I'm sorry it has been almost 2 months since my last blog. Since I have last written we have celebrated Christmas, welcomed the New Year, lost students and welcomed new ones. My family has visited and finally been able to see and understand what I love and why I love it! God has closed some doors but opened others. I'm excited to fill you in on as much as possible-- without this being ridiculously long!
| The children excitedly beginning to open presents on Sunday morning. |
Christmas was wonderfully weird. It was hot and dry and I wore shorts and flip flops and played volleyball. In Karen culture, each village puts on their own Christmas celebration so our school was expected to do the same. 300+ people, 30 kilos of fish, and hours of games later, we had our Christmas party. In the evening we had karaoke style singing that lasted from 7 until way past my bedtime. Everyone loves the chance to show off their best singing and occasional dance moves, especially the kids. I too had to get up and embarrass myself, first singing a Christmas song in Karen (praying the whole time my pronunciation was correct) and then, of course, my cousin and I had to bring to Justin Bieber to the party so I could show off my amazing rapping skills. Needless to say, the people were quite impressed.
The next day we had worship with the kids and teachers and opened presents. Wish you all could have seen the joy on their faces! It was such a good day. The kids could not stop squealing and smiling! Thank you to all who helped to make this a Christmas to remember! Thank you to all who helped shower these children with love!
After church, we had a baptism. Six of our students made the decision to get baptized. It was so amazing. (I will post their stories and testimonies soon.) Seeing the smiles on their faces as they came out of the water brought tears to my eyes. Every struggle or doubt or hardship of being on the Thai/Burma border was forgotten. Days like this made it all worth it. God is so good!
Several more of our students wanted to get baptized but their parents told them no. Please pray for the children and the families that the parents may be softened and the children can shine the light of Jesus to their families! Pray that there is a revival in this land that brings abusive fathers, orphaned children, and wounded mothers to their knees! May they see and understand that what they need is Jesus and His saving grace! More than food or shelter-- Only He will satisfy!
Thank you to all who prayed for our children that needed medical care! Everyone is currently healthy and happy. All funding has been provided for. God bless you friends!
Many of you have heard me speak of Pastor Jimmy. He and some other leaders in Karen culture have approached me and asked for help. They want to build two Christian Karen schools in Karen state for Karen children. There are still thousands of people living in Karen state but it is very hard to go to school. If the children attend Burmese school, they do not learn to read or write in their own language, they have to pay a lot of money, and they also get prejudiced against- sometimes even abused. The children want to learn and the leaders want to provide a safe place for them to do so. I am working on gathering more details so I can send specific requests out, but please be in prayer for these schools. They are hoping to start work on them soon, but still need a lot of funding. If you would like more information about this, please contact me!
It is time for me to go but please, pray for me. God has made it quite plain that some big changes are going to happen soon. Pray that I can have clarity of heart and mind. That He continues to open and shut doors according to his will and that everything I do can bring glory to his name. I will tell more about what God has been speaking to me soon! Until then, pray for me! contact me! I'd love to hear from you.
God is so good and I have such peace in my heart. I am overwhelmed with the giving that has come in and the peace in my heart that could only come from prayer. Thank you thank you thank you for joining with me, standing beside me, and encouraging me. May God continue to bless you as you have blessed me!
Your far away sister,
Kelsey
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