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!