The Universal Language

I am constantly getting asked what is the hardest part about living in Thailand. Some may say the heat, or the business of the streets below us, or if your a city girl like I am, the bugs. Personally, I think it is the language barrier. Every day I meet people who have no idea what I am talking about so you can say it is pretty difficult trying to spread the love of Jesus when people look at you like you speaking well… English. So after living here for a month, I have concluded that the universal language is laughter and screaming.

My first month the only time I really got to interact with people is on Sundays when we would teach English to some pretty spirited Thai children to say the very least. These kids did not understand a single thing I was saying or at least pretended like they didn’t. But after walking out my first week pretty much in tears because of how difficult it is to get some kiddos to listen to you, I discovered the best way to interact with them is to make them smile. So instead of forcing some nouns on them, I turned everything into making a fool out of myself to get these kids attention. What this would look like is dancing like I had way to many cups of coffee while counting, or playing red light green light, or even karate chopping a water bottle because that was better than getting pencils and notebooks literally thrown at me.

Now I am only in my first week of my month two ministry but I already know that things here are very similar. This month my team and I are working at an orphanage that take in many kids of all ages. I am personally spending most of my time with the preschool group. These kids were extremely shy and timid to us at first and then out of nowhere they exploded with personality. Some of their favorite things to do are read books, sing songs about colors and numbers, throw sand at me (Thanks Brittany), and last but certainly not least, hang on my overall and be chased from the monster… aka me.

Throughout all these experiences one of the biggest things I have taken out of working with these crazy crazy kiddos is how loved they can feel by just being seen. Even though I can’t tell them how much they are loved by not only me but an amazing father, I know that they can get the smallest glimpse of it by just being silly with them. The kids of Thailand have officially stolen my heart.

Prayer request:
– For my entire squad and their heart that get to serve daily
– Unity for my squad
– Our health
– That the Lord will continue to speak to me
– That I continue to be on fire for God
– Fundraising: I am currently still currently $5,518 away from being fully funded and I know the lord is going to provide. If you feel lead to donate or be apart of my support team please don’t hesitate to reach out to my or click the donate bar above

 With much love… -Hannah