Month 9 has come to a close. The pace of the Race feels like it’s at warp speed, the last month a beautiful blur. I didn’t take many pictures this month and I slightly regret that, but I do have many wonderful memories and lessons that I’ll take away from my time in Thailand.
With each new country I enter I start with a fresh page in my journal for quickly noting special memories throughout the month that I never want to forget. Many of the things I write down are simple, but have taught me to find something exciting, funny, beautiful, and wonderful about everyday.
Here are a few of my memorable moments from Thailand:
Street Smiles and Waves
Outside the front door of the church we stayed at was a tall bench that overlooked the busy street- a perfect spot for morning quiet time and people watching. I absolutely loved sitting on this bench to reflect, watch, and wave to the passersby. Just like playing the game “sweet and sour” as a kid, I would wave and send a big smile their way. Most were caught off guard at first, but then returned the gesture. Smiles speak volumes.
As I stated in my last blog, a smile speaks volumes. As the Tuk Tuks and food carts rolled by, I sat in this spot to soak up bits of a culture of a culture so from my own.
English Class
Part of our ministry work for the month was teaching English at Phuket University. The students enjoyed our lessons, they had a great time chatting with us, but more than anything they LOVED getting all the teachers together for selfies. Classes would end, but we would be stuck in the room for another 10 minutes for selfie after selfie with the students.
On my first day in class I quickly bonded with a few sweet girls. A few days later my host and I ran into the girls at the market, which led to dinner and several beach hangouts.
Beach Baptism Service
On a hot and sunny Sunday afternoon our church gathered at the beach to celebrate three people declaring their lives for Christ. It was an honor to be apart of this day with our new friends.
You know you’re a World Racer when…
Before coming on the Race I read several blog about people’s funny Racer moments- random things that might only happen when you’re living out of a backpack for a year. Well, I had one of those moments last month… my air mattress popped, which led me to buy a pool floatie an affordable ($4 to be exact) mattress replacement.
Trying “unique” Cultural Foods
When in Thailand, do as the locals do, eat fried bugs from the night market.
The Best Part
I know that when I go home one of the most frequently asked question will be- what was your favorite part of the year? Every time I think back, the best part is always the people I have met and learned from each month. My month in Thailand was no exception. We made friends with fellow missionaries, refugees, tourists, children, and adults. We had fellowship over meals, sang worship in multiple languages, and rejoiced to the promises of God’s Word together.
Throughout this year I’ve asked God to give me eyes to see people the way He does. We are all children of our Heavenly Father- wonderfully made and adored. Praying this prayer has been beautifully wrecking. It’s opened my heart to love so many people, and has made saying goodbye at the end of each month so difficult.
