An Inspiring Visit

N’s Home Her family

Last Wednesday, we were able to get away for the day from the city. So, we traveled an hour north of our city to one of our most committed local believer's home.  Her school break was beginning, so she wanted to visit her home and stay for a local festival that her village was hosting.  The day was filled with a little fun, but mostly work.  The drive was breathtaking as we drove through the city into the mountains.  Unfortunately, we weren't able to see the mountains completely due to smog and burning pollution.  N’s village sat at the base of a cluster of mountains.  A stream ran through the village and many villagers built their homes around it.

Breakfast Her niece

Our visit began with breakfast with her family.  We enjoyed fish soup (the eyes still on the fish), pork balls with vegetables, sticky rice, spinach vegetables, and water.  We ate with a smile.  Children in this culture don't eat with the family, so we sat with the aunt while N ate with her niece on the floor.  During the meal, we did a lot of smiling and attempting to speak the language.  Thankfully, N was able to translate for us.  We learned so much about her family history and where they have come from.  Her family escaped from a nearby country to find relief here in our country.  They have been here for several years living in this village.  Her family took us around their property and showed us their hen house, outhouse, and cows.  They were very proud of their cows.  Sadly, one died over the weekend, which is a devastating loss considering their income is probably only a few dollars per month.
Hen House Out house
Cows
Our day continued as we left the family home to pass out Hope DVD’s around the village.  We took them into most homes in the village and to random people on the road, basically anyone who would listen to us and take one.  We tried several times to explain what the DVD was about, but they replied that they would rather just watch it on the DVD.  Everyone was very excited and grateful for the gift.  We also handed out a few “Books” to those we thought would be interested.

Passing out the DVDs

Passing out the DVDs

Village home

N took us to several attractions as well.  We toured a famous Wat, cave, waterfall, and hot spring.  There were so many beautiful sites around her home.  While visiting each of these places, we used it as an opportunity to pass out more DVD and tracts.  Everyone was very receptive. Towards the end of the day, we made a final stop at the local market and gave out the last of our DVDs to the market vendors.  It is so great to see their smiles when they receive the DVD.  Most don’t know exactly what it is, but we just hope they will watch the DVD to find out.  We included a phone number for follow-up.
Cave adventure
Sharing at the Wat
Sharing at the Hot Spring
Hot Spring
N’s sister: We passed out DVDs and tracts to everyone at her work.  She works at a resort in the mountains.
We returned N back to her home to say goodbye.  We spent a little bit more time visiting with her family.  We were able to share with her cousin and give him a tract and DVD.  J hopes to return to see him again and climb some of the mountains with him.  We all had a great day of fellowship and sharing.  We went on this daytrip to support N, but mostly we were inspired by our young friend’s faith and the boldness she has.  Despite her culturally low standing, she is unashamed and will tell anyone why she has hope.  It is faith we admire greatly.  Uplift her and her family (who are not believers).
J sharing with N’s cousin