And it ended with an elephant

Sunday's are often interesting, but this Sunday in particular was unique. So I had heard that Thailand was becoming the new hotspot of missions and yet it's hard to see that where I am. In my portion of the city I know most of the foreigners because they are either on my team or with an English center that partners with our foundation. When I do see foreigners it's a novelty. People don't speak much-- if any English around and in my neighborhood. On some Sundays I take an hour bus ride to attend an international church located in downtown Bangkok. The world of differences. This neighborhood has almost as many foreigners as Thai people around, most vendors speak adequate English and prices are incredibly higher for just about everything.

This Sunday seemed to be extra crazy. So as I'm leaving my community there seemed to be an abnormal amount people out this Sunday. They asked me where I was going and I told them, I'm going to church. As I stepped out on to the empty dirt field in front of my community to see: A van full of monks driving away. They stared at me, I stared at them, feeling a bit like David and Goliath--a small kid with a big God in front of a huge cultural icon. It made me really grateful and excited that I serve a God who dwells amongst, lives in, and is alive. It made me sad that my neighbors make merit to monks who drive away.
So I made it to international church which has been encouraging to attend sometimes because the teaching is good, and Christians from all over the world really do attend. I've met Philippinos, Japanese, CheckRepuplicans, Koreans, Indians, Aussies, Germans, British, mongo ect.... the room is filled with Christians from all over the world--many are businessmen, many are teachers, and many are missionaries. This Sunday the church was complete with a palm branch for each attendee while we waved it during worship
It's good to know that God is present and working in both areas--in Foreign Thailand and in my humble community.

So the day gets better....
Later that evening my roommate and I went to a dance movie with one of our Thai friends that we work with. She is really fun and it's exciting to see God really moving in a Thai person’s life. She truly encourages me and I'm excited to call her a friend. Well my roommate and I got back to the community on later side to find A huge elephant eating the grass in front of my community--it's owner was digging through the trash to find more food for it. Yes, my day ended by walking feet from A huge elephant. It could of touched me with its trunk if it had wanted, but similar to the monks we made eye connection. I dare to say I shared a moment with the elephant .I think we're friends now.
The days you really wish you had your camera.