We have arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand and are ready to do ministry.
Travel days for the World Race can be long and take more than one day. Our first travel day was no different; it began with a 1:45pm flight on Sunday from Atlanta to Tokyo, Japan, which was a 12-hour flight. We had an hour lay over there and went immediately to our gate to catch our next flight to Bangkok, Thailand. This flight was 6 hours and most of us passed out or at least I did and missed our meal for this flight. If you know me, I love to eat and will do it anywhere anytime. Upon arrival to Bangkok, we retrieved our bags and they all make it safety. We gathered all our goods and went to stand by the exit as a squad, and this is where our first game of hackie sack began. Thanks Zac for bringing that; we will get much use out of it. Our super squad leader Stacy and our logistic lady went to find our bus to take us to Chiang Mai. We went out and found the bus, which was a sweet double decker with AC, reclining chairs, and even equipped with a bathroom. The bus ride was great and included 2 pit stops on the way. These pit stops included my first use of squatty potty. Let’s just say this will be an adjustment but I’m down for the challenge!
Q Squad lady on our first travel day!!
Sunrise in Japan, after our 12-hour flight
Finally we arrived to Chiang Mai at 12pm Tuesday and unloaded the bus. So we had a 36-hour travel day and had some major jet lag with some swollen feet. Had our lunch at our house for the month. We are staying at Zion Café and working with Lighthouse in Action. Our contact is Emmi and she completely loves the Lord. We unpacked the bus, had lunch, and got right to it with a 4pm session as a squad to meet with Emmi and get introduced to her ministry. Had dinner out in the local market and had my first real pad Thai; it was yum! We had the night free but I went to bed early to get some rest. Wednesday up and ready to see what the day had to hold. We ate a delicious breakfast here at Zion and had a morning session where we just had time to be vulnerable with Q squad. What a great time with the squad and knowing this is a safe place. It was so wonderful to hear how the Lord has and is working in my squad mates’ lives. Ate lunch at Zion, which has proven to be delicious and always very satisfying. Then we had an afternoon session with Emmi to hear more directly about what we will be doing for the month. I ask that each of you be praying for her ministry and us here. This month will have 3 different kinds of ministry involved in it: one is village, 2nd chance, and bar ministry. As these happen I will explain more in detail what each entail. I can already see going into this month of ministry it is going to be hard and without prayers and seeking the guidance of The Lord a very hard month. We will see!!
Thai Street Food
11 Things NOT to do in Thai Culture:
- No touch the head
- Don’t cross your legs when you sit down
- No pointing
- Don’t touch a monk
- Speak softly, something I am working on
- Point with the whole hand
- Don’t show off the feet
- Be clean!
- No hugging between guys and girls
- Stay clothed
- Gift for a monk, a guy has to give to it them
Ways to be praying for me:
- Getting adjusted to Thai culture
- Ministry this month
- Contentment in living out of a backpack for a year
- Allowing God to move in and through me
- Team HOLLAR-lujah!
- Q Squad
- The Thai people to receive us here
