A Teen's Adventure in Thailand

My niece Chloe recently traveled to Thailand through an exchange program, and I was so happy when she agreed to share her experience with us. At just 15, she made the 13,000 km journey to Thailand on her own—something I truly admire. Honestly, even as an adult, I would feel nervous taking a trip like that today! I feel incredibly 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 take part in an exchange program with the AFS Intercultural Organization. For three months, I planned to attend school, live with a host family, and learn about Thai culture. Although I stayed for just one month, I loved every moment.

In Thailand, about 94% of the population practices Buddhism, 5% practices Islam, and 1% practices Christianity. I stayed with a host family who belong to that 1% and practice the Christian faith. My host father serves as the pastor of the only Baptist church in the town where I lived.

During my stay, I experienced something I would never have encountered while living in Canada. A mission team from Korea visited our church for a short trip to serve in a nearby town. With my host parents leading the way, the team visited a local elementary school that supports children living in poverty and organized fun activities for them to enjoy. Because my high school held midterm exams that week, I had the chance to join the team and visit the school with them.

 

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

 

When I first arrived at the school, I saw something completely new to me. The school looked very different from the ones we have in Canada. The main building stretched into one long rectangle, and each classroom door opened directly to the outside. The school had one large barrel of water with a tap where the children washed their hands.

Another building stood nearby and looked similar to what we might call a pavilion. At the front, a raised platform served as a small stage where the Korean team performed for everyone. In front of the platform, several long picnic tables faced the stage, and that’s where we all gathered to eat lunch together.

After we played games together, I saw so much joy on the children’s faces. Moments like that meant a lot to them and could brighten their whole week. The mission work gave our time real purpose. I had the chance to help children who had less than I did and to share kindness and compassion with them.

Church in Thailand

The following Sunday, I experienced going to church for the first time. The service felt similar to what I imagine a church service in Canada would be like. Everyone dressed up, and we all sat in pews facing the pastor—my host dad. Not many people from the community attended, since Christianity is less common in Thailand. However, the entire team from Korea filled many of the pews, along with my host family.

 

Children playing outside the church at Sunday service.

 

At the beginning of the service, my host dad handed me a microphone, and I introduced myself to everyone in Thai. I couldn’t understand most of the service because everyone spoke in Thai, but my host dad kindly translated parts of it into English whenever he could. After the service ended, we all gathered for a meal at the outdoor canteen behind the church.

In that space, I felt the strength and love that everyone shared. Even though I spent only a short time in Thailand, I had the chance to help people in need and feel connected to a community I had only just met.

I was far from home—more than 13,000 kilometers away. Still, my host family became my home away from home. They welcomed me in and cared for me as one of their own, and I will always feel grateful for their kindness. I will cherish the memories we made together. When I needed to come home earlier than planned, they showed patience, understanding, and compassion. I will always remember my amazing host family with warmth 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.