I posted on my social media asking what you guys wanted to know about the past 2 months in Thailand. Here are the answers to your burning questions.
Is this Q&A going to be God-breathed?
100% (Kenni, my teammate on the race, asked this question. It’s an inside joke, but it’s also a good reminder for me to pray about the answers I give to these questions!)
How do people in Thailand view Americans?
In Chiang Mai there’s a pretty good amount of white tourists (not just from the U.S.A.), so we’re not extremely out of place here. I sometimes think we get charged a little bit more at the markets since we appear as tourists, but for the most part the people of Thailand are extremely friendly. On multiple occasions, people have asked to take pictures with us simply because we’re American. We had a random guy at Wat Chaloem, the floating temples, ask to take a group photo with us. Also, our songthaew drivers often take selfies or pull over to take a group photo with us. It’s pretty wholesome, but also weird to be admired simply for our nationality. Overall, the people I’ve conversed and made friends with here have been super friendly toward me!
How do people in Thailand view believers in Christ?
Most of the people here practice Buddhism, but they are actually pretty open to hearing about Jesus. This includes practicing monks! I have absolutely loved the conversations I’ve had about Buddhism and Christianity with locals. Discussion is so important to me and I feel like God beams with joy when we talk about Him in a kind, non-abrasive way. Overall, those who practice Buddhism here are very respectful and open-minded to hearing about Jesus’ love. I’ve also met handfuls of locals who already have a relationship with Abba!
What are some of the biggest adjustments you’ve made living in Thailand?
-Getting used to constantly sweating (Thankfully it’s actually been cooling down a little bit this week. We don’t have A.C. in the hostel where we’re staying, so we rely on 2 rotating fans to keep us somewhat cool at night.
-Eating Thai food almost every day (This has not a bad adjustment at all though! The food here is amazing!)
-Being aware of my feet because it’s disrespectful to point your feet at people
-Bowing to say thank you or hello. This is a way to show respect.
-Getting honked at every few minutes by songthaew drivers offering us a ride when we’re walking around Chiang Mai
-The smells. Sometimes good. Sometimes bad. Changes rapidly.
-Toilet paper is a rare commodity here. Thankfully, we have TP at our hostel, but most public restrooms just have a hose-type contraption to spray down after using the toilet. Some like to call it the “bum gun.” Also, the plumbing in Chiang Mai is sketchy, so flushing toilet paper is a big no-no.
-Most places in Thailand, you have to take your shoes off before entering. I honestly like this. Maybe in my future home I’ll keep this up!
How would you describe Chiang Mai?
Multifaceted; it is a bustling city, though it’s not insanely crowded. However, there’s definitely always locals and tourists on the streets and at the markets. Chiang Mai has touristy vibes in some areas (mostly around the bars and markets). There’s lots of coffee shops, restaurants, and street stands to try out! As you head to the outskirts of the city, the outdoor sights are beautiful!
Biggest culture shock since you’ve arrived?
Honestly, I didn’t experience a ton of culture shock. One of the things that threw me off the most was the roads. People drive super crazy. I don’t think there’s a method to four-way stops (people just drive when they see an opening). There are motos weaving in and out of traffic at all times and there’s not really protected crosswalks. I’ve had to really master the art of jaywalking. People drive on the opposite sides of the road here and the driver’s seat is also on the opposite side. I’ve been thrown off a couple times when I saw a child in the passenger’s seat because at first glance I thought they were driving. Speaking of chidren, I have seen kids as young as 3 years old on motos with their parents. Traffic laws are definitely not as strict here.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve eaten?
I honestly have played it pretty safe when it comes to ordering food. However, sometimes I’ll just order something and have no idea what it will actually be because the name isn’t familiar. Overall, Thai food is super yummy. I’ve had some weird fruits. Also, if I get fully-funded before I leave Thailand (which is happening Wednesday morning at 4:00 A.M.), I’ll eat a scorpion at the market!
Favorite person you’ve met in Thailand?
This is a super hard question as I have met a slew of amazing people. I have to say my friend from ministry, Ploy, is one of my favorites. We’ve gotten along really well and grown pretty close!
How can I do the amazing things you’re doing and get involved next year?
It starts where you are now and with a true relationship with the Lord! God can work through you exactly where your feet are planted. The more time you hang out with Abba, the more in tune you’ll be with what He wants you to do everyday.
If you’re interested in doing mission work or even the world race, I encourage you to first pray and ask God if that’s what he wants for you! Once you get an answer, feel free to check out Adventures in Missions website. They have a few different options as far as mission trips go! Here’s a link to their website! https://www.worldrace.org/ They have 11in11 (11 months, 11 countries, ages 21-35), gap year (9 months, 3-4 countries, ages 18-20), semesters (1-6 months, ages 18-22, 1-3 countries), ambassadors (2-4 weeks, ages 14-18), and global U (9 months, ages 18-23). There’s also other programs such as YWAM and local churches that offer mission trip opportunities! Don’t doubt God’s power. Don’t think “that looks cool, but I could never do that.” You can do anything you put your heart toward that God desires for you!!!
Has the Lord taught you something about yourself since you’ve been in Thailand?
Yes! He’s showing me that I’m capable of so much more than I thought. I’m learning how to give myself the grace I give others and the grace He gives me. I’m also learning that my prayer is powerful. Overall, I’ve grown a lot in confidence. These are just a few of the things that the Lord has been teaching me about myself since starting the race. I feel like I don’t recognize myself, but I also feel like I know myself better than I ever have before. I have already grown and learned so much within the past 2 months, so I can predict that the next 7 months will be even more fruitful.
What’s the most encouraging thing someone’s done for you or another racer since you been in Thailand?
Everyone on my team is super intentional about checking up on one another which has been super sweet! I feel super loved and seen every time they ask how I’m doing or if I need to chat.
What are you most surprised to have learned so far?
I have learned a lot about Abba’s complexity and vastness. It’s easy to see how God works in my life and America, but it’s been so cool to see God break down the box that I thought I had already made big enough down as He demonstrates himself in brand new, unique ways in a culture I’ve never really experienced. He shows up in unique ways for every unique culture and life. I’ll never be able to understand every aspect of His heart, but it has been so beautiful to see him working in different lives and in different ways.
What has been hard?
It’s been hard trying to find a balance between living in the moments but also capturing precious memories and sharing those with my loved ones and supporters. Spiritual warfare is also a very real thing here. Satan tries to deceive in a slew of different ways, but for me it mostly looked like negative self-talk when I first arrived in Thailand. When we’re following God, Satan wants to do everything he can to stop us. It’s times like these when we need to cling to Abba more than ever and deny Satan’s lies as quick as possible.
How have you seen Jesus?
I’ve seen Jesus a lot in the Thai people’s kindness and generosity. I’ve seen Him in my squadmates who walk in boldness. I’ve learned more about Him as I dig into the word and spend time with Him. I see Jesus in myself the more time I spend with Him.
Who are your favorite people on the squad?
I’m biased for my team! However, the rest of my squad is also amazing!
Most embarrassing moment since you’ve arrived in Thailand?
I have fallen an embarrassing amount of times. Let’s just say that Chiang Mai’s sidewalks and streets are not the smoothest I’ve walked on. Also, I’ve had a handful of other embarrassing moments that I’m not brave enough to share on my blog.
What has Jesus been teaching you this season?
He’s been teaching me to embrace where I’m at.
What does your typical week look like?
Sunday
-Wake up around 7:00 to spend time with Abba
-Eat some breakfast (normally peanut butter toast)
-Catch a songthaew to go to ministry around 8:20
at ministry, I’m either with the babies (2 years old) or the older kids (5-7 years old along with “C” and “P” who are older because they don’t have school on the weekends) — we swap every week. We start the day by playing outside with the kids, then the kids normally get a snack before we have some indoor playtime, video time, and book time. Around 11a.m., we give the older kids a Sunday school lesson! Afterwards, it’s the kids’ nap time and our lunchtime! Connie provides us with an amazing Thai lunch and bomb dessert! I normally take a nap afterwards. around 2, the kids wake up and we have some more playtime. we leave ministry around 4:30.
Sunday evenings are normally pretty chill because for the rest of the squad it’s their sabbath! I’ll normally go out with some people and get some yummy food from the market, check out the vendors, and walk around Chiang Mai!
Monday
-7:00 // devos
-7:30 // breakfast provided by our hostel
-8:20-12:00 // ministry
We start the day playing outside with the kids (this often consists of playing “monster” and running away from kenni who always seems to get deemed as the monster), followed by snack time and play time. Next we have lesson time! For the babies, this means reading them a few books and then playing with special lesson toys! For the older kids, we give them a science lesson! After lesson time, we watch a video with the kids before their nap time, and then we head home.
We normally eat some cashew chicken from Bella Goose or a rice egg omelet from the mall for lunch.
-1:00-4:00 // Since we only have a half day, we help clean around the hostel to prevent sickness!
-4:00-5:00 // worship team time (some days, this looks like worshiping with music; other days we use watercolor paints to worship the Lord!)
Sometimes we have a teaching session and sometimes the rest of the evening is free. I normally go eat dinner at the market or at a restaurant. We have to be back at the hostel by 9:00. I normally shower and try to go to bed early most nights so i’m not pooped at ministry.
Tuesday
-7:00-7:30 // devos
-7:30-8:00 // breakfast provided by “Mama,” one of the staff at zion! She’s super friendly!
-8:20-4:30 // ministry
The 1st half of the day is similar to monday, except that we give the older kids a lesson on history/geography. After nap/lunch time, the kids have some more playtime and then we teach them one more lesson before we leave!
-4:00-5:00 // bible project team time (We watch bible project videos and answer some discussion questions!)
-5:00-6:00 // dinner provided by the hostel
Sometimes there’s a teaching or worship session, but if not we’re free for the rest of the night. Some nights i’ll go out with friends or meet up with some of the staff from Connie’s home that i’ve grown close with and other nights I’ll stay in and chill. Our squad started doing bible studies every tuesday night around 9:00 p.m. as well.
Wednesday
-7:00-7:30// devos
-7:30-8:00// breakfast provided by the hostel
-8:20-12:00// ministry
On Wednesday, we take the kids to go sing at a local nursing home. I love this day SO much.It’s such a blessing getting to love on some precious elderly people and see the kids perform some adorable songs that bring joy to the older peoples’ faces. The nursing home staff normally gives the kids a sweet treat afterwards. The rest of the day is the same as monday, except that we give the older kids a lesson on reading and writing instead of science.
-12:30-2:00 lunch at bella Goose, the Pantip Mall, or homemade ramen with veggies (just depends on the day)
-2:00-4:00// ATL, or “ask the Lord”
This time consists of asking the Lord what he has for us to do. This looks like going out and praying over the city and its people, handing out gifts to people in Thailand, praying over and writing encouraging notes for the rest of the squad, or going out and making friends. It really could look like anything actually, as the Lord is super creative!
-4:00-6:00// feedback team time
This time consists of building each other up with constructive feedback to help keep each other accountable and uplifted! Our team leader, Emma, has us prepare our feedback beforehand so that we have time to pray about it!
-7:00-9:00// sometimes a teaching or worship session or a squad hangout/activity. sometimes going to eat at the market. sometimes making dinner at the hostel and hanging out with Jesus or other people on the squad. sometimes chillin’ on the rooftop. You get the gist. shower. bed.
Thursday
-7:00-7:30// devo
-7:30-8:00// breakfast provided by the hostel
-8:20-4:30// ministry
Thursdays are the same as tuesdays except that the older kids’ lessons are on math, not history/geography.
-5:00-6:00// blogging team time
During this time, we work on blogs and brainstorm ideas! I actually got to lead one of these last week and God gave me a super cool vision for incorporating love letters into blogging that I got to share that with my team! (blog coming up on this soon!)
-6:00-7:00// dinner provided by the hostel
-7:00-9:00// sometimes session. sometimes exploring Chiang Mai. sometimes chilling at Zion Hostel. shower. bed.
Fridays and Saturdays are my team’s off days! One day is considered our sabbath, when we’re supposed to whatever is restful for us. for me, this normally means having “together alone time” or actual alone time with the Lord, listening to podcasts or music, going to Signature Coffee Shop, escaping the city and exploring some nature, watching some Netflix, reading a book, or whatever else the Lord leads me to do!
The other day is considered our adventure day, where we have the freedom to go and do whatever we’d like (Technically all free time is like this, including our sabbath day. We’re trusted to choose what we need and what the Lord wants us to do during that time/that day!) Some of the amazing places I’ve had the opportunity to go to include Grand Canyon (a water park with a zip line + canoeing), Sticky Falls, Wat Chaloem (the floating temples), thrift stores, an elephant sanctuary, Good Souls (an amazing vegan restaurant we went to for my birthday and have returned to) and a tattoo parlor (yes, I got my first tat in Thailand! No, it wasn’t sketchy! Yes, it was only $30.00. Yes, my mom is worried it’s going to get infected. No, it’s not going to. Yes, it hurt, but not as bad as i thought it was going to.)
On Fridays, we normally debrief the week by answering some discussion questions as a team.
This a glimpse into my week! Let me know in the comments if you’d want to see a week in the life vlog once I get to Malaysia. My week will look a lot different there, of course.
Thank you so much to everyone who sent in questions, to those who have kept me in their prayers, and to those who have donated! Your dedication and efforts mean more than you even realize! Speaking of fundraising, I’m only $759.00 away from being fully-funded!!! Please pray boldly for the rest of the funds to come in soon! Like I said above, if I’m fully funded by Tuesday, I’ll eat a scorpion at the market on camera! Thank you so much for checking out my blog and learning a little bit about my time in Thailand as it comes to a close. Please pray for my squad as we head to Malaysia on a bus Wednesday morning! Let me know if you have any prayer requests. I’d love to be praying for you.
