Well, Here we are, month 6 in Thailand. This month I am in Chiangmai working with Lighthouse in Action. We are staying at the lighthouse hostel which is amazing! Check out my facebook link to see all about it!
Here it is hot and humid and nothing like the weather we just came out of. I am back to being sweaty and gross all the time and for those who know me, know that that means I am itchy, a lot.
This ministry site has a lot of things going on. The main things we are working with are the coffee house, the bar ministry, teaching english and the slums. Our location is surprisingly close to the slums and the red light district.
We spent the first 3 days here resting and being trained on culture and Thai language. Both very different than anything I have experienced before. Things as simple as sitting with the bottom of your foot showing is insulting, or pointing with one finger. Learning the language is always fun too… you can say Mai 5 different ways and it means 5 different things… haha yup, this could be fun!
Today was my first day of ministry, and I think I am going to LOVE it… which is good because I had such a negative reaction in Sophia Bulgaria when I found out what I was doing. So, slum ministry is reaching the kids in the less fortunate area of Chiangmai. We are working with children around the age of 3-7. We don't have a set plan yet but a general idea is that we will teach english, play games, and provide a snack. Today I taught the alphabet… which the kids already knew, but were still ok sitting and learning about it. Then we played games… keep away "football" and I got to spin the boys around like a helicopter… from the armpits of course, wouldn't want to dislocate any elbows or shoulders. For this ministry there is no budget to buy snacks or props and things for games (example soccer ball, water balloons, colouring books, water, candy etc.) So, I am going to buy some things from my own personal money. Money raised by my supporters and myself for this purpose, to bless those God has placed in my care. Loving the kids and giving them something that they don't get ever, unless there are teams of missionaries going to them. I am excited to pour my heart into them.
Just a little heads up. Thailand is a very spiritual country. The pray and offer things to the spirits. Therefore in this place we expect to encounter more of a spiritual fight than other countries. Prayer, intercession and fasting is occurring and would be greatly appreciated. God has big plans here, and the devil is not happy… but He has already won, so all we need to do is be covered by His blood as we go into the world.
Love you all!!
