Many people say that the journey becomes difficult halfway through, but this month in Thailand has been one giant gift. A gift of rest, a gift of sharing our faith in new ways, a gift of fighting the enemy, a gift of a LOT of thai food, a gift of generous smiles, and a gift of having dreams come true.
Here is a little glimpse into these sweet gifts…
* I am in month 6 in Mae Ai, Thailand. A little village in the northern part surrounded by rice fields and tangerine farms. My team and I are teaching English at Bankai School (a buddhist school) with our host Kru Daeng being the only Christian teacher. This month has been a little different from the rest. We have had to rely on the Holy Spirit for instruction on how to teach English when none of us have experience and when no one can speak Thai. We have been able to incorporate our cultural holidays into teaching about Easter and Christmas. He has given us the boldness to share our faith with those around us – buddhists and christians.
* The relationships that have been built in the classroom have spilled over into hanging out during free time and have created opportunities for them to ask us about Christianity. The students come listen to us worship and have asked us to read the Bible to them. Praise the Lord for using teaching english to make Him famous even in this little thai village.
* There are statues and buddhas everywhere. I hate how the enemy can use such a beautiful place to be deceiving for ways to attack. I love that our God is so much greater and defeats the enemy. He sends us warrior angels and gives us the power and tools to fight the battle.
* We have been blessed by the people of this village. It seems like almost everyday someone new is coming to drop off a loaf of bread, fish, noodles, or fruit. They sure know how to give generously and fill our bellies.
* Everyday the students love speaking in the one english word they know, hello. Many of the preschoolers will come up to us a little shy waiting for a hug or will run up, touch us, and run off like we are strange creatures. But in every smile, every hug, and every touch I see Jesus smiling right back.
* A few more fun things we have been able to do is pet tigers and ride elephants, dream come true. We have been blessed with incredible hosts and opportunities to see this beautiful country and experience their culture.
* We are filled with joy as some of our students came to church with us for their first time. I want these sweet people to know our sweet savior so badly. I love seeing Him change the atmosphere and waiting with expectancy as we get to be apart of His great story.
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:35
