We’re used to the loud, outgoing nature of Latin America.
Where everywhere we go kids swarm us, men holler at us, and everyone stares at us.
Where all of us know at least a little Spanish, and it is pretty easy to remember basic phrases
Where we recognize most food, many stores, and can read street signs
Where common names are Miguel, Mary, and Jose.
Where most say they are Catholic, some actually practice it, and a portion of them actually practice witchcraft.
Where life is lived in front of everyone. You walk down the streets and can hear the fighting, see the making up, and laughter fills the air where groups of friends are gathered
It’s a new chapter…
Thailand.
Just a little different from Latin America…
Buddhism pervades this country. Buddhist temples are everywhere, monks are all around wearing their bright orange robes, and stores in town are full of incense and idols.
It is not the loud, outgoing nature of Latin America, but a more reserved and formal culture
The language is tonal and incredibly difficult to pick up. Street signs and billboards mean nothing to us.
If the bottom of your foot is pointed toward someone or your hand goes over someone’s head it is likely to offend.
When you meet someone you give a slight bow and say the greeting, “sawadakaa”
and sex tourism thrives…
This month our team is joined by three other teams in Phuket, Thailand working with SHE ministries. Our main focus while we are here will be building relationships with the women working in the Red Light district of Patong. SHE offers them a way out of the sex trade in Phuket by offering employment, counseling, vocational training, and friendship.
Without a doubt Thailand is going to be different from everything we’ve experienced so far. Honestly, I don’t feel at home in Thailand as I have in many countries so far, but I welcome the challenge. I’ve seen the desperation in the eyes of the women at bars… they need to know there they are loved and accepted. This whole country needs to know there is no merit they need to earn in the eyes of our God, and nothing they do will ever change how the Lord sees them…
