Well, I’ve been in Yangon, Myanmar for about two weeks now. It’s a loud city, with a new, usually gross, smell every couple of steps, and the sidewalks are downright hazardous terrain. But I really love it here! There is always something to experience, and the culture here is so different I always have to be ready for new surprises. The people are incredibly warm hearted, and I’m starting to get used to them staring at me like I’m an alien.
This month we are staying at a hostel, and we have gotten to meet people from all over the world, from China to New Zealand. Plus we get real, comfy beds, so that’s pretty awesome. Every day Tuesday through Saturday we leave our hostel at around 7 am to walk to the bus stop, and we start our one to two hour bus ride, depending on traffic.
Our ministry site is a children’s home run by a couple, V. T. Samuel and Elizabeth, and their brother Bilian. It started with taking in three children, and God just kept giving. Now, including four of their own, they raise 19 children. The children come from broken homes, parents unable to support them, and places where the political turmoil is so bad the schools are shut down. All of them are the sweetest, happiest kids I have ever met, and I am blessed ever day to be able to play games with them and teach them English.
I truly believe they are able to smile so care freely because of the love and example Samuel and his family show them. I have never met people so strongly rooted in Jesus. They have no income and no regular support from any church or organization, but rely fully on God’s provision through offerings they recieve. Despite the financial hardships, they have seen God show up time and time again, and dare to dream and pray big. The goal and vision they have for their ministry is inspiring, and no amount of red tape or lack of money is going to discourage them. Their hearts are set on spreading the gospel and giving these kids a good education. They get together to worship, speak from the Bible, and pray every single day, and I’m beyond blessed they invited us into this. I fully believe God is going to use this ministry to change children’s lives, their community, and Myanmar!
– My team with our ministry hosts
