Yesturday is Chinese New Years! So many Thai's are dressed in the traditional Red Chinese outfit, called qipao. Bangkok is all decked out in red lanterns and good luck rabbits! Although many people had the day off and were celebrating, I had to say goodbye to some very special people.
For the last two weeks, my mom, my older sister Rachel, and my cousin Maria have been visiting Thailand! It was such an enjoyable time filled with love, laughter, and some stressful moments. They started their trip in Bangkok for six days doing ministry in my community! With much planning, shopping, idea hunting, and many conversations my family partnered with my ministry leaders, community leaders, ministry partners (P'Noy, Natalie, Sprite, Janista, Ryan, Carrie, & Alejandro) and myself to through a three day VBS-type of program for kids and elderly. Which was supposed to be 3 days turned into 2, but 2 very successful and fun days! On Monday Jan. 20 we met with over 50 kids and talked about Noah's Ark and God's promise to Noah!! We did an interactive skit with a HUGE Ark (created from our cardboard box, left-over from buying a fridge!) We also sang some songs and ended the night with animal masks, tattoos, and little gift baggies! The Kids had so much FUN! On Tuesday we met the elderly within our community; we sang songs, did another play on Noah's Ark and God's promise, and played Bingo!!! The elderly had a BLAST, won some praises, and also received gifts! We ended the day with a HUGE FEAST made by the community leaders and members and just enjoyed each others company! My community definitely welcomed my family with open arms and much excitement!
After those days of ministry, my family and I went on vacation to Phang Nga where we stayed at a gorgeous resort. The best thing about our location was the beaches were very empty so we felt as if we had the entire ocean and beach to ourselves! it was so beautiful! And guess what else I did!!??!! I rode an ELEPHANT and went Bambo Rafting! Now how cool is that!! My family and I spent five great days together in Phang Nga. Then to end our trip, we made it back to Bangkok for less then two days. In Bangkok we were invited by a Representative to go and have a free dinner on a huge River Boat going through downtown Bangkok! It was so beautiful and ended my time with the family perfectly, with my blood relatives and with my Thai family! I am so thankful to God for the beautiful and precious time I was given with my mom, sister, and cousin in Thailand!
In addition to this, January was jam-packed! I did a lot of traveling beginning the New Years in Eastern Thailand, in a village called Buriram. Then a week after getting back, I traveled to Northern Thailand for a team retreat in Chiang Mai. Then I when I got back, my family flew in and a week later we went to Southern Thailand! That is a crazy amount of traveling! but next on my list is to go to Western Thailand one day!
My Community:
Since all of the traveling, my time in my community has been limited. But despite that, I can honestly say my relationships have continued to grow especially with my leaders. A huge advantage was having my family here, because of that my leaders have officially made themselves apart of my family! And the children are always a highlight in my community, however I have been struggling with discipline. The only thing I can say is the children are very naughty here and they don't like to listen or respect anyone. I am praying for the Lord to show me how to love them but how to also teach them to behave.
God has been teaching me so much. My team retreat really opened my eyes to many things I have been struggling with here. I was very thankful to have had Daniel Groot (the director of internships for Servant Partners) here and talk about the importance of solitude and keeping our Sabbath. God is truly working on my identity and showing me just how important I am to Him and just how important He is to me! Although the lessons I am facing have been difficult and emotional, I know God is molding me into a woman of faith day by day. I am just so thankful for His love and faithfulness!
Praise Report:
- My itching & hives has significantly decreased! It all started when I left my apartment; in Chiang Mai it started to decrease then after a bit over a week when I was with my family, it completely stopped! Praise God! I just hope it continues to stay this way because we are going into hot season very soon!
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for my language! This has been a huge stressor on me. I want to communicate with my friends but its so hard. I need more wisdom and the determination to study and learn more thai!
- Please pray for my roommate and I to continue loving and serving one another as Christ loves and serves us. Please pray for the Lord to continue to move and use Natalie and I in countless of ways in our community. We want to be vessels for our Lord.
- Please pray for the youth in my community.
- Please pray for the children, especially in understanding how to create boundaries and for them to learn how to be respectful.
- Please pray for the Lord to continue to move and use Natalie and I in countless of ways. We want to be vessels for our Lord.
- Pray for boldness and patience with myself and others.
- And please pray for continuous health!