Final Day Feelings

This week has been a stretch emotionally, mentally, and physically.  I have not been able to keep up this blog, and for those at home, I apologize.  Next week I will get some details up for you, but today I wanted to share some thoughts on our final day.

It is our last official day, and as we live out some ministry opportunities and prepare for our last night in the red light district, I find that I am both ready and not ready to return home.  I have learned and experienced so much, that I want to keep going.  At the same time, I miss my family and friends and want to personally share my story with them.  But what will I say?

Bangkok has become comfortable. A place I once feared is now a place I want to be.  Girls I once would have ignored or looked down on are loved. Women I didn't know are now cherished.
 
My personal feelings, beliefs, and limitations have been stretched and in some cases, broken.  But, they are so much stronger for the way God has soothed and mended them.  I am so thankful for each stretched or broken feeling, belief, and self imposed limitation. I am incredibly grateful for the new knowledge, joy, security, and assurance I have found in this process and love seeing them come alive in my daily life.

Lastly, our leader, Connie, said early on that although we came to minister (which we did), we would each be ministered to as well.  She was so right.  Whether it was the worship or the prayer, the women's stories or the girls' eyes, the laughter or the tears - my heart and eyes have been opened.  And I have been blessed beyond measure.

I know this is not the end of my story.  But regardless of who or what God puts in my path or where that path goes, I pray that I remember what I learned here.  Simply put:  to step out, take a chance, risk being broken, love others, and allow others to minister to me.