God's Love Across the Sea

A Teen's Adventure in Thailand

My niece Chloe recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Thailand as part of an exchange program, and I was so happy when she agreed to share a bit about her experience here. At just 15 years old, she made the 13,000 km journey all on her own — something I find truly inspiring. I know I’d be nervous taking a trip like that, even as an adult! I’m really proud of her, and I hope you enjoy reading about her adventure as much as I did. 

My host family and I (third from the left) at church.

Earlier this summer I flew to Thailand to participate in an exchange via the AFS Interculture Organization. For three months I would be going to school, living with a family, and learning all about the Thai culture. Though I was there just one month, I loved every moment.

In Thailand 94% of the country is Buddhist, 5% is Islamic, and 1% is Christian. I was placed with a family who are part of the 1% that practices the Christian beliefs. My host father is the pastor in the only Baptist church in the town that I was living in. 

While I was there, I was lucky enough to experience something I never would while living in Canada. A team from Korea came to our church to do a short mission trip in one of the small towns in Thailand. With my host parents leading, the mission team went to one of the local elementary schools facing poverty and participated in some fun activities for the children to enjoy. Since the high school I was attending was in the middle of their midterm exam week, I was able to go with the team to the school. 

Here I am signing two of the children's canvas craft bags during the mission trip at the elementary school.

When I first got to the school, it was unlike something I have ever seen. The school was very different compared to the schools we have here in Canada. The building was one long rectangle, with all the doors to the classrooms being open to the outside. They had one large barrel of water with a tap where children could wash their hands, etc. The only other building on the property looked similar to what we would call a pavilion. There was a raised platform at the front (where the Korean team performed for all), and many long picnic tables were placed facing the platform. This is where we all had our lunch. 

Seeing the joy on the children’s faces after we all played games together was priceless. This was something that for them, could make their whole week better. The mission work was full of great purpose. I was able to give to others less fortunate and share in spreading kindness and compassion.

The following Sunday I got to experience going to church for the first time ever. It was similar to what I think a church service would be like here in Canada. Everyone got dressed up and we all sat in pews facing the pastor (my host dad). There weren’t many people from the community there since not many people in Thailand are Christian, but the whole team from Korea filled the pews along with my host family.

Children playing outside the church at Sunday service.

At the beginning of the service my host dad gave me a microphone, and I introduced myself to everyone in Thai. I couldn’t understand what was being said during the service since they were speaking in Thai, but my host dad did his best to translate what he could in English which was very kind. After the service was finished, we all shared a meal together at the outdoor canteen located behind the church.

It was nice being able to feel the strength and love shared in that space. Although only being in Thailand a short time, I was still able to experience helping those in need and feeling connected to a group of people, and community that I only just met.

I was far from home – over 13,000 kilometers!  My host family was my home away from home. They took me in and cared for me as one of their own, and for that I give thanks and will be forever grateful. I will cherish the memories of my time spent with them. They were also tender and understanding when I needed to come home early and treated me with compassion. My amazing host family will always be fondly remembered in my heart.

Takeaways

Thank you, Chloe for sharing your story with us! My heart is touched by this blog post, both personally as well as in faith as it honestly highlights community, love and kindness from Gods church.  It takes courage to overcome fears and embark on something new and unknown. It's nice to know that wherever we are in this world, we are all His children and He gives us his love and strength to step into something new.