The Long Road Ahead

Some days I wish I were in Thailand so much it hurts. I want to smell the air, feel the heat, ride my motorbike, eat the spicy food, shop at the local market… but more importantly I want to see my friends — I want to be like Christ to Phung and Prem who don’t know Jesus yet; I want to pray and worship with Pin and Apple who became Christians in December; I want to fellowship with my brothers and sisters at TLC.
But, it’s a long road to get there. The itineration process is both exciting and nerve-wracking. I know I need to grow in faith, in my communication skills, and in prayer. At times it seems overwhelming, with a huge budget and so many opinions how it can be done. People tell me, “It will be hard because you’re single” … others, “It will be easier because you’re single.” “It will be harder because you’re a woman.” “No, it will be easier because you’re a woman.” “It will be hard because Southern California is such a full district.” I am trying to put these aside and make God my bottom line — my budget, my location, others’ ideas are not the determining factors in this whole process. God has called me. HE is the one that must bring it to pass. I am trying to look at the end result: All this hard work is worth it, because in the end it will get me to Thailand, where I am supposed to be. Now for the getting there…

Prayer requests:
– favor with people, to make appointments and also when I meet them
– courage to grow in ways I need to grow
– that I would communicate effectively my call and the passion and love God has given me for Thailand.