Thailand Missions (2018) “Chiang Mai, We're in Your Area"
Sawadee kaa, this is your co-captain speaking: We have landed in Chiang Mai! It’s only been 1 day, but after 17 hours on the plane and a 9-hour layover in Hong Kong, it’s felt like 3 days in 1...zzzz
Before I recap, I first want to thank all our parents and families for entrusting us into God’s hands. It’s not easy to send off your precious cargo, but such faith is honorable in the sight of the Lord. As we individually update you, how wonderful it has been to experience the one true God who sees, hears, and cares for all our anxieties and intercessions on our behalf. Thanks fam for reminders through emails/messaging, for those who care and pray for our parents, and for you who walk alongside us in reverence and faith.
DAY 1 highlights, praises, and answered prayers:
1. Covered in prayer:
So grateful and uplifted by the HUGE turnout of people from church who came to the airport to send us off in prayer and encouragement! We also rendezvoused with Justin Chiu over lunch in HK during our layover - he sent us off in prayer and with bo lo yau (pineapple buns with butter)! Even if we didn’t get to see you before we left, your driving out/prayers/thoughts/handwritten notes (and snacks!) go a long way 💛
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| Bottom left: cupcakes from Dots! Aroy (yummy) |
2. Safety:
For most of us, this was either our first international trip, first trip to Thailand, or first time planning an overseas missions trip. By God’s grace, all the traveling logistics and flights have been really smooth!
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| My sight for 14 hours. |
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| 3 hour-conversations otw to Chiang Mai |
3. Teambuilding:
Yesterday we had our first team meeting with everyone bodily present! (There was always at least one team member who was out of town and couldn’t make it to our previous team meetings in LA.) As we listened to each other’s life stories and played some games to pass time, God showed me the unique diversity and possibilities of how He can use anyone for His glory. I am deep down excited to return to Thailand, but filled with anticipation for God to shape and mold this team as we work and begin to live together.
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| Listening to Kevin's life story over McDonalds milk tea |
4. Support:
As I walked toward customs at the Chiang Mai airport, I noticed out of the corner of my eye a bright, smiling, blond lady waving a sign with “FCBC” written on it. Behold- it was Denise! She and Eric, the director of The Centre, personally greeted us and made sure we were all accounted for. Though this is our first time partnering with The Centre as well as Denise’s first time hosting an FCBC team, God has been so gracious through their lovingkindness and support in big and small ways: coordinating plans, picking us up from the airport, helping us order our first meal in Thai, helping us settle into our air bnb (with care packages), and being an extension of grace through words of encouragement and guidance.
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| Denise & Eric picked us up at the airport! |
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| First dinner in Chiang Mai! |
Overall, we are all so glad to have a very nice place to stay at and rest our heads. Tomorrow we'll visit The Centre and learn more about Chiang Mai!
Prayer requests:
- Good attitudes and rapport in serving together, learning about Thai culture and people, and communicating with The Centre and Denise.
- May the peace and joy of the Lord be our strength as we adjust over jetlag, walk more than usual, and have different kinds of social interaction.
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