lost. Anna had to turn to prostitution for survival. Soon after, she was picked up by the police and thrown in the immigration detention center, where she stayed for 4 months and had no way to access help or family. She did not know if she would ever find her way home.
One day, however, our help line number was given to Anna. Calling us from the pay phone inside the detention center, she begged us for help. Recently, Anna was finally delivered from the jail with a ticket to go home. The immigration truck brought her to the airport the night of her departure, and we were waiting there to celebrate with her. Anna could not stop thanking us, though she said she had no words to adequately express what she was feeling. She had been lost and was found. She was now on her way home.
"We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way," wrote St. Francis of Assisi. When a child, mother, sister, or daughter is found and returned, even the angels celebrate. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. We celebrate this love which compels us to join in the search, to set the captives free, and to help those who have lost their way to find their way back home. For these women, this is a demonstration of love they will never forget".
**Anna's name has been changed to protect her identity.
Praise God for:
The number of women that NightLight has assisted and repatriated back to their home countries, through the anti-trafficking programme.
The amazing restoration, transformation, confidence building and counselling, to help women walk in freedom, that come into the NightLight International Programme Centre.
Pray for:
The many women that are still lost hoping to be found. Pray that NightLight's help line number makes it's way safely to the women who need us to help them.
Pray for NightLight to be in the right places at the right time, to reach out and help those that have been trafficked.
We are looking forward to seeing many of you, when we are in the UK during May – July 2018.
BMS World Mission partnered with NightLight International
5 years!!!
Time has flown past so quickly, that we can't even believe it! It has crept up on us, without us even realising! On the 29th June we noted that we have been living and serving in Bangkok, Thailand for 5 years!
We have been looking back and recapping the last 5 years. It has been a time that has been filled with crazy moments, challenges, confusion, spirit filled, hot, humid, rainy, flooding, stormy, emotionally driven – fun, happy, sad, tearful and fearful journey that God has led us on!….but we wouldn't change it for the world! We have had the honour of working with many amazing people of God, who are serving, loving, learning and teaching others outside of their comfort zone.
In 5 years we have walked alongside and worked with woman coming out of sexual exploitation and human trafficking, it has been super hard, but in this time we have been so blessed and privileged to have met, some of the most strongest and courageous women in the world! Women that have stood tall and taken brave steps into freedom and transformation.
In the areas of the sex industry and trafficking that are dark and spiritually heavy. In 5 years, we have had the joy of seeing God's light and hope break through the darkness and seen God's hand at work – as women have gained their self-worth, value, dignity, a new life, and their God given purposes unfold, breakthrough's of women delivered from evil spirits, brothel owners asking for prayer, listened to men confess that were about to use the sex industry for the night – but felt compelled to come into the coffee shop and share their heart, watched some of these same men give their lives to Christ, witnessed some of the most amazing baptism's ever, watched God's power of love and grace help trafficked & exploited women overcome extreme trauma and God's justice break down walls of corruption!…. Phew!!!… this is the short list! There is so much more we could add!
In 5 years, we have embraced Thailand – the people, rich culture, food, heritage, language and seen God's face in every single Thai person or other nationalities we have met. We have built strong relationships with many Thais that speak little to no English, a true testimony to how God has enabled us to embrace and learn the Thai language. We have been welcomed by Thai families that shows a bond of trust including Buddhist families allowing us to pray for them.
Most importantly, even before arriving to Thailand, during our time in Thailand and now, God has been with us ALWAYS, providing us with the strength, encouragement, giving us nudges to take steps into the unknown, providing us with the words to support others, providing us with the wisdom to make the right decisions. God's hand has been unchanging, we have relied on His guidance throughout this whole journey and this will not stop. We are reassured that He will be with us always.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. – Deuteronomy 31:8
We want to say a 'big thank you' for all your support, prayers and encouragement you have given us over the last 5 years. A 'huge thank you' for all your letters, cards and presents that have surprised us for New Year's, Easter's, Birthday's & Christmas'. Thank you to our Church Partners for the great relationships and friendships that we have formed with you, your warm welcomes, kind hospitality, food and cakes whenever we come to visit your Churches. Some of you have been with us, before we left the UK 5 years ago and that support from you has been greatly appreciated.
We don't always get the time to answer every single email or letter, but please know that each one has been up lifting. Many have come right on time, when we have needed a boost of encouragement.
Thank God for:
The number of transformed lives that have happened during this time – those that have made the decision to leave the sex industry, trafficked woman that have been reunited with families in their home countries and men that have had their hearts transformed and touched by God.
For our 5 years in Thailand, the people we have encountered, the lives that God has allowed us to make an impact on.
The growth in our journey and walk with God.
Pray for:
Please continue to pray for the all those, that recently got baptised. As new believers, the enemy uses many situations to pull them back. Pray that they will stay strong and remain close to God.
Us, as we continue to live and serve in Thailand – God's guidance, direction and wisdom for serving others and our personal lives.
*Noon & *Ma – 2 Ladies that were working at NightLight but left recently. Ma has sadly gone back to work in the sex industry and Noon has got caught up in a bad situation and has been contemplating suicide. Please pray that God's truth will break through the lies they are been fed. That with God's help they will have enough courage to come back to NightLight. That they will understand that they are beautiful, precious daughter's and princess'.
To help you understand how much God loves and cares for us, here is a poem that some of you may know or have read already. Please click on the poem title to take you to the poem link –
'My Precious Daughter (A love letter from God to His Daughters)'
*Names have been changed to protect their identity
Lots of love
Paul & Sarah
BMS World Mission partnered with NightLight International
His Birth = Our New Birth
2016 for us, has been filled with witnessing lots of great and wonderful things! The one we witnessed recently was no exception, it was an absolute privilege, it was the most humbling baptism we have ever seen!
There were no huge crowds of people, no church building, no projector for worship or songs, no drums, no piano, no microphones. There was no baptism pool, swimming pool or the sea. It was held in a small back room next to a small kitchen and cooking area with a largish black plastic bucket, the kind you use for carting rubble, holding ice for drinks or in our case washing lots of dishes at a time!
A small crowd of us gathered to witness with 1 person playing an acoustic guitar.
The young lady getting baptised *Humble, is a lady we are assisting through our anti-trafficking program along with her children.
Whilst in our care, she had been asking lots of questions about Christ, He became real to her and made Himself known to her in her dreams. We were in the process of assisting to help get her repatriated back to her home country, and she wanted to get baptised before going home (which was due to happen a few days later). With such a short space of time, there was not enough time to arrange a formal baptismal service. The quick preparation and thinking – "What can we use to baptise her in?"turned it into the most humbling baptism ever.
She shared her testimony, made her declaration of faith and expressed her great love for Christ.
As *Humble stepped in to the black bucket, and knelt down. The water was poured over her head…in name of the Father…. in the name of the Son… in the name of the Holy Spirit. Tears of joy rolled down everyones cheeks as we rejoiced with her!
As her children looked on – In the small back room next to a small kitchen and cooking area; in that largish black bucket for carting rumble, holding ice for drinks or in our case washing lots of dishes at a time, an amazing 'New Life' was born. Her humble baptism, symbolised her 'Re-birth'.
And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. – Luke 2:7
The way this baptism took place, is a great reminder of how Jesus came into this world. There was no big fanfare, no luxury, no mansion and to parents with very little. We can only but image what the stable was like, there was probably the smell and noise of the animals, the uncomfortableness of the hay and the trough for feeding animals used as His bed. With witnesses that were one of the lowest classes in society – the shepherds. In all the simplicity and humbleness came our wonderful Saviour, Joy & Hope to us and the world. His birth, was the humble beginnings of our new life and re-birth.
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. – John 1:12
Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' – John 3:5-7
*Humble and her children's faces have been blurred and her name has been changed to protect their identity.
Please pray:
For *Humble as we continue to help her get back home. Challenges with corruption, injustice, lack of understanding and sympathy within the system, has made the process very difficult and caused many obstacles that have delayed the process of getting her back home. Please pray for officials hearts to be softened and for understanding. Please pray urgently for a breakthrough.
Hopefully if all goes well *Humble and her children are due to go home shortly after Christmas.
Thank God & Thank you:
Christmas is not celebrated in the same way in Thailand and this year is even more different since the passing of the King, with a very sombre mood. The Christmas decorations went up very late this year. People will still give each other presents, however with no real understanding of what they are celebrating.
- Thank God – This a great time for us to share with the Thais. We have had the opportunity to witness to some of the local Thais we know well near our house and have been able to give them a book about the Nativity of Jesus in Thai.
- Thank God – For a trafficked woman from Uganda that NightLight assisted, was able to return home last week after many years absence and many health challenges. It was such a victory and joy to send her off at the airport and know that she was reunited with her child finally.
- Thank you – For all your support and encouragement throughout the year. We have received Christmas cards, gifts and messages from many of you.
We hope you all have a blessed Christmas and a peaceful New year! May you know Christ's Joy, Hope, love always.
BMS World Mission partnered with NightLight International
Sawatdii Phi Mai (Happy New Year)
Happy New Year!
We hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas. Thank you to everyone that sent us cards and Christmas messages. It is always very encouraging hearing from you, we really do appreciate it.
December & Christmas has come and gone so quickly. With our day-to-day roles, a 2 day staff retreat and the addition of Christmas activities, we were very busy indeed; however it was a good busy providing us with a continued reminder of what the season is all about, what it means to imitate Christ. Reaching out to others and the amazing gift we have every day, not just at Christmas time ~#Jesus – life, light, love, freedom, peace, joy, hope & grace.
With NightLight Thai church plant 'Song Sawang' (Thai word for send the light). We had the privilege to spend some time with CFBT (The Christian Foundation for the blind in Thailand) a school for orphaned blind children with multiple disabilities. It is always incredible to see the women of NightLight whom God has transformed & blessed, now reaching out to all these precious children, as they gave gifts to them, held them, sung to them and prayed over them. A beautiful reminder of our God's abundant amount of grace, our God of forgiveness and God who waits patiently for us and gives the gift of second chances. This school reaches out to each child with love and care, knowing that even with their disabilities each child is teachable, each child still has hope. As we looked around the room at so many children abandoned and remembered that God knows each one of these children by name, they are not forgotten.
On the night of Tuesday 17 December, NightLight International did a Christmas outreach. To women who are sexually exploited & have been trafficked in the Nana area – we sang Christmas carols in a brothel! We watched the faces of women lit up with joy and sing along with us. To women in the bars, and street walkers – 725 earrings + Christian tracks were given out. About 59 gift bags were given to women in the brothel & African women on the streets. To see God's light & love pierce through and change a dark atmosphere is incredible. To witness women who generally have blank faces, when working in the in the bars and on the streets; receive a simple free gift and a smile break through and conversation with them that develops – it is not just a smile that bursts through but something has also touched their hearts.
Friday 20 December, all staff at NightLight reached out into the local Bangkok community visiting 2 hospitals, the homeless & the slum areas of Bangkok. Split into 6 teams, we again joined with women who were once victims and are now transformed; give back love, joy, hope & pray for the elderly at Bangkok Police Hospital; holding frail hands, smiling, speaking words of encouragement to the patients, carers & staff. We watched them see weak eyes fill with tears from being touched by receiving their gift – with tears filling up in their own eyes. The team that we were in gave 62 gift bags, which touched 62 hearts. The reason for the season – #Jesus.
On the same Friday 20 December in the afternoon, we had our first time of celebrating Christmas Issan style (Issan is in the North East of Thailand and is where most of the women who work at NightLight come from).
The Thai staff at NightLight organised everything. We were all instructed to wear traditional Thai or Issan costume. With 'Luk thung' (traditional Thai music) & a 'Mor Lam' (traditional Thai singer) singing vibrant & lively Issan Christian songs, the women of NightLight taught us how to 'Ram thai' (Traditional Thai dancing) we were ready to party. It was a truly amazing experience and definitely lots of fun.
After this busy period we were very grateful to be able take a much needed
break to Hua Hin (about 3 hours south of Bangkok); to relax by the sea and reflect on our year with NightLight and another year in Thailand.
To top off the end of our year, Sarah's brother, sis-in-law & nephew came to Thailand. It was lovely seeing them and spending some quality time with them; it was made even better by the fact that we will get to see them all again in 5 months' time!
Yeah! In 5 months' time, we hope to be back in England from the 8 May 2014, on our first Home Assignment. We will spend the first few days settling in and time with our home church, we will then be available on request as BMS Speakers from Sunday 18 May to Sunday 6 July 2014, including weekdays (we will be unavailable during the weekend of 14-15 June 2014). Churches wishing to request us as BMS Speakers should use the Speaker Request form online at http://www.bmsworldmission.org/speakers Please note your request will need to be submitted by Monday 17 February 2014.
We thank God for all of our experiences in 2013 and really thankful for those of you who have prayed, emailed, written, brought us mince pies & Christmas pudding or supported us in any other way. We look ahead excitedly to all that God has in store for us for 2014. We hope that 2014 is a year of fruitfulness, peace and blessings for you all.
Please continue to pray for peace in Thailand in the midst of all the political protests; elections are due to take place on 2 February 2014.
BMS World Mission partnered with NightLight International
It is amazing the difference a few weeks makes. Many of you may have read Sarah's previous blog titled 'Far Away From Home' or on the BMS website titled 'Trapped in Thailand's Sex Trade' about *Blessing a young lady stranded in Thailand that Sarah had been befriending. Not long after writing about her situation, NightLight International received enough funding to be able to send Blessing home. It was made even more amazing by the fact that we received enough funding not only to send Blessing home but with the help of IOM (International Office of Migration), we were able to send 4 other ladies back to Uganda at the same time.
Week commencing 22 July 2013 was filled with lots of final preparation for their journey home, packing, arranging for them to have some belongings sent via cargo, contacting their love ones and of cause final goodbyes from us. The goodbyes were filled with many emotions- sadness, but also a great overwhelming power of hope and joy. It was amazing at the airport to see these ladies who had experienced so much pain, trauma and some who had been away for so long; were finally going home. The smiles on their faces were priceless! In a huddle we prayed with them before waving goodbye, to strong and courageous young ladies, with amazing futures filled with hope for themselves, their children and their families. They were heading back home to Uganda with powerful voices, to help others who may fall prey to a similar fate.
Blessings final words to me "I will never forget you or what NIghtLight has done for me, I will call you when I get home". True to her words Blessing called to let me know she had arrived safely. I spoke with her sister, aunty, daughter, uncle and of course Blessing! They were so overjoyed to have her back home, the telephone line was filled with the sound of laughter and so many expressions of thank you.
We are currently assisting other women from Uganda and a lady from Uzbekistan, hopefully next week (w/c 19 August 2013) there will be another 3 going back home. Amazing!
Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does – Psalm 96:3 (NLT)
Join us in thanking God:
- For the 5 ladies that NightLight was able to send back home to Uganda in July. For their safe return home and being reunited with their families.
- That NightLight have 3 further ladies that we are hoping to send home w/c 19 August 2013
Join us in praying:
- For the women who have gained the courage to step forward to receive help from NightLight.
- For the women waiting for interviews with IOM (International Office of Migration).
- For wisdom for NightLight in the best way to support and care for each of the ladies we help; that have either been trafficked or exploited by the sex industry.
- That all the ladies that NightLight has sent (sending) home, receives the best appropriate aftercare with the various organisations we have made contact with in their home countries.
- For the relationships and transitions back with their families and communities to be smooth.
- That Blessing will gain the courage to tell her family that she has HIV. Pray that her family will support her.
*Blessing's name has been changed to protect her identity.
BMS World Mission partnered with NightLight International
Far Away From Home
I (Sarah) looked at *Blessing a beautiful and courageous young African women sat in front of me, as she told us her story, fighting back tears of how she came to be in Thailand. "She was my manager and 'my friend'; I had been working in her shop for 4 years selling clothing. So when she offered me the opportunity to go with her to China to buy new stock, I said yes. I had no money, so she was paying for my airfare and all other expenses; this was my first business trip a chance in a lifetime. I had never been on airplane and never been outside of Africa. I saw nothing bad in her inviting me to come on this trip with her."
After hearing the first part of her story, I sensed that Jennie, Annie & I were a bit confused as we reviewed what she had said. At this point it all seemed quite harmless. Blessing continued "My manager then informed me that she had to return back to Uganda, but I should stay in China and continue to buy stock to send back to Uganda. At no point did I think there would be any problems. She told me she would send me money for my return airfare". Jennie, spoke up "She hadn't brought you a ticket to return to Uganda?" or "Left you with money to buy a return ticket to Uganda?" Blessing answered with a low "No."
"My manager had never treated me badly in 4 years, I 'trusted her', she was 'my friend'", Blessing paused. "She never sent the money! Each time she phoned I asked when it would be sent. When can I come home? Only to be given excuse after excuse. With my visa coming to an end, my manager told me my best option would be to go to Thailand to extend it. Then she would send me the money for my airfare back to Uganda", Blessing paused again. "She only sent enough to get me to Thailand. However I continued to 'trust her' she was my manager and 'my friend'.
From Uganda to China to Thailand, the calls from her manager occurred less and the money she sent her began to run out. Blessing began to realise that she was stranded in Thailand, with no money, no job, nowhere to stay, no phone number to call her manager (since she withheld her phone number each time she called). Through tears, Blessing said "Do you know what my manger, 'my friend', said when she called? She said told me that I am a grown woman and I should know what to do, to make some money. She was referring to me selling myself on the streets. Me – selling myself on the streets – I have degree in teaching you know!" Annie, Jennie & I looked at each other in amazement; Annie asked "Was it not possible to get a teaching job in Uganda?" Blessing replied, "There are no jobs in Uganda, you have to take what you can get and that's why I was selling clothes in a shop."
I couldn't stop my mind from wondering, reeling, hearing my own thoughts: This is not how a friend acts or treats you! Blessing, please, please stop calling her your friend! How could this women do this to her? Deceiving her in this way? Taking her from the known to the unknown? Leaving her stranded in a strange country? Her life pulled apart in a matter of weeks due to deception?
Blessing exclaimed, "I didn't want to sell myself. I have a degree in teaching; I have skills and so much ability. So I headed to North East Thailand and managed to get a teaching job with an agency. I tried to earn my keep. I enjoyed my job and most of all I enjoyed working with the children."
I wish I could say this was then end of Blessing's ordeal, however unfortunately due to the expiry of her visa, the agency took advantage of this and deceived Blessing paying her for only 1 month after having worked 3 months. Again she was at a loss, unable to fight her case because of her expired visa.
"I tried," Blessing said, "I tried to do what was right, but it all seemed to go against me. With my money running low I headed back to Bangkok. I didn't have enough money to rent somewhere on my own, so I was introduce to some ladies who rented a room together. They were streetwalkers who went out every night. Some of them knew I didn't have much money and were encouraging me to work the streets. I just couldn't do it at first, but my manager started calling again and demanded I pay her back for the ticket to China and to Thailand! My family also did not know of my circumstances, so they were expecting me to send money as well. Especially for my daughter; yes I have a 4 year old daughter, who I love dearly! I saw the ladies come back on many occasions counting all the money they had made for the night, as I watched my money disappearing away. I was encouraged by them to work the streets again. By this stage I felt I had no choice – with no money for rent, food or to send to my daughter and no-one to turn to for help. I was completely torn and broken. One of the girls told me the area I should go to, what to say and do." As she wiped away the tears rolling down her face, Blessing sobbed, "I will never forget that first time going with men. I didn't want to do it. I expected none of this to happen to me. My desperation had brought me to this moment. I need help; I want to go home, I want to be with my daughter!"
Blessing's situation is not uncommon, but it still is so hard to hear and comprehend. Over the 2 months I have gotten to know Blessing very well. Our friendship has bloomed; I have seen her face light up when she speaks excitedly about her daughter and what she hopes for her. I heard about the things she hopes and dreams of for her own future. In the midst of all of this is a deep pain of how being on the end of deception and mistrust has worn her down, lowered her self-esteem and trust of people. For example when we paid her rent for the first time, she was convinced that we were not coming and that we were not going to be true to our words. She thought we were fake! She needs continual reassurance, and I keep encouraging her that her past experiences do not have to dictate her future.
I share in her pain, I cry when she cries; I share in her joy, I laugh when she laughs; I hug her when she needs to be held. I know my prayers for her have not gone unheard; she can put all her hope and trust in God. He is faithful to his words.
Psalm 25:3 – No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
Blessing recently sent me a sweet text message recently that read. "I am so blessed and proud to know you, thank you for all your help". I feel so blessed to know her to, that's why I called her "Blessing" in this story.
*Name has been changed to protect identity
BMS World Mission partnered with NightLight Internationl. BMS appreciates your prayers; to keep up with the weekly prayer needs in the countries that BMS are working in. Please see the BMS Prayer Guide


text:
Original launch X431 used in one year and has 2017 software of all cars. You can update it online and is full packaged with all connection cables. Covers all varieties of cars from Asia, America and Europe. Clean and maintained in a good condition. I will offers you a smart box, 1GB memory card with software of all cars, connection cables, fuses and registration cards where you can register and update your software as well as technical assistance if you cannot use it.
Buy and Sell on Dar Es Salaam's safest online marketplace. Find what you need. Sell what you don't.