all is well (and rainy) here in Thailand

Rain, rain, go away, come again another day...or actually, after we leave next week. It has rained most of our time here which has forced our activities indoors. That's not all bad though because largely we are here to build relationships and build bridges to Jesus which can happen anywhere. 

Here are some reflections from the team so far...

Bradley:

It has been so chill and relationally driven which has been a great change of pace. Meeting the students tonight was amazing and just doing normal things with them like UNO! I have learned that culture is very important and unique, but at the end of it all, we are all just humans in need of a savior, that is Jesus. Hanging with all the kids has been a blast as we are supporting Mark and his family and the work they are doing for the kingdom! Great experience !

Billy Joe:
Mark and Princess are amazing people that are doing a great job showing Christ -like behavior. They are easy to talk to. Their kids are awesome! It has been more relaxing than I expected but it has been good. I had a wonderful time in the kitchen today with Princess. We talked a lot about the cultural difference between the States and Thailand.  I completely enjoyed tonight with the students. Having one on one conversations with them really helped me to understand some of their thoughts. What I pulled from my conversations tonight is that they of many of the same struggles as we do. Learning about JC is bringing a peace into their lives. Just showing up and being a good person is a big deal not only for them but for us too. God is so so good!

NY Joe:

Seeing and learning the way life is here in Thailand as to what we have back home in the US, Grateful but sad. Really great for Sooper Tuesday in meeting the students and others tonight as we shared our thoughts and understanding on the questions Mark prepared for us , and can’t wait on what’s to come for the next 8 days ! Amen 🙏

Isabelle:

Being able to coincide with individuals I normally don’t has been an incredible privilege these past few days. Connecting with the students and Kylie, & coming from the same “third-world perspective” has been super special for me. It has also served as a learning opportunity, as it proved to me that we are all uniquely made, regardless of how similar we are. I’m grateful for this time & teaching myself to be present while we are here. My prayer going forward is that we all continue to maintain a giving heart: to listen, learn, & allow ourselves to be renewed (even through the little things).  May the Lord continue to bless this group as we strive to make disciples & share the GOOD love of Jesus Christ, our Dear Lord & Savior. Amen❤️

Andrea:

This is only the beginning of our journey and I’m so in awe of God at work! The Bernardino family have been so welcoming and supportive despite their normal schedules being shifted by the nine of us arriving. The people who support the mission; Hannah, Kylie, Sheldon and others have been very kind to us and all feel like extended family already.

My one word on day one was hopeful and day two was grateful. On the first day, I didn’t play tennis in the rain but sat out with Wendy, and I introduced myself to Bam, a Thai student. I invited Bam to play tennis with the our group and she did, and came back to the house after. I had hoped and prayed to meet someone to talk with and despite the rain, God provided by bringing a new friend to Grapevine. 

I was still hopeful yesterday that we would get to talk and encourage someone through Souper Tuesday. And again, God provided! Through Joe and Isabella’s testimonies, Billy Jo’s homemade brownies and blueberry bars, Bradley and James leading worship and all of us in our group time, Hope blossomed and looked like head nods, handclaps, the laughter, conversations, curiousness, and prayer! Just so grateful!! 

I’m already humbled and slightly broken in the best way by the last two days. I cannot wait to see how ABBA continues to move in us and through us as we head into day three and I walk into the day the LORD has made with the word ‘clarity’.

More teams notes over the next few days. For now we'll play in the rain...

or play in the gym...

And...rain or shine, we will be the presence of Christ to those we encounter. Pray for us!

Team Thailand