While in Thailand, we were taken to a small village in the jungle and we stayed there for two nights. During that time we gave testimonies at the local church, led worship and played games with them. It was great to spend time with them, play with the kids and encourage each other.
A bunch of the kids took us on a tour of the village. It was so beautiful! We visited a few of the villagers and prayed with an elderly lady who was hard of hearing and couldn’t walk very well. Then they brought us by the river and we got to feed some koi. There were banana trees everywhere and beautiful flowers. Bright red hibiscus flowers grew on rich green bushes. Everything just felt peaceful and laid back. There’s just something about village life that lets you breathe a little deeper and makes your mind a little clearer.
Before dinner we went to a river and went swimming. Pastor Narong was in his glory. He was, as always, very excited to go swimming. It was really neat to see how people use the river to swim and have fun, to wash clothes and to bathe. Its a major community hub! Of course we had to have races with the kids and it was great. I’d also like to point out that we didn’t know we’d be going swimming, so when we packed we didn’t bring any swimsuits. Once again, we went swimming in our clothes. Actually, everytime we’ve gone swimming in Thailand its been in our clothes. After swimming was dinner, and then we went to the house of one of the villagers and slept on the floor. You’d think I’d be used to it by now, but my shoulders are always all locked up in the morning. Its a bit of a battle but after the “Snap! Crackle! Pop!” everything is back in place and I can move again.
The next day we helped clean the church. A ton of the village kids came too and they made it alot of
fun. We washed the floors and walls, the benches and the chairs. Their method of cleaning was quite different than back home. They brought a hose inside the church and sprayed it across the whole floor, put down soap, sprayed some more, then we took mops and swept the dirt and water out the door. The kids especially loved the mopping part. They’d run and slip and slide across the floor with the mop or old t-shirt that they were using as a rag. After we were finished it looked great and really clean!
After lunch they took us to a waterfall at a nearby town. Pastor ran ahead to get to the water, as always, ever excited about the prospect of swimming. We adventured around and explored different levels of the river. We did lots of climbing and swimming. Sunday and Monday were with us as well. It was so great to watch them interact with their dad and it made me miss mine! They are such a great family! So beautiful!
To finish off our time in the jungle we were taken to another village for dinner and then to help out at a church worship night. Once again we gave testimonies and led worship. After that we prayed for people in the church that needed healing. They came up to the front and we laid hands on them and prayed. It was the perfect end to our last day of ministry in Thailand.
