Teaming Up with the SWAT TEAM in Thailand - Explore Archived World Race Alumni Blogs

Teaming up with the SWAT Team in Thailand

This month has flown by!! I can’t believe we only have 5 more days in this beautiful country and 5 more days with this amazing team that have become my family over the last five months on the race. They told us at debrief to make the most of this month with our team because we would be changing teams for month 6 in Myanmar. We took that challenge and ran with it! It’s been short, but it’s been great!

This month we have had the opportunity to work with a ministry called SWAT (Spiritual warriors against trafficking). This organization was started by a courageous couple, the Espys, and trains people who go in and rescue sex trafficked children and women. They also minister to and help ladies get out the industry and find their worth and a better life. They travel all over the world training rescuers and advocating against sex trafficking and the sex industry. Unfortunately, in Thailand and other parts of the world this industry is in high demand and the profits are through the roof.

They have a vision of starting a farm one day with a training center, discipleship and skills training programs that can house kids and young girls. As of now the programs that exist are great, but only last 6-8 months, which is not long enough for real change to take place and lives to be truly transformed.

Our job this month has been to get some odd jobs done around the office so they can begin to make this vision and their dreams a reality. We have been painting, gardening, and a variety of other jobs to help out. It has been such a pleasure serving and living life with the Espys. We have become apart of their family and watching them do life has given my heart so much joy. In addition to their ministry they live life with and pour into their staff members and have semi-adopted a brother and sister who come from a very tough home life in a village here in Chaing-Rei. The children are thriving in this environment and learning and growing in their relationship with Jesus. This family has left a lasting impact on my life.

Highlights from the month:

We have gotten to learn some self defense while we are here. The Radiant Rubies will take you down if you come at us!

We helped with and went to a Christmas party with several missionaries that are serving in Thailand. I GOT TO BAKE CHRISTMAS COOKIES!!!

We spent Christmas Eve camping in a village. While there we went to a farm and picked coffee beans. On Sunday morning we went to church, got to play with the kids, and handed out Christmas presents to each one. This day was AMAZING! It was such a good way to spend our Christmas and look at those views of the mountains! While I have missed being with my family this Christmas, it has been so good being here and being able to serve in Thailand! This will be a Christmas I will never forget. Tonight, we are going over to the Espy’s house to watch Christmas movies, drink hot chocolate and assist Santa in bringing out the presents. Don’t worry mom we are doing it right!