Over the month of July my squad was in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Each team had a different ministry. My team worked with kids in the slums, at night markets, and anywhere else we were lead. The time spent there was life changing. Dogs and scooters crowded the streets as we walk to the slums. Each day we stopped to visit Pi-ay. She owns the best pineapple stand in Thailand. They were the freshest pineapples I have ever eaten. Our first pineapple cost 30 Baht (1$). Within two weeks the pineapples started to lessen in price. She does not speak English. What she does speak is the universal language of love. The last week we were there she gave us free pineapples nearly everyday. Remember, these pineapples are her livelihood. I love her.
It was amazing seeing the kids in the slums and night market catch love so quickly. Words wont change a person, but living in action to words will. These kids understand there's a difference in their parents getting drunk, whipping them, treating them recklessly and the spirit showing up through strangers. Most people in Chiang Mai live completely oblivious to life happening around them. The next generation is important. I saw two year olds bow to these man-made statues. I saw people paying monks for their sinful acts and attempting to buy their freedom from Buddha. I am not here to change them. If they want to change, they will experience what I have found through the Spirit within me. They will experience His love that keeps me going everyday. It's free.
I got to meet some men from Canada and Germany at the bars. One of the most popular reasons guys come to Chiang Mai, is to buy women. Nothing is wrong with these men, that's just what they know. You can't be mad at someone when they don't know any different. One of these men asked me in the bar ?Which one of these ladies are you going to buy tonight?? When I told them I'm not here to buy anyone, it immediately got their attention and became an opportunity to answer questions. At first they did not understand. I explained, I am not lonely, and I have someone who gives me joy, love, grace, and peace everyday. I explained that I do not need women to be happy. The men always wanted to know more. This gave me one more opportunity to tell them how big of a God we have.
Everyday Zac and I walk to our buddy Tony's. We have built a great relationship with him. He was previously from San Fran/Virginia beach. He is 50 years old. He was once a Navy Seal and traveled the entire world after retiring (6 years)! A week into being there we met him on the street. He was drunk, looked beat up, and frightened many people. He invited us into his place (the Bumblebee Bar). He offers a free hangout/ Wi-Fi to teachers and volunteers. He has a big heart. We did what the Spirit led us to think, say and do. At the end of the day, it is up to him wanting to make a change. Tony told us that he is aware of his alcoholism. He told us that before he met us he was tired of life and just wanted a break. I will never forget when he told us that we were sent from God. Tony, you are most likely reading this and I want to say I love you. You taught me a lot and I know you will make a difference in that city. Keep striving towards that love inside you.
For Tony's full story, visit my teammate Zac's blog.
The next 10 months I have a vision to love people. Nothing but good vibes every month. You find light in all the dark places; don?t be afraid to go there with love in your heart.
