An eight year old Thai boy named Jordan pointed at my
teammate Katie the other day and then to his sister and said, “same same but different.”

Jordan thought they resembled one another. He did not question
the obvious fact that Katie is in her twenties and his sister is rarely a
teen.  
One American.  One…  Thai. 
Katie, a
tall young woman. Jordan’s sister,
an adolescent girl. These facts made no difference to Jordan. 
He thought “same same…” was appropriate
and I was not going to question the determined boy’s observation. Many of us
giggled because we were not sure if we agreed. 
If only I had a recording of a Jordan’s voice saying “same
same but different” to share with you… that would really capture this coined statement, commonly
used in Asia.
I love this expression. 
 
  
It was mentioned to me many times before I ever believed it
really existed… or that people actually buy memorable with this tagline on it.  Just to explain, the Thai often use the
phrase “same same but different” when dealing with tourists’
questions. Simply meaning,
“Yes, something kind of similar to that, but not the exact same thing.”

Periodically, I will feature what the Lord is showing me is the
“same same but different” throughout the remainder of the year. One of the
important things I have come to understand is this journey is not my own.

I’m privileged to share it with incredible women and men.
Each of them spurring me to continually grow… The people, the faces, the
moments, and the countries I encounter are all irreplaceable.

Without further ado… the first of many.

Four women fighting for their own freedom, my freedom, the
freedom of God’s children,
for the weak, the outcast and the stranger.
Jesse.                                                                                     Kelly.

 
Lana.                                                                                     Katie.

– – – – – – 
– – – – – – 
Our community is sometimes messy but it is always full of
love & grace
. It’s REAL.
This month, I am ministering alongside these women in Ubon
Ratachani, Thailand, a city in the Eastern part of Asia. After three months of
living in Asia, I pretty much have fallen in love with the beauty of the
people.  In a country where woman
are sold, abused, forgotten, and lost… I am choosing to celebrate the women
the Lord has called me to share life with this season.

 

They are all somewhat
the
same same. Yet, all very different.

 

Daughters of a mighty King.Four souls searching for more.  Eager to learn and grow. Not willing to settle.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

They fight for the unsaved. 

A Texan.  An
Auburn Alum.  A Redhead. A Runner

Full of invaluable insight.

Radiating with integrity.

Overflowing with wisdom beyond their years.

FULL OF POWER. Destined for greatness. Not willing to give
up.

I will not underestimate their unique callings.

Each has the heartbeat of Christ.
  
 Keep lifting up the ladies of Team Powerhouse in prayer while we are ministering together in Thailand this month.