12 WaysYou Know Thailand Has Become Home

When I first arrived to Thailand all of the following seemed strange to me.  Now they have become normal.

1.  You consider barbecued pork and sticky rice an appropriate breakfast.

2. You accidentally say "open the light" instead of "turn on the light."

3. Anything more than $1 for lunch seems expensive.

4. You carry around a sweat rag, also known as a handkerchief, to mop your forehead and neck because not sweating is just not an option.

5. 99% of the time you use public transportation, including buses, motorbike taxis, the sky train, song taows, subway, taxis, and tuk tuks, or you just walk.

6. You consider bread and cheese luxury food.

7. You don't feel silly using an umbrella in the sun because it is actually cooler that way.

8. If you don't have an umbrella, you hold whatever is in your hands, be it a bag of vegetables, your purse or a book, over your head to shade you from the sun.

9. You go to 7-11 almost every day because it seems to have everything and you pass one (or more) every block.

10. Thai and English can be used interchangeably, without much notice as to which language is being spoken or heard at any given time.

11. Rice is a staple, eaten at least once, if not three times, a day.

And last, but not least...

12. You have mastered the art of swatting away mosquitoes while using a squatty potty.

I miss many (but not all) of these things as I've said goodbye (for now) to Thailand.  But I'm looking forward to China becoming home and being able to make a new list after I've lived there a while.

Goodbyes That Hurt

Mixed feelings during my last Sunday at LifePoint Bangkok Church. Sad to go, but happy I have so many friends saying, "See you later."

 Goodbyes are never easy.

We've all had experiences with them.  Goodbyes from school, from a neighborhood, for a short vacation, for a long overseas adventure.  Sometimes it's tempting to withdraw, not pour much into relationships because we know that eventually we will move on.  But that's not how God called us to live.

"What would it look like to live so that it hurt when you left?"  One of my friends asked me recently.

It would look like deep relationships, strong friendships, giving of yourself, committing fully where you're at, learning from the people around you, improving your surroundings, enjoying your circumstances, being accepting and in return being accepted.

While I haven't done that perfectly, I have given it my best shot, and God has given me a lot of grace by spreading between the gaps.  The result is a deep, gut-twisting pain as I prepare to leave this land that has become home.  Saying goodbye to friends I've invested in for four years hurts.  But I know it's a good hurt.  It's a heart wrenching that points to many hours, days, and years of wonderful relationships and time invested well.

Two of my aunties/English students.

As I've said a "for now" goodbye to many friends, I've gotten a lot of different responses.

"Don't worry, you'll be back."

"Can I come visit you in China?"

"I'm mad at you."

"No need to say goodbye...just see you again."

"Can you not go?" 

"Remember when you came the first time and couldn't speak Thai at all?"  N asked me in Thai.  "Adrienne from your team washed my feet, and I didn't understand.  I was a new BJD student and not a Christian yet."

"I'm afraid I won't have any friends anymore."

"The doors are more than open for you to come back whenever God leads!"

"Who am I going to eat MK with?"  (Our favorite hotpot restaurant.)

"I wish you all the best, a good job and a higher salary."

"You are more than welcome to come back to join us."

A four year old's bedtime prayers, "...and pray for Julia going to China."

Goodbyes are never easy, but I'd rather they hurt.  How is God calling you to invest in those around you so that when you have to say goodbye it hurts?

Eating Lebanese food with small group friends the week before I leave Thailand.

Let the Coundown Begin

"Next Stop...CHINA"

I've officially begun my countdown to saying goodbye to Thailand (for a season, hopefully not forever.)  The specific calling of helping my team get established in Bangkok while raising up Thai disciples, leaders, and churches has been accomplished.  After almost a year of praying about my next steps, I can see God clearly leading me into a time of serving in China, learning a new culture, and equipping through counseling classes.

With my time in Thailand coming to an end, each moment with friends has become even more precious.  Last weekend I joined the BJD students on their outreach debrief/island trip. We spent time as a dorm family enjoying God's creation, exploring the beach, climbing over rocks, hiking trails, playing card games, and swimming in the clear salty water.

First day at Samed Island

 
After the sun went down we gathered on the beach for a time of worship and reflection about the outreach.  As each student shared, God's work in their heart throughout the outreach was evident.

"It gave me a greater appreciation for what I have.  Sometimes I think I don't have very much, but when I saw how people on the border were living with almost nothing and yet they were happy, I realized God has blessed me with so much."

"There were so many nationalities represented in Mae Sot, and many people without papers from Burma.  It opened up my understanding of the world and gave me a bigger perspective."

"I come from a hilltribe where not many people know God and there are a lot of needs.  I used to think that when I graduate I want to return to my hilltribe to serve, but now I see the need in other places is so much greater.  I want to go back to the border to serve among the Burmese people after I graduate."

After a yummy seafood dinner with BJD students.

It's hard to put into words how much I will miss these students and all the friends God has given me here in Thailand.  At the same time, I can see many ways that God has prepared both me and others for this transition.

He has filled hearts with the desire to serve and share the amazing message of Christ's sacrifice and salvation with this nation and beyond.  He has raised up leaders and disciples to continue His mission of Kingdom expansion.  I know my Thai friends and all the people who call Thailand home are in the good hands.  They not only have passionate Christ-followers living in their midst, but more importantly, they are in the hands of the Father.

Riding the speed boat to the island.

Thailand, I will miss you.  Thai friends, I will miss you even more.

I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon!

What do eggs have to do with Easter?

Unlike the Western culture where I grew up, in Thailand we had none of the traditional reminders that Easter was approaching.  There were no decorations in the stores, no jelly beans to buy, no advertisements for egg hunts in the park, no chocolate bunnies in the market, no baskets overflowing with plastic grass.  Honestly, many times I forgot it was the Easter season all together. 

Most Thai people have never heard of Easter unless they are Christians (only 1.33% of the population according to Joshua Project), have Christian friends, or have had extensive Western exposure.  If they have heard of Easter, they usually are more familiar with the eggs and bunnies than the real meaning.

A full class for Sunday School on Easter

On Easter morning, when I asked the kids in Sunday School, "What is Easter?"

It was no surprise to me that they hesitated then responded, "Eggs...and rabbits!"

So I asked them a question that many of my Thai friends, both Jesus followers and not-yet Jesus followers, had asked me in the days leading up to Easter,  "What do eggs have to do with Easter?"

I got a lot of blank stares, so I helped connect the dots.  "Inside an egg is a baby chicken, right?   A new life.  When Jesus died and rose from the grave after three days, he had a new life, and if we believe in him we can have a new life too."

The kids helped read the full story in Thai and then illustrated the main points.  By the end of class they could retell the Easter story, and they had a new connection between eggs and Easter.  

Guards at an empty tomb!

Jesus made time for children, so my team and I want to do the same.  Our hope and prayer is that God opens the hearts of these children to truly understand His Word and through them, their families also come to know Christ.

The Power of Short-Term Teams

Our Thai friends helped us take the short-term team on a first-day tour of Bangkok. 

9 American high school students joined us this past week, taking their spring break to come serve alongside our LifePoint Bangkok team. Their energy and enthusiasm pushed them through jet-lag  and into a week full of English/Bible camp for kids in the Com110 community, visiting an orphanage and home for kids with disabilities, adult and university student English classes, and lots of relationship building. 

One of my favorite memories from this past week was the last days of the kids' English/Bible camp.  Thai kids are on summer break this month, so the timing was perfect for gathering them together for games, stories, crafts, songs and English lessons. 

As with many groups of kids, we had a few who preferred to draw attention to themselves instead of follow along with the activities. One of the short-term guys and I took on the challenge of reigning in this group of rambunctious kids.  Once we got them sitting down in chairs, they actually started paying attention. 

They could remember the English lessons from the day before and really listened when we shared about the clean heart Jesus gives us when we trust in Him.  This group of boys didn't try to deny that they were sinners.  All hands quickly went up when we asked if they had ever told a lie.  The cool thing was, some hands also went up when we asked if they wanted to believe in Jesus, the only One who can cover our sin and make us clean in God's eyes.  The sneaky, button-pushing boys from the hour before had become wide-eyed and seriously attentive.

Of course there's a lot more than just Bible stories and explaining how Jesus makes our heart "beautiful." And yet at the same time, I had to remind myself that we don't need to over complicate it either.  In Matthew 19:14, Jesus himself said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."  If Christ was calling the children to himself, he must have had a message that they too could understand. 

After a long talk in our small group time with the kids, lots of questions, explaining, and a time for them to pray if they wanted to, we split up for games.  Before we left that day, the 12 year old boy from our group came up to one of the short-term team members and pointed at him then pointed back at himself.  "Brothers."  He said, just like we had assured him earlier in the day.  If he chooses to follow Christ, he joins the biggest family in the world. 

Our team will continue pouring into this community and following up with the kids.  We have been serving in this community for over two years and hopefully will continue to be present and available until members of the community are Christ-followers and raised up to take over the job. 

Experiencing different types of transportation including tuk-tuks, the sky train and riding the river-taxi boat (above).

English classes were divided into small groups and led by the short-term team, a great time for extra conversation and building relationships.

Sharing in the joy and celebration of J's baptism.

American and the Thai friends joined Friday's UniteBKK activities including building a tower out of straws. (This one actually stood on its own and won the competition for tallest tower.  How?  We are still wondering that ourselves.)  

It was a quick, energy-filled week, and I am confident that God will continue the work He has been doing here in BKK!  Thanks to all the extra hands that came to serve with us this past week!

From English Camp through Church Planting

A few of the university students who attended English Camp.

How is English Camp related to church planting you may ask?

Our team came to Thailand to multiply disciples, leaders, and churches, but you may have noticed, a lot of our activities go by different names.  We have kids programs, teach weekly English classes, meet for small group Bible study, share hobbies like baking, travel with students, and help with English camps.  However, without a doubt, I believe these activities and church planting are connected.

To begin with, a church is composed of people.  And before people are Christ followers, they are just lost people. "Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:10  These are the people we pass everyday on the street, the people who we go traveling with, the people who come to English camp.

New friends!

English Camp is a lake stocked with fish, a lake full of people who may be seeking a hope and Savior that they don't even know exists.  And for a weekend, we have their full attention.  Through lessons, activities, and discussions we share our experiences and the truth of the Word that we have seen proven in our lives. Through games, meals, and traveling together, we build relationships that open up conversations about what it means to follow Christ.

Our hope is that from these relationships, students will get involved in Bible studies, desire to follow God, and come to church.  Then maybe God will give some of them a heart to take His Word to other areas of Thailand, teaching, preaching, and church planting.  

I know some of that seems a long way off, but at one point, planting a church in Bangkok seemed a long way off too.  But God.  Nothing is too big, too far off, too impossible of an idea.  God has already made the Bangkok church happen!  I'm excited to be a part of the stepping stones of future disciples, leaders and churches, whether that's through building relationships in Bangkok or going fishing at English camp.

 

Working on a group invention...and only using English.

Teamwork, silly games, and lots of English practice.

Making fun memories as we pretend to eat the biggest wax ice cream cone that we have ever seen.

Graduations, Babies, and Beyond

BJD students and two of the founding leaders on our weekend trip (River Kwai bridge in the background)

Graduations, engagements, interviews, new countries, marriages, "grown-up jobs", babies... A lot has happened in the lives of the girls who invited me into their home, the BJD dorm, almost four years ago.

Over the weekend, five girls from the original group I lived with and I went to visit some of our friends who have already moved on from BJD.  They are now living in a small farming community in western Thailand.  On the farm land is a building where they and others from the community meet for worship and Bible teaching every week.

Baby "Piggy Bank"

Our plan to visit A, "just happened" to line up perfectly.  Although we expected to spend the day with a pregnant mother, that morning we got news that A was heading to the hospital. We arrived at the hospital three hours after she gave birth to a healthy baby boy.  "This wasn't an accident.  It was God's intentional plan."  Pang reminded us as we smiled about the opportunity to meet this new member of the family.
 
Of the girls who I was traveling with, all have studied a five-month Discipleship Training School and two just graduated from university last month.  In a few weeks, one will begin school to be a nurse's assistant and another will begin her job as a full-time kindergarten teacher.  One will be staying with YWAM as full-time staff in Bangkok.  Others want to stay involved serving as volunteers and discipling the younger students.  Last year, a student headed to Europe to work as a nanny, and another is currently serving with a YWAM ministry on the Burmese border.  I am so grateful for this ever-expanding web of relationships! 

Congratulations to the university graduates!

The work God has done in these students' lives is so encouraging.  When I first met some of them, on my short-term summer trip almost six years ago, they were smiling freshmen, just recently moved to Bangkok from upcountry and unsure of what lies ahead.  Since then, God has grown them closer to himself, given them a heart to serve, lead, disciple, and be a witness wherever they go.  Praise God!  It has been such a blessing and privilege to be involved in these lives!

I am now looking ahead, expecting to start a new season after this summer.  No matter where God leads, I know he will continue the work HE began in these students.  Please pray with me for details to come into more clarity, and praise God with me for transforming so many lives over the past years!

Picking fresh cilantro on the family farm.

If you smile too much, people might think you're in love.

And while I'm bragging on our Small Group, let me just add that we have some great cooks too!

Usually the easiest way for me to explain is by drawing a picture. But I'm not a very good artist (my English students can attest to that), so I'll use words here instead.

We moved the chairs in the small cafe around so we could see each other while we opened up the Bible together.  This week "we" included three Thais, two Koreans, and myself, an American.  In the background, the worship team practiced, a customer ordered a sandwich, and the housekeeper swept the floor.

We started reading from Matthew chapter 5. 

"And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:  'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.  Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.'"

While this was a familiar passage to some, others had never read it before. As we looked at other verses that helped us understand each sentence more, we talked about the meaning of each group that was "blessed."  Then we took it one step further asking questions like, "How can we live out these characteristics?"

We talked about how we want to be dependent on God, loving and encouraging to our coworkers/classmates, willing to do the behind-the-scenes work with a joyful heart, pursuing righteousness, and showing mercy.  We all acknowledged that we have a long way to go in many of these areas, but encouraged each other that Christ is the one who makes these transformations possible.

One of our small group friends summed it up well when he shared,

"I am usually happy at work. I am grateful God has given me such a good job.  I try to encourage my coworkers with the gospel.  I smile a lot. Sometimes I smile so much that people at work ask if I'm in love. 'YES!' I respond.  'I'm in love with Jesus!'"

Our small group Bible study is awesome.  Praise God for bringing together such a unique group of people with a heart to learn more about Christ and live lives that reflect Him!

Our city (Bangkok) is desperate for Christ's truth, love, and mercy to be poured out into its streets.

Wan Makha Bucha

Buddhist temple near my house.

Many Thais celebrated Wan Makha Bucha on Friday.  It also happened to be Valentine's day, but the two holidays don't always line up.  Wan Makha Bucha falls on the full moon day of the third month in the lunar calendar (usually in February).

Part of making merit on this holiday is making a donation.  Money stapled to ribbons hanging from a string outside the temple.

Jacky, an English student, explained it as a Buddhist holiday commemorating the day that 1,250 monks spontaneously gathered from far and wide to be taught by Buddha. On the same day 45 years later, Buddha gave his final teachings and achieved Nirvana. 

Other people make merit by lighting candles and incense.

Nowadays, Thai Buddhists go to temples in the evening of this holiday to pay respect and make merit. In remembrance of the monks' long journey, people will walk around the outer perimeter of the temple three times.

Does that bring to mind a story? I'm always on the lookout for connections between our daily conversations and Biblical truth.  Bible stories are a great way to share that truth.

So I shared with Jacky (and whoever else was listening), the story of Joshua leading his army around the walls of Jericho. When I got to the part about the wall falling down, Jacky said, "Wow! That's amazing!"

"Yes! God does a lot of amazing things!" Was my response.

Jacky, my other Thai friends, and most of our English students have already heard us share about Jesus and his life-changing sacrifice.  However, opportunities show God's character through stories like these makes Christ more real. 

"Is it a true story?"  Jacky asked.

After I assured him that all stories from the Bible are completely true, Jacky was quiet for a moment.  I could see him pondering and prayed for God to continue to work in his heart.

Same Same But Different

Pathway into the community and M's house

It was the same living room where I sat cross-legged five and a half years ago.  The same pictures hanging on the walls, the same plastic covering the floor, the same tin roof overhead. 

The hearts in the home however, where different.  Radically different.
 
"How have you seen your family change since they began following Christ?"  A new friend from Korea/America asked M.

M thought for a moment, smiled, and began to explain.  The change started with her mom.  Mom used to be a hot-tempered woman.  Everyone in the community knew it.    She also collected idols.  The home was filled with idols, from the top of the rafters to the low spiderwebbed corners. 

When some new faces in the community began to speak of a God who doesn't require constant merit-making, Mom was willing to listen. 

God started working on her heart immediately, and she was the first to believe.  The transformation was radical.  Mom threw out all of her idols.  She showed more love, was softer, and began to go to church.

Enjoying dinner in the living room with M's family in 2008.

Over the next few months and years, others who shared the space under their metal roof began to follow Jesus too.  First her sister, then her daughter, cousin and husband.  Neighbors could see a difference and some also came to know Christ and began going to church.

Come to think of it, the pictures on the walls are different now.  In addition to the smiles from the past, new photos line the walls.  They are pictures of M's extended family, those from all over the world who have shared a meal, Bible study, or words of encouragement in her home. 

The Thai saying, "Same same but different," comes to mind. 
Same physical person, same physical place but entirely different heart.

Karen Mission Trip

Our first morning...it was COLD! 

After driving all night, we pulled up to Shakinah as the sun was peeking over the tops of the green mountains. The ten of us tumbled out of the van, blinking sleepy eyes and stretching cramped legs. Then we heard the sound. Pounding feet and shouts of "Hello!" Running toward us down the hill were the smiling faces of almost 40 kids.

The school room, church building, and multipurpose area for learning and playing.

We followed these smiling faces back to the school room where they had just begun morning Bible study. Like everyday, school was next on their agenda. The students, ranging in age between five and seventeen, broke into their grade levels to begin their studies. A few of us accompanied each grade to teach English and Thai. 

Our Thai friends had a chance to share their testimony with the kids with the help of one of the teachers translating into Karen.

Although they live in Thailand, many of the children don't  speak Thai. Karen is the main language used at Shakinah. English and Burmese are also understood among the older children.  The afternoon and following two days were filled with singing, games, acting out Bible stories, crafts, more games, and more singing.

The kids really enjoy playing volleyball and badminton. 

As the first mission trip for most of our Thai friends (many who grew up on Bangkok), there were a lot of new experiences.  The first time to eat Karen food, be without cell phone service and internet access, cold showers, sleeping on the floor, no luxuries of city life. But I didn't hear any complaining. The kids set a good example.  It was obvious that they are familiar with this life. It is a much better life than the alternative of being taken into the Burmese army and used to clear the fields of bombs.

Part of Karen culture is using a natural powder paste as skin care and to decorate the face.  Of course, we had to try it out too.  :)

The songs that the kids sang each morning and evening filled their hearts and went with them throughout the day and night. Their attitudes of thanksgiving and joyful hearts left the biggest impression on our Thai friends.  Our trip went quicker than any of us anticipated.  As we said tearful goodbyes after church on Sunday, the kids shouted out, "See you next time!" And our Thai friends asked,"When is the next mission trip?" 

Shekinah means "God's manifested glory" or "God's presence"

God's presence was evident throughout this entire trip, from safety on the road to the warm welcome we received.  Praise God for His work in the lives of our Thai friends from Bangkok, the Karen kids from Burma, and the children's home staff/teachers from all over.  

Lots of smiles and hope for the future.

Many of the children are the first believers in their families.  After they graduate, some of the older kids want to go back to their villages to tell their family and neighbors about Jesus.  Other kids want to continue studying so they can come back to be teachers at the children's home.  Praise God! 

New Year's Psalm

Doi Khun Tan National Park

 Green all around.  

Different shades of it.

Dark, light, yellowish, speckled with color.

Long skinny kinds, flat fuzzy kinds.

As I sat looking over millions of green things covering the hills in the foreground and mountains in the background, I tried to peer into the coming months. 

My eyes took in the words of Psalm 25 and my heart prayed out,

"To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul." 
(verse 1) 

You are the almighty God.  I come to you, crying out, falling on my face before you. 

"O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;

let not my enemies exult over me.

Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;

they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous." 
(verse 2-3)

I don't know what this next year holds, but I trust the Lord to lead and guide.  I will wait for Him.

"Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.  

Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long." 
(verse 4-5)

My salvation is in you. I walk into this year teachable, ready to learn, ready to follow, ready to wait. 

"Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love,

for they have been from of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;

according to your steadfast love remember me,

for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!" 
(verse 6-7)

My heart finds confidence in your mercy, remembering your promises and holding fast to your unchanging character.   

"Good and upright is the Lord;

therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

He leads the humble in what is right,

and teaches the humble his way." 
(verse 8-9)

Cause me to follow humbly, quickly confessing sin, living with a clean heart because of Christ's sacrifice.  Capture the hearts of those who do not yet know you.

"All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,

for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies." 
(verse 10)
I praise you for your steadfast love and faithfulness.  I praise you for your everlasting covenant.  Thank you for seeing me and leading me into this next year.