Thailand. A lush, warm, tropical paradise. A land full of culture and kindness. Also a place of darkness, pain, and despair. My month here was marked by these opposing views of this beautiful country.
I had the time of my life using my strength to lay a foundation for a new boys’ home, playing with adorable Thai children rescued from the fate of the sex trade, riding in the back of songtao and enjoying the smells of the breeze, riding elephants, experiencing the richness of a culture not my own, and cooking delicious Thai food.
My heart was broken when I saw the brothels, the foreign men with the Thai girls they bought, the bar streets in Chiang Mai, the brokenness and despair in the eyes of girls who don’t know they have worth and an identity in Christ.
I learned a lot this month. I learned how to mix concrete, bend rebar, build frames.
I learned new hand clapping games, how to speak Thai, how to send off a lantern into the sky.
I learned how to ride an elephant, make a wicked pad see ew, how much spice to put on Thai food before it’s unbearably spicy.
I learned how to eat with both fork and spoon, to be careful where I pointed my feet, to wai at everyone I met.
I learned how to love my team, to love those I don’t get along with, to love myself.
I learned what it means to be a Christian woman, what it truly means to be feminine, how to find my worth and my beauty in Christ.
I learned how to trust God in every situation, to pray for others, to choose joy.
Thailand was a month of learning, of growth, of restoration. It was a month of construction in the physical sense, as well as in my heart. I arrived in Thailand falling in love with the Land of Smiles. I left it smiling due to the One who brings joy in any situation. The One who will redeem this country to Himself. I’m so glad I had the chance to be a part of His work in this amazing land and in the lives of these incredible people.
Sawadeeka, Thailand. You will always have a place in my heart.
Here’s my video of our month if you haven’t seen it yet:
