Today, I woke up, worked out on a roof in Chiang Mai, did my laundry in a washing machine on the street, and walked to a nearby coffee shop to soak up some air con and reflect on the month. I do believe that this has been my favorite month on the race so far. A compilation of interesting cultures, beautiful mountains, busy cities, kind people, and unique food have made for an incredible month. Oh, and being barefoot all the time really is the icing on the cake.
After spending a week overwhelmed by the sights of young girls with men who had paid for them, my heart was heavy and, selfishly, wanting to get away. Side note: the beach was beautiful and our hostel was air conditioned, so it wasn’t all bad. Our squad took an overnight bus to Chiang Mai where my team awaited the arrival of our contact.
Ray pulled up in his truck, rockin’ a pair of Oakleys, so I assumed this was gonna be legit. My assumption was correct. We loaded up and took off, destination: Mae Sot!
Ray and his wife Candace run OutPour Ministry; in a nut shell, OutPour works with already established ministries and establishes new ministries. They put a lot of effort into building relationships with the people of Mae Sot, provide opportunities for work, and help ministries with whatever they need to succeed. Example: Famous Ray’s is a burger restaurant that they opened earlier this year. The goal is for all proceeds to go to The Refuge, where 7 Burmese refugee teens live.
Five hours and a lot of winding roads later, we arrived at Famous Ray’s where we would be living for about a week. Commence possible favorite week on the Race. The last Racers here bought four bikes and left them for future teams, and we were able to purchase 2 more, so biking was our mode of transportation all week- so fun!
Each morning we headed to Lucky tea for a hearty breakfast of chick peas, fresh hot naan, and Thai tea. We made quick friends with See and Saa, the smiling sisters who ran the restaurant. The boy who delivered our tea and food was 13 year old Mu, who works full time at Lucky Tea to help his mom support their family. He was so sweet, and I was saddened to know that he (like so many other kids in the world) is missing out on childhood and an education.
Many days we got to spend at New Jerusalem, a children’s home full of laughing, smiling, awesome kids from Burma. We taught English and played with the kids. Most of the time we spent there I was completely awed by these kids. They are the happiest, most selfless people I’ve met. They are separated from their families, due to death or other sad circumstances. They don’t have many tangible things, but do have an unbelievable abundance of gratitude for what they do have. They value and appreciate education. They love each of the 20-something other people that they share a small home with, and would actually give anyone the shirt off their back.
When we practice English via conversation I asked “What do you want to do when you grow up?” and they blew me away with their answers. Hae Mwee told me that she’d like to be a clothes designer, and give the clothes she designs to poor people. Khotwe wants to be a pastor and help kids who don’t have families. While they’re telling me this, I’m thinking wow, these people who have so much less than me (and nearly everyone in America) want to devote their lives to people with less. They want to give, even though it seems to me that they don’t have anything to give.
Can you imagine what the world would be like if we all started thinking of people with less, and gave out of our slew of surplus? I’ve been living on around $10 dollars a day (lodging, transportation, food), which is about what most of us spend on a latte and muffin on the way to work, or on a fall inspired beverage with our coworkers after work! I can’t wrap my head around how little we would have to give up in order to feed some hungry kids or pay for the education that they so desire. A 13 year old boy at the Jerusalem home told me he valued school because without it he couldn’t have a better life.
My heart felt so full after spending only a week with these kids, I would love to one day return and spend more time with them! While I was supposed to be teaching them English, they were teaching me huge life lessons, and being incredible examples. They live so minimally and simply, are some of the most content people I’ve met, and focus their lives on what is good and important: loving God, and loving people.
While we were in Mae Sot, I was saddened by all of the people dedicated to idols and gods who don’t guarantee salvation, but I was so encouraged by the light that I witnessed in the midst of darkness. While there are many orphans, street kids, drug abuse, and sex trafficking, there are also people following Jesus, and people working to continue bringing the light to Mae Sot and Burma.
I would love to encourage you to find someone in need, and pray about how you can help them! Whether it’s sending money overseas to pay for a kids education, or it’s helping a single parent purchase groceries to feed the family, or it’s giving some clothes and shoes to a homeless person, or it’s supporting a missionary, I really encourage you to engage in something like this. Being thankful requires us to sit back and look at all we have, and in doing so, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve been blessed with. Honestly, you probably won’t even need to sacrifice anything out of your own life to give a little to someone else, but if you so choose to sacrifice something, it will definitely amplify the benefits in your life. Giving to somebody else will help you focus on what’s important, fill your heart with love, and bring you closer to Jesus- the guy who gave His life, so that yours might be saved!
Also, I’d like to mention that with a few donations I’ve received this month, my funds still needed are down to $3,800! We’re really doin it!!! The fundraising goal needs to be met by January 1, and if a lot of people can give just a little bit, we can totally do this! Remember, it’s tax deductible, and I won’t be home to receive any Christmas gifts 😉 Thank you immensely to all who’ve supported me, with your hard earned moolah, your fervent prayers, and your encouraging messages. Praying for you all, and sending my love from the other side of the planet!
