Moving to a new neighborhood is always a mix of excitement and bittersweet feelings. Living in Thailand as a missionary for the past five years has been a journey of faith, connection and growth. My old neighborhood was home for four years—a place where I built friendships, memories, and felt God’s presence in our interactions with our neighbors. Leaving was not easy. But then, God opened a door—well, more like a whole house. Our new place is near the girls’ school and the children’s home where we volunteer. God definitely orchestrated this move. Being closer means having more time with the children (including our girls) and more opportunities to love and serve. And here is the exciting part: This move is also an opportunity to work with new villages and new faces.
It is not only the neighborhood that is new; it is a new chapter in our mission. We are unpacking boxes, yes, but also unpacking new dreams. It is so comforting to know that when God leads us somewhere new, He is already there, preparing the way and waiting for us.
In the three weeks that we have been here, I have seen God’s leading. One of our neighbors is a Christian, and I always enjoy meeting Thai Christians and hearing about how they gave their lives to Jesus. Another neighbor (who is not a Christian) shared with me that she just finished chemotherapy. I can see that she is in need of meaningful friendships. We have already prayed together three or four times. Just yesterday, my girls met three children at the end of our neighborhood while they walked the dog. They are both excited about this new connection.
An interesting fact about Thailand is that children of all ages often accompany their parents to their workplace, including construction sites. There is construction occurring at the end of our neighborhood, where Lina and Adela met their three new friends. My girls and their new friends made plans to meet at 7:00 a.m. this Sabbath. Their friends hang out at their parents’ workplace every day after school and all day each Sabbath. Please pray for these children, as they can be an open door to the families in this new area that we have entered.
In October, it will be three years since we were back in the USA, and now it is time for our furlough again. This fall, we will be sharing at multiple churches, including November 8 at the Fort Myers church and December 6 at Lake City, both in Florida. We will share the rest of our dates in our electronic newsletter. If you do not get our email updates, please contact me at lighthoperestore@gmail.com, and I will send you a link to our online newsletter, which includes pictures and videos.
