Hello Everyone!
It’s been a minute!
So here’s a little update…
We spent last week in Bangkok resting, exploring, and debriefing the past month in Cambodia! We ate WAY too much, took real showers, worshipped on the roof, re-casted our vision for the next two months, and processed what we experienced and learned in February. It was great to explore the new area and take some time to rest, but it was also a culture shock. Going from a village in the middle of nowhere to a major city was not an easy transition. And at the same time, saying goodbye to the sweet kids broke my heart, so working through that hasn’t been smooth sailing. With all of these things going on, I felt somewhat detached from the Lord. I tried to take control of everything within me and around me. And thankfully, that never lasts long… because I always crash and remember that I’m simply flesh. There are things that I’m not meant to carry or control and I need to surrender those things to Him. I have to allow Him into my heart and my mind, allowing Him to restore the hurt and brokenness. And whenever I get past my stubbornness and decide to give Him control, it always works out for His good and glory. How freeing…
Anyways, while traveling to the YWAM base in Ratchaburi, I was filled with so much excitement! I got to reflect on the past month and see how the Lord has worked in and through me. I got to celebrate the sweet relationships that I had formed in Cambodia. And although I left a piece of my heart there, I gained a new found love for Jesus and His people. Leaving the children’s home was incredibly painful and I cried like a baby, but because of that, I know that I gave my whole heart during my time there. And as I processed that, I felt a sense of newness! We were riding in a tuk-tuk truck, I was jamming to my music, and I just felt so much excitement.
As we arrived in Ratchaburi, we had orientation and got to learn about the ministry we will be doing over the next 2 months. The next day, we participated in a radio talk show and had the opportunity to share the gospel/testimonies with the people of Thailand. (If you’d like to watch this, I shared it on my facebook). We will be doing this every Friday, so I’m excited to share more and more! Then, we have something called, “rice seed ministry” every Friday night. So we got to hang out, play games, and share the word of God with all the neighborhood kids!
Lastly, this morning we went to church with our translator and her family. During our time there, our team led worship, my teammate shared a testimony, we acted out a skit, and I got to share a 20-minute message/sermon (with the help of our translator). I’ve shared my testimony before, but I’ve never given a message, so it was a new and exhilarating experience! If you know me, you won’t be surprised that my favorite part was planning it… The Lord gave me a unique image during our time of worship, so I shared that and tied it to the story of Mary and Martha, taking a deeper look into scripture. When writing down what He was speaking to me, I must have looked like a kid in a candy store… I was too excited haha. I’m pumped to see what He will speak through me in this season of sharing what he has done/is doing!
On Tuesday, we will head to Suan Pueng and spend 6 days there! The village we will be staying at is home to a tribe filled with refugees from MyanMar. During our time there, we will live among the people, teaching English, and sharing the gospel. We spent Saturday planning our English lessons, Bible skits, games, crafts, activities, and sermons. I also discovered a new talent… We found balloons in the supplies box for ministry, so I learned how to make balloon animals for the kids! It’s quite therapeutic! Anyways, we don’t really know what we’re getting ourselves into, so prayers for flexibility and grace! Nevertheless, I’m excited to see what the Lord reveals to us as we step into new ministry and the unknown!
Thanks for reading my little debrief and ministry update:) I’m excited to share more stories and experiences from our time here in Thailand! Prayers are always appreciated!
Have a wonderful week!
