Reflections by Lara Howsam

Paul Brandt — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:00:00 +0000

12/02/09

I have been back home a week now.

Vancouver Bound by Lara Howsam

Paul Brandt — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:07:00 +0000

It is hard to believe that this is all over.

In the blog I wrote on departure day, only ten days ago I said “…I actually like to be pushed to the limits. I think this trip will push me like I have never been pushed before.”

I do not think I had any idea how much that was true. I do not think I had any idea how much I was going to be pushed.

Looking Ahead by Lara Howsam

Paul Brandt — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:06:00 +0000

We wrapped up the trip in a really great way – we got to see how people are aiding in guaranteeing that these girls have a bright future outside of the brothels.

The number one reason that the sex trade is operating is because of financial desperation.

Whether it is the family that needs the money, or the young girl attempting to support herself these girls really feel they have no other options.

Thanks for Following!- Paul's Blog

Paul Brandt — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:05:00 +0000

Just want to finish this trip off with a thank you. We are a bit delayed in Vancouver, so I had a minute to write this down.

I'd once again like to thank all of our sponsors listed @ www.paulbrandt.com. The help we received from these companies was crucial to our ability to bring gifts to the children at Place of Rescue.

Ground Zero by Lara Howsam

Paul Brandt — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:07:00 +0000

We continue to dive head first in to intense experiences.

We entered in to the world that foreigners never get to see - the district that is considered one of the main funnel points for human trafficking.

We drove through the unpaved road bumping along in our van. This is the nitty-gritty. This is ground zero.

My First Job - Paul's Blog

Paul Brandt — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:06:00 +0000

I remember my first job. I was a bus-boy, bussing tables, washing dishes, cleaning bathrooms at Denny's. It was an awful job. Waitresses were mean, bosses were weird, and waiters took tomatoes off of used dinner dishes and threw them so they stuck to my back while I was hunched over a steaming sink and dishwasher.

That's nothing.

Transformation by Lara Howsam

Paul Brandt — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:05:00 +0000

I know that I keep talking about hope and joy – but what does that really look like?

One story that really encapsulates this for me is the story of a young girl that spent much of her childhood in brothels. She was rescued and was taken to a rehabilitation centre.

The Smiley Face by Lara Howsam

Paul Brandt — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:07:00 +0000

It is hard to believe that their can be virtue behind such tragedy.

Yesterday afternoon a few of us went to a house where five girls and a house mother live. These girls are from the wreckage of the sex trade. They have seen and been through such unimaginable horrors.

The girls range in age from fifteen to nineteen.

Disneyland - Paul's Blog

Paul Brandt — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:06:00 +0000

I've been a touring musician for a while now, and I've always been blessed by an incredible following of people who want to have fun, and do things that matter.

To Market to Market to Buy…a Tarantula? by Lara Howsam

Paul Brandt — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:05:00 +0000

This morning we went to the market to do a little souvenir shopping.

On these intense days it is vital to take a breather and do something mindless and fun.

I have to say that despite the heaviness of the trip there has also been a lot of light hearted fun. We have an amazing group. “Paul’s Entourage” as we like to call us – I think Paul enjoys this the most.