I really love to meet people.
So naturally hostels have become some of my favorite accommodations during the Race.
The one downside: you never know what you're going to get.
When we got to Laos we started the month off in a backpackers hostel, but after three itchy nights realized some of our team had become bug food and that we needed to move. Unfortunately when all the other hostels heard where we were coming from, they denied us. Apparently the first place had a bad rep for bedbugs…
So after a few more days and some bedbug treatments we finally found a place that would take us and we moved into our new home for the month.
Despite the initial setback, it was a huge blessing that we moved where we did. The Lord blessed us with many new friendships and some unique ministry opportunities through the new living situation. We met some guys from Holland (who God healed! Check out: Forbidden Healing!), the hostel owners ~ who became some of our closest friends in Laos, and a man named Shane who knew everyone in town and had the craziest life stories.
Every time I saw Shane he was eager to share his latest escapade. Sometimes I was even able to join in. Once I came back from ministry and he invited me to eat home cooked catfish with his Laotian friend; head, tail, fins and all! It was delicious!
Another time he was returning from a dog BBQ.
Still another time he told me how he had just crossed the Thai-Lao border on a fishermans boat because he had forgotten his passport at home.
With all this said, it shouldn't surprise you that though Shane I met some business owners who were looking for an artist to paint the wall of their new restaurant. And I volunteered for the job.
After a scramble to find paint and supplies, I spent an afternoon painting and now my artwork remains on the wall of a Laotian restaurant!
It was a pleasure to paint and I pray that for years to come my artwork will continue to invite people into God's Presence and love!
And it all happened because of bedbugs!
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Sending lots of love.
Michelle
