Ministry:
This past week (3/25-3/28), we spent Monday through Thursday at the government school hosting an English summer camp for kids. The kids were ages 10-14 and so eager to learn English. Every member of my team had a different station that the kids visited throughout the week. We taught them words that they used for a scavenger hunt on Wednesday when we took a field trip to the Ratchaburi Museum. The week was full of laughter, delicious food, and relationships. I loved seeing each kid’s personality develop and shine as each day passed making the goodbye difficult. On the last day, we did a hug line where every kid got a hug from each of us and it was so special to embrace him or her like God would. On Friday, we took the morning slow and then went to the radio show in the afternoon. Right after we got back, we walked over to the village and picked up the Rice Seeds kiddos and got to spend the evening with them watching a movie and giving them way too much soda. Earlier that week, we went on a prayer walk and actually got to see where the kids and their families lived and my heart was broken. Behind the gated houses, luxury cars, and community pond, their living conditions were made up of metal pieces and single rooms. There was trash scattered everywhere too. I was shocked at how this poverty was so well hidden by the commercialized living. My team and I are arranging to do more for and with these kids and their community during our unscheduled ministry time.
Miscellaneous:
We went to the beaches of Hua Hai on Saturday which is about 2 hours from Ratchaburi. Hua Hai is a very tourist area with a lot of Europeans, Australians, and Asians. I tasted mangosteen and it was very delicious! I could not quite pinpoint the taste and texture but I would definitely eat it again. I have also been eating lots of watermelon (I got a whole watermelon for about $1.30) and papaya salad during our weekly visits to the night market.
Me:
It’s crazy how I only have about a month left here before heading back home. Thus far, it has been an amazing experience! God has been teaching me so much, challenging me in ways I didn’t expect, and resurfacing the past for healing and reflection. I’ve been struggling with feeling like I am not doing enough here as our days fly by and ministries change every week. God constantly reminds me He can move mountains, part the sea, create something beautiful in literal seconds and once again…I cannot make it about me. I cannot put God in a box and limit His power and goodness into a time frame. It’s a daily correction and truth I am learning to understand and believe.
Also, I got a tattoo! Yes, mom and dad already know. I can write a whole blog post about it but basically it is the word “overflow” written in Khmer (Cambodian language) by one of my favorite girls from the children’s home. It’s on my foot and it kind of hurt but when in Asia? Plus, it is healing very nicely so praises!
Finally, I would love and appreciate prayer this upcoming week as I navigate the decision on where to go for grad school. I have heard back and have a lot of great options but I am unsure where the Lord is calling me. I am excited for what is in store when I get back home but am also trying to stay present through it all as time is moving quickly.
Thank you for reading yet another blog! Happy April!
–Steph
