Nana Plaza's Christmas Party

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…cheesy, I know J. Nana Plaza’s Christmas party went very well Thursday night! Some of our groups shut down entire bars, can you believe that?! So if you prayed, THANK YOU!, seriously. We didn’t come back to the house until a litte after 1 A.M because we had to break down the Christmas trees and close up shop and I was too exhausted to blog. Even though our bodies were exhausted, our hopes were lifted. The highlight of my evening was when the pastor asked the women to raise their hands if they wanted to know more about Jesus and this little girl, no older than 10, raised her hand. 

What made this little girl (who totally caught me snapping a picture of her) stand out was that while we were going to different bars to see who could attend our party, she was outside begging for money. It blew me away that she was able to come but more importantly that she wants to know how amazing, wonderful, loving, and merciful our savior is. That thought alone changes my grumpy mood almost immediately. Someone so young is able to see when the truth is right in front of her eyes, not caring if it goes against her Buddhist beliefs she was probably raised on, if she was raised at all.

Psalm 139:16-18 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me!

Yes God, you are still with her. 

Tonight I was able to go back to Soi Cowboy to visit my friend Pim who I met Wednesday night. When she saw me she ran and hugged me. If I ever felt like I had a purpose, it was that moment. I asked if she enjoyed the party, she did, and she apologized that she had to leave early. I told her I understood and I was just happy that she came. She asked when I was leaving and if I would ever come back. I don’t know if I will ever come back, but I have a feeling God’s purpose for me isn’t over yet. I think that because I came back and proved to her that I care about her, she saw the love of Christ, even if she didn’t raise her hand to know him. I will be praying for Pim.

Our trip is slowly coming to an end and although I’m not ready to leave, I’m ready to go home. Since you guys are already in the habit of praying for us, pray that Denise and I have a safe trip home, that we have time to reflect what we’ve seen and done these past 10 days, and that this experience brings us closer to God and helps strengthen our faith.

Isaiah 58:9-12 Stop oppressing the helpless and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day. The Lord will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well watered garden, like an ever flowing spring. Your children will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as the people who rebuild their walls and cities. 

a very exhausted Noon and I :)