It’s incredible to realize I’ve spent over 4 months living in Thailand. I can’t begin to express all the ways this place and the people here have changed my life. I’ve seen God move miracles. I’ve met strangers who became family. I’ve seen souls turned from darkness to light found in Jesus.
If you would’ve told me a year ago that I’d be where I am today, my mind would be blown and my heart would be so full of joy. God has been so faithful and so present. He’s shown me that he sees me, blessed me and my team with a community here, and worked on my heart in so many ways.
While I’ve learned a lot, these are some of the key takeaways I have from these past few months in Thailand.
Hospitality:
If I had to choose 1 characteristic of Thai culture that has completely blown me away, I would choose their hospitality. From the first day we landed in Chiang Mai, it was evident that there was something different about the culture of service and respect here. I think we’ve all been helped by a server, receptionist, or worker at some point who didn’t actually want to be serving or assisting us. For the past 4 months, that’s rarely been the case.
I’ll start by telling you about the hotel staff we got to know during the first 2 weeks. The same workers run the welcome desk and outside parking every day. Kid, our doorman, works every single day for 12-14 hours, getting only 3 days off a month. This man never failed to greet us with a smile, help us with our bags, or run out to help our long station wagon park. Y and Fee were our lovely receptionists. We practiced our Thai with them, they assisted with any hotel need we had, and they giggled as we took mentos from their candy jar (we took A LOT of mentos). As we got to know them, they became our first friends in Thailand.
Here’s the beautiful thing: these 3 workers were so kind and helpful right off the bat. However, as we got to know them- recognizing them as people, not just staff- their willingness and joy in serving us became more evident. Saying goodbye to them was sad, but we were able to bless them with some gifts. They set the standard of kindness and genuine serve that we continued to see in the weeks to come.
Whether we visited a little noodle shop on the side of the road, arrived for meetings with school administrators, or met new people, we’ve been blessed to receive such kindness. I could name time after time that people have gone out of their way to welcome us above the “normal” standard we have in America. For example, no matter what financial state a person is in, people always bring food to share if you invite them over. Because of their hospitality, these people feel like an immediately gained family member.
This truth applies especially to the Thai AIA staff we’ve worked with. Phi Soa, Cee, and Sam have become our family- in large part due to their hospitality and care for us. They bring us medicine when sick, open their home up to us, give up their time to arrange and drive us 7+ hours for our visa renewal, make sure we’re experiencing Thai culture, and engaged in the community here. They’ve gone beyond any concept of hospitality I’ve experienced or seen in the states.
My context and definition of what it means to be a good neighbor has changed drastically because of the community-based lifestyle here in Thailand. Everyone cares for everyone- that’s the standard here. Respect isn’t earned, it’s expected. It’s a beautiful culture to live in.
Sabai Sabai
Perhaps the biggest culture shock of moving to Thailand was the pace and approach to living life. While America in constantly go-go-go, very scheduled and centered around individuality, Thailand is the complete opposite. So many plans with the local Thai staff were last minute, with few details, and an unknown destination or purpose. Working with them became true walking in faith- trusting God to use our willingness for his glory. I grew a lot in this area- in my willingness to be broken out of my comfort zone secured safely in a schedule.
There’s a phrase in Thai, “Sabai Sabai” meaning, “Relax; be easy going; don’t worry.” This phrase categorizes that approach to living life and making plans here. While the “relaxedness” of unsure last minute plans challenged me, the relaxed nature of our schedule allowed my soul to thrive. While we built our schedule in the fall, God kept sending us reminders to rest- remembering that He is ultimately more concerned with our heart and relationship with him than the work we do. To quote the Bible study we did as a team, “We remember that we are more than what we produce or create” -Kristi Mclelland, Luke in the Land. Thailand provided me with such a unique opportunity and space to truly sit, abide, and be with God. Because of the time difference, lack of independence (I can’t drive here), and limited resources, God and I have gotten to work on our relationship in such fruitful ways. I don’t know when I’ll experience a separation like this again- from all my prior support systems at home- which drew me directly to the heart of God.
“Sabai Sabai” encouraged me to rest. It encouraged me to slow down. It taught me to openly receive. It taught me to adjust. It allowed me to find Jesus in the pace of life.
Praise God
Working with and living alongside the Thai AIA staff taught me so much about gratitude. During the Thai National Games in December, I realized how often they say “Praise God”- even for things I would consider ‘insignificant’ to God. But God continues to be faithful in renewing my heart and mind. For example, we visited the beach one day, and ended up getting directions to a different beach from someone along the road. When we arrived, Phi Cee said, “Praise God we found this beach, because the other one would be very busy.” And you know what, she was right. Praise God for caring about us and all of our desires. Being with them has convicted and pushed me to return the glory due to God- in big and small things.
They model such genuine gratitude in all circumstances. My favorite habit that we often do with them after a long day, meal, or activity, is share what we thank God for. This is a practice I hope to bring with me wherever I go in life.
“We sat down as a group and shared what we’re thankful and praising God for.” (My journal, 12-13-24)
Constant Prayer
The Bible tells us faith without works is dead (James 2:17). However, serving here really taught me that work without prayer is equally empty. Our service, good intentions, evangelism, or work is foolish if we don’t first seek the Lord and invite his spirit to guide us.
Doing missions with the local missionaries here has shown me how valuable and necessary contestant and consistent prayer is. Before going anywhere to serve, we pray. When someone texts us a prayer request, we pray then and there. When there’s a need, we pray. As we walk, sit, or listen when we’re not leading, I’ve learned to pray. I read The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer this past month and the quote, “Little moments of boredom were potential portals to prayer” stood out to me. Instead of filling boredom with my phone, I talk to my Creator.
Now I’ll be the first to say I’m not as constant in talking with Jesus as I’d like to be, but serving here has shown me He’s so approachable. Inviting him into every activity, every heart posture of mine, and every need has been a blessing. I feel a freedom to pray whenever, wherever. It’s a beautiful way to live life- constantly connecting to Abba, our Father.
~
I plan on posting a final recap of our ministry as we debrief and get settled in Croatia. For now, here are some of the ways I have grown and seen God use these last 4 months to teach me:
I entered Thailand clinging to “my way” more than I realized. Within the first 2 weeks I learned that I can’t depend on my own strength. The Lord has sustained me every single day- filling my heart with joy and my body with energy. I’ve learned how to surrender my plans, desires, and involvement into God’s hands. He’s teaching me how to submit to him in all things.
I entered Thailand knowing that I should prioritize my time with Jesus and reading the Bible. I enjoyed my morning devotional, but not nearly like I do now. I crave my time with Jesus in a way I never have. I depend on starting my day in the word.
I entered Thailand apprehensive of how God would use me and my gifts. He’s provided so many opportunities for me and my team to glorify him. And I’m the midst of it all, he’s reminded me that my value and worth is only found in one thing- being his daughter. In busy seasons, God’s shown me that he’s more concerned with my hearts than he is with what I do.
I entered Thailand alone, only knowing my 4 teammates, hoping to find some sense of belonging here. I leave Thailand with a big family. I leave with the security of spending forever with the Christ-followers we’ve met and grown to love.
I truly wish I could look each of you in the eyes and tell you how good God has been these past 4 months. I’m eager to see what God has in store for the next 3 as we learn to do ministry in another context!
Prayer Requests:
Safe travels to Croatia (and home to the US for Addison) and that all of our luggage makes it!
For grace during the adjustment period/culture shock of changing countries
For our leader, Leanne, and the Croatian staff receiving us
For the work being continued after us in Thailand (more on this soon)
Comments