Unexpected Blessings

A few weeks into our time in Thailand, my team and I got connected with another ministry that works with local youth. We’ve been playing soccer with them on Wednesday nights, and it’s been the highlight of my week! It’s been an unexpected break for our team from the office and the bakery, a great outlet for energy and fun and a little friendly competition, which I love!

Our very first time there, one of the little girls decided that I was going to be her new best friend, and she didn’t leave my side from that moment on. She was such a blessing and came at a time the Lord knew I needed a little extra love. I think she chose me because we both were wearing two French braids in our hair the first time we met. We don’t speak the same language, but she still managed to communicate with me. She would laugh and point and speak a few English words slowly, but mostly she dragged me wherever she wanted me to be on the field if I’m being honest! It was really special to know one of the little kids was so happy to have me there. So grateful for the opportunity to show her God’s love just by being present and playing with her!

It was beautiful to witness firsthand how laughter is the same no matter what language you speak or culture you come from. I may not know what the kids are yelling at each other across the field, but I can completely understand what they mean when they laugh or smile or joke around. What a beautiful way for God to design all of us, for us all to be able understand each other’s joy without words.

The youth leaders we worked with were more than welcoming! One of the women made enough mango sticky rice for our whole team with more to spare! Mango sticky rice is easily my favorite new food that I’ve tried, so for a local to make it home made for us was amazing! It’s sweet sticky rice with fresh mango and coconut milk and crispy mung beans. Really a work of art.

Another one of the leaders invited our team back to her home for dinner after soccer one Wednesday, and we were thrilled for our first home visit! There were a few short, small tables set up that we all sat around on the floor in the family’s main living room. They served a spicy chicken feet and chicken blood clot soup over rice noodles with hard boiled eggs and watermelon (pictured below), we just weren’t told until part way through the meal what it really was. The blood clots really just tasted like tofu and the chicken feet were fine, we were all good and I loved the opportunity to push myself! I ate two whole bowls! And for dessert, they went to the market and brought back black sesame rice pancakes to fry up for us! Super delicious, and they kept bringing us more! We dipped it in sweetened condensed milk and molasses.

Overall, God opened up many different avenues for us to experience His love through this ministry, one we didn’t even plan to be a part of. These leaders and kids poured into us as we poured into them. It was just a game, but God used it to open doors and show Himself through relationship and fun. Easily one of my favorite times in Thailand!