Sharing the dream...

Over the past 5 years, I have been speaking, training, and learning about the evil of Human Trafficking in our world and state. During this time I have met with amazing people and organizations all over our state. In addition I've been asking myself, how can I uniquely offer my gifts to the cause that can really make a difference? Also during this time it was made clear that it was time for me to finish my counseling degree. As part of my course work, I was fortunate to intern with three amazing organizations: Family Violence and Rape Crisis, The Art Therapy Institute,  and Hospice and Palliative CareCenter. Each of these experiences has shaped me as an individual, my understanding of survivors needs in our state, and how nonprofits work. Two years ago I began to dream of a place where survivors could come and develop community, thrive with support, and develop into who they were created to be. Now I've come to the place where I am researching how to make that dream a reality. My work with Not for Sale has challenged me to think outside of the usual non-profit mold and to create a system that can foster lasting change. So I am going to need people with various expertise to join in the effort, if this is going to work. If it is not to be, I pray that my efforts will be blocked and that God will redirect. If it is to be, then I am committed to seeing this vision through, until God shows me that this is not his plan. Just yesterday I met with a survivor of domestic violence who's eyes watered as she heard me describe my dream. She ached for a place like I described, a place for pilgrims, wayfarers, and ragamuffins. 

This blog is my first step in going public. Here I will share updates on the journey. There are numerous steps to be taken. Will this be strictly a nonprofit or will it be a for profit endeavor? Or somewhere in between? There is a board to recruit, land to obtain, facilities to design, and (sigh) funding to find. For those of you who know me I can be a fairly private person, but launching this blog is my attempt to create a culture of transparency from the beginning. If A Pilgrim's Dream ever accepts donations, I want it to be the kind of organization that demonstrates radical transparency that fosters a community. 

I do not know what the future holds, but I am looking for folks to pray with me and to watch for the author of history to write this new chapter. You can join the prayer team by following by email or subscribing to this blog. Thanks for taking the time and dreaming with me.