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!

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.

Thankful Thanksgiving

LifePoint Team Thanksgiving 2013

"Today we are going to celebrate Thank God Day." We told our taxi driver as we piled into his car with yummy smelling, freshly baked pans of deliciousness.

"Have you ever heard of Thanksgiving?"  We asked him.  When he responded "no," we explained about the holiday.

"There's no holiday like that in Thailand."  He told us.

- - - - - -

Wouldn't it be awesome if "Thank God Day" became a Thai holiday too?

Wouldn't it be great for the holiday to be remembered and celebrated as it began?

I am encouraged and challenged by this reminder about Thanksgiving's beginning,

"The mission trip started with great hope. Their pastor wished the families well and prayed for them as they set out on this adventure.  But now their food supplies were critically low, there was no way to return home, no hotels for shelter and bitter cold would soon begin claiming victims.

"The Thanksgiving holiday did not start as a result of great abundance but in the midst of pain, loss, grief and sorrow. Though surrounded by the enemy on all sides these believers chose to look heavenward and express gratitude.

"They did not thank God because there were no challenges or because life was easy. They recognized He owed them nothing but they owed Him everything."
(www.rickmalm.com/thanksgiving)

I have so much to be thankful for.  Among many other things, I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve overseas, to see God's kingdom expanded and share of his great mercy.

What makes the top of your "Thank God" list? 

Loi Kratong

(Can you see the full moon behind us?)

Loi Kratong is celebrated on the night of the full moon in the twelfth lunar month, which is usually in November.  The celebration involves sending a "kratong" (a small float) into a river, stream, or lake.   Many people go to the large river flowing through Bangkok, but the students and I walked across the street to the lake in the university.

These "Krathongs" are for sale.  They come in many shapes, sizes, and styles.

Traditionally the kratong was made from banana leaves and decorated with flowers.  Now days, they can be found made from plastic, paper, leaves, and even bread (for the fish to eat later.)  The kratong will hold a candle, incense, and a coin, symbolizing prosperity in the year to come.

Enjoying dinner by the lake on the university campus.

Food and festivities are an important part of the night.  I felt like I was at the county fair, with lots of Thai snacks to taste and a few western snacks like popcorn and cotton candy.  Often there are games with prizes, traditional Thai dancing, singing, and a kratong decorating competition. 

Good times had by all!

While the students and I didn't buy a kratong and send it off into the water, we still enjoyed the night.  Thankfully we know Christ has already paid for our sins, and God has forgiven us completely.

Lots of people show up for the festival.

Before placing the kratong in the water, a prayer to the water goddess is said, asking forgiveness for past sins and making wishes for the future.  Often couples send the kratong off together as a symbol that they will stay together in the years to come.

Many kratongs floating in the lake. They really are a beautiful sight.

The following day, people come around to collect the debris left behind.

Kratongs can be as simple as a lotus flower or as complex and decorated as you want to make them.

Please pray with me for the many people who don't yet know the one true God who takes away our sin and hears our prayers.

Halloween Inspired

Dressing up with friends for a night of Fear Factor and Halloween fun!

 Halloween brought up some interesting conversations this year. 

"Have you ever seen a ghost?"  I asked some friends as we were driving away from the Halloween party. 

I've been in Thailand long enough to know I can skip the question, "Do you believe in ghosts?"  Spirits are so much a part of the culture that no one questions their existence.

Two out of the four Thais in the car said they had seen ghosts.  The other two were grateful they hadn't. 

My next curiosity, "Are you afraid of ghosts?" 

It was split down the middle again.  Half said they are afraid of these spirits.  The others said there was nothing to be scared of, that they would keep to themselves.

When the question came back to me, I knew my opportunity had come.  I responded that I believe in God and know he will always protect me, so I don't need to be afraid. 

Our conversation continued onto differences and similarities in the beliefs of Buddhists and Christians.  Buddhists have 5 rules, quite similar to 5 of the Ten Commandments.  People in both religions acknowledge that we can't keep the rules perfectly. 

From this common ground, I shared the gospel, the amazing fact that Christ came to earth, lived a perfect life, and was sacrificed in place of our shortcomings, our sin.  No merit making, burining incense, or visiting temples necessary.

Throughout dinner and the rest of the evening, the topic kept coming up.  My answer was always the same. 

I believe the statistics that say many people must hear the gospel multiple times before deciding to follow Jesus.  So my goal is to take every opportunity God gives me.  Whether that is someone asking why I came to Thailand or if I'm afraid of ghosts. 

I have no idea how many chances I'll have to talk to these friends.  I don't know how God has already been moving in their lives.  I'm not even sure if they understood everything I said.  But those concerns, I leave with the One who called me here and gave me these relationships.  As I am faithful to do my part, I wholeheartedly believe he is doing the heart work he does best.

What about for you?  Who is God telling you to be more bold in sharing with?  What questions can you answer with God at the forefront?

Before you start making fun of my clothes line costume, I'll have you know, it was voted funniest by all our friends at the Halloween party (and for that, I won a prize!)

Homemade Peanut Butter (Wow! So easy!!!)

From roasted peanuts to peanut butter right in my mini food processor!

Wow.  I've known I could do this for a long time.  I just had no idea it was so easy and would come out so well.  

**While this isn't a food blog, I enjoy cooking and baking and have decided to occasionally share a few of the best recipes I come across while living overseas.  Hopefully they will be helpful or give you an excuse to try something new.**

Here's the scoop.

Peanut butter is expensive in Thailand.  Although I'm sure its price is increasing all over, $6 US just seemed like too much for a small jar.  Every once in a while I would find it on sale or just buy some anyways, but in general, I have gotten used to not eating it.  And that's okay with me. 

However, with my new-found revelation, the peanut butter option may be back.

The problem has never been a lack of peanuts.  One of Thailand's most popular dishes, Som Tam (papaya salad), includes roasted peanuts.  Which is how I ended up with a bag of peanuts in my cupboard.  A few days ago, my friends helped me make papaya salad.  It was great, and the leftover ingredients turned out to be great too.

So this morning.  I pulled out the bag of peanuts.  It was probably about 3/4 of a cup.  I tossed them into my mini food processor and pushed GO.  Then I thought I "might should" (as my southern friends would say) look at a recipe.  (Side note, I'm not just learning Thai in Thailand, my team is also teaching me "Southern" English.)

Okay, back to looking at the recipe, well actually, recipes.  One said I needed to add salt, honey, and oil.  Another said don't add anything.  I picked the one that suggested adding what you think it needs, but included that extra oil is unnecessary because the oil from the peanuts comes out as you process them.  I decided to add some salt and kept blending. 

The peanuts went through a few stages.  Big chunks, little chunks, dusty particles, dust clumping together in a ball, ball getting wet, paste. At this point I tasted it and decided I should have added less salt.  So I added some sugar and kept blending.  The paste went from chunky peanut butter to smooth peanut butter after another minute or so.

Another taste test confirmed that I should have done this peanut butter thing a long time ago.  It was amazing. 

Then I had an idea to make it more amazing.  I scooped out about half of the peanut butter, just in case my idea didn't work as planned.  Then I sprinkled some chocolate chips into the food processor with the remaining peanut butter and blended some more. 

Yep.  You guessed it.  Chocolate peanut butter.  Why I reserved some of the first batch, I don't know.  How could you go wrong with chocolate peanut butter???  It was even more amazing than the original.

I have a feeling the peanut guy at the market will be seeing me more often now, and not just when we are making Som Tam.  Even if you can buy peanut butter at the store, I suggest trying this.  It is so incredibly easy and so incredibly good.  Not to mention, it's a lot of fun too.

~  ~ ~  ~  ~ ~  ~  ~ ~  ~  ~ ~  ~  ~ ~  ~  ~ ~  ~  ~ ~ 

Recipe:

Homemade Peanut Butter

Ingredients:
Roasted Peanuts, about 1 cup or as much as you want to make/your food processor can hold
Salt, about 1/4 teaspoon depending on your taste and preference (you can always add more, but you can't take it out)
Optional: sugar, chocolate chips, or other creative ingredients

Instructions:
Place roasted peanuts and salt in food processor.  Process on medium-high for 3-5 minutes, scraping the edges to combine peanuts evenly every 30 seconds.  Taste peanut butter and add more salt or sugar if necessary.  A longer processing time will result in more creamy peanut butter.  When the desired consistency has been reached, add chocolate chips or other flavoring if desired and process until combined. 

For creamy peanut butter with chunks (something like store-bought chunky peanut butter but SO much better), reserve 1/4 cup peanuts after the first 30 seconds to a minute of processing.  Continue processing remaining peanuts until smooth.  When the desired consistency has been reached, add the reserved peanut chunks and process a few more seconds until just combined.

Store peanut butter in an air-tight container in the refrigerator or cupboard, but it will stay fresh longer in the refrigerator.  Peanut butter will solidify more after processing and even more in the refrigerator, as the oil from the peanuts cools.

Neighborhood Sounds

Sound.

What is sound?

Sound is a sequence of waves of pressure that propagates through compressible media such as air or water.

No, no, no.  What I mean is, what is the significance of the sound we hear?

My new neighborhood has a lot of new sounds.  Some may see them as disruptions to the peace and quiet of home.  But if one is attentive, these sounds can tell time.  They can be prayer reminders.

Elementary School

At 6:00 a.m. the flat, monotone temple chanting begins.  But even before then, buses and trucks rumble down the street.  The sound of children greeting their friends in the school yard begins around 7:30. 

Bangkok Southeastern High School

Not long after that, the high school school marching band begins warming up.  First, a tumbleweed of random noise, then tuning, then scales.  At 8:00 sharp, the Thai National Anthem is played by the band while a group of students sing along.  Everyone else stands still to listen and pay respect.

Kitchen View

All day long the clank and bang of a nearby construction site comes through our windows (open or closed).  The people working there have families, worries of their own, daily challenges and joys.  The loud speaker from the school announces more activities and instructions.  Noisy motorcycles zip along the road.  The occasional laugh or child's cry from the apartment complex floats by. 

Chinese Temple

As the sun starts to get sleepy, the sounds change.  The Chinese temple is having an event.  Music and a blurred microphone voice saturate the neighborhood, competing with the local karaoke bar.  The shouts of street vendors advertising their tasty treats cross paths with the screech of tires grappling to get home through traffic. 

Buddhist Temple

When the stars (all six of them) light up the dark sky, the sounds are more dull.  An airplane overhead, cars on the expressway going home late, the drone of neighbor's TV, and the low hum of fans and air conditioning units.

We could look at these as interruptions or ignore them as sounds of our world or hear them as prayer requests, calls for help, peas for relief, reminders of the hurting and lost world around us.

Welcome to my neighborhood.  Will you pray for it with me?

Temple Parking Lot

Family Beyond the Borders

Friends dressed up for a traditional Thai dance.

"You are my heroes." Said our national director.  

No, wait.  We aren't the heroes.  It's the other guys.  The people who came before and braved Thailand without internet.  It's the people who will come after and battle the challenges of the new generation.  It's the people who served for 30+ years and gave their whole life.  

Dressed up Thai style!

 "You are my heroes." Our national director repeated.

This year is YWAM's 40th in Thailand, and God had some powerful words to speak to us.  Just as Israel spent 40 years in the wilderness before entering the promise land, we believe God's promises and inheritance is at hand for Thailand.

As we step into this next season, we were encouraged to think beyond Thailand's borders.  How is God planning on sending out Thais to reach the nations?

A few points that apply to any season, any country, any area of service stuck out to me:
* We are not responsible for the outcome, we are responsible for being obedient.
* Identity is not in what we do but in Christ.
* Look at what you have, don't focus on what you are lacking.
* Security is found in Christ.  He will always be faithful.

A couple days were spent just with our YWAM Thailand family, a meager 450ish people who were able to come, with many more back home, keeping things running.  Before that, we spent a few days as the whole Asia-Pacific region.

Sitting in a room, surrounded by about 850 people from 20 or so countries, family wasn't on my mind.  But as the conference went on, I began to see why it was being called a "gathering" instead of a "conference."

As a family we worshiped together, in many languages yet to one faithful God who understood each voice.

As a family, we prayed over and commissioned the new leaders for YWAM Taiwan.  Being the first Taiwanese couple to be the country's national leaders, it was a beautiful moment and one many people have been looking forward to for years.

As a family we took an offering and received bills and coins in 12 currencies. 

As a family we celebrated the years past and were challenged toward the future.   We heard from YWAM's founder, influential people throughout the years, and our newest generation of leaders.

It is a great privilege to be a part of such a beautiful and diverse family.  A family that is so ready to listen to God's voice and follow his leading.

Ministry Glimpse: Ruth Center

Lately I've been impressed by how many amazing ways God is working in Thailand.  I'd like to highlight some of these ministries occasionally on my blog.  My hope is to give us more opportunities to celebrate God's goodness and the passion he has given different people for different areas of ministry.

The Ruth Center is in its fifth year of working in slum communities on the outskirts of Bangkok.  Their heart's burden is "to improve the quality of life for the elderly and seek long term solutions to their care."  Just in this district, there are 14,000 elderly people.  Many of those live alone with little to no income. 

Take Yai Noi for example.

Her broad, missing-tooth smile fills her face as we knock on the wood post that is the corner of her house and poke our head in the open door.  She lives alone and doesn't have the mobility to get out much, making visits from familiar faces extra special. 
 
Yai Noi calls a small shack built over a swamp "home."  She regularly prays for God to keep the snakes and poisonous bugs out, and she has many stories of God answering those prayers.

The students and I gingerly walk under the cover of her tin roof holding a bag of food to share for breakfast.  Yai Noi slowly lowers herself to the floor to sit with us.  She turns down the radio, her only companion some days. 

As we sit and munch on fruit, fried bread, and sip from bags of warm soy milk, we laugh at Yai Noi's stories.  We see her as a grandmother, and she sees us as her grandchildren. 

After breakfast, one of the students pulls out some bright red fingernail polish.  She spends the next hour clipping, filing, and painting Grandma's toenails.  This act of love and sacrifice of time means more than Yai Noi can express. 

Our visit was just a peek into the time and care that overflows from the Ruth Center everyday. 

Sometimes it's helping grandpa get to the doctor or pharmacy.  Sometimes it's an outing to a park.  Sometimes it's rebuilding a bathroom or replacing a pole that has begun rotting away.  Sometimes it's sharing a meal together or simply sharing some quality time. 

No matter what the activity, the genuine heart behind the Ruth Center's staff and volunteers is evident, ultimately showing and sharing Jesus' love with each person they visit.

For more information on the Ruth Center, see www.ywamthai.org/ruthcenter. 

Not Only a New Year's Battle

Whether on a tuk tuk, in a bus, or on a motorcycle, watch out!  You are a splash target!

"This holiday, you must expect to get wet.  If you get mad at them, you're wrong...not the people who splashed you."

Chao's words of warning echoed in my mind all three days of the New Year celebration.

Kids splashing from the side of the road.

As I got dressed each day, I consciously thought about what clothes I should wear.  Clothes that dried easily, wouldn't get stained, and wouldn't become see-through when wet.  

As I picked out shoes, the criteria was simple: water-proof.

As I decided what to take with me, I made sure I had my squirt gun (full!) and packed only the necessities, things easy to carry.  My phone was carefully zip-locked in a bag.  And my camera didn't make the cut.  (So thanks to other people for sharing some pictures!)

As I planned out my path, I considered which direction would most likely encounter the biggest splash scenes.  Sometimes I wanted to be there, sometimes I chose a roundabout way to avoid them.

I was ready for the New Year's Water War!

Sonkran is Thailand's New Year celebration.  There's no avoiding getting wet unless you literally don't come out of your house and let no one inside. 

Pouring water for blessings and merit.

The water splashing comes from the Buddhist tradition of pouring water on statues and people as a symbol of pouring out and receiving blessings.  The tradition is continued today as most Buddhist make merit during the New Year holiday, sometime in between the water fight. 

When I first came to Thailand, it was impossible to miss the fact that I was living in a spiritual war zone.  But now that I've been here for quite some time, it's easier to overlook.  As I reflected on the amount of effort I was taking to prepare for these days of water fights, I began to think about Ephesians 6.

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (verse 11-12)

The streets are full of people ready to splash!

Just as water could come from any angle at any time during Songkran, so does the spiritual battle come.  Just as I thought about my entire wardrobe and what would be in my hands before going out to get wet, I must remember the whole armor of God.  The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of readiness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit.  

No amount of staying home with the doors shut and food stocked up will keep this war at bay.  Whether home is a dot on the map in Thailand, America, or elsewhere, there's no escaping the reality of the battle we are fighting.  

Eye protection on and weapon in hand...We're ready!

A's Story

When I went to my hometown, I brought a couple of my American friends.  My father asked, "Are they Christians coming to serve Father?"  "What?"  I asked, confused.  (My dad is Buddhist.) 

"You know, the Father of the world." Dad has worked outside of Thailand, in Singapore and places like that, so he is familiar with a lot of religions.

(Could he really be referring to God?  I wondered to myself?) 

"Yes they are." I responded hesitantly.  Still unsure I was understanding correctly.

"Do you believe in the Christian God?"  Dad asked.

I stood silent.  I hadn't told them yet.  Then my mother shouted from the other side of the room, "Don't you go changing religions on me." 

My dad nodded at my silence.  He understood.  Mom, on the other hand, is very concerned about which of her children are going to make merit for her after my sister became Muslim.

My whole province is full of very strict Buddhists.  It's not like most of Thailand where people are cultural Buddhists.  My neighbors are serious about what they believe.  All over the province are many important temples, honored monks, and sacred bones of past monks.  There's not a single church near my parent's house. 

I wasn't surprised when my parents wanted me to go to the temple to make merit.  They actually wrote my name down on the paper to make a new giant bell for merit ringing.  I was really uncomfortable, but I didn't feel like I had a lot of options.  I didn't participate, but everyone asked me why.

That's one reason I was hesitant to go home since I became a Christian.  

***
6 days later...

"Julia!  I told my mom I am a Christian and she was okay!"  Were the first words out of A's mouth when I saw her.  "She said I can do whatever is good for me." 

A was glowing.  Freedom, relief, and joy, filled her face.


***Praise God that as students have gotten up the courage to tell their parents they have decided to follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior, God has prepared their parents to hear it and love them anyway!***

Vegetables, but Something More Important

It was a special day.  

The yellow banners in the market reminded our eyes.  And our noses quickly led us to the delicious aromas coming from stall after stall.  The annual Vegetarian Festival is primarily celebrated by Thai-Chinese who are wanting to cleanse their bodies from all meat and dairy to please their god.  However, everyone seems to enjoy the delicious dishes. 

This opened another conversation with one of my Thai friends with Chinese heritage...

"Why didn't your sisters come to church today?" I asked Lin.
"They had to go with my mom to the Chinese temple." She responded.
"Do they go every Sunday?"
"No, today is the first day of Tesagan Jae."
"The Vegetarian Festival, right?" 

"And what do they do at the temple?" 

"Pray to our god.  Today we celebrate because he comes to earth for the festival time." 

"What does he do on earth?" 

"Ummm...I don't know.  I guess to spend time among the people."

I asked if I could ask more, and with permission, our conversation continued on to her family's beliefs about sin, getting rid of it; heaven, getting there; god, and the unreachable standard of good he demands.  

After listening attentively, I was still confused.  And the more Lin tried to explain, the fewer answers she seemed to have. 

Lin has heard the gospel before (and again today as we talked), but still stands unsure, somewhere caught in between the pulls of family, a religion she doesn't really understand but grew up with, and the offer of a relationship with the world's Creator. 

Yummy vegetarian food!

Girls

It is a blessing to live and serve with all these beautiful faces.

 Girls.

We are the same in every country I've been to.  We may speak different languages, or have different customs, but we all worry about our hair. We worry about our size.  We worry about our friends and our future.   We all want to be noticed.  We all want to be treasured.  We all want to be loved.

AND

Girls of every age

We were all created uniquely by God, perfectly in his image.  We are his daughters, and he loves us more than we can understand.

Wanting some of the girls to hold this truth closer to their hearts, we talked about it during Girls' Night.

"God's love makes us beautiful on the inside and on the outside." I shared.

"Really?!" Aom almost shouted like she embraced the idea for the very first time.  "Me too?"  She asked, pointing at herself.

"Yes you!"  I confirmed.

When we truly understand the depths of God's love for us, we don't have to be insecure about our hair.  It actually sounds silly to mention those two in the same sentence.  We don't have to worry about our future because we know Dad has it taken care of. 

My desire is to see the Thai and Chinese girls I am pouring into embrace these ideas.  The deeper our roots abide in the Father, the more naturally beautiful our lives become because they are being watered by the perfect, complete, quenching Living Water.