I know sometimes my life this year doesn't feel like real life as I define it when I'm in Michigan. However, I am coming to see that living out of a backpack can feel like regular ordinary life too.
Some things I've done here I have loved so much and I get very excited about them. And now some of what our team is doing currently I would say is less than exciting to me. It reminds me of admin days at Starbucks. Anyone who ever worked with me at Starbucks knew how much I disliked Mondays. I always felt trapped in the back all by myself, staring at a boring computer for hours working on the same thing. But, I do recognize that was ministry too. Planning, preparing and laying the ground work for a successful week is a way to love others when you do it well.
This week is my Monday at Starbucks. Perhaps you are waiting for me to post something truly exciting since I'm in THAILAND! But the truth is that I've spent hours and hours sitting on my bed in my "office" planning, preparing and laying the ground work for a successful month here in Thailand. It's not what I love. But it is going to be such a blessing and I'm excited about that.
Organization doesn't feel like my calling.
You should see the way I live out of a backpack. It's horrifying!
I'd much rather be outside with people and making new friends. But that isn't where God wants me right now. And that's good for me. It reminds me that this IS real life.
There are several of our teams currently working in bars, orphanages, tribes and coffee houses employing women out of being trafficked.
Our team has the unique privilege of planning for the future. It is called Unsung Heroes month. We are just about ready to go and visit several organizations and ministries that are currently impacting this globe for change and to see how Adventures in Missions can come alongside to bring the Gospel as well. We will be looking for organizations and ministries that need support for up to three years of ministry with each other.
So here's the tentative plan:
We are staying here in Chiang Mai for one week. We are finally going to two orphanages today! Hooray for meeting people!
We will then travel and split into two smaller groups and go to Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai. This is when we will be pulling out our camping gear. Pray for me! It's so HOT already! Also, I greatly dislike our travel days. It requires a lot of organization.
We will then reconnect and travel down to Maesot. At this point we will possibly cross the border into Mayanmar to visit a ministry there.
And then the trek back to Bangkok where will stay the final week of Thailand.
Did I mention I'm not good with organization? Well, it's a great skill to have when backpacking. Dear God, help me!
Thank you to all of those who gave me Thai contacts in planning for the future!
