Was That 3 Days or a Week??

Our days have been full and we've done so much in the last three days.  When you read this blog post today, you may also be asking the question, "was that 3 days or a week??"  This is what we've been up to for the last three days... 

The hotel has been so amazing and accommodating for us.  I really appreciate their willingness to open the fitness center early for me. It only opens at 7, which was too late for me to get everything done and leave with the team on time. So, one day, I just asked them if they could open it early (6 am instead).  And, they did! So thankful for that gift! 

On Wednesday morning, we were challenged by Charles' devo for our morning team meeting. He challenged us to live intentionally and to be open to God using us. We saw this demonstrated on our trip so many times. He also challenged us to identify who our "Timothys" are in our life.

We went to the Phana School to do the Christmas program.  There were about 100 students in grades 1 and 3.  We were able to set up before the kids arrived (in so many schools the kids were early and waiting for us!) The school provided us with delicious coconut drinks. What a treat! 

I shared my testimony at the school in the morning.  I am praising God for giving me the words to share and to be able to explain it in a way that was helpful, understandable and engaging for the students.  The Holy Spirit was at work and the students were so focused in listening to me. 

 

 

  

We met some international teachers there who were from London and are teaching there for a year. Another teacher, Timothy, was from Uganda and has been teaching there for some time now.  For our last song, "We wish you a Merry Christmas," he led all of us in singing and after several rounds, kept speeding up the song. The kids loved it!

We joined the church members to lunch at a cute coffee shop.  "Food is Memories" -- that's the truth! 

 

In the afternoon, we went to Khum Lek School (about 39 students in preschool, grades 1-6).  The school was small but the students were so well behaved. Karen shared her testimony with the students.  After the program, M* (from the KL house church) brought her drink cart to share some treats with us.  Then we went to her home and met with those from the KL house church.  M* shared her testimony. She wants her home to be used for the youth and young people, children's ministry.  She wants to leave this legacy behind. Krista shared a word from the Lord with M* and we all prayed over her. The other church members, even the children, shared their testimonies.  This trip has been so good for all of us in the reminder that we should always be prepared to share our testimony and how God has worked in our life. 

 

 

 

 

 

When we left her home, the team split into two groups to go to two different homes, with church members who are bedridden.  The group I was part of went to pray for Grandpa.  He has trouble with his knees. Chris prayed over him and we joined with him in prayer. Grandpa stood up and walked with his walker after our prayer.  He said he felt stronger!  God is good! 

The other team members prayed for Grandma in another home.  She was laying on a hospital bed and a few weeks ago, her health was very bad. The team members prayed over her and then Lucy started the group in singing "Amazing Grace." Those who were there said it was a meaningful time.  Grandma was excited for them to come...she had been waiting for days.  She had kept asking her daughter what day it was because she was so excited for the visit from the church. Grandma was full of joy after their visit.

We took some pictures together with some local children who showed up as we were leaving. 

We got back to the hotel and had dinner at hotel coffee shop.  Half of the team received their food and had finished it before the others were served. Not sure what happened there, but it made for a longer day for some. 

On Thursday, Leah started our team meeting with the devotion, sharing on the parable of talents and how our gifts are worthless unless we let them go and let God use them.

We went to the Kut Paeng School.  There were about 120 students from grades 1-6 there.  They spoke English very well at this school.  Unfortunately, many of the teachers were distracting with taking photos during the program.  The principal came in at one point and there was a flurry of activity with more photos.  It was kind of disappointing but nothing we could really do.  Lucy shared her testimony at this school. 

 

 

  

 

We made a quick stop for some souvenir shopping at a place with local crafts and handmade items.  After shopping for a bit, we stopped for lunch.  

 

 

 

The next stop was a coffee shop where Silk shared her testimony. 

Our afternoon school was a visit to Benjathan Phitatya School with about 160 students in grades 1-6. Chris shared his testimony for the elementary students.  Earlier in the week, this school kept contacting Kris and Silk asking if they could add the high school students to see the program.  In the end, they ended up bringing the high school students in for about 20 minutes, with about 70 students.  We ended up having enough materials to hand out for everyone.  It was like God multiplied things for us that day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We left and made a quick stop at the hotel before heading to a local mall to a store called, "Moshi Moshi."  Two sisters from the city house church met us there to bring us gifts.  

 

We went on to a special dinner at a "boat-shaped" restaurant.  The sunset was beautiful.

 

  

During our time together at dinner, both Som and Pawn shared their testimonies with us.  Our team has been so adventurous in eating ALL the food!  It's been so impressive.  The unique dishes that night--exploding catfish and fried frogs!  

 

Then, Kris and Silk ordered a special dessert for us.  We waited and waited and waited....and then this came out...

Seriously?  Bread?  

 

Well, the bread wasn't enough for us all.  We had to stop for ice cream and things got silly.  We had to say goodbye to Som tonight.  These goodbyes are getting harder.  We've grown to love everyone so much.

 

Friday was our final school program at Rachaphat Demonstration School with about 70 students in 2nd and 3rd grade.  Charles shared his testimony.  Another city church member, B*, teaches at this school.  And, Geng and Tukta's daughter, Hannah, goes to this school as well.  This school was so much different than many--one being that the students were not dressed as festive as other schools and they were sitting in chairs and tables.

 

 

 

 

 

That's all I will post for now.  We are headed to the airport for our long flight home.