During the week that my grandma passed away, I had a decision to make: to stay or go. With all that was in me, I wanted to hop the next flight home to be in the presence of my family, but I knew I had commitments here. My emotions wanted the easy route, but my heart knew I should take the more difficult one. With the support from my aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, and even grandma, I decided to stay. Because of that decision, God moved in incredible ways over those next couple of weeks.
our mode of transportation because of the roads…vans wouldn't make it!
Off roading/mudding, yes please!
This cutie wanted a photo shoot, stole my heart, and made me a necklace of flowers at the camp.
That week a group of twenty college age students, from a Bible school, in Washington State arrived. I along with 3 other FBR volunteers had the opportunity to take them along the border to serve different Burmese people whom FBR has built relationships with over the years. Our first stop was at a Refugee camp where we hung out with kids, poured into college students, helped in making cement for a parking lot, and celebrated Christmas at a children’s home. Back in June, the Bible school in which we were serving at randomly caught on fire and burnt down. It was wonderful to see all that has been constructed since then.
I met these girls one year ago at this home! so good to return
Merry Christmas. These kids live in this home in Thailand to seek refuge from being
forced into the burmese army. Their families still live in Burma.
After that we ventured 6 hours south to love on and serve a Karen man who helped start up Free Burma Rangers back in 1997: Maddog (Ranger name). What an incredible adventure this was! From scrambling up mountains that overlooked Burma to swinging on vines into the river to preparing a delightful Thanksgiving feast, God began to expand my heart for His people.
Not only is Maddog a great chef, he rocks the guitar and medical world…he made
incredible doughnuts for us on Thanksgiving
Maddog's home surrounded by beautiful mountains that overlook Burma
From there, we hiked 3-4 hours up and down mountains to a village that was literally in the middle of nowhere. We started out in a truck, but due to the roads our legs would become our transportation the rest of the way. I was grateful to experience the road that so many people take each day: walking for hours to get from A to B. Can you imagine?
a glimpse of the road we hiked…do I smell adventure?!
are hike back in the blazing heat…thankfully, the trucks gave us a lift half way through!
We finally arrived at the medical clinic that was located in a village full of animists with only a couple dozen Christians. Forty years ago the first missionary, Alan Eubank, trekked for one week to this far off place. Because the roads were not as advanced back then, his modes of transportation were the river, cars, legs, and elephants. Spending weeks at a time here, he began to pour out Christ’s love on them. Because of his persistent love, five years ago the first villager fell in love with Jesus.
The team did a church service in the village and in return these joyful people sang some songs too
get it
Through a series of conversations that happened during those days, God began to melt my heart for the people of Burma. To be honest, I was still questioning why God led me to FBR. I could not seem to give my heart to the Burmese people willingly. I was still in the way, all my desires, longings, expectations…”I” had to go. From holding precious little hands to gazing into the eyes of the elderly, my walls came down and LOVE filled my bones.
some lovely FBR Rangers who helped in preparing our meals
Something indescribable happened through those encounters with the Karen people of Burma during those days. Because I chose, what appeared to be the harder path, to stay in Thailand, God enlarged my heart for the Burmese. If I had gone home, the easy/convenient path, I would not be where I am today. The freedom to choose awaits us…in those moments, what will you choose: the easy or a stretching route?
