Going into outreach, my heart and passion was to be a missionary. It’s what I wanted to do. I had other things in mind, but over all, that was my lifelong dream. As I have now graduated from my DTS, I know that my dream and passion to be a missionary, is not only what I want for my life, but it is what God wants for my life too. On outreach, God spoke to me, that this is my lifelong calling. I am very happy and excited for my future as a missionary!
Thailand was absolutely incredible! Words can’t describe what I experienced in the last two months. I could tell stories and show pictures all day, but putting my emotions and feelings into words about everything that happened, would be slightly challenging. God did so much to me and the people I worked with. He spoke to me and my heart, about who I am and who He is. Love was a theme that I noticed a lot about what I did and why I did it. Giving, seeing, and receiving so much love in Thailand. I didn’t have to be there… Nor did I have to interact with these people, but I wanted to be there, and I wanted to interact with them because I love them just as God loves them! God really poured His love into me so that I could pour into those I encountered. Yes, it got difficult sometimes. Whether I was tired, hot, sick, emotional… Whatever I was feeling, God gave me strength, especially in the hard times to move forward and LOVE as much as I can!
Throughout my journey in Thailand, my heart grew for older girls at risk. I wanted to meet girls my age and build a relationship with them. We had this opportunity about halfway through our trip, but I just wasn’t able to grow close to these girls. We played games, laughed, and had lots of fun together, but we didn’t connect like other people on my team connected with them. I asked God, please, I want to go home with friends that I can text back in Thailand and stay in contact with. It was in our last location that God answered my prayers. I met and engaged myself with a group of girls that I love so dearly. We became great friends. I poured my heart into them. Staying up late with them, making cake to celebrate their birthdays, and just giving them lots of hugs and kisses, meant the world to them. How do I know this? I always give hugs and kisses, even though I may not know whether they are receiving the love. But this time, I know they did. The girls went to our contact with big smiles saying how they feel SO loved because they are being greeted by me with hugs and kisses. That made my heart melt! Those girls know how loved they are, and that’s all that matters to me! I never want anyone to forget how loved they are by the people around them and by their Heavenly Father! I still text them to this day, and I can’t wait to go back and see them again!
Before going into our last location, we were told by intercessors that the “Sea Gypsies” would make a huge impact in our lives. This is very true! The “Sea Gypsies” are a group of people living along the coast of Southern Thailand. They have experienced much heartache, tragedy, and injustice in their lives. Not only were their homes taken out by the Tsunami in 2004, but their homes were also taken by the tourist industry. The Sea Gypsies are in the process of rebuilding and recovering from this hard time in life. My team and I poured our hearts into all generations of these people. From the little kids, to the grandparents, we did everything we could to love on them. We listened to their stories and where they are at in life. The stories I heard, the smiles on their faces, and the perspective they have in life, is inspiring. If they have food to eat that day, and a roof over their head… They are happy! This location reminded me a lot of Haiti. The people that I met, the environment, the things I got to do. I never wanted to leave and that’s how I feel in Haiti too. God really showed me in this last location that there are people and places all across the world that I can love and feel at home with.
Now these two little boys, Chit and Bon stole my heart!! Their laugh, smiles, the way we played together, I love them so much! I would chase them down to get a hug and kiss, and they would try running away laughing so hard, they would fall down! So many precious moments that will always be close to my heart! ❤ I can’t wait to see those precious boys again!
I never thought that one day I would go to Asia. It’s just so far away. Let alone, go there for two months, and want to live their for many years! I truly fell in love with the people I met, the places I got to go to, and things I got to do. What an incredible experience it was, and the way God opened my eyes and heart is amazing. I will be back in Thailand some day doing more things that God wants me to do. Thailand is a beauty country with beautiful people!
Now the question everyone is asking, “what’s next?” All I know is that I am home, back in Iowa. My plan is to work hard to get healthy. Work out with my dad and feel better physically and mentally about my body. This will be hard, but ” I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Prayers are so needed as I work through this transition in my life. Most of you know, I also have many health issues and we are discovering more when it comes to food. I want to learn and understand what food allergies I have so that I can move on pain free in this area. I am not going to get sick, anymore!
There are so many places in this world that I would love to travel to! I am now just waiting till God opens those doors for me to walk through! Prayers would be a huge blessing as waiting is not an easy thing for me to do. I like to go go go. If I got an idea, I want to do it. But in this time, I will need a lot of peace and patience to wait for Gods call.
Thank you so much for reading my blog! It really means a lot to me! I hope all is well! Please contact me with any questions you might have. I would love to answer them! Have an amazing day!
By His Grace,
Kendra Michael ❤
By His Grace 