Yesterday was one of my favorite days on the race so far. Before I tell you about it, I will fill you in on how ministry has been and where my head is currently at.

First of all, I love Thailand. It has been incredibly amazing here. The people and the scenery are both so beautiful.
We had an all squad month here in Thailand – meaning that all 40 people were in one location. Two teams each worked together on a different ministry, and as previously mentioned, my team had bar ministry. A typical day for us was an hour prayer walk around the general bar area from 9:30-10:30am, debrief your prayer walk for approximately 30 minutes, afternoon ministry anywhere from 2:00-5:00pm, worship from 6:30-8 (sometimes with the whole squad), choice between going out into the bars from 8:00-10:00pm or staying back and doing intercessory prayer for those out, and ending with another 30min-1 hour debrief on how the ministry went while out. It was a tough month but such a rewarding month. Although it didn’t feel like long enough of a time to make a difference, a teammate stated it very well. “We are only a semicolon – The story doesn’t end here. The next team will pick up where we have left off” – Becks.
You want to help in every way possible but quickly realize the best way for you to show God’s love is by sharing a friendship and that’s exactly what I did. I didn’t shove Jesus down anyone’s throat. I just made genuine, loving friendships that I hope leave a lasting impression.

I met 3 separate women out in the bars that will hold a special place in my heart.

First is Tiw. She is so sweet and amazing. I met her on the first night we went out but didn’t get to really talk to her until a couple weeks in. We squacked like birds in front of everyone, and I learned how to say crazy in Thai “Baa” – that’s exactly what I was too!

Tiw!

Pui was my hard headed friend who ditched me several times! Of course in true Amy fashion, I was hard headed too and continued to pursue a friendship. She has such a kind heart, and I loved when she came to the women’s retreat and blew my mind about her belief of how God sees her.

Me and Pui!

Last is Mama Lek!!! This is such an incredible woman. She owns a bar here in Chiang Mai called El Toro. She has 2 children, (one in Alaska and another in New York) and she literally became our mom here. She has such a caring soul and treated us like her own children. I attribute two of the coolest experiences here in Thailand to her – my totally rad bamboo tattoo (it hurt kids!) and a day trip to Chiang Dao. Mama Lek will hold a place in my heart for life, and I can’t wait to come back and visit with her!

Mama Lek!!!

The coolest, Thai hippy took us riding in the mountains in this retro war jeep thingy.

So the other side of my experience in Thailand – my head space. This month was certainly a challenge. I came off of a high in Cambodia where our team bonded so incredibly well and felt like one unit. Here, we were forced to live amongst the entire squad. Don’t get me wrong, I love my squad but living with 40 people can be exhausting – even for an extrovert. I felt myself getting lost in the chaos and isolating hard core. I started to shut down externally and my depression came back in full swing. Usually I would be able to just hide in my apartment and deal with it – Not here. I was forced to face people constantly and have deep conversations that I definitely didn’t want to have. I began to doubt God and question why I was even on the race. I had a great adventure day and a deep convo with one of my most favorite squamates that really rejuvenated me and gave me the strength I needed to continue on. She stated that it’s okay to doubt and question God. THAT is how we grow. THAT is how we start to truly understand how deep God’s love is for us. He wants us to question things and dig deeper. I thought that my doubts meant that I wasn’t being a good enough Christian or that my depression made me unworthy. NO! I just need to push for an even deeper relationship with Him. That is all that he asks of me. So – as we leave Thailand and start our journey for Malaysia tomorrow, I will be sure to do just that. I will push, prod, and question God about everything. I want to know more. I want to continue this journey with Him. I want to continue spreading His love to the ends of the Earth!

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” -Hebrews 11:6

Katie and I on our awesome adventure day. Love you friend!

You guys back home have no clue how much your support has meant to me. When times are really tough, I think about everyone who has given me such encouraging words, and I know are so proud of how far I’ve come and how far God is taking me. I thank God for every one of you! Know that by partnering with me, you are reaching so many people as well. God sees and knows our hearts. He loves us – no matter where our heads are at or what we’re struggling with. Keep pushing, keep pressing, keep loving Him deeper!

Thanks everyone!

 

Current fundraising status:
$400 away from my 3rd deadline due THIS Wednesday.
$3,900 away from being full funded. That deadline is January 31st.
Reminder that all donations are tax-deductible.
It would be the most incredible Christmas present to be fully funded by Christmas Day!!!! 

Sweet, careless baby elephant! 

Getting my bamboo tattoo by Lek’s friend, Domino.    ???????   It means “worthy” in Thai.

 

Sunrise on the mountain with my favorite Wildflowers 

MORE PICTURES ON FACEBOOK 🙂