All the children of the world..

Since arriving here in Thailand, I've attended International Christian Assembly in Bangkok. The church is made up of hundreds of people, representing dozens of countries around the world. Watching people from so many different backgrounds worshipping the one true God is a beautiful sight. And let me tell you, if I'm ever having a day of doubt or am feeling a little down, my faith is totally strengthened by the sight of so many believers of varying skin color and native tongue totally united. Only God can do that. 

This morning in church a choir made up of adults and children performed. I took a few pictures (although the quality isn't very good) to share a small bit of ICA's beautiful diversity. I think it's a glimpse of what heaven will be like. Beautiful.

 

And seeing all of the adorable Asian and African children seriously increases my desire to one day adopt. EEEEEEE they are soooo cute!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I have so many things to be thankful for this year. But as I sit here in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Day, waiting to leave for language school, I'm still so overwhelmed by the generosity, prayers and encouragement that my supporters share on a daily basis. I am so thankful for each one of you and you truly make my work here possible. On the days when I'm tired and feeling discouraged, knowing that people are praying strengthens me. There's nothing quite like being lifted up in prayer by so many wonderful and committed people, and it certainly is a humbling experience. So today I prayed that God would help my friends and family know just how much I appreciate who they are and all that they do. And I pray that He would continue to bless you and use you right where you are. After all, we're all called to a life of  missions, whether we're walking into work in Pennsylvania or walking into one of Bangkok's red-light district.

No matter what role you play in my ministry here in Thailand, please know that my heart is overflowing with gratitude for you, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day. I just wish I could express my appreciation in a more tangible way!

May you be even more aware of God's love and faithfulness as you count your blessings today! After a morning at language school, I'll join approximately 30 other missionaries (including kids) for a big Thanksgiving dinner.  Mmmmm, I have stuffing on the brain....

Please Be My Friend

Although I occasionally post pictures on my blog, I primarily share my photos on Facebook. I've already posted hundreds of pictures from Thailand, so if you're on Facebook and want to take a look at all that I've been up to the past two months, send me a friend request! Even if we haven't met in person, feel free to send me a request and a message to let me know you read this blog. I really want as many people as possible to feel as though they are taking part in this great adventure! So, please, be my friend!

It was just one of those mornings. Despite getting eight hours or so of sleep, I felt way too exhausted for my 5 a.m. run. So, I turned off my alarm and slept for another 50 minutes. Even with the additional rest, I was dragging as I got ready for the day, read my Bible and ate breakfast, all the while wishing that I could crawl back into bed and sleep the day away (or at least a good chunk of the morning).

I prayed that God would strengthen me and help shake some of the tiredness from my eyes. But alas, no supernatural caffeine jolt.

As I walked to the bus stop for the first leg of my daily commute to language school, I was thankful for the early morning heat, which took some of the sleepy-induced chill from my bones. Still, I was feeling pretty weary and the thought of the long day ahead was a little daunting.

As the somewhat rickety bus came throttling to a stop, I saw that it was extra-crowded. The seats had long been occupied and the aisles were crammed with standing passengers, holding on to whatever nearby handrail or seatback that wasn't already in someone else's hand. Well, in some cases there was some overlapping.

Now, I'm probably stereotyping, but I would guess that upon seeing this, most Americans would think there was no room for additional passengers and that to board such a packed vehicle would be fairly dangerous. But if I've learned anything about life in Thailand these past two months, it's this - when it comes to public transportation in Bangkok, there's always room for one more. So I, along with five or six other people at my bus stop, quickly boarded the bus, pushing and squeezing our way until the doors were able to close.

And as I, the lone American among dozens of Thais, faced the rear of the hot bus, wedged between multiple strangers and completely disregarding any concept of personal space, I smiled and thought to myself, "I love my life."

I really, really do.

Yes, the current combination of language school, writing for the magazine and nights of ministry once or twice a week can be tiring, but I wouldn't trade these experiences for the world. My busmates, and the millions of Thai people they represent, are the reason I'm here. And in the meantime, I'm having one amazing adventure.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.