Everyone rides motorbikes here. They weave in and out of traffic so nonchalantly. Although we’re not actually allowed to operate any motor vehicles on this mission trip, this first week in Thailand has me feeling like I’m speeding through the busy streets of Chiang Mai.
Every day consists of so many new, unexpected things. Most days, it’s simply just the act of being immersed in a brand new culture. Some days, it’s getting moved into a room with no beds (thank God for my comfy sleeping pad)! Other days, it’s learning new skills at ministry. I sometimes start to feel like I’m trying to navigate my way through the ever-changing flow of traffic.
My team’s ministry started Monday, and I am already so excited to be there for the next 2 months. We are placed at Agape House, a lovely orphanage for children with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. Within the first few days, I’ve already played with the adorable children, helped paint a fence and nursery, trimmed bushes, and moved and sanded furniture. I’ve also bonded with a few of the workers and older children there. Although it’s been hard work, it has also been such a blast getting to do such meaningful work. I can’t wait to see the work the Lord does through us as the place is transformed physically and spiritually. The joyful laughter of God’s children is already so prevalent there, and I pray that it only gets more amplified.
Me, Caroline, Natasha, and Avery (seen holding the paintbrush) painting lil' baby gates.
Here I am trimming some bushes. photo credit: Avery Mumm
Here I am painting the clinic at Agape Home. photo credit: Avery Mumm
Here are some of the kids playing outside! photo credi: Avery Mumm
SIKE!
Speaking of unexpected changes, after I completed this blog post (I still hadn’t published it yet) my team and I found out that we will be moving to a different ministry. Jesus really is teaching us to be flexible in his plan. 2 teams were placed at Agape, and leadership prayerfully decided that team Selah would be better off placed at a different ministry. At first I was confused. I honestly just wanted to roll my eyes. “Another change?” I thought to myself. I was genuinely frustrated. My whole team was. We were originally so excited to be at Agape. Eventually, though, God started to reveal little pieces of motivation to each team member. Here are a few of those sweet reminders from Abba:
After finding out that we would be working somewhere with foster kids, Avery, my teammate, reiterated the word “home” that He has spoken over our team. “We will get to be home for these children.” Chills.
After hearing that a world race team had never been to this ministry and that we would get to “pioneer,” I got a little nervous. However, Abba showed me how he is going to grow our confidence in him and ourselves as we pave the way.
Lastly, Courtney, our squad leader, did some listening prayer for each of us on team Selah. She wrote letters for each of us, saying to think of them as letters from Abba. The beginning of mine read, “release. again, I say release.” After reading these 5 words, I felt all the anxiety I had about all the changes I was facing melt away. Thank you, Jesus.
I’m writing this blog within the span of a week so you guys will know how I feel with the constant flow of brand new information and experiences. Yesterday, my team and I went to our new ministry, Family Connections, an amazing foster home here in Chiang Mai. We met all the sweet kids and learned that we will be teaching them every day! Each day will be a different subject. I’m super excited. We will also have the opportunity to help teach the staff English as they train to be Au Pairs.
Please pray for me and my team as we start our ministry. Our first day of teaching will be on Sunday.
As I watch the local Thai people casually weave their way through the cars, I am in awe. “That looks terrifying! I could never do that,” I think to myself. In reality, I know with practice (and permission, of course) I could become a pro at biking through the streets of Chiang Mai. Uncomfortable does not always equate with impossible. As I go throughout my first week at ministry, I may start to feel like I’m amidst a sea of cars trying to find the perfect speed. However, I know Jesus is just ahead guiding the traffic. These new people, places, and things will soon start to feel like home as I continue to learn and grow.
