Be under no false assumption that summing up the past 2 months of life in Thailand in one blog is possible. I now understand why it is good to blog on a regular basis, but alas, grace.
I originally signed up for gap year route #4 (the squad I’m leading) because I saw the opportunity to spend 4 months in Southeast Asia. I first came to Thailand in 2013 on a short 2 month trip. Before this trip I spent a good amount of my time running from God and any sort of calling that I may or may not have on my life. It was in Thailand that I regained a desire to pursue the good in the world and chase after what God had for my life. And I fell deeply in love with Asia, specifically Northern Thailand. I love the people, the culture, the food, the weather, I love it ALL. I knew I would be back, but I didn’t know that I would be sitting here in a café in Chiang Mai reflecting on how my life with Jesus has come full circle multiple times.
This is my third time in Thailand. I’ve spent a total of 6 months of my life here. I can get by with only sorta- butchered phrases, I know the good places to get cheap food, and I’m a master at bowing. I feel like I’m at home and I have friends who scream my name out of excitement when I walk into church.
And tomorrow I’m leaving again.
A few weeks ago I was at church in my favorite city (shout out to Bethany Church) and during worship I felt such joy and peace- I knew I was where I was supposed to be. I asked God how I got here. I didn’t hear his audible voice but I know I ended up back in Chiang Rai because He loves me enough to give me what my heart desires. It’s a long story, but I ended up in Chiang Rai by accident TWICE. Once was 8ish months ago and once was a month ago. I never planned on being there, but Jesus knew. He knew that I needed to go to the Little Farm 8ish months ago to allow creation and new friends breathe life back into my dried up soul. He knew I needed to go back to the Little Farm 1 month ago to show me that He still loves me and hasn’t forgotten me and my desires, through creation and now not-so-new friends. He even let me bottle feed baby cows for 3 weeks. #sogood
I’m sitting in a café in Chiang Mai because it is exactly where I want to be. Sometimes saying yes to Jesus means surrendering all of your desires. I’ve experienced this a lot. But sometimes it means getting exactly what you want because He wants to lavish His gifts on us.
The past two months have not been easy. In fact they’ve been messy and hard. But they have been laced with so much good. So much growth. Deeper freedom. Joy.
And tomorrow I’m leaving again.
Thank you Jesus. Thailand, maybe I’ll see you soon. Cambodia, I’m coming back for you!!!
