Hello from Thailand!
This blog is way over due (my squad mentor is currently staying with my team and nagging me about writing one).
For the past two months, my team has been teaching english, working in a nursery for kids whose parents have leprosy, ministering in a women’s prison, and working in a youth rehab center. For the month of October, the students here in Chanthaburi were on summer break from school. My team and I, alongside with our pastor ran an English camp each weekday morning and then again in the evenings.
Mondays are our “adventure” days here in Thailand. I’ve done some super exciting things like riding and swimming with elephants (terrifying, never again), jumping into waterfalls, and exploring the coffee shops and restaurants around our town.
I live with the pastor of a church here in Thailand (Pastor Ekachai), along with his wife (Mom), and their twelve year old son, Samuel. On Sundays, Pastor Ekachai leads an amazing church service where my team also sings and shares our testimonies, and what God has been teaching us.
Unfortunately, I’ve been sick a lot since arriving in Thailand. I’ve had three hospital visits, where I was diagnosed with Mono and overworking intestines. But no worries, the Thai doctor said “You are a very healthy young woman, your intestines just don’t work properly.” (not sure if he was joking or not).
However, God has been promising me His strength to get through this sickness and all the other hardships that come with living in Thailand.
God has been teaching me a lot about His love and strength. It’s crazy to look around this beautiful country so far away from home and realize that God made each and every one of these people in Thailand. However, most of them don’t know about Jesus their Savior. Pastor Ekachai once told me “your students see Jesus in your smile.” I hold onto that every time I teach and share the Gospel with the people in Thailand.
I never expected to fall in love with my host family in Thailand as much as I have. Mom and I have a special connection, people even ask me to translate for them for her. She only understands my English, not sure why. I am going to miss her smile, laughter, and cute accent when she speaks to me in English.
Due to visa problems, my squad will actually be moving to Cambodia on November 6th, so my time in Thailand is ending shortly. Please be praying for this transition and for the people of Thailand, that they will continue to come in contact with people who can help grow their faith.
Thank you for all your support and prayers! Stay tuned for more blogs and pictures.
