First, let me say a huge “thank you” to those who reached out and sent money in for me to minister to the ladies of Chaing Mai. It means so much to have your support- to know that if I need something- anything- even money, you are there to provide it. Thank you.
We have been at our ministry site for over 2 weeks now and only have 1 week left. We have spent a lot of time in the bars, ministering to the ladies thru conversations, smiles, and diet cokes. Sometimes it gets discouraging as I walk the streets, lined with bars, filled with men and I think to myself, “Really? What difference am I making here?” And that is when I am reminded that I am on that street to LOVE. Not to buy women. Not to get them drunk. Not to use them. Just to LOVE them. Through a smile or kind word. Through friendship.
My teammate, Amanda and I have gone out with a friend from a bar. I can’t say her real name online, so we will call her “friend” here! Friend wanted to meet at McDonalds and then take us to her apartment to sing karaoke. I had NO idea what to expect from this experience, but, we went to McDonalds and she showed up! She wanted to order from the kid’s menu since it was cheaper; we insisted she buy a normal meal- whatever she wanted! So, she did!
We were able to talk to her away from the bar- to hear that she really does not like her job there- that she would rather be a tour guide or a translator. She took us back to her tiny 1 room apartment- seriously, it is smaller than most bedrooms in American homes- and put on karaoke- so there we sat, singing “Wind Beneath my Wings” with our new friend. I had to wonder- am I dreaming? It was one of those types of moments.
We also learned that she has a boyfriend, who lives in another country and he sends her money and letters. She told us that she cannot write him back because his wife will get mad. So, here is a man, with 3 kids and a wife, who has a Thai girlfriend, waiting for him to come back to visit her. Twisted, right?
My entire experience here has been an eye opener. I encourage you to research sex-trafficking/human trafficking and see how you can get involved to help put a stop to this.
In other news, on our free day, we got to ride elephants, visit a waterfall, and go bamboo rafting. It was a really fun day for our team- one we will remember forever.
Jamos is doing well at MAN-istry. Yes, I have missed him a LOT, but our time apart has been GOOD as well. The guys have been working along the boarder of Burma and Thailand- fixing up homes, playing with kids, working at the refugee camps, and actually going into Burma and praying for peace to that nation. I know as soon as Jamos gets Internet he will be able to update you on his time there. He is safe and healthy, which I am thankful for! And, all the guys are growing their beards out- Jamos' is coming along nicely!
I also got the chance to teach English at an English camp! It was for 65 kids ages 8-15. I have not had too much experience teaching English, but I had a class of 5th graders and helped teach with a Thai man named Bright. We also were in charge of songs, games, and activities/craft. So, we did skits, silly songs and even made silly putty– it was three days of kids and fun. We even had a graduation ceremony and handed out certificates that we had to sign! It was a highlight of the month for me. I do love kids!!
We will be heading to Cambodia on April 10, so please keep us in your prayers! I cannot believe month 10 of the World Race is only a few days away!
