Welcome to Laos! We have just arrived after a 24 hour travel day, by land, across borders and for the first time without alumni world racers. Safe to say, there was little sleep and a decent amount of inner stress. But WE MADE IT!
As team Woven, the team I am with for the month, and myself settle into our airbnb, we take some time to rest and figure out where we are. Search for some bikes to rent…no luck. Found some groceries…thank goodness. Around 7pm, we decide to find somewhere to eat dinner. We found an Indian restaurant, literally the only place open on New Years. It was delicious, but that’s besides the point.
We sat down, got to talking about the month to come and schedules. A few minutes into conversation a family, looking like Americans and speaking English, walks in. We all smile at each other and they sit at a table a couple behind ours.
We continue talking about our month of Unsung.
Next thing I know I am completely checked out of my tables conversation and completely tuned into their tables. I overheard them mention their son needing dental work..well I think that’s what was said…haha…who really knows. All I know is that they immediately had my attention because it reminded me of my daddy. I asked my table, “Hey, did they just say dental work? I think they definitely did!” They all replied with “I don’t know” and “why”.
[Side Note: We are in Laos. Laos is a closed country. Which means you can have your own beliefs and talk about it personally. However, words such as missions or ministry and evangelizing in the most basic of definitions: to convert or seek to convert, is OFF LIMITS. Like not a joke off limits, get you kicked out of the country or put in jail off limits. And this month we are an unsung team: no ministry host, instead seeking out contacts and connections for potential host and ministry opportunities for future world racers and AIM.]
I regress, so, as you can see, secrecy is important to a certain extent and no one feels particularly safe or comfortable at this point. Boundaries and sensitivity of our words and common vocabulary is a new adjustment.
I heard dental work though and my body went from tense and anxious to calm and peaceful. My dad was the safest place I had here on Earth and He will always be safe to me. The Father knows my workings. He knows me so stinking well because He created me this way. He knew we needed a platform, somewhere to start, someone to help ease the nerves of the unknown and trust Him. I heard dental work and was safe.
I decided to start small and ask if they knew where we could rent bikes. I realized they had small children and were probably not renting bikes, but what the heck, it was a conversation starter and that is all I needed if the Father had a plan.
I asked and of course they had no idea. They were so sweet about it though. And conversation flowed from there. We talked about why they moved to Laos and where they had been prior. They asked me what we were doing, I was awkward and tried to explain without really explaining at all…stupid secrecy and nerves of persecution! The conversation “ended” with the wife offering to ask a friend for the number of her driver so we would have fair prices for transportation and a safe ride. I thanked her and sat back down at our table waiting for her to hear back from her friend.
I filled my table in about the conversation and told them I think they are safe, we can ask more/deeper questions. We all agreed to still play it safe and just ask about church. Figuring that is a solid place to start.
Before the family left, they came and gave me the number and the husband gave me his card in case we got in any trouble and needed help – he works for the US Embassy and was probably well aware of why we’re really here. It was the kindest gesture and such a comfort. I then asked, in a whisper, if they knew of a church we could attend while in Laos. The sweet couple, not so quietly responded, saying we could attend theirs. The wife went on to say the pastor’s name was Chris and he could probably help us with “volunteer” opportunities.
Time-out! Did you catch that too?! The pastor’s name was what, come again. Yeah, you heard that right. My dad’s name. Complete confirmation from the Father that this family was a safe place and an amazing first connection for us. Time-in!
The husband shortly after corrects the wife saying the pastor’s name was not Chris, that that is the pastor’s administrative assistant who sends out the emails. Too funny, but heck I didn’t care. The Father was all over the confirmation of this family. Providing protection and covering, comfort, trust and showing us His undeniable presence over this month.
The Father has shown up BIG ever since. Connection after connection. Welcome to Laos was the perfect way to start and close this blog. This month is now complete, and I am amazed by the leading, covering, will and provision of the Father. Kingdom is being brought and covering this beautiful country.
(Sorry I haven’t posted in a while! For safety reasons I waited till out of the country, of Laos. I am now in Thailand! Also, my mom is coming at the end of this month and I am beyond excited to see her!!!)
