As we head into our last week in Thailand (we leave for India on Tuesday), here's a quick little update on what we've been up to:
- Children's Ministry – all month, we have worked with at-risk children at a drop-off center here in town. We've played games, taught songs, performed dramas, given memory verses, and taught English to kids who live in slums and have next to nothing. Some of the kids have to shower at the center because their homes do not have water; one of the girls has a case of head lice that is likely to never go away; the drop-in center frequently sends home food for the kids, who otherwise may not eat. I have fallen in love with these kids and have learned much about ministry to children.
(A project I made for the kids to learn clothing words: jacket, dress, sweater, etc.)
- Bar Ministry – to be honest, I wouldn't exactly say I've "enjoyed" bar ministry; making friends with a thirteen year old girl and then having to watch a sixty year old man grope her isn't exactly "enjoyable" for me. However, yesterday I got to have a neat conversation with a prostitute that redeemed the idea of bar ministry for me; we talked casually for a minute before she opened up about her distaste for her job. "You sleep with men all the time, it make you sad, but you don't think about it. Family first, you know? I have a daughter, she comes first. My family comes first." I can post more soon about the details of this conversation, but I felt very enlightened to some of the causes and reasoning behind becoming a prostitute. Please join me in prayer for this woman and the other beautiful girls I have met; they are worth more than what they are going through!
(A picture I snuck of a man negotiating with a girl; later, I watched her leave with another man.)
(Some of the team and I playing a game with our new friends that we invited over;
the girls are thirteen and fifteen years old.)
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Thai Culture – I love it! There is a strong sense of honor here, and the people are very kind and soft-spoken (except the kids!). I love the street food (if someone back home can figure out how to make pad-thai, yellow curry, and banana rottee for me, that would be great!), and the variety of life here is great. Spiritually speaking, Thailand is very heavy; Buddhism is the only accepted religion and spirits of comparison and addiction don't take long to feel. I have loved it here overall.
- Myself – this month has been crazy! I'll blog more on this later. 🙂
Thank you, everyone, for your support. I've got a couple of cool blogs coming soon, so stay posted. I love you!
