I think God might pay attention to my Instagram. It should probably include so many things from the past 10 months- like children dancing and singing, interesting architecture, landscapes or ministry highlights. Should, but doesn’t. It’s 90% coffee heavy content.
I. Love. Coffee.
And you know what the Lord has done? Absolutely indulged what some people on my squad call an addiction. I tell them no, there is just a marked difference on the days I have coffee and the days I don’t. But I digress.
Thailand has been rough. Bangkok is one of the most evil places I’ve ever been. The spiritual climate is so heavy it’s physical. I was not prepared. Walking to find dinner the first night left me feeling so weighed down I collapsed on a chair outside our hostel and couldn’t move for over an hour. Selling and buying sex is legal in Thailand, and sex tourism is a primary reason people visit Bangkok. When walking down the street, men and women shove menus in your face of the services offered by men and women who are on display outside shops and clubs. After 5 days I refused to leave the hostel, choosing to be defeated by the city. I left for only one reason- to find coffee.
On these ventures I discovered some of my favorite coffee shops in the world and had some incredible moments with my team. Emily and I had life giving conversation in Starbucks. (The beautiful thing about the Bux is I can order the same drink anywhere in the world and it tastes the same. It’s consistency in a cup when everything feels uncertain).
Haylee came with me to a cat cafe. She is an amazing friend. Seriously, even if you don’t like cats get yourself to a cat cafe. It’s hilarious. And weird. There are just cats. Everywhere. Trying to steal your coffee and sleeping on your bag. The absurdity of it gave us so much joy and laughter. Which is good for the soul. Therefore, cat cafes are good for the soul.
On our last day in the city I took my team on a surprise visit to a unicorn cafe I’d found on Pinterest. I thought a cat cafe would be the strangest place I’d visit this month. Nope. Unicorn cafe. It looked like My Little Pony projectile vomited all over Barbie’s Malibu dream house. Pastel colors covered floor to ceiling, including the furniture, beverages, and food. Stuffed unicorns sat at each chair and renting a unicorn onesie was presented as an option (unfortunately, we did not opt for that one).
Aside from good conversation and laughter, coffee brought me out of the comfort and safety of our hostel. More importantly, as I walked I prayed. I was desperately aware of the terrible state of the city and kept fierce conversation with the Lord whenever I walked. Starbucks, cat cafes, and unicorn cafes were the only reason I was able to fight with the strongest weapon in my arsenal. Prayer was the only thing I probably could have done in the few days spent in Bangkok- so praise the Lord for coffee addictions.
Now we are in Chang Kong- a small town across the river from Laos. We were told we would be teaching English this month. However, our visas are strictly for tourism and not work, which means we are legally not allowed to teach English. Guess what we are doing instead? Setting up a coffee shop! We are involved in everything from interior design and painting to constructing furniture. And guess what else? Coffee production!
Our first few days we spent time sorting through green coffee beans and throwing away the bad ones. Today our host and his coffee expert friend taught us how to roast the beans. It’s an absolutely mesmerising process. We spent the day taste testing the various drinks our host wants to sell at the coffee shop (which is called Shalom Coffee. My favorite word in any language). We got to have our hand in almost every aspect of the coffee production process. Friends, I am obsessed. I’ve been asking the Lord what he wants me to do after the race is over (next month!) and I have a very strong feeling coffee is a part of the plan. It might just be learning to perfect the art of coffee roasting on the side for a while. Check back in!
In the spirit of continued vulnerability with you all, a few days ago I was looking at plane tickets home. Only 46 days left of this thing and I was ready to throw in the towel for real. There’s a spider the size of Shelob running around our room somewhere. It’s probably hanging out with our rat and mouse friends. In the bathroom where we use the same water hose to flush the toilet, shower, and wash our dishes. Minor details. After months it’s wearing on me. God is so patient with me. I did not fight to come on the race so I could be comfortable. Not only is he patient with me, he loves me like crazy! And pursues me like a gentleman. He knows my heart so well. And in response to me straight up yelling at him about where we’re living? He gave me a coffee shop. And a full day of coffee roasting and tasting. And a future.
Yes, God calls us to difficult and uncomfortable things. He sends us places we don’t want to go and into situations we never would have chosen for ourselves. But you know what else? He knows our hearts. His understanding is unsearchable. He will fight for us and remind us how much he loves us in a deeply personal way. A God who loves me enough to bring me coffee in the morning after I’ve yelled at him? And all he asks is I live with spiders? You better believe I’ll take the rats, too.
