Today was my last day at Threads of Hope. I left with a heaviness in my heart and even a “what now?” feeling. I spent the last 30 days working with the ladies of Threads during the week, brainstorming new ideas in the evenings, and thinking about them all throughout the weekends. The last 30 days, they have been my focus, my priority and my passion. I walked home today feeling like I forgot something. As if I wanted to be carrying them all home with me, but I couldn’t.
One thing I do get to take home with me is the memories in my heart of having been able to connect with them. I got so familiar with seeing them everyday and my heart was in denial about the fact that I was ever leaving. I don’t think I ever allowed myself to think about when I would leave. Also, every time the ladies would tell me they were going to miss me when I left, I would say “nooo, don’t talk about it yet” and then I would shut it out of my brain. So, today was pretty shocking when I walked out for the last time. (The last time for 2019, that is)
These wonderful women touched my life in ways I cannot describe. My only hope and prayer is that they felt the love of God through me. I am nothing without God. I am not sweet, I am not loving, I am not compassionate, I am not forgiving, I am nothing worthy of any praise on my own. God LOVES these women and his heart breaks for their daily pain. It was amazing to see them through His eyes. Not only that, but I even got to hear these ladies express how they saw themselves through His eyes as well. How cool is that? They know God’s love for them. They know God’s truth and His promises and His power. They also crave to know Him more and live a holy life for Him. They have really inspired me.
Each of these women is so unique and so intentionally crafted by God, it’s sad to think about the years they spent being treated otherwise. The roads they have walked and the ones they continue to walk are painful and challenging ones. They face these roads with boldness, strength, hope, perseverance, faith and immense sacrifice. They do not give up in the face of trials; they do not lose hope, but they keep their focus on God and give him glory at every turn.
How can I be more like these women? I come from privilege. I come from the land of milk and honey and I have more blessings than I can count. These ladies come from oppression, abuse, bondage, corruption; yet they are out-glorifying me! They are giving God the glory He deserves all day long. I hear them preach God’s sovereignty to each other when their sister is feeling down. They get it, you guys.
I also feel extremely blessed to have worked with a staff that loves the Lord and desires to serve Him through loving on His daughters. Each of these beautiful people is a full-time volunteer and is passionate about this mission. The organization would not run without them. Not only do these volunteers teach sewing, organize materials and manage production, but they also assist in legal complications, medical visits, social/emotional needs, etc. They go above and beyond for the women and they get very little credit for it. Although, they are being used as vessels for the Lord as well, so the glory is all His anyways. …But still, I think that God made them fantastic and gave them incredible gifts.
I’m feeling so blessed and my heart feels like it’s overflowing. I’m pretty emotionally zapped from all the goodbye’s today, so I’ll probably have more to share about this experience next time.
Love you all,
Thanks for keeping up!
Xoxo,
Hannah Mou
Hannah in the Homeland 