Back on the Homefront

I have been back in the States now for a week. It has definitely has been an adjustment! I was really sick the first few days after the 2-day flight back home. My stomach shrunk in Thailand so I can't eat as much of the American food that I have been craving. But most of all, I miss Thailand. My dad and I ran up to his church last night and on the way home he asked if I was okay. He said I seemed a little depressed. (I had been very quiet and soft-spoken the two days I had been home.) I said yes, I was okay but my eyes filled with tears. I told him I missed Thailand. "Even with the food, the heat, the hard beds, etc. etc.?" he asked. Yes, of course. Those things didn't matter in the great scheme of things. I've been missing the team, the fellowship we had together, how we could always talk about the Lord together and encourage each other. How we laughed and joked together around the dinner table. I didn't exactly find that when I returned home. I miss the Thais, how joyful they are and their beautiful smiles. I miss how we would laugh together over the silliest things and how we would share even just elementary basics about God (whatever the language barrier would allow). I miss the overall experience in Thailand. It is going to be hard the next few weeks adjusting back to life here. My fear is that I will fall back into the American routine and forget about Thailand and what I learned this summer. It will be my constant prayer that it won't happen.

So what did I learn this summer? So much more than I will ever be able to communicate. However, I want to attempt to share my heart with you, to encourage you and as a way to express my gratitude towards your support this summer.

I really learned more about God this summer. I reflected back on the beginning. Buddhists don't believe in a Supreme Being that created the world. God created the world. He wrote the story of life on earth for all time (Psalm 139:16b). Therefore, He has all authority. Why not believe? Buddhists believe in idols that are empty of value. They can't save their worshipers. They can't even move; they have to be carried. God carries His people (Isaiah 46:4). He saves. He loves. He never fails His people like the idols do. God can heal us. God comforts us (Psalm 31:1-5). God did not spare His Son (Romans 8:32). So why would He withhold good things from us? God is sovereign-He is the Potter. Why would I question Him (Romans 9:21)?

As for a ministry update, overall, my ministry team met over 100 girls. We followed up with about 20 of those girls. We had really close relationships with 3 of them and 1 will be joining Bow's Bible study! Within another ministry team, 2 girls came to Christ! Praise be to Him!

Please continue to pray for the Isan people group. They are the 26th most unreached people group in the world, and we came in direct contact with so many of them.

Thank you for all of your support and prayers this summer! The journey is not over!

In Christ,
Christine ><>