At the beginning of this month, my parents came to Chiang Mai, Thailand to visit me on the field for Parent Vision Trip. While I still plan to write my own perspective of having my parents with me on the field (stay tuned, hopefully), here is a glimpse into what that week was like for my Mom, in her very own words!
ARE WE THERE YET?
It had been 8 months since Launch…..8 months since we left Rosie in Atlanta. To say we could hardly wait to see her was an understatement. Waiting in the Guest house lobby – we see her coming around the stairs!!!! I don’t know how she felt – as life for her the past 8 months has been busy. Really busy. I’m sure you understand if you’ve been keeping up with her blogs. But for me (and her Dad) hugging her close was similar to what I imagine a drink of water feels like after being in the desert without any. I wanted to freeze time right in the middle of that embrace just as I wanted to countless times when she would go back to school after a break. I told her, “I can’t let go yet because so many people told me to give you a hug for them” (you know who you are!) “I haven’t even gotten to mine yet!” She is, of course, use to this and allows me to soak it all in. We are here! We are actually in Thailand with Rosie! Heaven.
Now what?
Our first official meeting introduced us to our host, Emmi and what ministry would be like in Thailand. Emmi’s journey of faith and call to this service touched us all deeply, and when I looked over to Greg, and he was literally on the edge of his seat, hanging on to her every word – I knew our journey was no mistake. We would have gone to see Rosie in any country – so here we are in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This is where God wanted us. We learned about the bar ministry and the makeup of the world of sex trafficking. We heard of success stories and the importance of planting seeds of love and care for these precious girls during our time here. Emmi told us of a home where they can live and feel safe if they decide to leave the bars. We even spent an afternoon there painting and repairing. Emmi’s desire to rescue these ladies was infectious and we were eager to help!
pc: Aubrey Fite
Slum ministry and monk chat ministry were also discussed and scheduled. We would have time to participate in each one during our stay.
I definitely did not feel qualified somehow – or at the least – I was anxious about my ability to approach those we were called to minister. That feeling, I’m happy to say, didn’t last long!
The monks? They have a sign up that asks for people to come chat with them. This practice mainly happens in Chiang Mai. They are thirsty to practice their English, answer any questions you want to ask and even have some to ask you. We finally had to tear ourselves away, because others were waiting to visit with them and we had been there for quite awhile. I can’t wait to hear how these chats progressed as the Racers continue participating the rest of May.
Ministry in the slums was no different – all we did was show up with a soccer ball, head to the open field and the kids came out to join in. With smiles, swinging small children in the air, shoulder rides, follow the leader and of course, soccer….it was a fun, hot, sweaty, honor to be part of a little break in their day. Did I say HOT? Thailand actually redefined hot for us— and that’s hard to do when you’re from Texas!
pc: Aubrey Fite
Bar ministry was threatened by rain, but we braved the elements and when we arrived – we were introduced to some ladies that, Ricci, our PVT leader had met the week before. Greeted with hugs and smiles and invitations to play pool and Jenga with them made the anxiety fade away – only to be replaced with a heaviness as we watched the evening progress. These girls, these women – too young and too old to be “working” at a job where they aren’t free to experience true happiness on their own terms is heartbreaking. Whether they choose this lifestyle or are forced into it – a sadness in their eyes was impossible to deny. We prayed for relationships to flourish as the Racers continued to visit during the month and remain hopeful we might one day hear – that with Emmi’s help, they are on a path to a happier, healthier life.
Just for Fun!
On our free day – we went to an elephant sanctuary! At these sanctuaries – the elephants are truly cared for and not mistreated in any way. It was so fun to be close to the elephants, literally walking right between them and feeding bananas to one after the other. Following the elephants “lunch” – they were guided to a large muddy waterhole where many racers and some parents gave the elephants a “mud bath”. I’m not sure who enjoyed that process more! The ones in the water (how often do you get the opportunity to play in the mud?!) or the ones on dry land (that would be me), trying to get every picture worthy shot I could! The elephants? Yeah, they loved the attention. After all were sufficiently filthy – it was off to the next water hole to “rinse”. This involved heavy splashing and many showers of thanks to the racers as the elephants “sprayed” them with water!!! Oh yes indeed – many pictures!
NO! Not yet!
Unfortunately, the days pass too quickly and PVT is over. It has to be – and truthfully, I’m sure the racers were more than happy to see it arrive. Having us there must be a shock to the way of life they have grown accustomed to on the race….like when you have company and they finally leave. They graciously shared so much of themselves with us in prayer, songs of worship, and testimonies. We are truly grateful for their courage and trust. Experiencing our “children” together and getting to know the parents of these amazing racers was incredible. We share the same joys and fears all parents know. And we’re not done….that’s what they forget to tell you about being a parent.
Thinking back on the blogs I’ve read – all of Rosie’s and many others – I realize this priceless PVT experience allowed us a first hand glimpse at what these Racers have experienced month after month. They have seen poverty, injustice, sadness, and anger….and have continued to bring as much comfort, happiness, and truth as Christ could provide through them. And all along, they have ministered to one another as well. That part of the Race is hard to predict. Living together in less than ideal situations, facing fears, being honest with each other when it hurts – is tough stuff. Now they are coming in on the last few months and staying present in the Race gets even tougher. It’s always difficult when any long anticipated journey is nearing the end. What’s next? Some know. Some don’t. But there’s still 2 more months to this journey, and that’s where they should remain. The growth in the racers these past 8 months was impossible to miss – and there’s more to come.
Enjoy it Rosie. We will be here waiting. No agendas. No expectations. Just lots and lots of love.
