Thailand Missions (2018) "Finally Ready"
Preparing for Thailand has been one of the most stressful experiences I've gone through for awhile. Before the trip, I had finished a research paper, 2 projects, finals, a trip to Seattle, and a trip to Korea, all while trying to keep my gaze on God's face. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I would be ready at all to try and affect souls considering my own well-being, but God's provision is always enough. Through the process, He provided me with community to push me and His presence/word to calm me even as I constantly found new distractions to stress me out.
Physically, emotionally, and spiritually, I now find myself ready to go.
Physically - Though school and travel were supposed to tire me out, I find a hidden pool of energy in me that continues to sustain me to pray and meet God in the midst of busy days.
Emotionally - I tend to be a pretty shy, introverted person. Usually, I dread meeting new people and trying to build relationships when I already have an established in-group, especially with my stutter. Although I still feel anxious that my physical body won't be enough, I trust that my Lord, Savior and Creator of the Universe can overcome my speech impediments, shyness, and introversion.
Spiritually - God's shown His constancy and sovereignty in every part of my life especially in this past quarter of earthly struggle, and being able to be still in His presence has been so freeing. Knowing that His promises are true and that we're working for His glory allows me to put aside earthly worry and focus on the kingdom.
Recently, I read a devotional about dying to myself. It challenged the reader, asking, "What would dying to yourself feel like? Will people clap for you? Will they congratulate you?" Dying to myself in this world means turning from earthly values and chasing heavenly treasures despite what the world sees. I hope to continue the process in sharing God's love to others now in Thailand.
T-2 Prayer Requests
- Please pray for all of our actions and words to glorify God and encourage each other as the team is there to show God in us to the people we encounter.
- Please pray for team. Pray that we will be able to put aside our personal differences and empathize + show compassion to one another as we strive towards the same goal. Pray that we'll be overcome our shyness and ignorance to share boldly while being culturally aware.
- Please pray for travel mercies and against energy loss from jetlag.
Posts
