Hmm.
Well we left Thailand with tear stained hearts. We were leaving a home undoubtably crafted by the Lord- entrusted to a family led by Pat and Art. They’re the “most memorable” kind of people. Phenomenally genuine, handing out unearthly wisdom free of charge. Their home and life were drenched with God’s mercy and undeserving forgiveness. They brought people in. An open door policy with an added specification “welcoming ALL” made for a farm full of horrendous stories and inspiring triumphs. The farm was quite physically and spiritually life giving. We reluctantly said goodbye to some true but temporary mentors and to the only teams we had known so far.
Team Frontline- fierce and ready. For what? Who knows. But we bond over visions of battle and resilient spirits (all for the kingdom of course).
Making our way downtown (or up countries), we come to Myanmar. We lay out our sleeping pads nearly on top of one another, tape some watercolor art on the wall, and call it home.
Ruth’s about to burst.
Ruth is the lovely leading lady and wedded wife making up half of our coupled host. And she is way pregnant. Like any day now kind of pregnant. And still they invite the nine of us into their expectant home. How uncommonly selfless. They live in a way that doesn’t allow ministry into life but vice verse. Of course they’re having their first child and housing a team of foreigners simultaneously. Ministry halts for no one. Not even an eight pounder named Shellee whom we had the privilege of welcoming days before our departure.
I think these are the kinds of students teachers dream of having. The non entitled kind. I know they make me want to spend my days teaching English. Or what English I know at least.
They’re hungry and grateful.
I love this.
They’re respectful and ultimately teachable.
This ministry is a blessing.
But as usual the race continues to run its course. Pack up, we’re leaving.
Nowadays we’re found in Pokhara, Nepal. The seven Frontliners and SQL Tay fill our days avoiding cows and questioning why fellow foreigners walk around barefoot. Teammate Jlo has since informed me that humans have very large pores on the bottom of our feet, hence her coating her feet with various oils from time to time. Nonetheless, shoeless with a cause? The world may never know.
Here is where we’ve met two radically different and courageous women. NOT interrupters and never simply translators. These women are missionaries with world changing natures. They fearlessly yet cautiously lead us into the “slums” by day and dance bars by night. They don’t need us. But they want us and I feel honored. They’re strong and fully capable. However, we’ve been sent here to encourage them or to keep them encouraged. The Lord has seemed to douse our voices with power and love. These women care about what we say. How incredible. That quite possibly I would have an influence on such influencers.
That’s all for now. Thanks for checking in!
