Anxiety and Hope

It's been nearly four weeks since I last posted to update on my preparations for this journey. Sorry for the long time; in order to keep some regularity to these, I'm going to try to post every Sunday at some point, even if it's just a few words. But, a lot has happened since that last post in my heart; and now we're only three days from leaving the states for three months. The unrealness of the entire situation has formed itself into constant butterflies that have graced my stomach for the last three days. I just hope I can still eat...

The situation in Thailand: Right now, in Bangkok, protesters have been flooding the streets to stand against the government that was just revamped at the end of last year. Political turmoil is really not an uncommon sight there, and foreigners are almost never targetted. Yet, this people needs peace - the peace of a Savior - and their lack thereof can be seen even in their fluctuating government.

I've also found out that I will probably have some opportunities to serve the church and team through manual labor fairly regularly. While manual labor doesn't usually sound very fun, I really see this as a chance to do something familiar that won't involve the daily culture shock that I'll experience most other places. Plus, I get to be humbled by unseen service for the sake of the kingdom!

The biggest need I have right now is emotional and spiritual. My reason continually reminds me that God is sovereign, and will guide this experience and my life exactly as He intends, and that He is a good God, so His plan will be for good for me. But, ("but's" always seem to get me into trouble) I am still full of anxiety over this entire experience - living in a foreign place, not knowing the language, and being unsure of my place as I serve with this church. Even heavier on me though are the personal issues that I know I need to work through over the course of this summer. Sin in my heart, uncertainty in my desires, and the looming knowledge that I have no idea where I'm going once I get back from Thailand! My hope must be in Christ to guide and calm me. Please, ask the Lord to keep me from worrying about tomorrow, since today has enough worries of its own.

I'm already feeling how much your prayers will need to carry me! Here's hoping that I like rice and hot weather a lot more than I expect to...