Where do I begin? If you asked me if there was anything I wanted to share about Thailand, I could come up with at least a half-dozen things (no, maybe a couple dozen!) that were really special about the trip. After coming home and adjusting to the time changes, the digestion issues, and just the general every day life issues, an explosion of thoughts that related this trip - what God was doing there, and in me personally, began to flood my mind.
Long before getting on the plane for Thailand, in one of the team meetings, it was mentioned (as it is before all mission trips) that we needed to seriously prepare spiritually for this trip, and for what God wanted to do in the girls to set them free. I really took this to heart and was feeling the weight of responsibility of that commission. I did NOT just want to go on another mission trip, and come home with some memorabilia to add to my collection, or be one of 'those Americans that came with their nice little program'. (This was, however an amazing trip where I felt like we got the 'full experience' of Thailand!), but I digress:
I personally was wondering if I was ready for this trip, or would be useful to the team and those we were to minister to. I had been feeling rather dry and detached, and was feeling the burden of responsibility to bring manna and hope to the people there by speaking where asked, and by sharing my testimony at the Kids Camp on the night we were to address the pain and heartbreak (which I knew would be difficult). I had been trying to write my testimony for weeks and it was only days before leaving that I was able to even put the basics on paper. Then on the morning of October 24th, I read something in my devotions that really spoke to me and encouraged me. It was called, “Becoming Invisible” and I loved the analogy given:
“Where
I live, this is the time of year when plants defy death by remaining
underground until it is safe to come out again.
Before the snow comes and the ground freezes, they let go of their
beautiful blooms and retreat to a place where they can rest and save energy for
the next growing season. Contrary to the
way it looks, they are not dead; they are dormant. When the snow melts and the ground thaws,
they will again lift their heads toward heaven, greeting their Creator with
brilliant colors and sweet fragrances.
The
seasons of life require that we sometimes enter a period of dormancy. We are not dead, but we may feel we’ve become
invisible. During such times we may feel
useless, and we may wonder whether God will ever use us again. But periods like this are for our protection
and preparation. When the time is right
and the conditions are safe, God will call us once again to service and
worship.”
God moved in a powerful way in Thailand, and so many of the
girls' testimonies proved that He was present to do a deep work in
answer to the prayers of the Pastor and his wife at Home of Blessing. (Throughout the trip, I was thinking about
something we used to have in our church called "Cleansing Waters" where many in our church, myself included, experienced healing and deliverance that can only come from God). We saw this again in how God was moving in the girls there. And, as one of our team members
mentioned this past Sunday in the service, I too was wondering what our part (as lay persons) in the Pastors Conference
would be and just had to trust that God would use us. As it turns out I was so blessed
to be a part of what He did there! And it was exceeding abundantly
above all I could ask or think!
Over the next few weeks, as I sort my thoughts and pictures, I will post more about the details of our trip.
To say that going on missions is life-changing is an understatement! From my first trip to Haiti in 1997, I have understood and always believed that. To say you 'can't out-give God' is another one of those understatements, as I have always come away with such rich blessings from the time with Him, and the people we are sent to. Yes, there are sacrifices and there are challenges, but it is well worth it - every time!
