The rain and humidity welcomed us as we loaded up on the back of a truck with a covering and drove away from the airport. About 40 minutes from the airport, we arrived at the YWAM Bangkok base where we received air conditioned rooms, bunk beds, and a good night of sleep.
Starting our trip out on a healthy note, some of us got up to run down the streets around Bangkok (suburb). To my surprise, there were street vendors who welcomed us with their smiles right outside our doors. As we ran, we saw a large beautiful temple in the distance. When we turned the corner, I was amazed at how many we saw in a row. This was still all from a disntance, but they are beautiful. It made me realize how many in this country need Christ and His love.
For lunch today we had typical Thai food; cashew chicken, garlic chicken, sweet and sour chicken, each served with white rice. It reminded me of going to a common chinese restaurant back home. Not too different.
I am currently sitting in an internet cafe a few blocks from the base. I heard from several last night that there was a horrible plane crash near us that killed about 130 people. Praise God all the World Racers are safe, but be praying for the friends and families of those who didn’t make it.
There is a short story I wanted to mention that happend during our 4 hour layover in Tokyo airport. I was standing in line to get information about earning miles with United when two people walked up in line behind us. They proceeded to ask us about The World Race and what it was. We explained and they got very excited for us. The guy had a shirt on that said Compassion, but that’s it. As we started talking and I asked him what they were doing in Japan, he said that he was with Compassion International. I told him I sponsored a child through them in Ethiopia and he cheered when I told him. He told me about the e-mail program online that I can use to correspond with ‘my child’ while I’m gone, which encouraged me and got me excited about keeping in touch with ‘my girl.’ He encouraged me very much and said that no matter what we do or don’t get done at each place we go, don’t forget to spend time with people and building relationships. He said that is the most important thing to these people. He smiled and said God bless, I thanked him and said God bless him with what he is doing as well. God brings the littlest things in life to encourage and remind us that He is in control. It’s so neat to see others around the world out there for Christ – serving Him and loving people. That’s what it’s all about!
This is a day of re-cooping and getting refreshed before we really get started. I am unable to post pictures on this computer due to the fact that the USB hub is broke, but I promise to post as many as possible when I get the chance. This is our first day in Thailand, and I already have many picture to share!
Please pray for:
*the hearts of those we will minister to
*for God to fill us up so that we can pour out to others
*for continued safety
(me on the plane…one of them)
