still in thailand
We spent our first week and a half up north near Chiang Rei at a children’s education center/orphange. The children were absolutley amazing and a huge blessing to me. From there we traveled the way of the backpacker…down through Chiang Mei and then to Bangkok. We are staying in a popular spot for travelers…which means partiers. I have a hard time reaching out to the party crowd here. I’ve felt very alone, tired and road weary here. It’s hard to see what we’re doing. In fact, I haven’t felt very united with our team. THen a few nights ago our team was confronted with our own lack of focus and the our selfishness. THe Holy Spirit moved us to speak out our fears, our hurts, everything. THen last night, more came out and we recognized that our unity has been under attack. But God forgives and we confessed, took communion together and now we’re on to a new beginning. I really believe that things will be different for us. I already feel lighter.
We are in Bangkok and God is using us to reach people in small and big ways. I spent this past week with a german woman named Ute. She’s awesome and she’s searching for God. SHe already believes in new age ideas…all gods lead to the same god. SHe believes in Budha and postive/negative energy, etc. I had a hard time knowing how to relate to her at first but after a few days getting to know her, I began to understand her and how she needed God. I never told her that her beliefs were wrong, I just shared my own beliefs. SHe was not only open to hearing my thoughts but saked a lot of questions. SHe has a lot of hurt and doesn’t always see herself as worthy of love. During our week together, it was like watching a flower bloom. She started to talk more about God, we prayed together and I gave her my Bible (something that I felt very strongly about doing). It just felt right…the whole week. We parted ways but we’ll both be on the islands around the same time…so I will see her again soon.
Today we had our worship/singing time in the park and it was so freeing to be outside worshiping God. I already feel lighter and I have so much hope for our group and what God is doing here in Bangkok!
We head out to Cambodia in a few days and I’m not sure how long we will be there. I will give more information when I have it.
Love always,
Nicki
