Happy Thanksgiving everybody! Wow, there is so much to be thankful for. I am spending this holiday in the amazing city of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Not only is it Thanksgiving, but here it is also the day of their famous lantern festival where thousands of lanterns are released into the air. So tonight we will get to be a part of that amazing tradition, thanks God! As we approach the back end of our month here in Thailand, I want to take time to reflect on what I am thankful for, specifically as it relates to this trip, and use it as a way to update y’all on what’s been happening thus far.
The Lord has had His hand all over this experience. I can look back all the way to preschool and see how He has directed my path to lead me to this exact point. The fact that I am even here is a miracle, but the work He has done in just six weeks proves that Jesus is alive and moving in mighty ways.
Let’s start in the Philippines. God introduced us to some of the most joyful, loving people I have ever met in my life. We had the chance to work with children who live on the streets of Manila, and they completely stole our hearts with their love. We swam with these sweet kiddos in the most beautiful river I have ever seen. We connected with local families, heard stories, and shared the love of Jesus with people. We lived with two different host families that took us in as their own, fed us amazing traditional food, shared their testimonies with us, and helped us grow closer to the Lord. We helped build a home for our sweet friend, Rudy, and we were impacted deeply by the love of his entire family. We snorkeled with sea turtles! We prayed for people who were injured and sick, and saw the Lord bring healing. We provided shoes for villages of children who did not own a single pair. We worshipped in both English and Tagalog, and realized the Holy Spirit speaks a universal language. We kayaked in the ocean during a typhoon. We played basketball on the most unique courts in the middle of jungles, and connected with the local people through a sport we both love. We took local fishing boats to a private island where we spent the day. We watched sunrises and sunsets together. We grew closer together as a team, constantly focused on Jesus, and constantly challenging each other to be more like Him. There is so much more, but that is just a glimpse into how God truly moved during our time in the Philippines.
Now, Thailand! We have been in Chiang Mai for a little over two weeks, and God continues to show up in mighty ways! One of the coolest things I have done thus far happened on day one. We went to a Buddhist temple where I met a man named Martin and had the chance to pray with him for physical healing over his injuries. Although he was not healed in that moment, it was clear that the Lord was after his heart, and the fact that we got to pray in the name of Jesus while surrounded by monks, temples, and idols was truly beautiful. Then we met a monk named Boonmar. We got to talking and I learned a lot about his life and his beliefs, and I had the opportunity to share the gospel with him. If y’all knew me five years ago, you would not believe that the Lord would bring me to a point where I get to talk about Jesus to a monk at a temple in Thailand, but that is a true testimony to the life-changing power of Jesus. That was just day one! We have also played with, fed, and swam with elephants. We have seen more people healed emotionally, spiritually, and physically. We have had fun and meaningful conversations with women who work in the red light district. We went on one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever been on. We have had some seriously good Thai food. We have been challenged and put in uncomfortable situations, and have seen tons of growth through those experiences. We watched the sunrise from the tallest mountain in all of Thailand. We went to a waterfall that is made up of rocks that do not get slippery, so we were legit walking up a waterfall! We helped do construction on what will eventually be a Christian college. We have spent this time together as an entire squad of 39 people, and the conversations, testimonies, and breakthroughs we have experienced are truly something to be thankful for.
So yes, God is providing for us and the people we encounter in powerful ways. Please keep our squad in your prayers, as we finish our time here in Chiang Mai and head to Bangkok for a couple days, and then on to Malaysia! To all my people back home, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Of course I am also extremely thankful for all of you as well. I couldn’t do any of this without the love and support from my friends and family. I love you all and wish I could be there, but I’m celebrating with a different kind of family this year. Eat some turkey and say a prayer for me, love y’all!
