So... more catch up. Not being on a team schedule and having more sporatic time feels more like a schedule back home, but still trying to be intentional in my time. Spending a lot of time helping Jess update a new website, praying even over her and seeking my own direction and absorbing.
WEDNESDAY
We went to UCM at Tamar for unity worship/prayer amongst the churchs/ministries in the morning. Jess and I both have been feeling a hit in our bodies health wise, so it was a bit hard getting up, and felt during worship was dragging a bit, but pushed through and had a good time at the end to get in more intimate groups and pray for each other. Good boost!
We decided to take a rest day. So we spent the rest of day at Sketchbook Cafe reading, listening to music, doing some internet stuff, drinking coffee, relaxing and staying out of the rain. It's a pretty neat and abnormal cafe for Thai culture. Very eclectic artistic place. The owner teaches painting and art in one of the little side rooms, and all over paintings and art is hung on the surrounding white walls. The pictures show a bit more of it's feel. It was surrounded by wood carved seats and gardens and open decks. Something I feel I would find back home in like Los Osos or a hidden spot in SLO. It felt like home, and sometimes you just need a bit of familiarity in the midst of so much unfamiliar culture.
We then scheduled a 2 hour Thai (note the THAI part...ie. INTENSE) massage around 8pm before going to bed. It was to say the least amazing although at times I thought I might break. Normally I can't do massages, because of the toxin release I get pretty sick, even drinking tons of water, however, trusting Jess is the same and recommended, these women were amazing. And the price here for a massage... what you would get at home maybe for a 2 hour session that cost a couple hundred dollars, here is only $15!! (500 baht!)
THURSDAY
Spent a lot of day working on Jess' website and organizing. Excited how it's coming together. Will update soon and repost. After brainstorming really felt the Lord on this and it's been a fun/timely, but good project to focus on where I can help her organize and communicate, through design. It's helpful for her too, so she can share more easily what it is she is doing her and even communicate needs/current events. We will also be re-doing the Pattaya House of Prayer website that will link to her personal site. Although websites are not my primary passion, i love social networking and design projects, and getting to express a shared passion for what she does makes it fun.
Went to prayer/woship at PHOP (Pattaya House of Prayer), and it was a bit different than the last one with the whole team. Lesser people, but Jess invited one of the girls she met a couple months ago at the beach where she was selling herself. (you can read the girls story and how they met on Jess' blog at www.jessicamock.com) She showed up drunk and left for a bit to get some food, but came back and we stuck her in the middle of about 10 of us and prayed over her. As we just loved on her and held her and told her how much the Father loved her and knew the things she had experienced, even the things nobody else knew, He still accepts her and wants to be near her. She broke down crying, and I just began to ball so broken feeling her pain. She spoke no English and kept trying to look into our eyes in desperation. She was still very drunk and many of us felt that was as far as we could reach her. She was very grateful and kept "wai'ing (Thai bow) us and thanking us... but the ache in my heart remained knowing it was going to be time. She calls Jess a lot upset and frustrated she doesn't have money or that she is lonely. So be praying for her. I believe she is receiving bits and pieces and is honest why she drinks and that she is scared, and although she flakes out a lot on things Jess invites her to, she came last night and knows where they are on Thur nights.
We ended the night praying for each other, praying over Jess' health, and for another girl leaving in a few months and Sherry who also leads the prayer room with Jess. It was good, although I was pretty tired, it was nice to be around a lot of the firey one's who have been in this city for a while, and still going strong and pressing in. It's one thing to come in for a few weeks and burn, but to last years and still triumph. They are true heroes in the spirit!
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