Asia. Wow.
From the moment we landed in Kuala Lumpur I felt like I was walking on a different planet. People drive on the wrong side of the road, bow to say “hello”, prefer instant coffee; its a whole new world! KL is such a young, thriving city that you feel like you stepped 10 years into the future while passing temples and monks who hold traditions that have stood for thousands of years. You can find a massive mall at every corner of the city but for some reason they haven’t discovered the luxury of being able to sit down while going taking a crap. I’ve seen a lot more of southeast Asia than I thought I would’ve coming in. The powers that be decided to keep me as a team leader, and basically said you’re going to Thailand… But we don’t know where. Leaving Guatemala city all we had was a solid team of layed-back people, a hostel in KL, Malaysia, and no idea what was coming next.
Over the course of the following 2 weeks we had made our way from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok for a couple days of training, and from there to Phon Ngam village, just outside the town of Buntharik, about 120 clicks from Ubon Ratchathani. As confusing as it sounds, the best way to describe it would be “butt-frig nowhere,” which is fine by me!
We spent the first few days working in the tapioca fields doing some irrigation work and weed control, while in the evening playing sports with the villagers. Our contacts Karis and Noom have been here for 6 months, and their goal is to bring the love and hope of Christ to this village that has never known the Gospel. They’re main focus is the next generation, hoping to teach the kids of the village (who spend a lot of time at our house) the love of the Lord, rather than leaving them to turn to gangs or Buddha and/or prostitution.
This past weekend we were able to visit a youth home in a neighboring village with similar roots to the home we are at now (Heart of Isaan). The couple there offered a home to kids who had been rejected by their families for accepting the gospel. Talk about an eye opener. The vision of our ministry is similar to this home; To be a safe place for village kids to learn and experience the love of Christ, that is so desperately needed in this place.
We’ll be here about a week longer and then we’re hittin’ the road again to Phuket, praying there’s more than white rice to eat down there.
The Lord is working in us and through us more than I ever expected, and is allowing me to see all the good that He is doing in my life, especially through the hard stuff. I’m glad He’s running this show and not me.
Thank you for your fervent prayers for me and my team. Continued prayer for patience and endurance would be greatly appreciated. God bless!
