Into the Deep End

        A few nights ago we flew into Bangkok. We stayed at the YWAM base there overnight and took a 12 hour bus ride down to Phuket. The transportation far exceeded my expectations. The weather is intense humidity, 85 degrees, add in 80% humidity. It’s quite sticky and gross. Cold showers are great. The center we are staying in here is amazing though and far better than I expected.

First night, jetlag and all, I was falling asleep on our way to Patong City in the back of a pick up truck. The environment is unlike any other I’ve ever seen in my life. The spiritual warfare is thick. Night one we had to go to a certain street and it was actually easier than the practice run we had in clubs and bars in Auckland. The countless (20 plus) bars on each street are open air and the music doesn’t make such a dent on your ear drums. Typically, you order a drink and play games with the girls to break the ice, such as Connect 4, striking conversation as you go along. My teammates and I talked to 5 or 6 girls the first night. Their ages ranged from 17-30’s. Some were from a poor part of the country, some from Bangkok. One admitted she didn’t like working there. (Over the last week or so, I've realized most will openly admit this.) A lot of the girls have kids and family to support back home. I hope to form some key relationships and that our team can, by the grace of God, help them to see they have other, better options.

Our second night was amazing as well. A non-prostitute bar allowed another team that is staying here to play a worship set in the bar...in the middle of the chaos. It was quite the sight to see. There is some serious spiritual warfare, stronger in some places than others, it’s hard to describe. Girls are shouting at you from all directions, some grabbing your arms. Last night I saw droves of old, white men checking out the different ‘options’. We just have to remember we are no better. Jesus said not to judge or you yourself will be judged. He loves them just as much as any other. His eyes see their brokenness. It’s easy to become overwhelmed out there. Some of my teammates looked like wide-eyed deer in the headlights out there, I’m sure I did too. It’s hard to think at times, let alone keep in tune with what God is saying to you.

On a happier note, we are throwing a big Christmas barbeque here at the center in a few days. Should be grand. Here are some notes I put down about Thailand as we traveled through Bangkok down here...

Bangkok:

• Humidity hit straight away in the airplane terminal. 
• Rode in the back of a truck. 
• Eyes sting from smog. 
• Sticky. 
• Cold showers feel good. 
• Massive billboards everywhere amidst the poverty and construction. 
• Bathroom fares at the bus station. 
• “Love live the King, he is great!” Did you know he was born in Massachusetts? 
• There are people everywhere. 
• I can't read, write or speak Thai so I feel oblivious to what is going on around me. 
• The King's anthem brought us to our feet quicker than some of the natives.

Phuket:

• I broke two cultural taboos on the bus. I pushed a bag with my foot and put my arm over three ppls heads in about ten seconds. I'm on a roll! 
• Shell and 7 eleven dominate here. It's like subway in Oklahoma; one every town. 
• Did I mention pink taxis? 
• Dogs are honored here so you see them wandering around more than you'd see Buddha or the king. (I've also seen quite a bit of stray monks as well hehe) 
• To every one powerline I'd venture to say there's about 5 phone lines beneath it... There's a lot of phone lines!

Keep us in your prayers. We need them. Merry Christmas!