Today is the day. We are leaving Mae Sot, and the feelings I have are bittersweet. Happiness and sadness fill my soul as this month’s memories linger in my mind. Last night, our team gathered at our contacts house for weenie roasting and bonfire. Laughter and sparks filled the air as we sat by the fire telling stories and relaxing beside it’s warmth.
As I sat there, I began to think about how fast this month has zoomed by… We started out riding a double decker bus from Bangkok to Mae Sot, and half way in between, we got off and switched buses. When we finally arrived, our contact, Carrien greeted us with a kind smile and joy in her eyes. We were the first World Race team to work with her and her husband, Aaron. Working out schedules and understanding each other took a little time, but with a little patience and flexibility, we worked it out. Aaron and Carrien strive to help families in Mae Sot by “working with the at risk children of the world, saturating them in healing transformation of love and family and equip them with skills, character and attitudes that will give them the power to be the leaders who will shape the economy of tomorrow and to do it in a manner that is socially responsible and self-sustaining.” (read more on their website: thecharisproject.org/about-us/).
Every week, we would work in different branches that make up The Charis Project. The first week was spent organizing, advertising, and setting up their consignment shop/ coffee bar. One day, we even got to experience the woes of pulling weeds in a rice plantation; however, the best part of that day was spent swimming with their kids in the pond on their farm. The second and third week was spent teaching English and inductive bible studies to the kids and women in the village. Then last weekend, we drove up to the mountain, and spent time at an orphanage. We were there 3 days. We each played a different role in the ministry Jordan taught sewing, Edie taught hair styling, and Steff & Whitney taught English, and Tera & I helped where it was needed. The first night, we gathered beneath the clear, starry sky, and sang Taylor Swift and worship songs with kids. The second day, our team taught the kids, played games, and laughed with them. It was evident that the kids had a blast! [I’ll write more about that second day in a different blog.] The third day was the Rice Festival. We had church in their kitchen, and I shared my testimony. One of the women came up to me afterwards and thanked me. She said that my testimony had brought tears to her eyes. In honor of the festival, we had freshly harvested rice and special dishes served to us for this occasion. No one left that room hungry, each person was filled both spiritually and physically. That afternoon, we played and laughed with all the children. Who knew that we would grow to love and miss that place in 3 days?! It was rough saying goodbye. That Monday, we left the mountain and spent it playing and swimming with Aaron & Carrien and their 5 precious kids!
This month came and went so fast! It’s hard to believe that it’s over already. This month was stretching, but also a blessing to work with a family so passionate about their ministry, and for me, it was difficult to part ways. We came to bless them, and in return, they blessed us in ways that I cannot explain. I am so grateful. Please pray for their ministry and all the branches partnered with them. Pray for continued growth and change.
Thank you, Carrien & Aaron for taking us in and allowing us to work with you. We love you, and your family. May God bless you in all you do!
*To my supporters, friends and family: This coming month, we are traveling to Laos, a closed country. Due to security and safety reasons, I have created a visitor password for my blog. The password is: jesusjewels
How wonderful you sound. The Lord is teaching you so many things. I bet you were able to list lots of things that you were thankful for this year. Probably wasn’t all about you either. I see what you are doing and accomplishing and it makes me realize how silly it is of me because I am so nervous and full of self-doubt just because I have to teach a SS lesson (I’ve never taught an adult class before). Fall has been very short lived this. Our last tree in our yard burst into a beautiful golden color Wed morning and one day later half the leaves have fluttered to the ground. We set a record in NA for the earliest snow fall ever on Nov . Winter is looking to be a rough one this year. Continue to write these beautiful updates, look at how many people are living your trip through your stories. I hope that you are documenting every thing you feel, all your struggles, all your spirit led moments because you could write a very interesting book after you return. I would love to read it. Thank you for being used by God to serve mankind, your neighbor. What you do for the least of these, you do for Me. Love you, Rhonda
I really enjoyed reading ur post. May God bless u as u bless others.
Well-Happy Thanksgiving, little one! I was up at sunrise and took the pork loin to Allan’s grill to sear–we’ll have a huge family get-together at granny’s and we’ll talk, including about you. You have looked so happy in pictures and words, so we know this Thanksgiving apart is every bit as great a blessing as if we were physically together . Blessings on your day, and hope to talk with you soon. We love, and are proud of you and your compatriots on this amazing journey!
Leanna, it is good to see all that God is doing through you each month! Kris
Beautiful! What a great way to share your experiences for the past month. My, what great stories you have to tell. Feeling it—mom!!!