So what about this month?
I am in Thailand! This month is called
Manistry/ Womanistry (cheesy, I know!). By its name, you might have
figured out that the men and women are separated for ministry this
month. All the guys are up in northern Thailand, surely doing
something manly. We ladies have been split into three different
groups for ministry.
The girls on my team and the girls from
Jessica’s team are working together at a place called Eagle’s Rest in
Phangna. Eagle’s Rest is an organization that provides a retreat
experience for missionaries that are weary or burnt out from working
on the field. Counseling services and personal spiritual days are
combined with cave tours and elephant treks to provide rest and
refreshment for everyone who comes.
Eagle’s Rest is run by Ramel and
Janine. Ramel is from the Philippines, and Janine is from Australia.
They have four children: Colleen, Stephanie, Jefferson, and Nichole.
These kids are amazing. They have gone through a lot of tough times
and tragedy throughout their short lives, but are more appreciative,
helpful and respectful than any other kids I have ever met.
This month, our ministry will center
around that family. The kids are home schooled and have very limited
contact with other children. We are basically teaching them what we
know, putting on mini workshops for cooking, sewing, music, art,
sports, exercise, culture, and body image. We are helping Janine with
various jobs in the office, and helping Ramel with preparations for
missionaries to come. They are welcoming us into their family for the
month. It has already been awesome to work alongside them and learn
their stories, and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the month
will bring.
