We've got news! We arrive at the Gold Coast airport on the morning of the 13th of April. It's hard to believe how fast this year has gone. Were excited to see friends and family but also sad that we will be leaving an awesome team behind that have made this journey so valuable and life changing for us. Not only will we be leaving our team but also a great bunch of Thai friends both those that believe and those that don't, our Thai friends have taught us about their culture, customs and how diverse the Christian faith truly is.
Were going to miss you Thailand.
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- Written by Daniel Grandemange
- Category: Personal Reflections
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The leaders of ACTS churches in Southern Thailand got together for a retreat and catch up over the weekend. Daniel and I were able to tag along with Jeff before we continued on for our final visa run. Although it was a quick catch up for them it was also a great one as they met together to pray and encourage one another in the efforts of expanding the kingdom of Christ in Southern Thailand. We left early on Friday morning to be in Yala around 9am to meet other church leaders before continuing south to Betong. Upon arrival we ate lunch together at Betong Christian Church. The afternoon's activities saw everyone go to see the Winter Flower Garden, Piyamit Tunnel and the Hot Springs for some fellowship, fun and to snap "a few" photos.
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- Written by Daniel Grandemange
- Category: Personal Reflections
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I'm not the best cook, but from time to time I like to cook a meal. Last time, while cooking, two thoughts came up that I'd like to share.
First: Cooking and Culture.
Food is an important part of every culture. Wherever you go, which ever country you visit: everyone likes to talk about good food. In Thailand people even greet each other with: Have you eaten rice yet?
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- Written by Andreas Meier
- Category: Personal Reflections
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When my family first moved into our house, we would be asked this question frequently. It perplexed us a bit wondering why they would ask such a question. Back in the U.S., where we were originally from, if you were to move into a new neighborhood it would be considered quite odd for someone to ask you that.
We then realized it was a question asked because they will determine, based on how long you plan to stay, whether it is worth building a relationship with you or not. Relationships are quite important in Thai culture. If you have not grown up with them or lived around them for a long time, it is not automatic that you have their attention or trust.
So the next time we were asked this question, we would answer that our term has us in the area for three years but our hope is that we will be here for our whole life. You would be amazed what doors opened up when they heard this and was delighted to see we were here for the long term.
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- Written by Lila Chang
- Category: Personal Reflections
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