For the past three I have fallen completely in LOVE with the continent of Asia. I have experienced so many great things, made some wonderful memories and have met some truly amazing people.
1. Bud Jones
I cannot put into words how much I respect and adore this man. Bud is 71 years old but does not look a day over 55 and has the endurance of a high school athlete. He has been in missions the majority of his adult life and currently resides in a tamarind/ mango orchard in northern Thailand. For the month, our team camped on his orchard and worked alongside him preparing the land for a new children’s home. He not only cooked us an amazing breakfast every morning but he also imparted so much of his wisdom. What I will always remember about Bud is his huge heart and his desire to glorify the Lord in everything he does.
2. Thai Food
Thai food has always been one of my favorites but after going to Thailand, I like it even more. One meal our team ate and never seemed to get enough of was a spicy soup called cal soy. Now that months have passed we still talk about how good that dish was. The food was great but what made it even flavorful were the rich conversations with those who accompanied us.
3. Getting Dirty in the Thai Jungle
I mentioned earlier in Thailand we camped on a Mango & Tamarind orchard and spent the whole month doing manual labor. One would assume since we were an all girls team serving with another all girls team, we would be helping in an orphanage or teaching English. Well, that was not the case at all, as women we got dirty…. Real dirty. Every day we cleared land with primitive machetes, planted banana trees and helped with construction jobs in the house they are building on the property. I surprisingly enjoyed myself and felt empowered as a women doing a typical man’s job.
4. Releasing Lanterns
In Thailand we also worked at a children’s home for girls and boys who are considered high risk for sex trafficking. These homes are a safe place in which ensures these children’s safety, an education and place where they are unconditionally loved. This organization is very Christ centered and it surly shows through the children. Each night we would go and eat with the children. We would help them with their homework, braid their hair and play countless games of Uno. Our team became very invested in these children and it was very hard to say good-bye. In Thailand, the lantern ceremony is very unique to this country. As a way to say good-bye each of us got our own lantern and released it with all the children. Instead of saying goodbye to us personally they said their goodbyes to the released lanterns. To say the least it was a very emotional ceremony, but a wonderful way to end an incredible month.
5. Choen Ean and Luma
In Malaysia one of our many ministries included working for a Christian Media Arts organization, called LUMA. The director behind all this was an energetic woman named Choen Ean. She is so lovely and treated our team so well. She really became invested in our lives and recharged our spirits. Her vision for Penang, is bringing Christ to the rapidly growing art scene and I have no doubt that she will. I especially liked working with Luma and Choen Ean because it was different than anything we’ve done on the Race.
6. Malaysian Christmas
We spent the month of December in Malaysia which means we also celebrated Christmas there as well. I have never been a fan of the Christmas season but this one was truly special. As a team we were able to incorporate some special traditions and were also able to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. I love my team and I am very glad we were able to make it a memorable day.
7. Rooftop sunrises
In Penang we our team was blessed to live in a wonderful apartment. The best part of the whole thing was not the hot showers, wifi or the air conditioning but the amazing rooftop that overlooked the whole island. Each morning I would wake up really early to have my morning devotion and spend time with the Lord. And each morning I would watch a spectacular sunrise, each one different then the day before.
8. Phenhop
During our month in Malaysia we had the privilege of attending PENHOP (Penang House of Prayer). This is a prayer room that allows believers in the area gather to worship and intercede for the city. It was amazing to see Christians in the area coming together as a body of believers and collectively pray for their city and for this nation. I do not doubt that the Lord hears their prayers. I believe that there is going to be a true revival in Penang and in Malaysia in the years to come.
9. Vuthy
Our month in Cambodia was awesome and one of the main reasons for that was our host Vuthy. He is the type of person who makes you feel like you are welcomed and that you are a part of the family. A little background about Him: He is 29 years old and came to know the Lord five years ago by driving missionaries around in the capital. Since then he has completed his DTS (discipleship training school) for YWAM and moved to back his home village. He is running his own English school and is incorporating the Gospel into his classes. His heart for the Lord and his students is incredible. I felt privileged to have had this opportunity to work with him this past month.
10. The Village
This month my team specifically traveled an hour away to a remote village to do ministry each day. The village known as Big Cup is home to Vuthy’s Grandmother, and only Christian. Each day we would turn down a red dirt road and drive through rice fields for miles until we reached her house and our classroom (an orange tarp with several tables and chairs). We taught three English classes a day and spent the rest of time building relationships with the village residents. Despite the language barrier we were able to invest a lot into our students and made some wonderful friendships this month.
11. Womanistry
The month of January was our squad’s womanisty and manistry months. This is when they split the teams into separate male and female teams. It came to no surprise to our team when we were told the plans for the month, mainly because we have participated in womanistry for the past four months. However, we were able to work alongside some women that have been on co-ed teams the entire race. It was awesome to grow as a collective group of women, through house bible studies, group worship and living in daily community with one another. It also showed me how much freedom comes from being on an all girls team.
With Asia coming to an end means only one thing… it time for Africa. Please keep my squad in your prayers as we venture to our next continent. As our route stands we will be spending the next three months in Tanzania, Mozambique and Swaziland. I am super excited to see how the Lord will show up these next three months.
Also please consider partnering with me so I can continue my race! I am currently at 12,787 dollars which means I am $2,712 dollars from making my next and final deadline on March 1st. Thank you for your continual support and prayer! God Bless!
