Last update from Thailand…
My last update from Thailand. Until I get back , that is.
I knew this day was coming yet I find myself a bit caught off guard. How did 3 years go by so quickly? Life really is but a vapor. I am looking forward to seeing my family and meeting the 3 nieces and 1 nephew that I’ve gained since being in Thailand. I’m also looking forward to some In N Out, not gonna lie! It will be my first stop from LAX! Can you blame me though?
In other news, I know that I am going to experience some serious reverse culture shock. What’s funny is, I’ve been to 12 countries and I always experience the worst culture shock when I get to America.
I’ve been in a quiet, kind culture for 3 years. I can leave my purse, laptop, phone on the table at a coffee shop when I use the restroom and not think twice about it. I live alone and have not once felt scared or uneasy. There’s so much that I have become accustomed to here.
I might respond to you with a lift of my eyebrows or a slight nod of my head. You’ll likely find me sitting in the asian squat from time to time. I might lower my head if walk in front of you. You’ll find me taking my shoes off at the door. I might even say thank you in Thai out of habit. I will probably wai to you instead of shaking your hand. Also, I haven’t pumped my own gas in 3 years. The gas station attendants do that for you. It is someone’s job to collect shopping carts so it is expected that you would leave the cart near the spot where you parked. We drive on the left side of the road here. Those are just a few things that are part of my everyday life.
I’m sharing this with you in hopes that you will be gracious with me as I adjust back to life in the US. Nothing about America is what it was when I left. Nothing about my life here is the same as my life there. It is two totally different lives and lifestyles. It is going to take me some time to shift my mindset from doing ministry in Thailand to doing fundraising in the US. Both just as ordained from the Lord, but each entirely different.
That being said, I am very much looking forward to meeting up with you and sharing at churches. God really is doing some cool things here and I am excited to share with you face to face!
I still have some openings for this fall! (And into next year.) If your church or small group would like to host me it would be an honor to share with you what God is doing in Thailand through your prayers and your faithful giving. If you would like to meet up for tea (or coffee if that’s your thing) and to chat I would love to do that, too!
Respond to this email and we can get something on the books :) You’re welcome to forward this to anyone you think might be interested in finding out more about what I do in Thailand.
Have I mentioned that I’m already ready to come back to Thailand? I have? Well, it is so true! If you aren’t already a monthly financial partner, today is the perfect day to remedy that. You can join MissionThailand at $10, $25, $50 or $100 a month.
I rely 100% on the financial support of generous churches and people like you!
As crucial as financial support is, I desperately need prayer! I’m literally surrounded by evil sprits. People invite these spirits to possess them, they make ritual sacrifices to them, and worship them. The spiritual warfare here is very real. And very strong. God is stronger still and many are being saved! Whether you can or cannot give financially your prayers help to protect me and to set the captives free.
I’m aware of the inflation that is happening in the US and around the world. One moment I struggle to believe that I will be able fundraise and get back to Thailand. The next moment I have abundant faith in God’s sovereignty. He is just as capable as providing in a struggling economy as he is in a thriving economy. Why? Because he is God. What he can do isn’t connected to or affected by what is going on in the world. I’m trusting him to provide for the needs that he knows I have for this life he has called me to. I am also trusting him to provide for you as you give and pray by faith believing he is more than able.
See you soon!
Don’t forget to subscribe if you aren’t already. I send an update about once a month. If you have the MarcoPolo app you can join my sharecast to get a glimpse into my life here in Thailand. Let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything you’d like to see before I leave!
