Are there any crazy bugs in Thailand? Dude, on the first day of ministry, there was a NEON yellow spider crawling up my arm. I almost popped a blood vessel from fear. so to answer your question, yes.
How do you communicate with people when it comes to language barriers? So most Thai (atleast in Chiang Mai) people know some, if not a decent amount of english. most shop owners are pretty fluent because it is such a touristy area, and sometimes locals will know a little English but it is broken. But using really simple english words, pointing, acting out things. Also, most of us know basic phrases in Thai such as “hello”, “thank you” “how are you” stuff like that! it’s really not hard!
How did you know the Lord was leading you to World Race? 1) just watching Him close other doors and relentlessly praying. and 2) really just pressing into His voice. Literally one day was like, “aight God if you really want me to go, make it happen” and it did. I got accepted two weeks after that. and here we are. I knew in my spirit that I had an unshakeable desire to share the gospel with the nations! and to see just how much God loves His people.
Piece of advice for long travel day? Coming from someone who had A) never travelled a significant distance before B) never been on a plane EVER & first flight ended up actually being 5 flights (one being 14 hours) & amounted to 3 days in total. went into it having no clue what to expect. BRING A NECK PILLOW. my life saver. good for flights, sleeping in airports. and lastly, whatever bag you’re talking through security, pack it strategically. for the love of God. I had to take out my laptop, DSLR camera, GoPro, AND 3 power banks. and they were all in the BOTTOM of my backpack so i had totake everything out to get to them. and they yell at you when you take too long. i had to do it 5 times. it was stressful.
Favorite thing about Thailand? THE PEOPLE. OH MY WORD THE PEOPLE. the relationships I am building! Thailand is called “the land of smiles” & it could not be more true. & they are so hospitable! always make sure you are well fed, offer you so much. and, Thai women are sassy and goofy & I LOVE IT. i fit in so well!
How has it been adjusting to life away from home? Honestly, to my surprise, not hard at all! I’m not really a home body, & i love new things & new experiences so I haven’t gotten homesick (yet)! Luckily the transition has been super easy & I have peace because this is my home for now, and I’m so confident in what the Lord is doing in my life & that He has me where I’m at for a reason. Although I do miss A/C a lot and being able to sleep all cuddled up in blankets. And going to church every sunday. and driving.
What is the funniest moment so far? THE THAI MASSAGE. I’M LAUGHING JUST TYPING THIS. after a long 2 weeks of doing some manual labor we decided to get a massage. it was NOT at ALL what was expected. I expected a relaxing massage, instead got a WWE smack down. those thai women do NOT play around.
What has been the most difficult thing so far? The first month hasn’t been super hard to be honest, and it’s been more than fun. The one thing that I would say has been hard is that God is really just ripping up roots in me & planting them elsewhere! I prayed this month for God to strip me of every ounce of my pride, and He is doing just that. It’s super tough, but God is really molding me into who He wants me to be.
Have you made any friends with the locals? YES! so many friends!! Hopefully will get to talk & share more about them in the future!
Do you like living in the city? For the most part, yes! It’s an easy walk to wherever we want to go, & there’s plenty to do. It makes the times that we do get to ride out into the country so much more worth it! However I could definitely go without the busy street at night when I’m trying to sleep. it’s so loud. I just want to go to bed.
What has God taught you so far? wow. so much. to keep it short and sweet — you won’t always be able to see the fruits of your labor. He loves me so much more than I can even imagine and He reminds me of it every single day. He loves His people. I desperately need to let go of my pride. Everything that happens to us is so carefully orchestrated. I don’t need to be discouraged when people don’t accept the kingdom invitation that I am handing out. He has taught me so many things in just my first month and I could honestly go on and on forever.
Who’s your favorite teammate? Nice try.
What’s something that has stood out to you this month? How normal it feels for me to be living this life. Every day I am so blown away and thankful, but yet it isn’t weird to me. Like yep, this is my life. God just keeps on surprising me everyday.
Thank you for reading! I am going to try & do a Q&A once a month, as long as it doesn’t get super repetitive. Only 3 more weeks left in Thailand, and the on to Malaysia!! xx Tay morg
