Sah-wat-deee!
That is hello in Thai! Out of the eleven countries I will be visiting, Thailand is not my first destination but it is the one I am looking forward to visiting the most. I know what you may be thinking, it’s probably the country I am most excited to visit because I love the Asian culture, but that is not the ONLY reason. There is so much to look forward to in Thailand! Here are five quick facts you probably didn’t know about Thailand:
- One-tenth of the entire population of Thailand lives in Bangkok. It is the capital and of course, the largest city of Thailand.
- Thailand is slightly larger than the size of Wyoming.
- There are about 35,000 temples in Thailand.
- Leaving a tip is not necessary when eating out.
- Buddhism is Thailand’s largest religion with approximately 94.6% of the population practicing the religion. Muslims make up 4.6%, Christians 0.7%, and “other” 0.1%.
And for those animal lovers like myself, Thailand also offers other exciting attractions such as a tiger temple or an elephant sanctuary. You are able to see these beautiful creatures up close and help take care of them for the day.
Besides the animal encounters, the real reason I am excited for Thailand is because of the ministry work I will get to do with my team. I have read a few blogs and seen a few vlogs of past racers that have stayed in Thailand. Some, are teachers for the month having their own classroom of kids and teaching them English. Others have lived on a farm and helped the family maintain their farm while sharing the gospel.
Although I am able to read about or see others experiences, I know my own experience in Thailand will be completely different and I am ready to see what God has in store for my team and I. We will be spending Thanksgiving in Thailand and I know that that alone will open the door to minister to many about all the wonders God has done in our lives.
In just seven months, Thailand will be my home for a month. That is why I have decided to dedicate the month of April to just pray for all the work we will be doing in Thailand. All the people we will encounter, the lives that will be changed, all the unexpected trips and circumstances that may arise, and just praying that God’s will be done. I am specifically asking God to help me communicate his word properly to the people of Thailand. With Buddhism being the number one religion, I want to be able to speak words of life into everyone I meet. I have started to read more on their religion and culture so I am prepared for God to use me to speak and minister to the people without offending them. I would love for you to be praying as well for my team and I to be able to speak with confidence, love, and grace and that God begins to prepare the hearts of the people we will encounter.
La-gorn-ka!
