Our time in Thailand seemed to go by so fast. We went to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Khong, back to Bangkok, then down to Phuket before we headed off to Malaysia. It was a lot of long travel days, sleeping in bus stations, lobbies, and even sidewalks.
While we were in Chiang Khong, we were going around to Hmong villages in the mountains. The missionaries there hardly have anyone come visit them and it was such a pleasure being part of what they’re doing. We were able to walk around and get to meet some of the villagers and talk to them, pray for them, and go to church with them. We also were able to play with the kids there, which was so much fun. Most of the kids never get to play with adults because they’re always working.
One night we were invited to go to a wedding. It was long and I couldn’t understand anything that was being said but it was a great experience. We also got to watch them kill and butcher a pig we were having for dinner. What I remember most about that night was the salsa they had for the meal. One of the best I’ve ever had!
The next day they invited us back for dinner again. We didn’t know it was a special dinner that they wanted us to be apart of until we were sitting down getting ready to eat. Pastor Jay then tells us that we are there to help them decide on an American biblical name for the hosts baby. We all were shocked and blown away that they had invited us to decide on a name for their baby just from meeting them less than 24 hours before.
So, Josh hears the name Ruth and tells Pastor Jay who then translates it to the mom who agrees on the name! Just like that Josh is a godfather to a Hmong child in Thailand! So amazing!
It was such an honor to be asked to be part of that moment. It makes you realize that just by being somewhere to encourage people in their faith has such a huge impact. We don’t know where people are at or how they are doing but just being there lets them know they are loved, Jesus is real, and they aren’t forgotten.
