SA-WA-DEE-KA!
Where do I begin?
God is SO good and I am SO blessed.
As I reflect on the last year, I am amazed by what God has done for me. He has brought me out of the darkest loneliest place and has renewed me and refreshed me and I have never felt more loved.
I spend December 24, 2011 taking a little boat to a remote place with elephants that my team and I rode! Though it was hard to be away from home, elephant riding was definitely a good way to spend my Christmas eve! On Christmas day we had a little gift exchange and at the end our leaders surprised us with little care packages from home.
My favorite part of mine was the letters I got from my mom and dad, I truly am blessed with amazing parents. Also, mom and dad I know you're reading this...I would just like to inform you that though I suck at keeping in touch I mention you a million times a day so know that you're loved and thought about! (For real, ask my friends here...the joke has become "Oh Kristen's dad would love this!")
Anyways...
Our month in Chang Rai was amazing! We got super connected with a bunch of students there and saw several of them come to Jesus and have built some great relationships. I truly will miss all of my new friends!
2 nights ago we took a 14 hour night-bus ride to Khan Kaen, where we will be spending the next two weeks.
Upon our arrival here, we realized we truly were living in the lap of luxury in Chang Rai when we discovered a giant cockroach in the washroom next to the squatty potty and saw that our showers were "bucket showers"...a small drain in the corner of the bathroom with a big bucket and a hose. Basically, it's like you're locking yourself in the bathroom and showering in the corner next to the toilet. I actually don't mind it....minus the fact that it's a little frigid.
The last couple of days have been very interesting as we have visited a couple of Buddhist temples and I have learned a little bit more about Buddhism. The main thing that I have concluded about Buddhism is that it is a very fear based religion, and also very about earning what you get from the god you pray to.
What I do know for sure is that these people NEED to know about Jesus' love and that it isn't something that needs to be earned to get...and I feel so passionately about this message getting across.
That being said, one ministry we will be doing is a Christian camp this weekend that 400 Thai students will be attending.
We were told that about half of these students don't know Jesus, so please be praying that we listen to what God wants us to say to get his message across.
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I will try to keep everyone updated as much as I can! I miss and love all of my dear friends and family
in every corner of the world!
