Inadequate, unworthy, not prepared, full of fear, undeserving, and confused are just a few of the feelings I had as I stepped into my first week of ministry on The Race. On Monday my team and I left our hostel, or our comfort zone, and headed to Thai Family, a local school. We had a brief orientation where we were told we are the teachers and our only job is to teach English. And then they let us go home for the day. Honestly as excited as I was to begin, I was also disappointed in the little instructions and lack of work.
Tuesday came around and we jumped into the Songthaew, the local transportation, and headed to our ministry excited to see what it was all about. We arrived and the teachers took us to a classroom and let us figure it out. We were so lost. All we could think of was to sing head, shoulders, knees, and toes. We have sang that song probably 1,000 times. The kids honestly love it, thankfully.
When I was in middle school I dreamed of becoming a teacher. I thought I would love it and have so much fun. I have since lost this dream, but sometimes I wonder if God was using that season of my life to prepare me for where I am now. Something I used to pray for has now come into my life & I have not appreciated it. I am learning that God’s timing is so different than our own.
But hey, I made it! I survived the first week of teaching by throwing myself in there and looking like a crazy American. And the best part is, it worked. Life here is so different, but filled with purpose. If I’m being honest sometimes ministry doesn’t always feel like ministry and it definitely isn’t easy. But I am here, right where God has placed me.
A few fun sidenotes:
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On the way home from ministry my team takes turns buying donuts from a man on the street. They are the bomb and only cost 20 batts for 4 (less than $1).
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Our morning songthaew rides are filled with joy & laughter.
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For our first adventure day we went to sticky falls. You can walk straight up and down the waterfall without slipping. It’s super fun and so beautiful.
To my friends at home, I miss you dearly. I am grateful for everyone’s support and prayer. I am still working on fundraising. I need $5,569. Any support you can offer is appreciated.
