Surprise, surprise!
They had no idea! After several months of coordinating with my baby sister, I secretly flew to the US to surprise my family. One sister was in the process of packing up to move to IN and another sister will be moving to another state in the next few months. So, this would be the last time that we would all be together. I wasn’t planning to visit until November but by that time my sisters would be gone so I had to visit early.
I won’t soon forget how surprised they were to see me. It was the best thing ever!
It was a very quick trip but worth it. Getting to see everyone made my heart so happy. I had some Chick fil A and In N Out and made several trips to Target. I was able to catch up with some friends and visit my home church. And, there’s just something about a momma’s hug. It’s good for the soul.
I tried to capture each persons reaction to seeing me but some of it didn’t turn out. I do have a video of it on my instagram.
Summer Break
We’ve been on summer break for 6 weeks now. Though school is out my schedule is still pretty busy. We visit people in the village 3 days a week and meet together for a time of prayer once a week. I am still doing strength training 3 days a week. I meet with my mentors once a week. We have church every Sunday.
School starts in two weeks and things will get even more busy. We’ll have the afterschool program 4 days a week and I’ll teach at the school once a week.
As you may know, I am the director of the after school program. I have been praying for this for 10 years. I am finally able to start stepping fully into that role. It is a slow process but I am confident that there will be some great progress in our ministry.
Part of my plans include trainings/education for our students and their families. I want to educate them on healthy family dynamics, online safety, bodily autonomy, mental health and other ways to give them tools make healthy choices all around. I would also like to start taking the students on “mission trips”. The community center has been on the receiving end of things for nearly 2 decades. I feel like it’s time to show our students that they have something to offer. If they don’t have money they can give their time and efforts to help those around them.
Would you pray for me as I implement these changes and programs? It is my hope that my team would trust my leadership as I guide us to be more effective in ministry. I have so many ideas but I only want to do what the Lord is asking me to do. Please pray that I would hear Him clearly.
The Part I Hate the Most
Of all the challenges that I face and the hardships the missionary life brings, it’s the money I hate the most. I hate needing it. I hate asking for it. I hate feeling like a salesman. I hate the stress that is always in the back of my mind. The money is the absolute worst part for me. Yet, outside of the Lord’s sovereignty, it is the one thing that allows me to do what I do.
For over a year I have been on the verge of having to leave Thailand because I am about to run out of money. Somehow the Lord has worked it out. I have a little less than 3 years left of this term. I would like to finish this term strong. I would like to put that part of my mind at ease that stays anxious wondering if this will be the month that I have to leave.
I know that life happens. I’m not dismissing your hardships. If you can’t give, I totally understand! If you can, it would make the difference in me finishing this term or having to leave early.
If your card was lost or stolen or if it expired you can start your giving again today! If you haven’t yet made a donation you can also do that today! Whether you give monthly or one-time it all helps me to stay in Thailand.
To be fully transparent, I need $1,500 in monthly support. I’m doing what I can to raise more support while still being on the field but I can only do so much from here.
Send this newsletter to your missions pastor, small group leader, friends, family. If 30 people give $50 a month I’ll be set! Over 200 people are subscribed to my newsletter. If each of you share this with one person that would be a huge help!
For those of you that give faithfully, you are why I’m still here. Thank you!!! Some of you have been supporting me for over 10 years. Some of you for 10 weeks. All of us together make it happen.
Now that I am the director it is even more significant for me to be here. I’m not ready to leave.
Can You Speak English?
If you can speak English then you are welcome to come teach with me! Yep, that’s about all that you need. If you have esl or tesol certifications, even better! We need at least 2 more English teachers at the community center. Right now we have 4 classes and only 2 teachers. If you or someone you know can commit to at least a year in Thailand let me know!
Get Ready…
As I prepare for the new school year and the new changes I’ll be implementing (and to turn 46) I am anticipating all the Lord is going to do! The church is growing and we are looking for another building to buy or rent. The students are continuing to develop their English and knowledge of God’s word. One of my interns will be returning to do youth and young adult ministry. I will be hosting a couple of teams later this year.
This is going to be a busy, impactful, amazing year! It’s an honor to have you on this journey with me.
