Adaptability Is The Name Of The Game

These short but long two weeks in Chiang Rai have flown by. They were short in that we've only had about 2 weeks with this awesome group and long because even with a short time constraint, we've managed to build some great relationships and do a lot.

If you've ever been on outreach, you know that you either learn to be adaptable or you have a miserable time. This had been especially true in this outreach, more so than even Serbia or Rotherham. Growing is never easy. :) We were just joking today about how we started with Plan A, then went to B, then C and now we're on D, watching in case F shows up. As it stands now, we have one more full day in Chiang Rai, then Wednesday we'll head to Burma for a visa run and then back down to Chiang Mai for 3 weeks. The closer we get to it, the less we know exactly what we'll be doing there. Adaptability. :) Early on in our time, God gave a word that our outreach was about relationship, relationship, relationship. And that's what it's been about. So in Chiang Mai, if what we get to do is hang out with the girls who've come out of the Bars, we'll be super exited! If it entails more teaching and small groups and such, we'll also be happy! In whatever we do, we just want to glorify His name. :)

 In the past two weeks, we've been able to meet with some staff for ministry time, hang out with university students (via an exchange camp and a dance party), teach English to 1st thru 3rd graders and lead a small group in the evenings. It's been a crazy few weeks, but so good. I feel as though I've learned more than I've been able to teach. The teacher is ever the student, eh? :) I've made friends with people that I'll be incredibly sad to leave, but that's the point right? This has been an incredible start to outreach!

 Please pray for:
My roommate's sleep (it's come up, but she still needs more sleep than she's getting)
Renewal throughout the days to come, I think we're all a little tired
Safe travels

Praise for:
Great relationships!
New learning experiences!
All the many blessings God has given us!

 I cannot stress enough how grateful I am for your guys' support, especially the prayers. The other night, I was feeling just SO drained and then out of the blue, I begin to feel renewed. I knew someone or multiple people had begun praying. I think when we think of support, it always revolves around money, but seriously guys, I KNOW God will provide for all my needs, but those prayers are so vital. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Eyes and Ears and a Mouth and a Nose

After what had to be one of the craziest journeys on record, we finally arrived in Chiang Rai on Friday. I think we were all on the edge of our seats to find out what God was going to do here in Chiang Rai. We didn't have to wait long, God is definitely showing us, though I don't think we'll ever understand the full implications. At least, not until eternity. What are we doing here, you ask? Quite a bit. In the early afternoon, we split and two go to the university with a group and two go to the primary school to teach English. Sarah and Carol go to the university to hand out flyers about the upcoming Exchange Camp on Saturday, as well as building relationships with the students and eating lunch with them. Karen and I get the joy of interacting with kids from about 5 to 10 years old. I feel almost guilty saying we're their teachers, 'cause I'm having so much fun! Today we had the 1st graders, two classes full of them. We sang "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes," played Simon Says and told the tale of Little Red Riding Hood, then had them draw and write the names of animals (in English). So fun! Then in the afternoon, we've offered up ministry time for the staff, a safe place to talk and pray, if they want it. Putting into practice our Active Listening skills and the Inner Healing prayer skills we've learned. Come evening time, we eat with the staff here in a great big family manner. I love this time! It's exactly what this extrovert needs. I've tried lots of new dishes here. Some I know what they are and others I'm not so sure. The two that stand out are the gelatinized chicken blood, which looks like a dark tofu. The other being a pre packaged yogurt that upon eating, I discovered had corn and beans in it! Crazy! It's a great time of relaxation and conversation. Good food and good company are two of my favorite things. After dinner, we have a small group with staff and students, where we get to share. You never know what God is going to do! Last night we were headed one direction with a topic, in our planning session and then got to talking about how God has really been teaching me about His love and ten minutes before we left, we knew God would have me speak on that. So in 10 short minutes, I pulled together what I had and that's what I spoke on for about 25 minutes. So cool! Tonight, we're continuing with the Plumbline teaching, having built a solid foundation of His faithful love.

Thank you so much for your continued prayer and support. I can feel the prayers all the way across the world.
 
Praises:
We made it safely!
God is opening up awesome doors!

Prayer Points:
Inspiration to new and creative ways of teaching.
Renewed strength every day.
Ears to hear and eyes to see.

And then God says, "Surprise!"

This week has been wild and crazy. I think I met myself coming and going. After I wrote my last blog, I went back to the base to find out we were under pre-evacuation. Not even two hours later it turned into mandatory. And I found myself running out the door to my second family on the northern end of town. As I was driving, I looked back over my shoulder and could see the flames. I broke down crying then and there. My home was near the biggest natural disaster of the yer in the states and it might be eaten up by flames. At that point all I could think if was "I left my hairspray, if the fire reaches the base, it will explode." then relief came thru some laughter. The next few days were spent in intense watching of the fire and prep for outreach. I wasn't sure if I would be able to get back home to pack for Thailand, so I had a lot of extra stuff to do. I don't think I stopped to breathe. Then at 9am Friday morning, they lifted our evuavtion and I could go home! More goodbyes and packing followed. Tough but good. Sunday found me with 2 of my team members (Carol flew out of California), headed to the airport. We got there with plenty of time and took our time getting to our gate, only to find out our plane had been delayed. First an hour, then almost two and finally over two. When we landed in San Francisco, we raced across the airport, to arrive too late for our flight to Taiwan, which then lead to a flight to Bangkok. We were all filled with disappointment. I think, being tired and having had a stressful week, the rest looked grim. But God! After a harrowing, late night taxi ride through the streets of San Mateo, and a driver who tried to rip us off (God bless his socks off!), we ended up in the welcoming arms of the Comfort Inn. At 4:30am. A bit dazed, very tired and ready for sleep. God met me in my quiet time and promised me He had things under control and the morning would bring good things. Little did I know this stop in San Fran was JUST what He had ordered. We slept in and then, feeling refreshed, we headed out. We found a very cute place to eat called Kingston's Cafe and enjoyed fresh healthy food, great conversation and many books! We talked about the fire and debriefed about our weeks. Exactly what was needed. Now, we've just come from Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, where we enjoyed the sights, bought a few small souvenirs and ate like kings on fish and chips, clam chowder (in brea bowls no less!) and fried calamari. Pier 39 was my element. People and so many be aught sights, great smells and sounds! I was able to recharge my battery. My team leader told me that she's seen my beauty, but never so much as tonight when I was at home, with people. So, sometimes God says surprise, but remember this: He's our Daddy God and He only gives good gifts. Today's adventure has been one of the best I've ever experienced.