Four Weeks!

So Thailand!

     I know, I know, it's been a while.  But I'm in Thailand.  I'm here for 16 weeks (15 weeks and 6 days to be exact) and I have no idea why!  I mean, I know how I got here.  I'm here through SAGU, and I'm here for a semester abroad and to do missions.  But why I decided to come, I'm not really sure.  I guess I've just always loved going and helping.  I've always loved being in the ministry (well.. overall I've loved it).  It's something we're commanded to do, so why not just go all out?

     So I'm in Thailand now.  I've been here for four weeks, and I'm loving it!  It's hot and humid here, but you get used to it.  You get used to the communication barriers, and you get used to eating the food (actually, that's one of the best parts- can't get a good dinner in America for less than $2!).  You get used to the schedule and the classes online.  You get used to the time change and you get used to the currency change.

     What you don't get used to is the lostness of this place.  You don't get used to walking past the spirit houses.  You don't get used to realizing that most of the people in this country don't have the saving grace that you do.  You don't get used to the slums and the way that they live.  You don't get used to the way they smile, when you know there's so much hurt underneath.  You don't get used to the stories of children who grow up pressured into selling themselves for money.  You don't get used to hearing about people trying to become the opposite sex to ease their parents' disappointment of not having the gender of a child they wanted.  It's just not something you get used to.

     There's so much pain and hurt in this country.  And yet, there's a Hope that can heal all.  People are so concerned here with appearances and with the way they look outwardly.  And yet they don't understand that someone created that appearance.  And that same One who created the outside, also created the inside, and cares about both.

     There is a little girl from the slums who has captured my heart automatically.  She is the sweetest little girl, and I believe she has accepted Jesus as her Savior.  She lives in the slums with her grandmother, but walks to church every Sunday.  This Sunday she stood by me and worshipped.  It was one of the most precious things I have seen.  I desire that for the people of Thailand.  I especially desire that for the children of Thailand.  I want these people to know, as little Ging knows, that they are "beautiful in the eyes of Jesus."

     I promise, I'm going to try to keep all my posts from being quite so long and serious. :) But even if we spent every day doing fun activities and experiencing the fun times of Thailand, there is no way to forget the need here in Thailand.  Please pray that the people of Thailand will realize the unconditional love of God and understand the grace He has given us.  Only with Christ's love can this nation be changed.