Sawadeeka Chiang Mai

Outreach is officially over.

What the what?! I am not quite sure how this happened. It seems like yesterday that I would spend hours trying to work up the courage to cross the road without getting hit by a moped. For the record now days I walk the streets of Chiang Mai like a boss!

Today we will catch a night bus to Bangkok. Hangout there for a day and then begin our journey back to good o’ Herrnhut, Germany.

Wow outreach is over. I am going to be cliché and just say life flies by, embrace every moment.

A few things I picked up on outreach:

Beast player of the game of Frogger, real life version.

Mastered-ish the game of pool.

Never underestimate the versatility of eggs.

How to barter.

How to start conversations with absolute strangers.

When in doubt or any other emotion, smile.

Gangnam style.

How to outrun dogs in alleys.

How to photograph while hanging off the back of a moving vehicle without dying.

Chinese freeze tag is a favorite in Thailand.

Keep cameras away from waterfalls.

Be aware of monk r&r at waterfalls.

Experienced squatty potty user.
Always be on your toes during movie previews in theaters.

Seriously though, outreach has helped me become more aware of how I fail every single day and how good God’s grace is. I’ve learned how to fight; fight for people and fight to overcome feelings and emotions. I’ve learned to be a friend. I’ve learned how to ask for God’s heart. I’ve learned a little more about being a leader. I’ve learned how I cannot comprehend the power of His presence. I’ve learned how unfair life can be and the reality of how desperate the world is for a solid, overwhelming, all powerful, all loving God like mine.

So since I am not much of a writer, here are a few photos. Enjoy.

Oh and yes…. 27 days until I see your face America =))

Photographing in the Red light district.

My friend Joy dancing in the Red light. It was a beautiful thing inviting His presence through our art into a place so heavy.

Our little friend who sales flowers in the red light to help support his family. We often buy flowers from him, feed him and play pool together.

       

One of the many slum kids that captured our hearts.

I love their little feet. A team from Arkansa joined us this past week in the slums and brought new shoes for quite a few of the kids.

Most of the children were shy and very reluctant towards us at first, but it was amazing how much they have opened up from day one.

One Saturday we set up a white sheet and our cameras to make a photo booth for the kids. We printed the photos out and gave them to their families.

The area we visit the children is in the process of being cleared out for the city to build a market. Most families houses have been deconstructed and moved to a different area.

I know we aren't really supposed to have favorites, but this kid is kind of my favorite. I miss him already!