Y-M-C-A…
Oh sorry, moving on to what I was about to say… Leaving Africa and looking back has been harder than I ever thought it would be. I really thought I wanted to leave but what I wanted to leave was the malaria and maybe the living conditions. I am really sick of thinking too much of myself which I do a lot. I tell people that I need nothing more than God, but I cant wait till I prove it. It’s been really hard for me this year, I think it comes from being a spoiled American. It’s funny too because overall our squad has had it easier than most other squads. I was wrong, I miss you Africa, I miss my street boys and the red mud that stains everything. I love my life, I get to travel the world and serve a mighty God that loves me to pieces. I am so blessed.
We left Nairobi airport to Qatar (I never heard of this country in the Middle East, that happens a lot) about a two hour flight. Then after a very short layover, we catch another flight to Bangkok, Thailand. Asia, wow I never thought in a million years that I would be here. From Bangkok to a beach town called Hua Hin for our 2nd to last debrief. It was one of the most free and relaxing ones. The ocean, my own motorbike and Subway, Burgerking and many other adventures. What else can I say?
I’m in my 9th month and this is an exciting month. The men get to go and do “manistry” and the girls get split up into smaller groups to do individual ministry.
Bangkok was a little scary at first because there was rioting going on. Also we learned that 60% of the men that fly into Bangkok airport come to have sex with the women that I came to know and love. Around this time was their New Year and with that came Sungkran a water festival. No one is safe and you will get wet with everyone else. iPod or computer so don’t be dumb or it will get ruined. For almost a week, everyone plays and gets wet. They’re smart it’s the hottest time of the year and it is so much fun.
From Bangkok to Nam which is 12 hours North of Bangkok. Martha, Dez, Jennifer, Leize Marie and I boarded a bus thinking we were going to a “JUNGLE”. I was scared, but excited to be working with my old teammates and the other girls for the first time.
Nam is so beautiful, full of mountains and amazing people and sites. This month I can already feel the 9 months on my mind and body. I thought that when people say you age over 5 years on the race it was a lie but this is when I have started feeling the weight of the race on me.
We end up in a beautiful town where the first day we get on the back of a pickup truck with a huge drum filled with water. We go around with buckets smashing people with water. Then we walk over a 26 year old bridge which was kind of crazy and not safe. We feed fish and we went swimming in a river, and we went to a look out were they had huge gold statues of one of their Gods. We had a great first day. Our contact and his family were amazing and great servants of God. Our translator Nat has the most beautiful heart. (don’t cha know).
We taught an English camp and built long lasting memories with the youth. We went to villages and spoke life into many people. Prayed a lot for healing, went door to door and blessed people in the name of Jesus. We went to a prison and I spilled out my testimony with many tears. We met amazing German missionaries. Had an amazing, and most peaceful birthday of my life (thanks to you Martha!). This month was shortened because of debrief and I had to go back a week earlier to get visas for our team.
This month was very advantageous and meaningful. I never would take it back and am thankful that everyday God was there helping me grow with every passing breath…
