Just over a week ago, we arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, where our entire squad gathered together for debrief. We worshiped, prayed, and just enjoyed each other for a few days.We visited the King’s Garden and the Grand Palace.
The food is amazing! We are able to get a lot for little money. I had the opportunity to eat a fried grasshopper, maggot, and a larva pod. The grasshopper was the best out of the three, but I won’t be eating anymore of them.
We headed south on a twelve hour bus ride to Phuket Island, where we will be spending the next two weeks. We are working with S.H.E (Self, Help, and Empowerment).
www.shethailand.org which reaches out to the girls in the bars on Bangla Road. There is definitely a lot to take in. We prayer walk over the area before heading out at night. It gave us a glimpse at the area without all the people and lights. We saw families walking in this area, eating at some of the open bars. This is not a family place. I felt sick being there. There is a heaviness to this place, so many people wanting and seeking to be loved.
Our first night here, it was pouring and not as crowded as it normally is. We were able to talk to a few girls. One of the women, hates her job. She would rather do something else but has lost hope. One woman is trying to support two children. Another young woman I spoke with was only 21 years old, and she has been there only two months. She is smart, her English is good, but she feels there is nothing else she could do to earn money. S.H.E ministries has such opportunities. They provided job training(to work in hotels and manangement positions), jewelry making, and baking opportunities. It is an amazing organization that gives them hope. However, many women aren’t willing to step out and see, but we are here to build relationships with them and love them.
Please pray for me and my team as we go out. It is exhausting and we need all the prayer we can get. Pray for the women to be willing and open to us and the opportunities that await them with SHE.
