Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Expect the Unexpected

If there's one thing I've heard from every experienced person in the mission field, it is to expect the unexpected. Things are going to change quickly and you just have to go with the flow! And know that God has His sovereign hand on everything-- wanting you to trust Him. So when the woman who ministers at the camp full-time told me she needed help in May and June, I was quick to think through if I could make that work... financially, it's possible, visa-wise, it's possible, etc etc. Then when I mentioned the request to the woman who funds the camp, she said "Why are you going back so early? There's no reason for that! You should just stay til September!" After a little research from her husband, we discovered it only cost 1000 baht (about 30 USD) to buy a triple entry visa-- allowing me to stay in Thailand for 6 months.
6 months?? That is a LOT longer than I was ready for... but I waited for the feeling of defeat to take over, and it never did. The more I prayed about, the more peace I felt. When I closed my eyes, I saw Jesus' hand reaching out me, asking me to take hold and trust Him-- even though I don't know what to expect. Ok Lord, you got me. I am yours. Take me for all that I am, for what little I am, and use me as you will. I am clay in your hands, mold me into something beautiful that reflects your handiwork. I want your seal on me so if I do anything good-- You get the recognition. You get the praise. You get the glory. After all, I am just the vessel. You are the Creator.
Tonight I will take a night bus to Laos, a pleasant 17 hour drive to get my Visa taken care of. We will come back in a few days, Lord-willing. Pray that everything goes smoothly!

Meanwhile back at camp, much has been happening. Last fall, there was a great increase of violence in the camp, causing a lot of children to suffer from stress to the point that it actually affected their health. Also, there was a demon manifestation that was scaring some girls to fall into a deep trance, unresponsive to anything for a period of time. Praise the Lord that both situations are under control know. But please pray for the violence as shooting has started again-- not in our area, but we are right next to the Karen state with holds Karen Soldier bases in it. One is within sight of our camp. That is why there were bombs going off last time I was there. Also, pray for the children, the girls especially they are both very afraid of ghosts and have trouble sleeping still. Ghosts here aren't just something in movies, they are a reality. Please pray that God can give the girls strength and courage to know that Satan has no power over them and is not deserving of our fear.
Also, a week before I arrived, a boy was found down the hill from the camp that was missing his eyes, with his head cut off. This is common in Thailand. When new buildings or monuments are built, they need a sacrifice to dedicate it, and children's eyes are in high demand to appease the spirits. It is less common out where we are at, but obviously, it happens. The children all saw the boy. Please pray for the whole situation.
Also, a man with a machete came to the girls' dorm one night. Now the girls and boys have whistles in their dorms and a bucket to pee in so they do not have to be outside at all when it's dark. None the less, there is a spirit of fear. Pray we can overcome that.
This is one of the reasons why I am needed. When foreigners (white males especially) are there, the risk decreases drastically.

Since I've been at Shekina Children's home, I have taught English and Math to the KGA (kindergarden), shared in worship time, help with medicine time, bought groceries, washed clothes, disciplined, played, loved... When Zaida is gone, I am the overseer of the camp. I have keys to everything, give money to the cook for veggies, make sure chores get done, toys put away, kids get up and go to bed on time, etc etc.

Zaida, the woman who stays there full time, is going to be gone for the month of April. My cousin, Nina, a man from the States, Matthew, and a girl from England, Liz, AND a Mennonite team from the States will all be coming and going during that month. Pray that we all flow well together, get along and get work done! There is alot to do before school starts! We need roof extentions before the rainy season. We need a fence around the whole camp for extra protection for the children. We need to move the fish pond. Also, we are having a two week VBS in April that will have probably about 50-60 kids all sleeping, eating, playing at Shekinah. Needless to say, its going to be a bit crazy. Prayers for that would be much appreciated!

School starts in the end of May. We need to find a new KGA teacher that is Karen (since the young ones only know basic English and its hard for me to teach them effectively). There is no one else to help Zaida and she will be traveling alot since she has many responisibilities. She likes having me there since I am familiar with the rules and routine of the camp, as well as how to work the transportation system and the people we buy goods from are familiar with me. She is then able to get her other duties done with peace in her heart. She has been such a blessing to me since I've been here! She is a remarkable woman who loves to love but has a fiery spirit and good sense of humor. It is a joy to learn from her.

In my extended stay, I will also get to possible shadow the woman who funds the camp and travel with her to some other places, as her ministry funds many, many people from many, many tribes. She is such an inspiration to me! I loved working with her last year and pray I get to know her more this year as well! She is a small woman, but has a commanding presence but an amazing heart. She also said that when I needed a holiday, I can come stay with her at her house, removing the cost of food and living on my breaks. What a blessing!

Most importantly, I get to spend 6 months with my kids! I can spend more time dedicated to learning their language and connecting on a level with them that is so much deeper than if I only stayed for 3 months. It is rare for people to come that long, so I pray this can allow them to know how much they are loved and how much they matter. Hahah I can't wait to see their faces when I tell them!

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support and interest in God's work here in Thailand! What an adventure God has given me! What an honor to get to experience Him more in this way.

God bless you all!!
Kelsey