The past 2 days have been spent painting the church.
We began monday morning by preparing the rooms for paint.
While working, we listened to Christmas music..
It was weird to think that Christmas is so close when it is so hot.
I am very glad that we had an opportunity to help the church like this.
In the last month they have done so much for our group.
Each day we have been provided with a great lunch and fun things to do.
They continued to express their appreciation towards us each day...
It was time to give back!
This past Sunday was a Father's Day celebration.
I was very impressed with the service and the respect that was shown.
We got to see a lot of people that we have come to know.
Once again, we had a wonderful lunch afterwards.
It was a great time to share with one another.
Not only did we go to this church on Sundays but we taught english there as well.
The building has been such a blessing for this mission.
Many people have been blessed by programs run out of this church.
I am very thankful for the opportunity to work along side this organization.
The staff are absolutely wonderful people!
I hope that the painting will reveal some of our appreciation.
May the church continue to be blessed for the works that they do!
4 December 2012
3 December 2012
ELEPHANTS
On saturday, I was hugged by an elephant.
Yes, this was probably the best thing I have ever felt!
Two elephants came from behind me and wrapped their trunks right around.
I stood there amazed at what was happening.
Rewind...
On Saturday, we went to 2 elephant camps and a rafting site.
The "Expedition" team was joined by staff members and a missionary family.
We all had a great day together.
First, we went to an elephant camp where we watched a live show.
We watched the trainers give their elephants a bath in the river.
So cute!
The elephants then played soccer and painted pictures.
It was very fun to watch the elephants interact with their trainers.
At the end of the show, the elephants walked up to the stands.
Like usual, I stood back to allow others a chance to get close.
While I was watching, an elephant trainer called me over.
I stood beside the elephant for a quick picture.
Before long, there were three elephants behind me.
I was hugged by two elephants and one put a hat on me.
This was so fun.
I was going to move out of the way when the trainer called me back.
The elephants continued to wrap their trunks around me.
It is hard to explain what I felt.
I was blessed with this opportunity to stand with these beautiful creatures.
Next, we went to another elephant camp.
2 by 2 we climbed on the backs of elephants.
Some trainers walked beside the elephants, some sat with us.
The elephants walked around the jungle for a bit and then into the river.
While I was hoping for a bath, we only got a shower.
The elephants did not lay down in the water but they did put their trunks to use.
While this experience was great, I still enjoyed the hug much more!
I felt more connected to the animals at the first camp.
I final adventure of the day was rafting.
Upon our arrival at the site, we took off our shoes.
One guide reminded us that no one would leave dry.
We had no idea of what to expect.
After a slippery walk down to the water, we say our rafts.
7 bamboo logs tied together with a rope!
We had 5 people on our raft, including the guide.
This ride was amazing.
At first, I tried to sit like a frog so that my shorts would not get wet but...
Someone decided the splash me!
The guide from the raft behind us, splashed me!
From that point on, I decided to go all out.
I was all over that raft getting soaked.
Like most things, I can't explain the entire experience.
I will say that it was nice to spend a day with this group of people.
We had a lot of fun and did things that we will never forget.
Here are a few pictures of the elephants:
*I didn't take my camera on the bamboo raft... (SORRY)
Yes, this was probably the best thing I have ever felt!
Two elephants came from behind me and wrapped their trunks right around.
I stood there amazed at what was happening.
Rewind...
On Saturday, we went to 2 elephant camps and a rafting site.
The "Expedition" team was joined by staff members and a missionary family.
We all had a great day together.
First, we went to an elephant camp where we watched a live show.
We watched the trainers give their elephants a bath in the river.
So cute!
The elephants then played soccer and painted pictures.
It was very fun to watch the elephants interact with their trainers.
At the end of the show, the elephants walked up to the stands.
Like usual, I stood back to allow others a chance to get close.
While I was watching, an elephant trainer called me over.
I stood beside the elephant for a quick picture.
Before long, there were three elephants behind me.
I was hugged by two elephants and one put a hat on me.
This was so fun.
I was going to move out of the way when the trainer called me back.
The elephants continued to wrap their trunks around me.
It is hard to explain what I felt.
I was blessed with this opportunity to stand with these beautiful creatures.
Next, we went to another elephant camp.
2 by 2 we climbed on the backs of elephants.
Some trainers walked beside the elephants, some sat with us.
The elephants walked around the jungle for a bit and then into the river.
While I was hoping for a bath, we only got a shower.
The elephants did not lay down in the water but they did put their trunks to use.
While this experience was great, I still enjoyed the hug much more!
I felt more connected to the animals at the first camp.
I final adventure of the day was rafting.
Upon our arrival at the site, we took off our shoes.
One guide reminded us that no one would leave dry.
We had no idea of what to expect.
After a slippery walk down to the water, we say our rafts.
7 bamboo logs tied together with a rope!
We had 5 people on our raft, including the guide.
This ride was amazing.
At first, I tried to sit like a frog so that my shorts would not get wet but...
Someone decided the splash me!
The guide from the raft behind us, splashed me!
From that point on, I decided to go all out.
I was all over that raft getting soaked.
Like most things, I can't explain the entire experience.
I will say that it was nice to spend a day with this group of people.
We had a lot of fun and did things that we will never forget.
Here are a few pictures of the elephants:
*I didn't take my camera on the bamboo raft... (SORRY)
30 November 2012
PICTURES
Mountains
Waterfall
Traditional
Leave Your Shoes Outside
Animals
A "Little" Bit of Thailand
27 November 2012
JUNGLE
On Saturday morning, we began our trip up the mountain.
Our first stop was at the "Wachirathon" Waterfall.
This waterfall was absolutely beautiful!
The mist was nice and refreshing as Thailand is very HOT!
Secondly, we went to a dormitory to share the bible with a group of children.
We shared a quick bible story and a few worship songs with them.
They were very welcoming and I enjoyed it very much!
We arrived at the jungle village just before supper.
Although we were very high on the mountain and surrounded by jungle...
I did not feel like we were in the jungle at all.
While it was not the village that I had expected, it was still amazing.
We slept in a raised shelter. Other parts of the home were not attached.
For meals, we had to climb down one ladder and up another.
For the bathroom, we had to climb down the ladder and walk past the village pigs.
* while it was an interesting experience, "squaty potties" do NOT like me!
On Sunday morning, we participated in the morning church service.
Our group shared an english worship song and two testimonies.
One of our leaders also presented the message.
* the message was translated three times (English, Thai, and Koren)
After the service, the church doors opened wide to an amazing view.
We could see mountains upon mountain extending far into the distance.
The song that we had chosen for this service was ""One Thing Remains."
"Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
One thing remains
Your love never fails
It never gives up
It never runs out on me" ~ Jesus Culture
It is so nice to be reminded of Gods love that never fails.
He is our strength. He is all that we need.
The "Expedition" team is constantly amazed by the mountains in Thailand.
For 5 hours we drove up this enormous land formation.
They are so large and absolutely wonderful...
Yet, we cannot even begin to compare God to these mountains.
He is higher then the mountains that we face.
Mountains might refer to our struggles in life but wow...
When we look at these physical mountains and know that God is greater...
We can see that He is above all else. We should be amazed by His heights.
Sunday afternoon, we headed back down the mountain.
We made one stop at another dormitory.
Here, we shared a bible story with the children and made bracelets.
After 5 hours in the back of the pick up truck, we were back at our housing site.
It was definately a fun weekend.
Our first stop was at the "Wachirathon" Waterfall.
This waterfall was absolutely beautiful!
The mist was nice and refreshing as Thailand is very HOT!
Secondly, we went to a dormitory to share the bible with a group of children.
We shared a quick bible story and a few worship songs with them.
They were very welcoming and I enjoyed it very much!
We arrived at the jungle village just before supper.
Although we were very high on the mountain and surrounded by jungle...
I did not feel like we were in the jungle at all.
While it was not the village that I had expected, it was still amazing.
We slept in a raised shelter. Other parts of the home were not attached.
For meals, we had to climb down one ladder and up another.
For the bathroom, we had to climb down the ladder and walk past the village pigs.
* while it was an interesting experience, "squaty potties" do NOT like me!
On Sunday morning, we participated in the morning church service.
Our group shared an english worship song and two testimonies.
One of our leaders also presented the message.
* the message was translated three times (English, Thai, and Koren)
After the service, the church doors opened wide to an amazing view.
We could see mountains upon mountain extending far into the distance.
The song that we had chosen for this service was ""One Thing Remains."
"Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
One thing remains
Your love never fails
It never gives up
It never runs out on me" ~ Jesus Culture
It is so nice to be reminded of Gods love that never fails.
He is our strength. He is all that we need.
The "Expedition" team is constantly amazed by the mountains in Thailand.
For 5 hours we drove up this enormous land formation.
They are so large and absolutely wonderful...
Yet, we cannot even begin to compare God to these mountains.
He is higher then the mountains that we face.
Mountains might refer to our struggles in life but wow...
When we look at these physical mountains and know that God is greater...
We can see that He is above all else. We should be amazed by His heights.
Sunday afternoon, we headed back down the mountain.
We made one stop at another dormitory.
Here, we shared a bible story with the children and made bracelets.
After 5 hours in the back of the pick up truck, we were back at our housing site.
It was definately a fun weekend.
23 November 2012
ADVENTURE
I'm sorry that there has not been any new posts lately.
Our time in Thailand has been filled with many new adventures.
We have done so much in the last week!
TEACHING ESL (english as a second language)
*Monday to Friday
*Beginner class!
Each morning, we take a truck taxi to a church in Chiang Mai.
It takes about 45 minutes each way.
We begin with morning devotions and worship.
The expedition team then breaks into groups of 4 for teaching.
At 10:30 we begin our lesson.
The students in our beginner class are hilarious.
Every morning, something funny happens and we laugh about it all day.
I am so thankful for the students in this class!
It is my hope that the students get what they wanted and more from our lessons!
The class ends at 12 but we stay at the church until 3.
After lunch we have the option to go to the day market!
We also have time to plan for the next day.
VILLAGE
* Saturday November 17, 2012
On the back of an old pick up truck, a group of us travelled up the mountain.
For three hours we drove along narrow winding paths.
When we arrived at this rural village, we were greeted with a small breakfast.
Let me say, sticky rice in a banana leaf is YUMMY!
We then participated in a thanksgiving church service.
The village people were so excited to share this time with us!
After lunch, we had a tour of the village.
Water buffalo are COOL!
Another 3 hour truck ride and we were back at the housing site!
ALC (abundant life center)
* Every Tuesday and Friday
We have had the opportunity to work with a number of great youth/children.
At this housing location, there are about 30 young people.
While it is similar to an orphanage, it is actually very different.
I have learned a lot about this program and why it was developed.
The youth/children come from various villages around Thailand.
Their parents have made the decision to give them a better life.
At the center, the children/youth are given much more opportunity to grow.
Here, they can go to school, get a job, and learn about God!
In the villages, they would not have had the same freedom.
CULTURE SHOW
* Sunday November 18, 2012
We had some free time after church on Sunday.
This was a good time to rest and prepare for a busy week.
For dinner, we went to a place 1 hour away from our housing site.
Once again, we got to sit in the back of the pick up truck!
When we arrived, we took off our shoes and found a spot on the floor.
An amazing dinner was served.
We continued to eat the amazing food until the show began.
For the first part of the show, there were multiple dances.
We then moved to a small outdoor auditorium.
Here, we watched traditional dances preformed by various Thai families.
It was a great experience.
NIGHT MARKET
* Wednesday November 21, 2012
After our ESL lesson, we left for a Thailand tour.
This was much different then the first tour we had.
We went to various locations to observe Thai handicraft skills.
First, we went to a place where silk is produced.
We got to see the silk worms in action as well as the production of material.
Secondly, we went to a place that was all wood work.
The Thai people were carving large murals, small elephant statues...
Thirdly, we went to an umbrella factory.
I guess you can say it was not really a factory.
The workers were making the umbrellas by hand, painting them, and selling them.
We even had the option to get a painting on something we already owned.
The artistic abilities were absolutely amazing.
After our "little" tour, we were ready for the night market.
This was another adventure in itself.
By 7:00 pm the stands begin to open.
The people sell things like jewlery, clothing, souveniers...
I saw so many great items but there is no way that I could buy everything.
While at the market, I saw a couple of the ESL students.
They were putting their english to practice as they worked.
Next is our jungle trip.
We will spend the weekend with a jungle tribe.
Yes, this means sleeping in the jungle!
Exciting...
I will try to post more often as there is a lot to share.
Here are a couple pictures!
Our time in Thailand has been filled with many new adventures.
We have done so much in the last week!
TEACHING ESL (english as a second language)
*Monday to Friday
*Beginner class!
Each morning, we take a truck taxi to a church in Chiang Mai.
It takes about 45 minutes each way.
We begin with morning devotions and worship.
The expedition team then breaks into groups of 4 for teaching.
At 10:30 we begin our lesson.
The students in our beginner class are hilarious.
Every morning, something funny happens and we laugh about it all day.
I am so thankful for the students in this class!
It is my hope that the students get what they wanted and more from our lessons!
The class ends at 12 but we stay at the church until 3.
After lunch we have the option to go to the day market!
We also have time to plan for the next day.
VILLAGE
* Saturday November 17, 2012
On the back of an old pick up truck, a group of us travelled up the mountain.
For three hours we drove along narrow winding paths.
When we arrived at this rural village, we were greeted with a small breakfast.
Let me say, sticky rice in a banana leaf is YUMMY!
We then participated in a thanksgiving church service.
The village people were so excited to share this time with us!
After lunch, we had a tour of the village.
Water buffalo are COOL!
Another 3 hour truck ride and we were back at the housing site!
ALC (abundant life center)
* Every Tuesday and Friday
We have had the opportunity to work with a number of great youth/children.
At this housing location, there are about 30 young people.
While it is similar to an orphanage, it is actually very different.
I have learned a lot about this program and why it was developed.
The youth/children come from various villages around Thailand.
Their parents have made the decision to give them a better life.
At the center, the children/youth are given much more opportunity to grow.
Here, they can go to school, get a job, and learn about God!
In the villages, they would not have had the same freedom.
CULTURE SHOW
* Sunday November 18, 2012
We had some free time after church on Sunday.
This was a good time to rest and prepare for a busy week.
For dinner, we went to a place 1 hour away from our housing site.
Once again, we got to sit in the back of the pick up truck!
When we arrived, we took off our shoes and found a spot on the floor.
An amazing dinner was served.
We continued to eat the amazing food until the show began.
For the first part of the show, there were multiple dances.
We then moved to a small outdoor auditorium.
Here, we watched traditional dances preformed by various Thai families.
It was a great experience.
NIGHT MARKET
* Wednesday November 21, 2012
After our ESL lesson, we left for a Thailand tour.
This was much different then the first tour we had.
We went to various locations to observe Thai handicraft skills.
First, we went to a place where silk is produced.
We got to see the silk worms in action as well as the production of material.
Secondly, we went to a place that was all wood work.
The Thai people were carving large murals, small elephant statues...
Thirdly, we went to an umbrella factory.
I guess you can say it was not really a factory.
The workers were making the umbrellas by hand, painting them, and selling them.
We even had the option to get a painting on something we already owned.
The artistic abilities were absolutely amazing.
After our "little" tour, we were ready for the night market.
This was another adventure in itself.
By 7:00 pm the stands begin to open.
The people sell things like jewlery, clothing, souveniers...
I saw so many great items but there is no way that I could buy everything.
While at the market, I saw a couple of the ESL students.
They were putting their english to practice as they worked.
Next is our jungle trip.
We will spend the weekend with a jungle tribe.
Yes, this means sleeping in the jungle!
Exciting...
I will try to post more often as there is a lot to share.
Here are a couple pictures!
16 November 2012
YOUTH NIGHT
Thailand is a wonderful place!
There is so much to do and see here.
During the week, we travel 40 minutes each day to a church.
There we teach english to a number of eager students.
This has been a great learning experience!
I teach with 3 other "Expedition" people.
There are 8 wonderful students in our beginner class.
I love getting to know each one of them!
In addition to teaching english we also run youth events in the evening.
Tonight was our first time working with the group.
I would say that there were about 25 people aged 4 to 16.
This specific group of youth share this living space.
I am not sure why they live together at this location but they seemed to enjoy it!
Also, on the property, there are cows, chickens, ducks, dogs, and a monkey.
This was a fun opportunity to see how Thai people interact with their animals.
The monkey was hillarious. Holding your hand, sitting in your lap...
For the youth, we had planned various activities.
We had a time of worship with both Thai and English music.
A bible story was translated and acted out.
There was also a fun game of "musical chairs."
The children/youth were very excited.
By the end, they were chasing after our vehicle down the lane way.
*our transportation - sitting in the back of a pick up truck!!
This was and will be a great way to build relationships with Thai people.
We go back to this location on Tuesday. I am looking forward to it already.
While I am experiencing Thailand, my mother and bother are in Florida.
From what I have heard, they have amazing things planned for their trip.
I think this includes some deep sea fishing and an air boat tour?
So excited for them!
I hope they have a wonderful time!
There is so much to do and see here.
During the week, we travel 40 minutes each day to a church.
There we teach english to a number of eager students.
This has been a great learning experience!
I teach with 3 other "Expedition" people.
There are 8 wonderful students in our beginner class.
I love getting to know each one of them!
In addition to teaching english we also run youth events in the evening.
Tonight was our first time working with the group.
I would say that there were about 25 people aged 4 to 16.
This specific group of youth share this living space.
I am not sure why they live together at this location but they seemed to enjoy it!
Also, on the property, there are cows, chickens, ducks, dogs, and a monkey.
This was a fun opportunity to see how Thai people interact with their animals.
The monkey was hillarious. Holding your hand, sitting in your lap...
For the youth, we had planned various activities.
We had a time of worship with both Thai and English music.
A bible story was translated and acted out.
There was also a fun game of "musical chairs."
The children/youth were very excited.
By the end, they were chasing after our vehicle down the lane way.
*our transportation - sitting in the back of a pick up truck!!
This was and will be a great way to build relationships with Thai people.
We go back to this location on Tuesday. I am looking forward to it already.
While I am experiencing Thailand, my mother and bother are in Florida.
From what I have heard, they have amazing things planned for their trip.
I think this includes some deep sea fishing and an air boat tour?
So excited for them!
I hope they have a wonderful time!
12 November 2012
THAILAND
The "Expedition" team is in Thailand!
The travel here was great!
We got to fly over Canada, the North Pole, Russia, and China.
Our first flight was almost 14 hours long.
In Korea we had 3 hours before our next flight.
Another 6 hours on the plane and we were in Thailand.
We arrived at our first guest house early Monday morning.
It is very beautiful here!
In Thailand there is a 12 hour time difference from home.
This is very interesting.
I like to think about what my family is doing.
While I eat breakfast, they are probably getting ready for bed!
On our first day, Monday, we went for a tour.
After a short sleep, we had breakfast and left for the day.
First, we went to a small market.
Second, we toured the grounds of a very nice palace.
Thirdly, we visited a buddhist temple.
This adventure was very fun!
I especially enjoyed the drive to each location.
We got to drive up a very large mountain.
There were many sharp turns and beautiful veiws.
It was like a very fun roller coaster!
The people that we have encountered have been very kind to us!
Our guest house is absolutely beautiful!
The meals are amazing!
Our transportation is really fun!
Today, Tuesday, we will be moving to our main housing site.
On Wednesday we will begin teaching english.
Thank you for reading!
I will leave you with a couple pictures:
The travel here was great!
We got to fly over Canada, the North Pole, Russia, and China.
Our first flight was almost 14 hours long.
In Korea we had 3 hours before our next flight.
Another 6 hours on the plane and we were in Thailand.
We arrived at our first guest house early Monday morning.
It is very beautiful here!
In Thailand there is a 12 hour time difference from home.
This is very interesting.
I like to think about what my family is doing.
While I eat breakfast, they are probably getting ready for bed!
On our first day, Monday, we went for a tour.
After a short sleep, we had breakfast and left for the day.
First, we went to a small market.
Second, we toured the grounds of a very nice palace.
Thirdly, we visited a buddhist temple.
This adventure was very fun!
I especially enjoyed the drive to each location.
We got to drive up a very large mountain.
There were many sharp turns and beautiful veiws.
It was like a very fun roller coaster!
The people that we have encountered have been very kind to us!
Our guest house is absolutely beautiful!
The meals are amazing!
Our transportation is really fun!
Today, Tuesday, we will be moving to our main housing site.
On Wednesday we will begin teaching english.
Thank you for reading!
I will leave you with a couple pictures:
3 November 2012
ONE WEEK
Time flies when your having fun!
I can't believe it's Thailand time already.
This is crazy...
I am so excited!
This week has been absolutely amazing!
Where to begin?
Well, we spent one evening at a Thai restaurant.
Let me tell you... this was an experience.
The food was absolutely amazing!
Anything from spicy soup to mango sticky rice... we got it all!
Our Thai night didn't end there.
We spent a couple hours praying over Thailand.
After studying various facts, we could pray for specific needs.
I really enjoyed this night dedicated to our trip!
This week, we also spent a lot of time preparing for Thailand activities.
A large portion of our time will be spent teaching english.
For this, we have prepared various lessons.
In a group of 4, I will be teaching a beginner class in Chiang Mai.
We will be working with students of all ages.
In addition to english, we will also be teaching about the bible.
We will hold morning devotions for staff and evening programs for children.
I have also enjoyed our time on campus.
This past week, I have had the opportunity to do a lot at the school.
The school community here is wonderful!
Last night, I watched a movie with a group of students.
It was a great time to relax and have fun!
We also had our monthly care group for everyone on residence.
It was a special time for everyone to connect.
This meeting, we spent time in worship and talked about our fears.
I fear my future... I have no clue as to what I am doing after this program.
With God, there is no reason to fear.
I am slowly learning that I need to trust God in this.
Its hard but I am trying to give Him full control.
Our days have been filled with great excitement for this trip.
Prayer times, seminars, prep times, rest...
I am so glad that we were given this time to focus on the journey ahead of us.
It is so hard to put into words what I have experienced here...
Everyday, there are new opportunities to serve God!
This lifestyle is so amazing.
I can't begin to explain what I have experienced.
God is so faithful. He provides in every situation that we face.
I feel like I wrote this post without a focus.
It seems to be all over the place.
Maybe that is where my brain is at right now.
There are so many amazing things happening.
I just don't know how to share them.
At this point, I am getting ready for the BIG trip.
Thailand is going to be amazing!
I am a little stressed over the lessons but...
It will be an amazing adventure.
Personally, I think that I will struggle going home after this.
In one way, I want to go home because my family is there!
On the other hand, I absolutely love living in this kind of an environment!
Well...
Like I wrote earlier, its too hard to explain what is going on right now...
I don't know why I keep writting if I will never fully express anything...
My next post will be from Thailand!
We leave Saturday at noon.
13 hour flight to Korea - 3 hour stop over - 6 hour flight to Chaing Mai...
I think we get there EARLY Monday morning... With the time change???
It can get a little confusing but, I am ready to go with it!
Thank you for reading.
I hope my Thailand posts are way more interesting than this!
I can't believe it's Thailand time already.
This is crazy...
I am so excited!
This week has been absolutely amazing!
Where to begin?
Well, we spent one evening at a Thai restaurant.
Let me tell you... this was an experience.
The food was absolutely amazing!
Anything from spicy soup to mango sticky rice... we got it all!
Our Thai night didn't end there.
We spent a couple hours praying over Thailand.
After studying various facts, we could pray for specific needs.
I really enjoyed this night dedicated to our trip!
This week, we also spent a lot of time preparing for Thailand activities.
A large portion of our time will be spent teaching english.
For this, we have prepared various lessons.
In a group of 4, I will be teaching a beginner class in Chiang Mai.
We will be working with students of all ages.
In addition to english, we will also be teaching about the bible.
We will hold morning devotions for staff and evening programs for children.
I have also enjoyed our time on campus.
This past week, I have had the opportunity to do a lot at the school.
The school community here is wonderful!
Last night, I watched a movie with a group of students.
It was a great time to relax and have fun!
We also had our monthly care group for everyone on residence.
It was a special time for everyone to connect.
This meeting, we spent time in worship and talked about our fears.
I fear my future... I have no clue as to what I am doing after this program.
With God, there is no reason to fear.
I am slowly learning that I need to trust God in this.
Its hard but I am trying to give Him full control.
Our days have been filled with great excitement for this trip.
Prayer times, seminars, prep times, rest...
I am so glad that we were given this time to focus on the journey ahead of us.
It is so hard to put into words what I have experienced here...
Everyday, there are new opportunities to serve God!
This lifestyle is so amazing.
I can't begin to explain what I have experienced.
God is so faithful. He provides in every situation that we face.
I feel like I wrote this post without a focus.
It seems to be all over the place.
Maybe that is where my brain is at right now.
There are so many amazing things happening.
I just don't know how to share them.
At this point, I am getting ready for the BIG trip.
Thailand is going to be amazing!
I am a little stressed over the lessons but...
It will be an amazing adventure.
Personally, I think that I will struggle going home after this.
In one way, I want to go home because my family is there!
On the other hand, I absolutely love living in this kind of an environment!
Well...
Like I wrote earlier, its too hard to explain what is going on right now...
I don't know why I keep writting if I will never fully express anything...
My next post will be from Thailand!
We leave Saturday at noon.
13 hour flight to Korea - 3 hour stop over - 6 hour flight to Chaing Mai...
I think we get there EARLY Monday morning... With the time change???
It can get a little confusing but, I am ready to go with it!
Thank you for reading.
I hope my Thailand posts are way more interesting than this!
28 October 2012
CHICAGO
On Sunday, the "Expedition" team left for Chicago.
After the 11 hour drive, we went to an Afghan restaurant for dinner.
This was one of six cultural dinners including Columbian, Chinese, Thai...
The food was delicious. We ate very well on this trip!
Arriving at the housing center Sunday night, we quickly got ready for bed.
With a 5a.m. wake up call, we knew that we needed the sleep.
Bright and early, Monday morning, we started by packing our lunches.
We would be working at an elementary school every day from 8a.m. to 2p.m.
I had the privilege of working with a grade 1 class.
This was a wonderful learning experience!
The students were so eager to learn and the teacher loved the extra help.
Interacting with the students was very inspirational for me.
Each student had something so special to share.
Fun Fact:
The teacher asked the students, "What do you know about Canada?"
* They replied:
Canada is cold.
We have it as a state in America.
It's down town.
The people are quiet there.
Can we go with Ms.Samantha to see Santa Clause?...
In addition to working at the school, we spent our evenings serving in other ways.
Through out the week, we helped at various soup kitchens and shelters.
We also got to experience the streets themselves.
* For example:
On Monday night, we were sent by train to the other side of Chicago.
In groups of 3, we spent our evening as "homeless" individuals.
We had $2.00 for dinner and nobody to guide us.
For 5 hours, we walked the streets.
While we learned a lot, we didn't come close to experiencing the real thing.
At times, I noticed a lot of need within this city.
There was so much that we could have done to help.
With limited knowledge and only one week, there was little we could change.
On the first night, our guide even said:
"You will NOT be able to change the entire city but you CAN make a difference!"
Smiling at a homeless man, listening to a 6 year old, serving meals...
Even if our contribution was not huge, I think we were able to make a difference!
This past week was filled with amazing opportunities.
I was able to see God working through each person on the team!
As the week progressed, I noticed a huge change in myself.
* As some of you may know, I am generally not good at talking to people.
God was definetly working in me as I started various conversations.
While walking the streets, serving soup, and tutouring I felt total comfort.
God removed this fear of talking so that I could connect with these people.
I was able to hold conversations with homeless people, students, etc...
With this, I was able to see Chicago in a new light!
The people taught me so much!
All in all, our trip to Chicago was fantastic.
I have no complaints.
God has a plan, it's going to be wild, it's going to be great, it's going to be full of Him!
After the 11 hour drive, we went to an Afghan restaurant for dinner.
This was one of six cultural dinners including Columbian, Chinese, Thai...
The food was delicious. We ate very well on this trip!
Arriving at the housing center Sunday night, we quickly got ready for bed.
With a 5a.m. wake up call, we knew that we needed the sleep.
Bright and early, Monday morning, we started by packing our lunches.
We would be working at an elementary school every day from 8a.m. to 2p.m.
I had the privilege of working with a grade 1 class.
This was a wonderful learning experience!
The students were so eager to learn and the teacher loved the extra help.
Interacting with the students was very inspirational for me.
Each student had something so special to share.
Fun Fact:
The teacher asked the students, "What do you know about Canada?"
* They replied:
Canada is cold.
We have it as a state in America.
It's down town.
The people are quiet there.
Can we go with Ms.Samantha to see Santa Clause?...
In addition to working at the school, we spent our evenings serving in other ways.
Through out the week, we helped at various soup kitchens and shelters.
We also got to experience the streets themselves.
* For example:
On Monday night, we were sent by train to the other side of Chicago.
In groups of 3, we spent our evening as "homeless" individuals.
We had $2.00 for dinner and nobody to guide us.
For 5 hours, we walked the streets.
While we learned a lot, we didn't come close to experiencing the real thing.
At times, I noticed a lot of need within this city.
There was so much that we could have done to help.
With limited knowledge and only one week, there was little we could change.
On the first night, our guide even said:
"You will NOT be able to change the entire city but you CAN make a difference!"
Smiling at a homeless man, listening to a 6 year old, serving meals...
Even if our contribution was not huge, I think we were able to make a difference!
This past week was filled with amazing opportunities.
I was able to see God working through each person on the team!
As the week progressed, I noticed a huge change in myself.
* As some of you may know, I am generally not good at talking to people.
God was definetly working in me as I started various conversations.
While walking the streets, serving soup, and tutouring I felt total comfort.
God removed this fear of talking so that I could connect with these people.
I was able to hold conversations with homeless people, students, etc...
With this, I was able to see Chicago in a new light!
The people taught me so much!
All in all, our trip to Chicago was fantastic.
I have no complaints.
God has a plan, it's going to be wild, it's going to be great, it's going to be full of Him!
20 October 2012
CREATION CALLS
As the leaves continue to change... so as to my heart!
This week was spent on campus.
Our days were filled with devotions, meetings, and seminars.
We also had the opportunity to help with local ministries.
This week has been a very influential part of my experience so far!
I don't know how to explain it but, I have seen a huge transformation.
For the word of God is alive and active. ~ Hebrews 4:12
From teaching children to shovelling dirt, Christ is working actively through us.
From kneeling in prayer to shouting praises, the word of God has come alive.
For me, it took this adventure to show me what has always been.
For me, it took this adventure to show me what has always been.
God's love has always been. It is never ending, whether we recognise it or not...
We need to realise how true this is in every moment of every day.
God deserves all of the glory.
We can see how alive and active our God is through the works of His hands.
Look at the beauty that God has set before us...
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve... ~ Mark 10:45
Jesus Christ, actively lived the word of God by serving the people of this earth...
We are NOT slaves to a god, we choose to serve our God.
We are NOT forced to do work, we freely choose to glorify our Heavenly Father.
We shall live our lives as servants, NOT slaves...
May we shine God's light as we experience Chicago this week.
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