I feel like I just did a top 5 blog for Cambodia, but here we are again. Our time in Thailand was full, but it feels like it flew by. We’ve officially arrived in our next country, Malaysia, so this blog is dedicated to sharing some of the highlights from my time in the Thai cities of Bangkok, Nong Khai, and Phuket. In no particular order:
- Debrief/Reflection: Our squad had a really meaningful time during our debrief at the end of our time in Cambodia. We all met in Bangkok to reflect on what God had been doing so far in our race, and to talk with our leaders about our team dynamics and what we could sense God might be doing in us as individuals. I, personally, had some really meaningful solo moments with the Lord where it felt like God was speaking words to me that I’ve been waiting to hear from him for a long time. He was communicating his love to me through certain people, times of silence, and times of worship. It was an answer to several years of prayers that I prayed during seasons of spiritual dryness, and I want to make sure to hold onto these moments that I had with God as examples of his faithfulness through seasons that have felt hard. God is really good…and it’s worth continuing to lean into him when you feel dry or when God feels distant.
- La Mesa Coffee Co.: In Bangkok, there is a really cool coffee shop owned and operated by my new friends Gary and Michelle Ford. My friends Blu and Aleisha encouraged me to stop by their shop to meet them and to hear about their heart for the people of Bangkok, so I made my way over to their shop on one of the final days of our squad’s debrief. Gary and Michelle are joining God’s mission in Bangkok, viewing their business as their main point of contact with the community. It was fun hearing their vision for business as mission, and imagining together what ministry could potentially look like outside of the church walls. I was inspired by their commitment to the people of Bangkok, and by the creative ways that they’re seeking to share the gospel in their everyday lives. I think it’s so important for Christians to look for ways to creatively partner with God in their communities, and every time I see examples of this in person, it inspires more imagination in me as well. So I’m really thankful to have gotten to see it up close in the Fords. Plus they make some really good coffee!
- Nong Khai: You can read more about my team’s time in Nong Khai in my previous blog titled “Ban Dong Charoen”, but I just have to emphasize again here, our time with our Airbnb host, Sarisa, was so sweet. It was so cool how God brought us to one of the only Christians in one of the small villages outside of Nong Khai. We would have never expected to be there when this trip started, but God knew that our time with each other would be an encouragement to all of us, and it was. Our time with Sarisa will be among of my favorite things that God has done so far on this World Race experience, for sure.
- Pierre-Luc and Catherine: At our first hostel in Phuket, our team was able to connect with a brother and sister, from Canada, who were nearing the end of their travels. Pierre-Luc and Catherine have such a deep desire to care for the earth and to spread more love and hope wherever they go. We felt that love in the friendship they offered us in the short time we got to be with them. We spent time talking about our hopes for the world, and just how much beauty there is to see and appreciate. I also got to spend some time talking with Pierre-Luc about his passion for Tiny Homes, which has been an interest of mine for several years. These two new friends were so much fun to talk to and to imagine new possibilities with for our world.
- Kata/Karon Beaches: A good portion of our last week in Thailand was full of exploration and rest. The beaches in Thailand are amazing, and provided our team with so many opportunities to have fun together and just appreciate what God has created. We spent time relaxing on the beach, worshiping together as the sunset over the water, swimming and snorkeling, and visiting islands that looked liked something out of a movie. We met a few travelers during this time, but it felt like these days were set aside to appreciate and enjoy God, and there was so much to appreciate and enjoy. I’ll for sure remember this place and it’s beauty.
God was all over Thailand. We ran into him wherever we went. It’s been such a blessing to see the people and the places that God loves all over the world. I can’t wait to see what he’ll show us here in Malaysia. Thank you for your prayers, texts, and phone conversations. I read every comment, and appreciate every person who has been following along. May God bless you wherever this blog finds you!
