Thailand | A journey of discovery
As we stepped off the plane in Thailand, our team of adventurers was filled with excitement and anticipation. We had been called to serve, to learn, and to immerse ourselves in the beauty and culture of this incredible country. Little did we know, the next two weeks would be a journey that would leave an indelible mark on our hearts.
Our first challenge was a long and arduous travel day to reach our accommodation. We navigated through confusing directions, endured lengthy bus/train rides, and braved winding roads. Exhaustion began to set in, but our spirits remained. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we arrived at our destination, eager to rest and settle in.
That’s when we met our incredible hosts, who welcomed us with open arms and warm smiles. They showed us to our cozy quarters, fed us delicious meals, and showered us with kindness and generosity. We were grateful for their hospitality, which revived our weary souls and set the tone for an unforgettable experience.
One of the highlights of our stay was the delicious food shared with us by our hosts. Each meal was a culinary masterpiece, with dishes like spicy tom yum soup, fragrant green curry, and savoury pad thai. Our hosts took great pride in sharing their culinary traditions with us, and we were humbled by their generosity. We even had the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Thai food ourselves, which was a fun and delicious experience! With the guidance of our hosts, we learned the art of preparing perfect stir-fries, curries, and soups, and we enjoyed the fruits of our labor afterwards.
As we settled into our new surroundings, we began to learn the language, which proved to be a challenging but rewarding experience. Our hosts patiently taught us basic phrases, and we practiced with gusto, eager to communicate with the locals. We discovered that even a few words of Thai could go a long way in building connections and showing respect for the culture.
But what brought us the most joy was the relief of being in one place for a longer period. We had been traveling for weeks, and the constant movement had taken its toll. To finally have a place to call home, even if only for a short time, was a blessing. We could unpack our bags, settle into a routine, and build meaningful connections with the people around us.
And build connections we did! Our hosts became like family to us, and we shared laughter, stories, and tears together. We learned about their lives, their struggles, and their triumphs, and we were humbled by their kindness and generosity. We also met other traveler’s and locals, and our shared experiences created a sense of community and belonging.
We also had the privilege of teaching English lessons to the local children, which was a rewarding experience. We saw the excitement in their eyes as they learned new words and phrases, and we were grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. Additionally, we had the chance to teach music lessons, which was a joyous experience. It was such a privilege to have to teach on things that we were passionate about, it made the process so life-giving!
We also had the opportunity to learn about mushroom farming, which was a fascinating experience.. We had the privilege of visiting a stunning waterfall, where we marvelled at the power and beauty of nature. We also explored the picturesque rice fields and, of course, who could forget the majestic elephants? We had the honour of riding these gentle giants through the lush Thai countryside, feeling a deep connection with these incredible creatures.
As we spent time with the locals, we began to sense the move of the Holy Spirit in our midst. We saw healings take place, as people were prayed for and received miraculous breakthroughs. We saw tears of joy streaming down faces, as people encountered the love of God in a real and tangible way. We saw the power of prayer and worship bring transformation to the community, and we were humbled to be a part of it.
As the days passed, we knew that our time in Thailand was drawing to a close. But we didn’t leave with only a sense of sadness; instead, we left with a sense of hope and anticipation. We knew that the connections we had made, the experiences we had shared, and the memories we had created would stay with us forever. On to the next adventure we go! Expectant to see what the Lord will do in our hearts as we continue the journey.
In Pattaya, we were granted a precious time of rest and prayer. We revelled in the privilege of worshipping on Pattaya beach. But amidst the beauty, we couldn’t ignore the spiritual darkness that seemed to loom over the city. The streets were filled with the brokenness of sin, and the weight of exploitation and addiction was potent. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, we sensed a hope during our times of prayer. We felt the presence of God, and His promise that He has a plan to prosper and not to harm (Jeremiah 29:11). We prayed for the Light of Jesus Christ to pierce through the darkness, bringing hope and redemption to those around us. On Walking Street, we intentionally lifted up prayers, asking God to shine His light in the hearts of those who may be searching for meaning and purpose. It was a powerful reminder that even in the most unlikely of places, God’s presence can be felt and His love can transform lives. I invite everyone who reads this to pray for Thailand, specifically Pattaya, for the Holy Spirit to be poured out so that people may experience the redeeming love of Jesus.
“for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light”
Ephesians 5:8 ESV
Sending love,
Eastbound.