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Thai Update: flashback to May 14th 2009 - Jenn
-so funny story...everyone knows how much I love nuts back at home, however, I learned early on to never trust eating nuts off the side of the road...
It all started when Pastor Zoar, the pastor of the Burmese community, pulled over suddenly while we were driving and jumped out only to be bringing a foreign fruit-like object over to me. It was a cashew nut. Obviously wanting to get'r done, I threw the fruit half out of the window and started biting on the shell. Realizing it was going to be a tougher challenge then I thought, I stuck the whole thing in my mouth and started attempting to crack it open. At one point, I even brought out little scissors that I had in my bag, and tried prying at it.
Little did I know...moments later, my mouth started numbing, and burning from the oil within the shell. Quickly I tried to figure what was happening, and we immediately stopped the van and Jonathan yelled up, asking if the nut was poisonous. Pastor Zoar nearly had a heart attack when he realized I stuck it in my mouth. He responded very shocked and expressed that he didn't understand why I would try eating it! I rinsed my mouth out, but still had a very sore mouth!
Its been a few days, and as an end result, the oil burned my lips, and I'm a little uncomfortable, but things are sweet and everyone is taking care of me. I miss you guys back home, but don't worry about me. Thai food is great, and 7-11 is life.
Ps, I had bubble tea in Thailand!
Written by: Jenn Baird
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28 Seconds in Morgen Village
The rain was heavy when we arrived to the pier at the end of our 4 hour mini-bus ride-slash-sardine adventure. If we weren't tight as a team before that, we definitely were by now. The 12 passenger vehicle had enough seat belts for our 11 bodies, but not so much space for our bags of food, clothes, rubbermaids of dental equipment, our on-the-fly makeshift dental furniture, and Ben's guitar...
We were told the longboat could not be used in the rain, so we prayed...
Thirty seconds after we all finished saying Amen the rain subsided, and we started packing the longboat...God is good.
Now the Morgen islanders have quite the story, and I hope that none of them read this posting. I am by no means learned in the history of their culture, so please do not deem me as an exhaustive storyteller, but what I'm sharing now are a few of the stories that they have shared with me that have blessed my life.
Number one: the Morgen islanders are a band of Sea Gypsies; meaning they are master-fishermen, and live where the fish take them.
Number two: the whole village accepted Christ after the tsunami...much prayer was needed for this to happen, but miracles happen when talking to God is taken seriously. Talk to Pastor Brian if you want more info...(Matt 17:19-20)
Number three: historically the village had always been in debt...God has financially blessed them out of debt even when times have been hard (fishing has not been what it used to be, since the tsunami), and now they are in the position to be a blessing to other Sea Gypsy communities...God is faithful to His people...(1 Thess 5:23&24)
Dave, Alyssa & Steph working till 1am on teeth.
Number four: three months before we set foot on their island, the people prayed. They had asked God for A. a veterinarian (they have many animals), and two weeks later they had received one, and B. a dentist (dental hygiene has not been taken seriously), and we showed up with Dr. Dave...we were never told about this need before we showed up...strategically God had assembled this crew. Ask and prepare to receive...(Matt 7:7)
Written by: Ash Peters
Thai Update: May 22nd 2009 - Andy
How do you summarize three weeks of mission in a paragraph or two? That question will remain as I share my pre-flight thoughts. We are just a few hours away from leaving this tropical southern Asian land formerly known as Siam.
Our experience has been rich, exciting, stretching, informative, and troubling. The need is great and the workers are so few. Thailand is 99.3% pagan- the .7% Christian population is a beautiful mix of tribes, languages and subcultures. We have engaged two different peoples who's first language is not Thai (Sea Gypsies, and the Morgans) both of which have been deeply touched by the power of God.
As I stand on Kata Beach, the outline of the giant Buddha on top of the mountain overlooking the city tells much of the story.
How does this image represent the people? There is a great parallel between this created image and the faith of the people who live under it's gaze. Visibility is the first parallel- everywhere you look people are expressing their faith or rather their superstition and fear.
Spirit houses adorn every property as a way of appeasing the displaced spirits who lived on the property first. They believe that a house must be built for the spirits to live in and that these spirits must be offered gifts each day- in this way they appease the spirits and they remain passive. So as you drive through the cities and countryside you will see these elaborate or simple houses covered in hanging tributes and fresh fruits, baked goods and even fresh flowers. This is the true foundation of their faith. The people are more "spiritists" that Buddhists. In fact Pastor Brian from PCC says that in his experiences, true Buddhism does not exists outside of North American Universities.
The bright aspect of this visibility is that if prayers of faith are offered to Jesus and blessings follow, people turn to Christ. That is what we witnessed here in our short time. We saw the native church leaders engaging people with the question "can I pray a blessing over you?"
One example of this was the guest house we stayed at while visiting Karaburi. Wanlapa (65 year old evangelist) began to talk to the guest house proprietors and asked if we could pray for them. Knowing that we would return a week later she said to them- "when we return you will be Christians." A week later when our team returned for a second visit the proprietors welcomed us warmly and told us the story of an expensive bicycle that had been stolen sometime ago and after our prayers was promptly returned. This was evidence of the reality of God through Jesus to them and just as Wanlapa had prophesied they chose to follow Christ and are now being discipled weekly.
Visibility, respect, and reservation...
Many more thoughts to come- time to catch my plane, I miss my wife and kids- I am on my way home Lisa, Hannah and Zach. Can't wait to see you!
Written by: Andy Moore Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
Our experience has been rich, exciting, stretching, informative, and troubling. The need is great and the workers are so few. Thailand is 99.3% pagan- the .7% Christian population is a beautiful mix of tribes, languages and subcultures. We have engaged two different peoples who's first language is not Thai (Sea Gypsies, and the Morgans) both of which have been deeply touched by the power of God.
As I stand on Kata Beach, the outline of the giant Buddha on top of the mountain overlooking the city tells much of the story.
How does this image represent the people? There is a great parallel between this created image and the faith of the people who live under it's gaze. Visibility is the first parallel- everywhere you look people are expressing their faith or rather their superstition and fear.
Spirit houses adorn every property as a way of appeasing the displaced spirits who lived on the property first. They believe that a house must be built for the spirits to live in and that these spirits must be offered gifts each day- in this way they appease the spirits and they remain passive. So as you drive through the cities and countryside you will see these elaborate or simple houses covered in hanging tributes and fresh fruits, baked goods and even fresh flowers. This is the true foundation of their faith. The people are more "spiritists" that Buddhists. In fact Pastor Brian from PCC says that in his experiences, true Buddhism does not exists outside of North American Universities.
The bright aspect of this visibility is that if prayers of faith are offered to Jesus and blessings follow, people turn to Christ. That is what we witnessed here in our short time. We saw the native church leaders engaging people with the question "can I pray a blessing over you?"
One example of this was the guest house we stayed at while visiting Karaburi. Wanlapa (65 year old evangelist) began to talk to the guest house proprietors and asked if we could pray for them. Knowing that we would return a week later she said to them- "when we return you will be Christians." A week later when our team returned for a second visit the proprietors welcomed us warmly and told us the story of an expensive bicycle that had been stolen sometime ago and after our prayers was promptly returned. This was evidence of the reality of God through Jesus to them and just as Wanlapa had prophesied they chose to follow Christ and are now being discipled weekly.
Visibility, respect, and reservation...
Many more thoughts to come- time to catch my plane, I miss my wife and kids- I am on my way home Lisa, Hannah and Zach. Can't wait to see you!
Written by: Andy Moore Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
Thai Update: May 21st 2009 - Mahkeela
Hey there peeps!
It's crazy beautiful here. We had a chance to go to a place called Morgan's Village. Where people live the "simple life". They are so passionate about God and having their village/community live like a family. They were so kind and generous-- it was sweet! I got the chance to takl to one of the main women of the town with the help of a translator. She told me great things how they got there how hard it is to live and stuff. I'm definately going to keep these incredible people in my prayers! Talk to you soon.
P.S. Hi Mom and family :)
Written by: Mahkeela Hohl Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
It's crazy beautiful here. We had a chance to go to a place called Morgan's Village. Where people live the "simple life". They are so passionate about God and having their village/community live like a family. They were so kind and generous-- it was sweet! I got the chance to takl to one of the main women of the town with the help of a translator. She told me great things how they got there how hard it is to live and stuff. I'm definately going to keep these incredible people in my prayers! Talk to you soon.
P.S. Hi Mom and family :)
Written by: Mahkeela Hohl Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
Thai Update: May 21st 2009 - Kristy
Last thursday I was part of a small group that went to a Burmese cell group at a Burmese work camp. At first when I say their living conditions, (they work on beautiful houses, and live in tiny tin shacks surrounding what they are building) I felt helpless. My heart broke with compassion of how unjust the situation is. I wasn't sure if I was going to able to sit in a room with them without having tears in my eyes.
As a portion of the cell group Andy asked if I would lead some songs of worship and then share something from my heart. I had no idea what I was going to share. But during worship I kenw exactly what He wanted me to share something God's been showing me.
Psalm 45:11 (NLT) "for your royal husband delights in your beauty; honour him, for he is your Lord"
I shared how beautiful the Lord thinks the burmese people are -- in everything they do. They are so hospitibale and caring. And when they don't feel worthy or good enogh they can always know that God values them highly -- because he does. I could feel it. When my heart was aching for them when I saw how they had to live I was feeling God's compassion for the Burmese poeople. God loves this Country so very much.
Here is a scripture I want to share that has been given to me as encouragement this past week by my wonderful friend Laura,
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
and then one that I've had written down to keep in mind this whole trip
Psalm 27:13-14
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
thank you for all your continuous support! Love all of you lots xoxo Kristy
Written by: Kristy Frampton Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
As a portion of the cell group Andy asked if I would lead some songs of worship and then share something from my heart. I had no idea what I was going to share. But during worship I kenw exactly what He wanted me to share something God's been showing me.
Psalm 45:11 (NLT) "for your royal husband delights in your beauty; honour him, for he is your Lord"
I shared how beautiful the Lord thinks the burmese people are -- in everything they do. They are so hospitibale and caring. And when they don't feel worthy or good enogh they can always know that God values them highly -- because he does. I could feel it. When my heart was aching for them when I saw how they had to live I was feeling God's compassion for the Burmese poeople. God loves this Country so very much.
Here is a scripture I want to share that has been given to me as encouragement this past week by my wonderful friend Laura,
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
and then one that I've had written down to keep in mind this whole trip
Psalm 27:13-14
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
thank you for all your continuous support! Love all of you lots xoxo Kristy
Written by: Kristy Frampton Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
Thai Update: May 15th 2009 - April
HOLLA!
Thailand is amazing. The weather, so hot, and the people so nice. After being here for only a week, we've experienced so much. We went to Morgan Island where we got to hang out with the people and join them in their church service. The culture here is so different, and you can definitely tell the difference between the real Phuket and the tourist areas.
I've come to realize I'm very bad at bartering, thank goodness for Jenn...But all the markets are so cool. You can find anything really. We have been to beautiful beaches (I got very burnt!) and we went snorkeling! Sunscreen is now my new best friend! The food is delicious, but very hot. We have managed to find some really good western restaurants. I've had such a good time getting to hang out and play games with kids. They are so joyful and it makes me so happy to see them having so much fun with the simplest of things. I'm really looking forward to what God has planned for the rest of our time here.
Keep us in your prayers! I miss you all!
Written By: April Turgeon Labels:
Thailand is amazing. The weather, so hot, and the people so nice. After being here for only a week, we've experienced so much. We went to Morgan Island where we got to hang out with the people and join them in their church service. The culture here is so different, and you can definitely tell the difference between the real Phuket and the tourist areas.
I've come to realize I'm very bad at bartering, thank goodness for Jenn...But all the markets are so cool. You can find anything really. We have been to beautiful beaches (I got very burnt!) and we went snorkeling! Sunscreen is now my new best friend! The food is delicious, but very hot. We have managed to find some really good western restaurants. I've had such a good time getting to hang out and play games with kids. They are so joyful and it makes me so happy to see them having so much fun with the simplest of things. I'm really looking forward to what God has planned for the rest of our time here.
Keep us in your prayers! I miss you all!
Written By: April Turgeon Labels:
Thai Update: May 13th 2009 - Heather
So yesterday has to have been one of my highlights from the trip so far.
A handful of us went to a sea gypsy village where Dave was doing dentistry. The first thing we saw when we arrived on the beach was these kids making really awesome music with nothing more than a couple of hand drums, tin cans and sticks. I could not believe how they were entertaining each other just by garbage from the beach. Obviously I wanted in on the action so I attempted to keep a beat with a tin can but quickly realized that they were way more talented than me so I stopped. Instead, I joined in on some games Pat had started. We played games like Football, pass, piggy in the middle, duck duck goose, british bulldog and bamba. The kids here are so great because they never get bored of even the simplest games (I think we played duck, duck goose for like half an hour).
The reason why this night was so amazing was because I got to show off some of my dance moves to a group of girls. I taught them my grade 8 line dance and a few other things I've picked up over my skating years. It was so special to be able to share what I love with these girls. We also got everyone on the beach to join in on the chicken dance! It was so funny because we had no music so we were humming the tune all together (they are super smart kids). And to top the whole night off we got the kids to do a giant Conga line across the beach. It was a really great night, my fav so far...
Written by: Heather Hanna
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Thai Update: May 14th 2009 - Jonathan
The people of Thailand are amazing! Their kindness and generosity go unwatched, even though they do not have much to give. They have been so welcoming and we find ourselves greatly blessed. As the trip meets it's halfway point, we all hope our efforts to bless them are effective.
One of the most exciting things that I experienced was doing backflips in the ocean with the help of Ash, David and Patrick. The water is so warm and then we went snorkeling . We stayed in the water for hours. We also have had the opportunity to share and hear many testimonies. The team is so great and I am excited to see what God does with us in the next week.
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Written by: Jonathan Bryden
Thai Update: May 6th 2009 - BG
Flashback to the first day here...
Life is good, and God is great.
Written by: BG Moraga
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Thai Update: May 14th 2009 - Steph
Our missions trip team is a wonderful group of people. Learning about Thai culture and the Thai language has been interesting. I know about 10 words in total (the words are pretty challenging, but I'm working on it).
The Thai people that we have encountered are amazing. The people that work at Phuket Christian Centre have been serving us and catering to all of our needs. It is amazing to see God at work in the lives of people in Phuket. Can't wait to see you all.
Later!
Written by: Stephanie Gavidia
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Thai Update: May 13th 2009 - Lauren
Hello dear ones!
I pray that you are well, and being built into strong men and women in Christ.
It is my joy to share with you what our sweet savior has been doing!
Phuket's body of believers have such encouraging faith - they are truly in love with their God. It feels as if we have been much more blessed by them, than we have been a blessing.
This journey is transforming our stories. Would you pray for boldness as we proclaim what the LORD has done in each of us. That it would allow light to flood in.
There is a scene in "Beauty and the Beast" in which the Beast leads Belle into a large room, and tells her to open her eyes. As she does so, he swings open towering curtains, allowing light to pour in, illuminating all that is there.
Would you pray for that kind of experience for the people of Phuket. That they would see the glorious radiance of Jesus Christ!
-I love you lots
Written by: Lauren Villines Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
I pray that you are well, and being built into strong men and women in Christ.
It is my joy to share with you what our sweet savior has been doing!
Phuket's body of believers have such encouraging faith - they are truly in love with their God. It feels as if we have been much more blessed by them, than we have been a blessing.
This journey is transforming our stories. Would you pray for boldness as we proclaim what the LORD has done in each of us. That it would allow light to flood in.
There is a scene in "Beauty and the Beast" in which the Beast leads Belle into a large room, and tells her to open her eyes. As she does so, he swings open towering curtains, allowing light to pour in, illuminating all that is there.
Would you pray for that kind of experience for the people of Phuket. That they would see the glorious radiance of Jesus Christ!
-I love you lots
Written by: Lauren Villines Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
Thai Update: May 13th 2009 - Sarah
Hello Everyone!
Thank you for the incredible blessing of your love and prayers.
We are so excited to share what we have seen and heard and experienced here in Thailand.
My favorite experience in Thailand so far has been our trip to Takua Pa and its surrounding villages. The love and generosity and genuine hearts of the people we met there was so inspiring. The children there were full of such joy and excitement and were so eager to learn and play. God has blessed me with a true love for these people. To cross the world along with barriers of language and culture and to find yourself as part of a family in Christ is a true blessing.
We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives aswell, because you had become so dear to us.
1 Thessalonians 2:8
Written by: Sarah Tiede Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
Thank you for the incredible blessing of your love and prayers.
We are so excited to share what we have seen and heard and experienced here in Thailand.
My favorite experience in Thailand so far has been our trip to Takua Pa and its surrounding villages. The love and generosity and genuine hearts of the people we met there was so inspiring. The children there were full of such joy and excitement and were so eager to learn and play. God has blessed me with a true love for these people. To cross the world along with barriers of language and culture and to find yourself as part of a family in Christ is a true blessing.
We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives aswell, because you had become so dear to us.
1 Thessalonians 2:8
Written by: Sarah Tiede Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
Thai Update: May 12th 2009 #2 - Patrick
It's just a little before 1am and the heat doesn't sleep. So this is a quick blurb about a group called the 'Sea Gypsys'. The team has had the opportunity to visit a village that is literally called a sea gypsy village(road signs). Within that village are perhaps the most desperate circumstances we have encountered; now with that said the people are not desperate. The living conditions to a westernized eye come off that way though. We have had the blessing of visiting on two seperate occasions. Our team dentist( Dentist Dave) as we affectionately refer to him has spent both days there working hard to help the people there with their oral health.
Written by: Patrick Nolan Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
Written by: Patrick Nolan Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
Thai Update: May 12th 2009 - Patrick
Sawat-de-krup. Respectful greeting in Thai, masculine version. I have no idea how to spell it though. It's sometime in the afternoon and the majority of us are sitting around in a cafe enjoying that national dish, Pad Thai.
I'm not sure what the previous bloggers have shared so I will assume that the slate is blank.
I'd like to catch you, the Victorian viewers, up to date with our Thai excursion thus far. A recap.
We arrived after a 24 hour journey here in Phuket . We drove in awesome Toyota vans for about an hour and a half into the heart of the city. The first drive was perhaps the most intense and eye opening to Thai driving style. Traffic laws is almost an oxymoron here. I suppose there are some rules but more or less the laws of physics are the primary governing laws; specifically, two objects cannot occupy the same place at the same time. Imagine any scene from Jurassic park where big dinorsaurs are running with little ones amongst their legs. Basically very fast scooters(100+cc) zip in and out of the four lane highways passing on both sides. Vehicles can go anywhere there is a gap. It's actually kind of awesome. Apparently this island has (tragically) one of the highest accident rates and consequently fatalities in motor vehicle accidents. With that said we've seen nothing to validate that, thankfully.
Anyways enough with the crazy antics of scooters. This place is beautiful. There are no socks in this country. If I were a hobbit I'd just travel about barefoot; however, I don sandals as I am not. The heat is not so overwhelming as we imagined. It's completely barable. Ac is an amenity that is afforded to most buildings here. And who doesn't enjoy a good sweat here and there? The smells are constantly changing and morphing together to create an immense job for the nose. Briefly as my timer on this computer is flashing. Sweet thai food cooking on the sides of streets, pungent fruits hanging off of canopies, and putrid open sewers every couple of blocks. All together creating a wonderful blend for the senses. 2 minutes to go. So the sounds, basically the general hustle and bustle, but definitely a cacophany (sp?) that keeps you constantly alert to the dangers that lurk, primarily cockroaches and scooters and funny dripping water. I love everyone in Victoria and Thailand. God bless talk soon, must end now. Bye bye, Pajoi Wei Paon.
Written by: Patrick Nolan Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
I'm not sure what the previous bloggers have shared so I will assume that the slate is blank.
I'd like to catch you, the Victorian viewers, up to date with our Thai excursion thus far. A recap.
We arrived after a 24 hour journey here in Phuket . We drove in awesome Toyota vans for about an hour and a half into the heart of the city. The first drive was perhaps the most intense and eye opening to Thai driving style. Traffic laws is almost an oxymoron here. I suppose there are some rules but more or less the laws of physics are the primary governing laws; specifically, two objects cannot occupy the same place at the same time. Imagine any scene from Jurassic park where big dinorsaurs are running with little ones amongst their legs. Basically very fast scooters(100+cc) zip in and out of the four lane highways passing on both sides. Vehicles can go anywhere there is a gap. It's actually kind of awesome. Apparently this island has (tragically) one of the highest accident rates and consequently fatalities in motor vehicle accidents. With that said we've seen nothing to validate that, thankfully.
Anyways enough with the crazy antics of scooters. This place is beautiful. There are no socks in this country. If I were a hobbit I'd just travel about barefoot; however, I don sandals as I am not. The heat is not so overwhelming as we imagined. It's completely barable. Ac is an amenity that is afforded to most buildings here. And who doesn't enjoy a good sweat here and there? The smells are constantly changing and morphing together to create an immense job for the nose. Briefly as my timer on this computer is flashing. Sweet thai food cooking on the sides of streets, pungent fruits hanging off of canopies, and putrid open sewers every couple of blocks. All together creating a wonderful blend for the senses. 2 minutes to go. So the sounds, basically the general hustle and bustle, but definitely a cacophany (sp?) that keeps you constantly alert to the dangers that lurk, primarily cockroaches and scooters and funny dripping water. I love everyone in Victoria and Thailand. God bless talk soon, must end now. Bye bye, Pajoi Wei Paon.
Written by: Patrick Nolan Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
Thai Update: May 8th 2009 - Nicole
Our first full day of ministry here.
Pastor Brian spoke to us about how Thailand is going through a phase of reclamation. God has already redeemed these people and this land through the Cross, and how He is calling them back to Him.
I realized how similar this is to what is happening in my own life.
There are parts of me that are beautiful and good, there are also many parts of me that are broken and need grace, just like this land. If I know God to be faithful in my life, how much more gracious will He be in this country. It made me see that every little thing we are doing here moves these people closer to where God is bringing them. Even the most tiny things like prayer for one child, or pulling one tooth are not futile.
God has shown me His heart for this country and it is filled with beauty and hope, just like His heart for me.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Written by Nicole Neufeld. Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
Pastor Brian spoke to us about how Thailand is going through a phase of reclamation. God has already redeemed these people and this land through the Cross, and how He is calling them back to Him.
I realized how similar this is to what is happening in my own life.
There are parts of me that are beautiful and good, there are also many parts of me that are broken and need grace, just like this land. If I know God to be faithful in my life, how much more gracious will He be in this country. It made me see that every little thing we are doing here moves these people closer to where God is bringing them. Even the most tiny things like prayer for one child, or pulling one tooth are not futile.
God has shown me His heart for this country and it is filled with beauty and hope, just like His heart for me.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Written by Nicole Neufeld. Labels: Thailand, Thailand Update
Thai Update: May 6th 2009 1200h
Hello all,
We have made it to Phuket Thailand! I'll tell you one thing, this is such a beautiful place. The people are so nice, the food is amazing, and the humidity makes it feel like you've just been running 5km's with your jeans on...
Everyone on the team is in good health, and we've received all our bags (except one, but it has been found and currently being delivered to our hotel, PTL). We are currently just sitting down for lunch (it is 12:55pm, aka 10:55pm Victoria time...) at the Phuket Christian Centre in downtown Phuket. This is where we will be doing most of our planning, preparation and team meetings.
We have been planning our stay thus far, and it looks very exciting, I'll keep you informed further as to what we are doing in a later posting. However, today (our first full day on the ground, we arrived yesterday) we will be splitting into teams and serving in three different ministries.
We have made it to Phuket Thailand! I'll tell you one thing, this is such a beautiful place. The people are so nice, the food is amazing, and the humidity makes it feel like you've just been running 5km's with your jeans on...
Everyone on the team is in good health, and we've received all our bags (except one, but it has been found and currently being delivered to our hotel, PTL). We are currently just sitting down for lunch (it is 12:55pm, aka 10:55pm Victoria time...) at the Phuket Christian Centre in downtown Phuket. This is where we will be doing most of our planning, preparation and team meetings.
We have been planning our stay thus far, and it looks very exciting, I'll keep you informed further as to what we are doing in a later posting. However, today (our first full day on the ground, we arrived yesterday) we will be splitting into teams and serving in three different ministries.
We are all excited about everything we are seeing and learning. However, it is hard to abide to team rule no. 1: no taking pictures in the first three days...an exercise in discipline and not wanting to look like the vulnerable tourists we are...hahahaa.
Much love, and God bless.
Ash
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