After Bangkok we took a 1 hour bus ride over night to the southern part of Thailand where we met our host missionary for the next few days. We took a chicken bus and a boat ride to the most gorgeous and remote island. The temperature was very hot and the water was as warm as a bath! So needless to say we didn’t cool off too much in the water!
Tauna and I stayed in a cute little Bungalow beside the water. The local people are all Muslim and they are fisherman by trade. This island experienced damage from the Tsunami but thankfully only lost a few people. I was able to see some of the damage.
The first day we spent prayer walking and meeting some of the local people and eating in the very small family owned restaurants attached to their homes and getting a feel for the people and the life they live there. That evening we prayed and asked God to show each group how we could serve the island. God told our group that he wanted us to pick up trash at certain homes where we met some families. Sometimes the most menial jobs are the greatest. The next morning Blue Team woke up and went to the homes where God led us and even though we really couldn’t communicate with them our actions spoke more than words. Later, we found out that they asked many questions to our host missionary about the work we were doing and he was able to share Jesus with them. We were thrilled that God used us to open doors of communication for the local missionary.
After serving the locals, Chad treated our team for the afternoon to explore the island on motorbikes. We had the best time that afternoon. I think Kimmie and I laughed the entire time! I did pretty good shifting and driving until I ran into a bush! I only scratched up my leg a little.
The next day I went kayaking with “Dude” (Anthony, on yellow team) and Chad. I felt like the Princess of the Nile because they did all the paddling. We kayaked to different caves and coral to snorkel. I saw some beautiful fish and different ones than I have seen in the Caribbean. I praised God the whole time at His beautiful creation!
I thank God for the opportunity to see this island and minister to His people. Please keep this local missionary in your prayers because there is much persecution happening.
Also, check out the blue team blog for and update on our team dynamics. God Bless you!
