.Love and Scissors.

Finally now that Megan Hawkins is here, Love and Scissors is off to a great start!! Thank you Jesus!
 >This is our vision!

Love n’ Scissors invites women trapped in prostitution on the streets of San Jose, Costa Rica to learn the trade of cosmetology. We are two Hairstylists from Virginia Beach, Virginia, that have a passion to be a part of ending the growing evil of sexual exploitation. There are currently little to no programs that allow these women in Costa Rica the opportunity to explore a career that encourage them to give back to the community through beauty and healing. Education is one of the most important assets we can offer to these girls. Cosmetology is an effective, creative business solution that will provide income for them and their families. Not only can women be empowered to provide for their families away from the dangers of the streets, we have the chance to build relationships and walk with them down this path of change with encouragement and prayer, giving them hope with the Love of Jesus Christ.  
 
 As of now the Program is an 8 week intensive course. Each student learns basic cutting techniques and styling. They also gain skills such as building a clientele, marketing, and safety. At the completion of the course these women will graduate, and they will receive a certificate and a small hair kit. This kit will include a pair of nice scissors, styling tools, capes, clips, and combs. By offering the trade of cosmetology to these girls, we can help restore hope and confidence as we train them in a healing, creative and fun environment. 




*  We had a meeting with Rahab Foundation and we are setting up a business plan to start teaching there soon. I am beyond excited to see what is going to happen.  If one thing I have learned over my time here in Costa Rica, it is that God never fails. If one door closes, another one opens.  

On top of all of this, we are still going out on the streets and building relationships with the men and women. It brings me so much joy to spend time with them. I can honestly say, I know what a pure love is for someone. Something so innocent just by handing a cup of coffee. 

ALSO we just started English classes in our cafe that we run for the men and women. So far so good, i'll keep you updated on all of that. 




Thanks again for everything you guys! 
Your prayers mean so much to me!

I know your name. A short story from the streets.

I know your name... Do you hear me? I know your name.

Samantha, I see you. I hear you.
I see the hurt in your eyes that you try to cover up with the drugs and alcohol.
Arms cut and heart broken.
At night a lady, and a young boy during the day.
God bless your heart, you don't deserve this, you didn't ask for this. Someone else chose your fate.
Work, work, work. Nothing else.
As the days  get longer, the cuts get deeper. Harder and harder to get out.
But just maybe, you will see the hope we bring in a simple coffee cup.
Samantha, Samantha, Samantha. Does it matter that I know your name? Do you care that I care?  Because I do.
You may not know me that well, but know, I know your name.








^I had a dream a few weeks ago one night after I came home from the streets and in this dream I was yelling at a girl who could not hear me. She kept walking away, so I kept yelling, "I know your name! I know it!" When I woke up the next morning that is all I could remember... I thought I should write about it, but I didn't know how. Then last night I met Samantha. When I looked in her eyes I saw her pain. On her arms were the evidence of hurt and judgment. She was drunk and on something very strong and just trying to laugh it all away. Knowing that when she woke up from a long night of work, her scars are still remain there reminding her of pain. As I watched her walk up and down the street, I could picture her as a boy who was hurting and the world was only making his scars deeper. And as sadness came over me wishing that I could do something, God whispered a few small words... "I know her name."
I will pray for you Samantha, pray that you will see who you really are, and that is loved.

Hey everyone! Sorry for not being on top of my updates! So here is one! Every month I will be sending one out! (or lets hope..)

My life is crazy here, so that is one of reasons why I haven't been able to keep in touch. Dealing with going out on the streets at night, children programs, and starting a hair school takes a lot out of someone, but I love every moment of it!
Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support! My heart is forever grateful! Y'all are the best!


Over the past few months I have joined a new organization that focuses on Human trafficking and children at risk, called Light Force. It was hard for me to leave YWAM, but this is the door that has opened and I love it! I live in an apartment in down town San Jose with two other girls that I work with. Eventually, my good friend Megan Hawkins will be joining me and helping me teach the girls how to cut hair. With her comes all the hair supplies I have been waiting for to start. =] I am so excited for what the next couple of months hold for us! So please every month read this and my blog at www.karliedare.blogspot.com for information, prayer requests for that month and, other needs! Also...

http://lightforceintl.us2.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=b15963936bbec11e6c4cae566&id=efb44d27ed
^ COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK INTO THE NAVIGATION BAR AND SUBSCRIBE TO LIGHT FORCE MONTHLY UPDATES. This way you have an update on what I’m doing each month! And check out our website at www.lightforceintl.com

Next: prayer requests are needed!
Health
wisdom
protection
financial support... Is also need to survive =] haha


If you would like to support me financially you can online at www.newlifeprovidence.com click on "online giving" then "generic giving" Then type in how you are going to pay and if you would like to do a one time donation or a monthly donation. And last but not least type in the memo box "for Karlie Johnson"  So they know who  it is for. Very important! =]



Thank you all again so much!

Ups and Downs; But finally smiles all around.

Example: To heal, you must first be healed.


This has been the toughest 6 months of my life. And I wasn't sure why...

I'm doing what God has told me, but why am I always struggling with sadness, loneliness, and sickness. Always wanting something else with out being content first with what I have.
Searching for the next thing, but not looking at what is in my hands.


I think it is quite funny because I have been asking God to show me all of my flaws so that I can get closer to him and to be able to help others with a better heart..... Here is the funny part. I never sat down and really let him show me.

But He did show me one....


                                                             BEING VULNERABLE.
                    Hardest thing of my life. Letting walls down.. Who likes to do that? Not me, but I knew I had too. So, I did. It ended up not being that bad. I didn’t get hurt, I got healed in a way.
FACT: Your relationship with others...REFLECTS your relationship with God.
^Bam-sha-Bam.



This past weekend I was able to get off the base and go some where and have FUN. and most important... Reflect on what I have been learning. And on top of that God showed me so much more I need to work on... One example. Pride... ha.
anyways, that is another day =]



Learning how come I don’t fully trust God and how I can change that and learning how to let people in without sharing absolutely every detail. Because that’s what I thought I had to do, but I kept getting hurt.
Oh the healing I have received. I know I’m not quite done yet but I know I’m getting there.
Things are finally about to start picking up with teaching. With what has been happening to me I know the time is soon to really take a huge step in faith.



Please continue to pray for safety and all that. And that I keep learning about His heart.



Thank you for everything! You all bless me so much.





Humility.

Earthquake

I experienced my first earthquake the other day. I'm not going to lie, it was scary but really neat at the same time. I cant imagine what the people in Japan felt like.
I'm going to start up some Spanish lessons next week. I can only pay for two weeks right now, so I hope it helps =] I'm really excited.


I met a Girl on the streets, we exchanged number and I’ve been talk to her... Building a relationship. The other day I asked her if she wanted us to bring her cookies while we were out at night. She texted me back saying Yes! thank you so much. And I really appreciate you paying attention to me.


THAT^ is why I am here. Showing love to the hurting by giving them cookies. I thank Jesus for that moment. Something I will never forget. That moment is so precious to me, I hold it dear to my heart. She now wants to leave the streets... Amen.



It has been hard for me since Megan is left, but I know why because God is doing amazing things. So, please be praying for me as I step out and say goodbye to my Ywam safety and go forward with what God wants me to do. I'll be moving out in a month or so into an apartment with some amazing people. Cant wait to see what happens!




Prayer request-
1) Protection
2) Discernment
3) and Financial support.
Thanks for everything everyone!

Tattoo

        Their
             Faces
                  Are
                     Tattooed across my heart.

No matter how many years go bye, I will always remember their faces when they see what Love really is. 


I met a girl the other night, who touched my heart. She doesn't want this life that she is living. She wants to give it up and start something new. I told her what I could help her with and she gave me her number. Just like that  relationship is building and lives will be transformed. I thank god for that moment and his purpose.


P.S. Megan leaves in a few days and I don’t want her too. Its so natural having her here.

Dance with me.

                                                        Dance with Me; lover of my soul.

Every time I picture myself with God, I picture us dancing. It is one of my favorite things to do. Step by step sweeping across the floor to the music. When I close my eyes I feel safe. He grabs my hand and leads me away....

My head is all mixed up now of days. One part is in Virginia and the other here in Costa Rica. So as we were preparing to go out last night, I couldn't focus on what God wanted me to do. A friend of mine started playing "Dance With Me". I closed my eyes and I saw myself right in the middle of my problems, but then his hand came down and pulled me away and we began to dance. As we stepped away I looked at my problems and realized yet again, that when I'm dancing that's where I find my peace and joy. So why let myself stand around the dance floor and not dance. Because no matter whats going on in my life, pain or happiness. As long as I'm dancing, I know everything will be ok.

La Playa

So this weekend was goooood.
Started off by megan and I waiting by the bus stop in down town crazy San Jose, and as we were standing there a meat truck came pulling up. They opened the doors and there was fresh cow bodies hanging there. GROSS. then one guy took it off the hook and handed it to the next guy, he then threw it over his shoulder and walked away. nasty.

We went to the playa (the beach) Right away Megan saw a horse that was just walking down the street and ran to it. haha

This place was so beautiful! But so hott. I wanted to leave right away the next morning because the night we got there we spent 2 hours fighting cockroache and giant ants. Lets just say they won.
But once we got past that I wrapped my self in my sheets and slept with bug spray andd Megan slept outside on a skateboard ramp.

The next day we went to the beach and I got to surf. I didn't do it for every long only cause... I was tired. haha but it was a lot of fun.

then we jumped on a crowded bus and headed back home while a stinky man stood right in my face. haha love ittt.

i've missed this place.

So.. I am back. Crazy trip. This is going to be a good 8 months.

Sitting here writing this listening to Megan sing. It is wonderful. haha I love having her here.

The night before I left I saw my first Angel. I was creeped out. haha should that happen??

The first post of a new chapter in my life.

I'm sitting here on my sofa with tears slowly running down my cheeks, thinking about how blessed that I am. The way I have seen God move over the past two weeks is incredible. What he has given me. Friends, these people that I have here in Virginia Beach are truly some of the most amazing people I will ever meet. They are my family. BUT my own family has blessed me more then words can describe. I am one lucky person. I ask myself, "why do I deserve this?" I'm just so blessed.

SO... Here I go... Really stepping out with faith. This time going back to Costa Rica for the long run. I drove around today looking at everything, where I could have worked and seeing all the stores I love.... "I'm giving all of this up." I said. At first I was sad, then a joy filled my heart as I pictured the girls in Costa Rica as I handed them their first pairs of scissors. Ha, my heart was filled with happiness. Excitement.

Ready.Set.Go.
This book I've been writing in my life is coming to an end.
And a brand new book is starting.

So, this is my story.