I don't know how to say this except that I am extremely humbled by all that has happened these past few days. Luckily, Niam Laus Mim (Phii Meui) went with me and met up with old friends--collegues of her husband. They were Khmu--so kind in every way. I was so blessed to meet them. They hosted Niam Laus and me--gave us food to eat, a place to stay, and even sight-seeing a bit. Despite all that, however, my first reaction to Laos wasn't a very good one.
It was obvious that the economic situation in Laos was a couple notches below that of Thailand. I felt myself cringe and withdraw physically. Another issue was that it was my birthday--I wanted to feel special on Sunday, September 6, but I was dead broke and couldn't do anything! haha. I was also weary from all the traveling--it took a whole night and more to get from Chiang Mai to Vientiane. Being hosted by locals was different from staying at a guesthouse--and I knew it, but I also knew that God led me here for a reason. So, despite the mosquitos, snakes, cement bathrooms with squat potties, and being fined for just about everything, it turned out to be a better experience than I realized. Every believer that I've met over here so far never has a lot of money--therefore, I hadn't had much of a chance to really do touristy things. Yet, through observing the hearts of the believers of here, hearing about their personal stories of persecution, and also the stories about how the Hmong are hungry for the gospel has greatly encouraged my heart. I came looking for a good time but I've come to realize that the Lord gave me something much deeper--I don't even know how to describe it here in words. Now, He continues to burden my heart for the Hmong...and my prayers for them as well as for a rise in leadership will only increase from this point on. Friends, I wish you could come here and see for yourself with the situation is. Let God be merciful and forgive us for being selfish in avoiding such situations but praise be to Him that continues to work through fallen human beings such as ourselves.
It was obvious that the economic situation in Laos was a couple notches below that of Thailand. I felt myself cringe and withdraw physically. Another issue was that it was my birthday--I wanted to feel special on Sunday, September 6, but I was dead broke and couldn't do anything! haha. I was also weary from all the traveling--it took a whole night and more to get from Chiang Mai to Vientiane. Being hosted by locals was different from staying at a guesthouse--and I knew it, but I also knew that God led me here for a reason. So, despite the mosquitos, snakes, cement bathrooms with squat potties, and being fined for just about everything, it turned out to be a better experience than I realized. Every believer that I've met over here so far never has a lot of money--therefore, I hadn't had much of a chance to really do touristy things. Yet, through observing the hearts of the believers of here, hearing about their personal stories of persecution, and also the stories about how the Hmong are hungry for the gospel has greatly encouraged my heart. I came looking for a good time but I've come to realize that the Lord gave me something much deeper--I don't even know how to describe it here in words. Now, He continues to burden my heart for the Hmong...and my prayers for them as well as for a rise in leadership will only increase from this point on. Friends, I wish you could come here and see for yourself with the situation is. Let God be merciful and forgive us for being selfish in avoiding such situations but praise be to Him that continues to work through fallen human beings such as ourselves.
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