After being in airports for 7 hours, airplanes for 18 hours, back of a truck for an hour, a bus station for 2 hours, and a 15 hour bus ride, we are finally here in beautiful Phuket, Thailand. (Along with swollen feet, a crick in my neck, and being extremely dirty…. but we are very grateful to have a bed and shower!) We quickly realized we are not in America anymore. (Although I did get me some Starbucks in Bangkok, Thailand, thanks Aunt Sandra for the gift card). We were quickly immersed into the Thai culture. Thailand is a country of 65 million, 95% of which are Buddhist, with the longest running monarchy. It is a culture where it is seen as disrespectful if you point, show the bottoms of your feet, or show emotion in public. And we still have so much to learn!
We have been here for two days, and are slowly getting adjusted. We have 5 days to “launch.” This is a time spent with our squad before we get moved to our specific ministry locations in Thailand. Today we were told what ministry we will be working with and the ministry location. Our team, along with Team Blue Sky, will be working here in Phuket, with the ministry SHE, Self Help and Empowerment. The ministry works with women and children marginalized and at risk, with the majority working in the bars and commercial sex industry of Patong. SHE is helping women at risk by operating a center which offers a safe environment, vocational training, counseling, rehabilitation and sustainable employment opportunities. It’s a place to learn new skills, form relationships and experience the grace of God and above all, a realization of their own worth and value.
There have been a lot of emotions these last few days: exhaustion, uncomfortableness, stress, anxiety, overwhelmingness, and excitement just to name a few. (And yes, I know some of those aren’t words) I ask that you all continue to keep us in your prayers. Please pray for peace, patience, calmness and wisdom among many other things. Pray that I, Tiffany, will truly feel the presence of God, have a positive attitude, and have a willingness to change. It is our purpose to please God. This is my prayer this week for both everyone at home and myself regarding our lives: Colossians 1:10 “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, going in the knowledge of God.”
