Sometimes its easier to explain an incredible month in picitures… My month in Thailand was the best thus far! (They only seem to be getting better.) I met and worked with amazing people, learned so much about the thai culture and buddhist religion, as well as myself, and enjoyed every moment.
Thai Culture!
We had the opportunity to visit two different Buddhist Temples in Chiang Mai. I literally stood there in awe of the way the people worshipped their many gods – their devout ways and spirituality gave me such hope for them and the future of the Thai people.
[Left: The center of the temple; Right: A spirit house – smaller imitations of these a everywhere!]
New Years 2013!
This was a New Years that I will never forget. Spending it in the bars ministering to bar girls by playing the most intense game of Jenga ever, walking the streets of downtown Chiang Mai with some of the most beautiful women I get to call family for the year, and sending lanterns into the sky as we counted in 2013.
Words cannot express how excited I am for what awaits me this year.
[Top Left: Letting go of our floating lantern Top Right: My beautiful teammates minus Shawna]
[Bottom Left: Ultimate game of Jenga Bottom Right: With one of my best friends in the whole world, Jessica]
Ministry!
My team and I got to work with an amazing woman, Emmi, and her WonGen Kafe ministry which reaches out to the students at Chiang Mai University through teaching English, serving customers at the cafe, going to campus for lunch, host open mic and games nights, and build relationships with the students.
[Top Left: Steph and I with the girls the WonGen Staff Top Right: The coffee bar]
[Bottom Left: Open Mic Night Bottom Right: Gina and I during one of our english lessons]
Adventures! Relaxation! Nature!
Riding an elephant has been one of the things I have wanted to do for pretty much my entire life and I finally got to! For about half of the ride, I rode on its neck and had its ears constantly flapping against my legs with probably one of the biggest smiles on my face ever. Chiang Mai has one of the most intense 'Walking Streets' for shopping that I have ever seen – did the most bargaining ever! Spent time with Jesus and Nature – one of my favorites! And got a tattoo :] Proverbs 2:16 My beloved is mine and I am his…
[Top Left: Riding Elephants with Abby and Steph Top Right: Looking up into the trees]
[Bottom Left: I am his. Bottom Right: Middle of Walking Steet at Taipei Gate]
Exciting things back home!
My precious goddaughter was born on the 9th! I cannot wait to see her and hold her in person! She is beautiful!
[Leah Jean]
