My birthday started at 12:01 a.m on a bus headed for Ubon Ratchathani. Now keep in mind that we just came from Cambodia, where bus rides consist of seats specifically made for people shorter then 5’5 and under 120lbs, air is a slight breeze from the broken half open vent, near death experience is included in the ticket price, and blaring karaoke music is on board entertainment. So I had prepared my mind for the same experience in Thailand. However God knew that I needed a little pick me up on my birthday and so he placed us on the most amazing bus I have ever ridden on. I would say it is better than Air Asia.
The bus had real air conditioning, free blankets in case you got cold through the night, a water and meal came with the purchase of the tickets, (very rare in the transportation we have taken over the last few months) and seats that reclined and massaged. Needless to say it “blew me mind”.
A few hours later we arrived in Ubon, I waved goodbye to our awesome bus, and I thought the bday celebrations were pretty much over. I mean honestly, I didn’t need anything more. God not only blessed me with an awesome bus ride on my bday but awesome teammates. We did the regular first day arrive at ministry stuff; briefing, store run, unpacking, nap and then finally sat down to finish up the day with feedback.
Now I’m not always a fan of feedback but that night a surprise was waiting for me. My team had decorated a room with a paper Christmas tree and cut out snow flakes, Christmas music playing in the background, buckeyes and tim-tam banana slams for treats! (p.s I love Christmas if you didn’t know) It was by far the best surprise I’ve had on the race. All things considered it is possibly the best surprise on my birthday. To finish the night off Rach bought the Christmas Story, even though she’s not a big fan of it, and we watched it in 90 degree weather in Thailand.
Needless to say it was amazing. I realized that even though I’m far away from home, I have a family who loves me on the race. Who wants to celebrate getting older with me, they encourage and push, love and show grace, they pick me up when I’m low and love me back to humbleness when my ego is a little too high. They are truly amazing and they made my birthday one of the best.
