Mallorie gave me the option of wring her next blog from my time in Thailand, I was a bit nervous to be honest. I still couldn’t believe that I was at the Parent Vision Trip in Thailand! However, as my week continued the anxiety quickly went away. I am honored to share my heart with you regarding my experiences in Thailand. The relationships and the knowledge I gained there was immeasurable. I would love to share every single part of my time while there, but that would be an incredibly long blog! Therefore I am going to share just a glimpse into what it was like. I pray that as you read this, you will see Thailand through my eyes.
As I walked down the alley ways of Chiang Mai, l felt overwhelmed by the amount of people, and their living environment. Later, I began to notice that the Thai people seemed content with what they had. As we learned of our ministry options, I immediately felt called to join others in the “slum” ministry. Originally it was intended to play with the children and minister to them. When we arrived in the center of the slum area (a wide open space where they like to play games) there were just a few small children, as most of the children were at school. Some people began playing with the children, while others were prayer walking and picking up trash. Mallorie and I began walking looking for kids in the homes, and passing out stickers to them. We arrived at a small home that had two women sitting there sewing, so we stopped and greeted them, and we were welcomed in, as we were, shoes and all. In Asian culture it is a sign of respect to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. Even if the houses are made of tin and tarps and have dirt ?oors, you demonstrate your respect for that person and the things they have by removing your shoes. It was a big deal that the women invited us as we were into their quaint home without the request of us to remove our shoes. The older woman gave us a place to sit while we visited. They didn’t seem to speak much English, but we communicated oh so sweetly. Smiles and sherades are always helpful. We introduced ourselves, and learned that their names were Ahmi, who was the older one, and then her daughter Muto. Mallorie noticed and pointed out that Ahmi was wearing a cross necklace, to which she responded in her broken English “Jesus”. It brought tears to my eyes. We began to watch their beading/sewing and just chatted about family and their intent on making money to take back to their family in the mountains. As we sat there Ahmi and Muto made bracelets for Mallorie and I to wear, and even put them on us. Ahmi also asked us to each pick out a keychain from the bag that she was working on to sell at the market. We were so humbled by their kindness and generosity, as we continued to watch and soak up their beauty. At that moment, Ahmi grabbed two glasses and a bottle of water to serve to us to cool us down from the heat– Thailand is hot ya’ll. We asked if we could pray with them, in which of course they agreed. At the end of the prayer, Ahmi hugged us both with a kiss on each cheek. At that moment, my heart was so overjoyed, that if I could have jumped up and down and screamed thank you Jesus, I would have!
Mallorie later told me that their home was a true “Christian” home, as there are some Buddhist that will just have their own religious trinkets/statutes, and sacri?cial offerings, and then there are some that believe in ‘everything good’ so they will display all forms of religious cultures in hope to bring themselves ‘good karma’. And in Thailand, they have a saying that says, “to be Thai is to be Buddhist.” While preparing for the trip I prayed for many things, but one was asking “what can I do for the Thai people”. I have struggled with my own shortfalls as I have been dealing with newly diagnosed Lupus. I had allowed the enemy to steal my joy, my perseverance, and my healing. I really just wanted to be able to show them Christ’s love, not how tired I am or how bad I hurt. This was just my second day with the group, and I felt like our meeting with Ahmi and Muto were the very reason I was sent to Thailand! Of course, the Lord continued to minister to my heart and soul as our days continued.
AIM was very good about preparing us for the trip and about how to have intentional conversations with our racer, and to expect as such from the racer. Mallorie helped me to assimilate the culture and revelation that was being poured in to my heart by the Lord, other racers, other parents and the Thai people that we developed long lasting friendships with. Once home, I began to re?ect on what I was learning and absorbing while in Chiang Mai, and the Lord gave me a scripture 1 Timothy 6:7-9. “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” In a way, I felt that I have been foolish and was headed for destruction. I was reminded of what truly matters, and what happiness really means. I miss the people of Thailand, and pray that the Lord sends me again.
Mallorie prompted me with a few questions that I am still meditating on, and I would like to share them with you in closing.
Are you listening to the Lord?
What does God want to be for you, that you haven’t let him be for you yet?
Let these questions resonate in your spirit, while you are quiet and listen to our Father.
Love and hugs to you all!
Michelle Smith (Mallorie’s Mom)
Note from Mallorie–
Again, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for helping support my momma to come to Thailand. It was such a sweet treat to be able to spend time with her after being away for a few months. It was beautiful to see how the Lord really worked in and through her during the short week. Literally everyone we met fell in love with my mother. But then again, how can you not? It was so special to see how her love for Jesus and others constantly bubbled over. It was beautiful to see how her joy was restored and how she persevered through hard things as she allowed Abba to be her strength. I know her life is changed forever, and so is mine. Doing ministry in a foreign country with my mom has always been a dream! And now it’s a dream come true!!
Please continue praying for the people we met in Thailand as well as for my mom as he continues to reveal new things to her. 🙂
