Over a year ago, I made the decision to go on the World Race and was filled with excitement. When September 2015 rolled around the corner I was filled with straight fear. I was scared to death to leave my home, job, family, friends, dog, and picture perfect life to embark on this journey with Jesus in a completely foreign land. When this trip that I have been talking about for a year now came to reality, I was not ready to go. Not ready emotionally, mentally, spiritually, or physically. And now I am here… sitting on a church floor in Si Khoraphum, Thailand writing about it.
Launch, in Atlanta, opened my eyes back up to why I was going on this trip in the first place. It helped me remember that God is going with me on this once in a lifetime journey and it is all for Him. Launch helped me understand that my fear was okay and normal. Fear is healthy as long as you trust in God to get you through it. There is no fear in perfect love.
Saying bye to my family and friends was the part of the process I absolutely dreaded most. I said I wouldn’t cry because it’s really only a “see you later” and not a “goodbye”. But I still found myself teary eyed after every last hug for a while and then found myself balling in a hotel room, in Atlanta, after seeing and hugging on my parents for the last time for nine months. It’s not the food, or the clean bathrooms, or the comfy beds I will most, it’s the people who I love so much. That is the part that scares me most.
One last hug and kiss from my parents for a while
The process of traveling to Thailand blew my mind. Our first flight was from Atlanta to Dallas. I was back in my hometown and only about 5 minutes from my dad’s office (which is literally part of the airport). Being back in the great state of Texas for such a short period of time, but not being able to see my family or friends or home, was gut wrenching. The thought that if I wanted to back out last minute I could now literally crossed my mind a few times! I told y’all I was scared! The next flight was the dreaded 14 hour flight from Dallas to Qatar and then another tough six hour flight after that to Bangkok. And now I am here.
Bangkok is a crazy place. It seems like any other big city in the USA but at the same time it feels like a whole different world. My squad spent two days there at the YWAM base receiving a cultural orientation and more training, along with some time to explore.
Currently, we are at our ministry base in the Surin province in the village of Si Khoraphum. We are five and a half hours from Bangkok in what the Thai people call the “country”. It’s not exactly rolling hills and hay barrels country you think of in Texas. But I do absolutely love it here! We are staying in a rent house right next to the church, where our host family lives. Pastor Sutad, his wife, and three kids are lovely. I will admit that I am slightly obsessed with his three-year-old son, Yoel! We have great market right down the street where we get to try all sorts of exciting things like crickets, strange looking fruit, and even grab some traditional fried chicken and corn on the cob!
We start our ministry tomorrow morning where we will go to the local elementary school to teach English and teach the kids sports in the afternoon! You know the volleyball will be coming out if I am the coach! Some nights we will also get to run bible studies and small group sessions to share testimonies and the gospel with some of the church members and other villagers. I am so excited for what the Lord has in store for my team here in Si Khoraphum!
Sweet Yoel, the Pastor’s son Temporary living in Si Khoraphum
My journey has only just begun and I have already learned so much about the world, faith, and the promises the Lord has for this journey. I know God is telling me to be selfless and humble. He is telling me to embrace my fear and press forward trusting in him. The best part about this kingdom journey is that the best is yet to come. Great things are in store. Prayers are always greatly appreciated!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
God Bless,
-EJ
