First day of manestry together– making the most of it exploring the city and area on motos!
Man month. Thailand. Two things I have been very excited about the entire race. And it hasn't let me down. This is my one month on the race to spend with the 7 other men on the squad– and we get to do it amidst the serene landscape and beautiful people of Thailand.
It's so clear that Asia just lights me up. I may end up doing medical missions to an assortment of continents, but the culture, food, and people of Asia just get me fired up. I love it. Thailand has been amazing. We had a day in Bangkok when we flew in from Africa and it was a blast. Then, me and the 7 other men of A-squad went up to our city of ministry- Chiang Mai. Our first day, we rented motos and spent the whole day seeing the area. It is a really fun and awesome place.
Our ministry this month is with a human trafficking prevention organization called Remember Nhu. They identify children at risk for being sold into the slave trade and bring them into a great Christian community. They house, feed, and educate over 100 girls and about 20 boys. There is a boys house because in Thailand, even the boys are not safe from the sex trade. Many are raised as "lady boys" (transvestites) or simply sold as they are. They kids come from extremely difficult situations, and it has has been heart breaking to spend time with the kids one day and then to see the prostitutes and sex bars on the streets the next day driving through town. That is likely where the kids would have ended up without Remember Nhu's intervention.
Our housing this month it our tents! We are living in an orchard, and our time is split between working on projects around the land and playing with the kids. It has been a blast. Our contacts, Brian and Beth, are two world race alumni– not only was I blessed with white contacts for a month, but people who have done the race! It has been great- they have worked with us really well.
Overall, this month has had a lot of rejuvenation and refreshment for me. I have just loved spending time with each of the men. We really have been able to sharpen each other. Fellowship with them has helped me to grow this month, as well as a Bible study we have been doing of 1 John. I am challenged by 1 John 2:7 to “walk as Jesus did”. And I'm reminded how great and incredible the Father's love is for us, his children. Also, I have made a habit this month every morning during my quiet time to ask Jesus the simple question, “Jesus, what do you have for me this morning? What do I need to hear right now”. It has been really good. I want to be intently listening to his Spirit.
I'm loving this month and am super content where I'm at, although Med school and month 8 debrief in Cambodia are on the backburner. I did recently get rejections from both CU and Vermont, which is a bummer, but I know God has a good and perfect plan. I also found out that I am waitlisted at Loma Linda. So all the results are in: waitlisted at Loma Linda and Creighton and accepted at Rocky Vista (in Denver). I have been and will continue to be praying about this a lot.
Love you guys!
Check out some pics and this sweet video from Thailand's incredible Water Festival!
A temple in Bankok
My favorite Thai boy.
Laying sod for a soccer field for the kids
Playing soccer with them–they will love that sod!
Church
