Passionate Pursuit

     It's been a while since I posted, and by a while I mean a couple months. Before I left Thailand I tweaked the format and description of my blog because I wanted it to be something I continued no matter where I was. Originally I created this blog to cover my time in Thailand, but after a few posts I knew it was something I wanted to continue beyond the borders of that land. I made outlines and timelines and bulleted lists of all of the things I could write about and when I would do so after my feet hit US soil. Reflections, stories, and new adventures I could take and would then share. I created a writing schedule, that I obviously have not followed, in hopes of having something worth saying. Then I got back. I have spent the last 3 months in reentry trying to come up with something to write about only to end up staring at the wall because I have felt like I have had nothing to say. I couldn't write about new things until I was done processing old things. I would spend four

     I wanted to take some time to thank everyone for the support, prayer, encouragement, cards, packages, and help they provided during my time in Thailand as well as give a bit of a summary of my time in Thailand. In case you missed it, which is probable since I forgot to update everyone, I have been back in the States for about a month now. In some ways I feel like I have been gone forever and in others it feels like I was preparing to leave for Thailand just yesterday and there's no way I can already have been there and gone. Yet, here I am. I had no idea that six months could fly by so quickly and still contain so much. Sometimes it's funny to think about the fact that for almost seven years before landing within its borders, being in Thailand was something I was dreaming about and now it's happened and been over. Life really is a wild ride.       The last couple of months before I headed out I began to question myself and panic. I started zeroing in on all of the u

     I am constantly amazed at the times and places God's presence is noticeable and moving. Raised within the American church I have become used to God moving throughout church services, prayer meetings, worship nights, retreats, church camp, and conferences. None of these are bad things. I would hope to never enter into a church service or Bible study where God's presence isn't there. He should be moving throughout our times of worship, that's the purpose of set aside times of worship and services. To commune with God and fellowship with the body, so yeah, it makes sense for the Spirit to be moving. The problem is that I expect Jesus to be present in the situations and confines that I design and delegate, and then I'm always amazed and blown away when he does something, without consulting me, outside of the time I set aside. It astounds me and messes with me. In reality I should always be amazed and astounded and effected by a move of God, regardless of where it h

     When talking to people here and back home I find myself being asked a variation of the same question repeatedly.      "What's your favorite thing about Thailand?"      The wording of the question may vary, but this is by far the question I am asked most frequently. I'm not sure what answer people are expecting when they ask me this. Maybe my favorite place I've visited in Thailand (Ko Samet), my favorite Thai food, mode of transportation, thing to do, etc. The list of what could be my favorite thing about Thailand is never ending. Upon being asked this question my mind usually blanks and I end up saying something rather generic like, "all of it," or "the people."  I have the privilege of being surrounded by amazing people here, it's a beautiful nation, the food is good, public transportation is pretty awesome, and I never run out of things to do. So, these answers are true. I do love the people here and I enjoy most of the aspects of