Flexibility

Monday morning, we got up ready to work at a children's home nearby. Upon arriving, our team was notified that the materials needed for the concrete work had not arrived due to the heavy rain the week before. The kids came back and then it started to rain here as well. We spent the afternoon doing our Bible study and other classes, catching up on verses, and having a little bit of free time. We then decided to use our time to do a prayer walk on the football field. We spent time praying for the country of Thailand, the ministry that goes on here at the BIFA Academy, for the many people who set foot on this property who don't know the Lord, for our other Teen Missions teams around the world, and more. It was a wonderful time, and we were so thankful that God adjusted our day. We also started spending some time in the evening after devotions putting one team member in the "hot seat." Each team member and leader gets to ask them a question to learn more about them. We laughed so hard and had so much fun learning more about our new family. I've never been so happy that God changed our plans. We even got to go to bed early that night for some extra rest.

Tuesday morning started with a staff and Teen Missions devotion time. The staff led one worship song, and our team led the other worship song. Ethan D led the devotion time by using our Genesis Bible Study as the topic. We studied about Noah and the flood. We broke into groups for easier translation and then shared what we had learned at the end. It was beautiful to see the group studying the same thing and being able to share together as one body. We are growing to love the staff here. They are such an encouragement to us. After the special time of worship, we went back to work. We got most of our wall painting project done while Mr. Ben pressure washed a section for our next painting project which is a concrete area surrounding the football field. Josiah E, Ben K, Monica F, and Julia H went to town to start cleaning and preparing for a new ministry here in Chiang Rai called the English Club. It is run by some of the BIFA staff. We will have a chance on Thursday to go and hand out flyers at lunch time on the University campus and be a part of their first gathering. It is for college age kids to come and play board games and learn about the Lord. After the work was complete, the kids started arriving to play football. We had an opportunity to play with them and also present our drama Sin Chair. Miss Audrey and Miss Lori went to town after dinner to do some grocery shopping and while we were away, the kids got some extra football playing time. They were exhausted by the end of the night, but they have so much fun together. Their laughter and encouragement of one another is such a testimony to everyone who they come in contact with.

Wednesday morning, we got up and headed to an elephant village. We were each able to go on a 15-minute elephant ride and then come back and feed them sugarcane and bananas. It was a fun start to our morning before heading to a children's home where we are pouring a concrete drainage system. Part of the team is getting to use their skills at playing games and singing songs with the children. They are so eager and willing to do whatever is put before them. This evening, we will get to take them to the night bazaar to do some souvenir shopping. I got a quick peek at it last night and know that they are going to have a wonderful time. Lots of elephant pants, skirts, traditional clothing, and leatherwork. Plus, an opportunity to get some ice cream or sticky mango rice.

It's hard to believe that we're almost halfway through our time here in Thailand. We are so thankful for the opportunities that we have been given and pray that we will have more opportunities as we do our sightseeing this upcoming weekend to share the love of Christ with those that we meet. Parents and family, please know that you are missed.

Hudson P. I am having so much fun today. I got to ride an elephant and I'm having fun playing soccer in the evenings.

Manaen C. it is very fun here. We can go to stores and we can do other things. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve. The bread here is to die for and there's way less chemicals. Even though we're in Thailand, I haven't had anything spicy except for the mall. I am also getting souvenirs!

Joey BP. It's awesome to finally be in Thailand! We've been doing some painting and cleaning up things here. We've also been able to go to a mall last Saturday and it was nice to get some stuff there. It's really fun to play football (soccer) at night with the kids.

Julia H. So awesome here! We got to ride an elephant today, and now we're working at the children's home! Miss y'all!

Kenna P. We have spent a lot of time painting the wall. I have been having trouble getting the paint where it's supposed to go and not on myself! We got to attend a local church service on Sunday. I loved getting to hear the nations join together, praying and singing in our own languages. I am excited to watch what the Lord will do next!

Logan T. Thailand has been going great. Everyone on my team is awesome. Football has been awesome! The kids are so sweet, they're so fun to play sports with. Once again, Miss Lori and Miss Audrey and Miss Kate's cooking has been amazing! GG's rock!