Thailand 2008

We began our journey to Thailand on June 26, at 5 AM. Several of our flights were delayed, but by the grace of God, we made every single one. About 30 hours later, we arrived in Bangkok and crashed in our hotel. After a short time of orientation to Thailand culture and language in Bangkok, we took an 8 hour bus ride to Mae Sot, a small border town about 10 minutes away from Burma. We had several projects going on during our time in Mae Sot.


First, we were building a playground out of tires for a school for Burmese children. This project was challenging, but so rewarding for several reasons. The man we were working with, Marcus, was experimenting with building huge structures with tires, and we took apart most of what we built. But after we had completed several structures, it was incredibly rewarding to see children playing on the tires we had already constructed.

Our team grew together while working with the tires; although at times, we certainly got frustrated with eachother, we learned to accomplish huge tasks and great achievements that were only possible through teamwork.

Not only were we able to be a blessing to the children by building a place where they could run around and play, we were also able to be a witness to some of the people we were working with. Marcus, the man who was the leader of the project, had been a Christian, but was not walking with the Lord and was searching spiritually. Kat, a volunteer from Australia was also definitely not a Christian, but very open to listening to our stories and our beliefs. Rob, a fellow from Britain, had his own beliefs, but was still open to hang out with us and listen to us. Because of these unique opportunites Christ provided, we were able to be an example of true Christianity to them; we loved them no matter what they had done or who they were.

Our second ministry was working with New Day School, a primary school for Burmese children. We were able to simply play with the kids through out the school day, teach very elementary English, and we even fed them lunch. It was heartbreaking because we knew that lunchtime might be some of these kids only meal; at the same time, it was so lifegiving because we were able to love on the kids and show Jesus's love to them.