Thai is a such a complicated language. I have no idea what Thai people are saying, and a most of the time they had no idea what I am saying.
[A sign written in Thai]
This leads to a question which I’ve been pondering this month. How do you communicate with a language barrier?
A translator definitely helps a lot. But there are times when there is no one to translate? What then?
This month God has been showing me that there are ways to share His love without using words. Not being able to communicate verbally has given my team the opportunity to be creative with our communication. I’ve loved seeing all the ways my team has grown and loved the Thai people.
I’ve seen Jesus in them.
On the way to town, a little girl’s beloved dog was run over. Candace was so loving as she held the little girl, crying tears of sorrow with her. I saw Jesus in her.
[Candace at one of the Thai schools]
I saw Jesus at a Christmas party. A storm had blown up unexpectedly and knocked out the electricity. My team gathered around and had a praise/prayer session. Then we continued on with the party… minus the electricity of course. Midway through the Christmas story, the lights came back on.
As we were preparing to go home after the Christmas party, we were informed that a crazy man from the village was vowing that he wouldn’t sleep until he had killed somebody. Sitting in the back of a truck, waiting to go home, someone thought they saw him creeping toward us. Bobbi Jo reminded us not to give into fear and we had a another prayer session.
[Bridget and Bobbi Jo teaching English]
I saw Jesus in Bridget while teaching English. When the rest of us were teaching greetings/time/ animals/colors/ect., she decided to use the Christmas story. Helping out in her class was a good reminder of the reason why we are here.
I saw Jesus on my team. Our contacts asked us to prepare a skit to share the Gospel. We have joyfully presented the skit at least 10 times and we are ready to perform it again and again if needed.
I saw Jesus in Jeff as he spent time talking with the students and making them feel important.
[Jeff chillin’ with the students]
I saw Jesus in Luke when he takes time to play with our contact’s 3 year old daughter. She loves to play with him and runs around shouting “Luka, Luka.”
[Luke working on finances from the hammock]
I saw Jesus in my team as they shared their testimonies to the school children.
I saw Jesus in Greg when he offered to give me a break from working the (boring) word-search station during English camp and letting me work the (fun!) game station.
[Greg being cool]
Thanks Team for showing me Jesus this month. You guys are shining examples to me and to the Thai people of God’s love. Love y’all!
