Wow, where did the time go? Why did my month in Thailand have to go by so fast? When will I go back?
All the questions I have been asking myself since we arrived in Cambodia a couple days ago.
Month 10 was hands down the best month of the race. We were working with ‘Outpour movement’ in Mae sot. To make this month even sweeter we were able to live with another team on our squad. We were each given our own bike to ride to and from ministry and anywhere else our hearts desired.
Most of us needed a little refresher on a bike..including myself. Did I accidentally run right into a pole? Yes, I did. Did I also fall off my bike on the road and slam into the ground while avoiding hitting another teammate? Yes, yes I did.
Just in case you needed another laugh. My friend Jodi was riding down the road on her bike and from bumper to bumper she slams into a parked van. Slides all the way to the from of the van and has dirt on her arm while hysterically laughing. Basically she was a magnet. (She was fine).
Another squad-mate was riding back to the house with thai tea and was hit by a motor bike (they just kept driving) and she of course lay there dying laughing in her tea. Made it home with a bruise and lots of laughs!
Your welcome for the laugh.
Now back to outpour movement. They currently have a restaurant and a men’s discipleship house. Most of the guys that have been or are in the house currently work in the restaurant, “Famous Ray’s”. (I basically ate fries and eggs everyday, YOLO) They are currently in the process of opening another ministry resource for women and reopening their bike shop for renting out bikes. They also started “The refuge” for abandoned children in Burma. They have a home where the children live and get schooling and tutoring as well as learning the love of the Lord. You should go and visit!! Amazing!
Each month looks different for ministry this month was one of manual labor and building different items for a new ministry that Outpour plans to open. A lot of sanding down wood, staining it and cutting it. Then from that to making metal framed wood benches for the new ministry. Let’s just say it was hotter than hot. I mean, we were in Asia. We would start each day off with a little dance party to get the momentum going for the day.
For me this month looked differently than my teammates. I was asked to nanny a sweet baby girl named, Joy that I absolutely fell in love with. I might or might not have balled my face off having to leave her. She and her mom have a wonderful story and I could not have been more honored to have served in the capacity that I did. I didn’t just make a friend this month. I made a sister in my heart. Working with Amy and being encouraged by her did my heart good before heading into month 11. Being a former world racer herself, I think she just understood me. It was so amazing to talk to someone who had a lot of the same dreams as I did. To get to talk to someone who has a heart for adoption and wanting to open a ministry that would bring glory to the Father.
I love how Jesus gives us dreams and even when they seem daunting he calls us to dig into him and allow Him to lead the way. I love that he calls us to things that we HAVE to depend on him and not on our own strength or knowledge.
Outpour has reminded me that dreaming is good and God’s promises never turn up void. He always finishes what he starts. It doesn’t mean it will be easy or pretty but He will do what he says He is going to do. He is consistent and omnipresent. This month I was able to take the courage I saw in others and launch myself forward into dreams that I have been going through with the Lord.
(a few pictures of our day in Burma, above.)
This months take aways:
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Laugh at yourself when you wreck multiple times in public on your bike.
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LOVE YOUR TEAMMATES.
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Laugh more than you ever thought you could.
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Learn how to do new dance moves.
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Always remember you’re an example for someone else.
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Love with ALL your heart even if it hurts when you have to say goodbye. It just means you did it right and gave your all.
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Anytime someone gives you a bike, ride it.
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Take a ride in the rain and get soaked.
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Pop that cipro like candy when you can’t get out of the bathroom longer than 30 minutes (HAHA)
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On your off day, watch “stranger things” (I’m obsessed)
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Stop putting brakes on your dreams, go for it!
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Stop being so serious about everything!
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Read a book!
AND
14. Get excited for MONTH 11, last month!
Well that is about all for now. It’s been a long few days of travel and getting settled into Cambodia. We are working at New hope school. The kids are precious and we will be teaching English all month. I’ll let you know how my last month on the race went soon enough!
