Day 6, our last day... a day for wrapping
up and reflection. After breakfast we went to the XP centre where we spent time
worshipping and thanking God for the week, and then praying for specific people we had
spent time with this week. There was time to share different experiences and
insights, and to complete feedback forms for XP. Team leaders shared on what to expect when we go back home... you know, a time like
this changes you, and it can be a bit tough going back into normal life with
its concerns that may now seem rather trivial in comparison. Mike spoke about
compassion, and reminded us that compassion is what motivates action. The poor don’t
need our pity. They do need compassion.
It was a precious time, and we were feeling a little sad at the thought of saying 'Goodbye'.
For lunch we had..... chicken and rice! And after lunch there was free time, an opportunity to play sport at Safe Haven or street ministry. I made the rather difficult decision to remain at HTC for the afternoon, rather than go on the optional outreach to Safe Haven to play football with the children. I am very much aware that tomorrow night we begin the Pattaya outreach. My heart wanted to go to Safe Haven, but reason prevailed; it seems wisdom to take some time to consolidate and reflect on the experiences of the past week, and to prepare for the next.
So I found myself comfortably settled in the air-conditioned Destiny Cafe, the usual coffee smoothie by my side, my laptop in front of me, and people who have become precious friends on either side. It is hard to believe that just a week ago we would have passed each other in the street without recognition. An experience like this has a way of causing some quick bonding – like superglue
I had a conversation with Andrea, which was very good. She gave me an update on Johnnie, the little boy who was rescued from traffickers last year, and whose story was the initial reason I came to Poipet, and she also explained the vision and work of CHO and XP in more detail.
In the evening we all went out for supper together, to the casino buffet again, and then we returned to XP for a final bit of time together. The leadership team prayed for each one of us and it was just ‘awesomeness’, to use my friend Ingela’s word! And then it was ‘Goodbye’, and off back to the hotel. I went upstairs to pack, but got called back down again within a short while, as our interpreters had come to say 'Goodbye' to us. It was really sad to see them go.
I now have to go upstairs and pack - we leave for Pattaya, Thailand at 07h30 in the morning. And so, 'Goodnight, and thanks for sharing with me in this very special week....
For lunch we had..... chicken and rice! And after lunch there was free time, an opportunity to play sport at Safe Haven or street ministry. I made the rather difficult decision to remain at HTC for the afternoon, rather than go on the optional outreach to Safe Haven to play football with the children. I am very much aware that tomorrow night we begin the Pattaya outreach. My heart wanted to go to Safe Haven, but reason prevailed; it seems wisdom to take some time to consolidate and reflect on the experiences of the past week, and to prepare for the next.
So I found myself comfortably settled in the air-conditioned Destiny Cafe, the usual coffee smoothie by my side, my laptop in front of me, and people who have become precious friends on either side. It is hard to believe that just a week ago we would have passed each other in the street without recognition. An experience like this has a way of causing some quick bonding – like superglue
I had a conversation with Andrea, which was very good. She gave me an update on Johnnie, the little boy who was rescued from traffickers last year, and whose story was the initial reason I came to Poipet, and she also explained the vision and work of CHO and XP in more detail.
In the evening we all went out for supper together, to the casino buffet again, and then we returned to XP for a final bit of time together. The leadership team prayed for each one of us and it was just ‘awesomeness’, to use my friend Ingela’s word! And then it was ‘Goodbye’, and off back to the hotel. I went upstairs to pack, but got called back down again within a short while, as our interpreters had come to say 'Goodbye' to us. It was really sad to see them go.
I now have to go upstairs and pack - we leave for Pattaya, Thailand at 07h30 in the morning. And so, 'Goodnight, and thanks for sharing with me in this very special week....
No comments:
Post a Comment