A couple weeks ago my parents came across the world to Thailand to spend time with me during the Parent Vision Trip that AIM organizes. Since then, we have had a debrief, team changes, and Ask The Lord as ministry but I’ll get to all of that in a different blog! For now I just hope to give you glimpse into the 5 days spent with my parents in Thailand!
The racers that were having parents come in spent the a few days before PVT preparing for the parents to come. We organized teachings, walked the red light district that we would later take our parents through, prayed for our parents, made a welcome poster, got flowers, etc. It was a good time to just prepare our hearts to see people we loved that we hadn’t seen in 8 months. And to pray for them to be prepared to see the new woman that each of us has become.
After a couple days of preparation and racers with parents coming moving into the hotel – it was time. It was time to go see our parents! We came downstairs to greet our parents with the poster and flowers. There were big hugs, some tears, and dad even took a nice selfie! I couldn’t believe PVT was finally here!
Throughout the week, we mostly ate traditional Thai food at BellaGoose cafe. There was one night where they took us to a traditional Thai restaurant where we sat at low tables and enjoyed Thai dances. There was also opportunity to go to the night market to shop for souvenirs and learn how to barter! It was fun introducing my parent to this new culture! Some other fun things we were able to do was go to the zoo, go to the florist market, go to an elephant sanctuary, go on a tuk tuk city tour and get fish pedicures!! What a good time!!!!! We also were able to get massages on the last day that my parents were here before having to say goodbye.
The teachings were something done 3 out of the 5 mornings and coincided with worship. The teachings were on 1. The Spiritual Realm and Spiritual Warfare, 2. Feedback, and 3. Identity. My friend and I had the daunting task of teaching the first topic. I say daunting because it is not something that is necessarily taught on in America but so so important to be aware of and on guard against. All-in-all it was really fun for each n and the Lord taught us both and the people in the room a lot about Who He is! (Feel free to ask any questions about it). There was also a worship and benediction session on the last night where my parents and I got to exchange notes and pray together!
One day I asked my parents “What has been the most surprising thing about PVT?” Both of them responded that the most surprising thing has been how spiritual and hands-off the ministry had been. And I can see where they are coming from. PVT consisted of a lot of prayer and Ask The Lord ministry and conversation whereas in America many mission trips are geared towards construction, helping in a soup kitchen, and more hands on type of ministry. This opened up the conversation to really dive into the power of prayer. Prayer is hands down one of the best ministries anyone can do – it shifts atmospheres.
A basic outline of ministry looked like praying through the red light district in the afternoon and evening, a friend and I teaching our parents what listening prayer is and how it has radically shaped our faith, and me sitting down with my parents to see where they are at and trying to tell them about what I’ve learned. The ministry is not structured so racers have opportunities to connect with their parents in a way they may never have before. And I feel like PVT has opened up an avenue for my parents and mine’s relationship to go deeper than it ever has before. So I’m anticipating home and where the Lord takes that!
One of the most surprising things for me about PVT was seeing my parents in a new light. They were no longer just my parents but people: a brother and sister in Christ. And learning how to invite them into my journey was an experience I wouldn’t trade or take back! The Lord is doing a lot of work back home that I got a glimpse of when my parents came to visit and that makes me so excited to see it in person when I go home in 3 short months.
I am so thankful that the Lord provided a way for my parents to come to PVT! It was so full of the Lord, laughter, fun times, great conversations, and the memories made will last a lifetime!!
Please pray for my parents as they are still transitioning back to the States (lots of jet lag) and for prayers for my squad mates and I as we prepare our hearts and minds to go home in less than 3 months. Please also pray for the kids ministry the Lord has been leading us to do in Cambodia and for continued growth in intimacy with Him!!
Thank you for your support and prayers! I know my race would look completely different without it!!
