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I feel like I have packed and unpacked my luggage 47,000 times! Not because I need to. It's because I am so ready to go that repacking makes me feel like I am doing something to speed up time - I'm not, obviously, but it does make me feel better.
2 days, 22 hours, and 20 minutes - those are the numbers on the countdown app I downloaded as soon as this trip was planned. My entire body is filled with nervous energy. Why? Because, Thailand.
Because it has been 5 years since I've
been (thanks a lot, COVID) and I cannot wait. I can't wait to see the kids. I can't wait to see our staff and volunteers. I can't wait to connect with the parents. I can't wait for the authentic Thai food (if you know, you know!). I can't wait.
If you haven't experienced Thailand the way we do, it's hard to understand. Don't worry though! You'll have lots of chances to see first hand who we do Thailand next year!
Someone asked me last week if I was "ready for my vacation". I was very proud of myself for not laughing at them for asking such a ridiculous question. Vacation? This is definitely not a vacation. I am just fortunate enough that my job requires international travel. Honestly, I never thought I'd be so lucky. Luck isn't really the right word but, you know what I mean.
While this trip isn't going to be filled with many touristy activities, I'm okay with that. I am a firm believer that the best way to experience the culture of a foreign county is to spend your time with the people - to immerse yourself in their lives, customs, and traditions and to show them love, kindness, and grace.
A piece of scripture was discussed in my Sunday School class this past week. Roman 1: 8 - 12. Versus 9 & 10 jumped off the page at me:
"For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you."
"...asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you..." This has been our prayer, our goal, our desire since 2019 (again, thanks COVID). The timing of this lesson was incredible - but isn't that so God? Yes, we would to have loved to have been in Thailand multiple times over the last 2-3 years, but God had other plans? What were those plans? Your guess is as good as mine. Paul's desire to go to Rome resonates deep with me as I wait oh so patiently for the next couple of days to pass.
I hope that though the videos I'll share to our social media pages and the blog posts I'll be writing over the next couple of weeks you'll find some encouragement. My goal in doing this is to shine a light on the work being done.
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