The Word From Bangkok: Chapter 8

Hi Friends and Family:

We wanted to send you a quick update on our last night in Bangkok. We have just returned to the hotel after a late night dinner at our favourite Lebanese restaurant around the corner. It is 11pm here, we are tired and we need to pack and prepare for leaving tomorrow. But we couldn't end our day without giving you a glimpse into the last 12 hours.

In a past report Jacynta shared with you the song she wrote while here, "New Beginnings". The girls have been learning it in both Thai and English. Late this morning we piled all of the girls from the Home into our hotel room, and Jen recorded Jacynta and the girls singing her song. It was amazing! Talk about singing songs of freedom. I couldn't help but smile thinking about the strains of that song filling the corridor of this hotel, being sung high over the streets of Bangkok, sung for each other, sung for themselves.

After dinner, we gathered back at the Home and shared in an Agape meal together. We cleared out one of the meeting rooms, laid out candles in the shape of a large cross on the floor, and sat in a circle around it. In the centre of the circle was a communion plate and chalice, and several plates of bread and grapes. Jacynta led us in worship, and then by candlelight, each girl chose one other person to speak a word of blessing or encouragement to, and then offered the communion meal to her. We were not sure how open the girls would be with their words to each other, as this culture does not encourage sharing of feelings and emotions. I can only tell you that what happened in that circle tonight was a divinely orchestrated God moment. From the very first words shared, each girl spoke honestly from her heart. There were many tears shed, hugs shared, and hurts acknowledged and soothed. Each of us on the team felt like we were bearing witness to something that was very sacred, and what a privilege it was.

Goodbyes tonight at the Home were sad, but we know that the relationships we share are deeply rooted in each one of us. The journey continues. Tomorrow, we would appreciate your prayers as we send Jacynta off to the next part of her journey in Australia. And pray for Jen, Skye, Dina and me as we travel back to Vancouver and begin the process of reconnecting to home, our families and communities. We will send another report once we are home and settled to give our final thoughts and reflections on this time, but please know that we are so grateful that you have journeyed with us through your love, support and prayers. We could not have done this without you.

Much love & peace to you,

Sue, for Jacynta, Skye, Dina and Jen

Comments

[Dorothy Thicke]

Thank you once again girls for sharing so fully with us. These blogs give us every reason to keep praying, but also bring hope for healing and we pray for that and for you as you leave these precious friends and re-enter the life of family and friends here. may God bless you and be with you on your journey.
Love in Christ,
Dorothy

[Tara]

...tears...a plenty. Rejoicing with what God has done and is doing.

[Dianne Ruffo]

Sending you hugs & prayers for a safe journey home.

Mom
xoxo