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GREENSBURG, PA- Recent graduate Marcella Stenger, a double major in child care administration and family studies/ family resources and native of Export, PA, will be taking the experiences she’s gained at ��������Ƶ to Chiang Rai, Thailand as part of a missionary group called Youth With A Mission (YWAM). The group, sponsored by the Greater Pittsburgh Word and Worship Fellowship, left May 29th and will return in September. “Mainly I will be teaching 6th-7th grade in a school for missionary children,” Stenger said, noting she will also work with girls who have been rescued out of prostitution as well as AIDS patients and AIDS babies. “The population in rural Thailand is relatively poor. In order to get out of poverty, the people either sell drugs or sell their daughters. Since prostitution and drugs are prevalent in Thailand, AIDS is also a problem.” Stenger will also work with a missionary family that has taken in 14 young girls who were “at risk” for being sold into prostitution or were in abusive homes. In addition she hopes to minister to a population which is predominantly Buddhist. “Marcie is a very special individual. We have had many long conversations as well as times of prayer and discernment regarding her vocation in life,” said Sr. Victoria Marie Gribschaw, Ph.D., CFCS, chair and associate professor of family and consumer sciences. “Advising Marcie and observing as she responds to God’s call has been a source of inspiration and grace for me.” After returning from Thailand in the fall, Stenger notes that her desire is to work with troubled youth here in the United States, but adds that she may enjoy her work overseas and is leaving her plans open. “I am just believing in God for the next step of the plan,” she said. Stenger recently received the Outstanding Family Studies Senior Award at the ��������Ƶ College Honors Convocation on May 11th. This award is given to the student with the highest cumulative grade point average among the program’s graduating class.