Remember how we’re learning that things change, and then they change again?
Well, surprise! Our first team, due to arrive 15 June, arrived early into our care! We’re now leading our first team–five college students from Malibu, California–and will be until 21 June.
They are actually on a two-month mission trip here in Thailand, planned to work with a number of organizations in the area. Our time with them was scheduled for 15 June through 21 June. They went through Mae Sot last week on their way to a village. They had called and asked us to hold some of their luggage at the office so they didn’t have to cart it all with them. Easy for us, so we got that arranged, and then heard from them on Saturday about picking up their luggage again.
It was at this point we discovered their trip wasn’t going quite as planned. They had faced a few bumps along the road and were getting quite discouraged. We offered to get them their luggage and meet them for dinner on Sunday night.
And at dinner we realized just how many of their plans had fallen through, including the next ten days until they’d be officially volunteering with us.
It was one of those times we felt that if we were going to start each day praying that we’d have eyes to see the opportunities God put before us, we should probably jump at those opportunities when they arise. With a group of five willing to do anything to serve, our week plans quickly changed.
And thus, our first volunteer team is here! This week will be full of packing hygiene packs for the children’s homes Partners supports, helping to weed at the Partners development farm, sorting clothing donations to go inside, and play with the local children in our neighborhood. We’ll then head out next Wednesday to visit a refugee camp about five hours south and spend time with the students in two of Partners children’s homes there.
That said, prayers appreciated. Stephen & I just officially took over our job at a meeting on Saturday, at which point we acquired a lengthy to-do list. We’re also still sitting in the middle of children’s project responsibilities with a side dish of language learning. We’d love your prayers for energy, patience, and kindness; and for us to be open to whatever surprises for ministry come our way!
How cool! THIS is what God called you to Thailand to DO! We’ll pray that their time with you is productive.
What a blessing you were to that team!!!!! You are the calm during the storm and they needed ya’ll to make some sense when things didn’t make sense. God is using you every minute and that is very clear. I bet they were a little scared. We will be praying. Try to skype. Missing ya’ll.
Rock and roll! Awesome, guys! It will be cool to see how God is here to meet you, since He knew this was coming but didn’t tell :). Praying it’s blessed.
It seems like God is having you guys take a “rigid stance of flexibility” approach to your lives and ministry! I will be praying for endurance, wisdom, and passion for you guys.
Pretty cool to see you taking advantage of the opportunities God sends your way, even when you feel like your plate is full and overflowing!
How awesome!! Praying be you.
We are excited for you guys first team!
As the parent of one of those “discouraged” students, I say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You are SUCH a blessing to them! And just in time! They have willing hearts and are eternally grateful for your hospitality! You have my eternal gratitude. I will continue to praise God for you and pray for each of you as you serve together. So glad to find your blog! God’s love to you…Heather’s mom (Nancy)