Out from the fog...

There is a famous Chinese quote, "Bú dà Chángchéng fĕi hăo hàn,": You are not a real man until you have climbed the Great Wall. What an awesome analogy and reality (if you've ever attempted to climb the great wall, it is a great feat and an immense wonder.) Amen?!
These past several weeks have not only been a steady trek but also somewhat of a fog. Fog requires a step of faith because it's mostly difficult to see even five yards ahead of you, let alone the next day. It's exciting and frightening all in one breath. I've been tempted to close my eyes and coast but then I risk missing discovery as the fog lifts. I've quite enjoyed this unpredictable journey, mainly because the surprises I've encountered have been a fantastic discovery...a great learning experience both culturally and spiritually...a unique season to say the least and one that I'm quite sure I will not soon forget.

Recap: Sarah and I were privileged with the chance to go to a very northern province of China through Christmas and we can both say with certainty that the experience was both hysterical and truly impacting. Our wonderful Chinese host family taught us a thing or 20 about hospitality and all I can say is I have a long way to go apart from simply opening my door to friends and family and giving my per usual "come on in" greeting.
Water? tea? milk? Abundant provision, tours, sights: them- "no no, you must eat delicacy...special for you" us- "but we want you to have this cow tongue and beef intestine...please, you have the sheep liver and live crustaceans, you're too much!" Skiing, Beijing, media, North Korea, Mao, delicacies, karaoke, Great Wall, cheers with white rice "special drink"...China, we shall not forget you. Thanks for all the hot water, dumplings and mystery. Sheh Sheh.

Rolling through January and February on staff with BAM (business as mission) has been quite the learning experience. I am surrounded by world-class mentors, teachers, and participants from all over the globe representing 14 different nations. Fantastic! Some have existing businesses, some are planning, and some, like me are trying to figure out what God wants them to do about a business (or not) in the future.

We are learning that God is the originator of business, that His principals applied to a business will make it operate at it's best. A godly business is one of the highest expressions of God at work in our lives. He is the Giver of skills and creativity...initiative, sacrifice, and innovation. "Profit isn't sin, not paying your employees a living wage is sin, not delivering the quality promised is sin, not delivering product or services
when promised is sin, but having, running, and owning a business is not a sin but rather an opportunity to serve your community." Our skills and abilities are given by God and all of who and what we are can be used to bless others through the means that come from our Creator to begin with. Controversial? yes. Worth dissecting and exploring? absolutely.
Food for thought, ay? (says my new Canadian friend)

Merry Christmas Thailand, Burma, & China

Merry Christmas?! It's been a steady 85ish so it feels a little less like December than per usual. As of late, Sarah and I have made endless efforts to spread some holiday cheer... it comes in the form of really loud singing as we cruise along on the motorbike amidst the flow of Thai traffic. We're certain most do not understand what we crazy women are singing but I think we're all the merrier for it.

It's a bittersweet time being able to reflect on the year and wonder how we got here...wonder what our friends and family are doing for the holidays and sometimes wishing we were there. There is a sweet grace that is present when instead, we seek to relish the moments and not wish them quickly away, only to look forward to the next adventure. There is grace to pour out daily whatever meager offering we might be able to give, though we are most of the time stumbling through this effort... absolutely reliant but not without hope. "And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us " (Romans 5 ) And so again, there is grace to find the strong arm of our Loving Jesus who delights in our acknowledgment of Him. It's in His Presence that all fear is gone. This is our hope for the season.

We have been to the slums and seen sheets hung as hammocks for beds, toddlers playing by septic water and rabid dogs, wooden government housing held up by stilts...we have seen Chiang Mai bow to a 100 ft elephant float that contained the body of a well known monk...we have spoken with a 9yr old boy dying of HIV and no hope of health-care...we have attempted to encourage the prostitute who gave up her 10 yr career as a teacher because she makes better money in the bars...
We are taking it in! We're not sure what to do with it all yet but we'll continue to seek wisdom and direction as there is much to learn from the people and circumstances around us.

We recently made a "border run" to Burma. Quite the experience and one that I would not like to repeat :) For Christmas, Sarah and I have the opportunity to head to China for 10 days and we are elated for the experiences ahead. The family we will be with have privileged us with Chinese names, "Hayor and Bayor". They thought it appropriate that they should rhyme. Great Wall, here we come...with our flip flops, t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Should be around 30 F. Can't wait.

The Adventures of Loy Krathong

About a week ago I found myself sitting on my knees, in almost 2 hours of silence, surrounded by a couple thousand Thai's, all listening to the monotone chants of a Buddhist monk. I don't remember the last time I was so STILL. We were told to "empty ourselves" and "make a wish" (among other suggestions) as we pictured the "light within us" and then metaphorically, lit a giant lantern that would float into the sky as a symbol of ridding our life of the past year's troubles. That light floated beautifully into the sky and thousands others with it...only to burn out and fall to the ground just a few miles of floating later. This memorable holiday is Loy Krathong.
Similarly, candles are set afloat on the Ping River while thanks is given to the goddess of the river symbolic of "letting go of all one's grudges, anger and defilement's, so that one can start life afresh on a better foot." They hope it brings them good luck, which is the hope that many of them cling to...karma and luck, although some will tell you they go hand in hand.
I have asked many Thai friends what they think about this annual festival that we are in the midst of celebrating..."i don't think it works but it's tradition".

Life here has shifted to the fast lane which we are not so disappointed about. I'm an American, of course I want fast pace in order to feel successful or productive. Haha. I would say the good news is that there seems to be some ongoing pruning within Sarah and I as to what "success" looks like anymore and it's quite a roller-coaster of a journey. Needless to say, I feel "successful" when ordering my coffee in the morning with no sugar...We'll take the achievement of being able to communicate the little things because right now, it feels like quite the accomplishment. As of late, we have the privilege of visiting sick children in the hospital, playing with "street kids" from the slums, teaching English to University students, networking with ministries, and building relationships with women in a very dark district of town. We are continually surprised by the opportunities that we get to encourage someone from such a drastically different cultural background than our own. When it feels like you have nothing in common, there is still comfort to give. It's amazing how only a few words can go such a long way when communicating hope to the oppressed. The fact is that WE are encouraged by their receipt of our nominal efforts to love and get to know them...and that feels like success right now.

Sawatdii Kha!

A bit over zealous riding on the back of this sungtaew (aka - our mode of transportation) but it's not everyday that you get to ride standing on the back of a small truck with your hair tangling in the wind, inhaling exhaust until you reach your destination. So it goes...

My romantic ideas of missionary life were shattered the moment we were dropped off at our apartment/room with 3 days before we would meet anyone who could tell us anything of worth. You know, simple things: Where were we? How do we say, "toilet? food? how much? When will the sweating stop?" Chiang Mai is humid, polluted, and full of stray dogs and misc meat. Chiang Mai also has a beautiful view of the mountains, beautiful and kind people, and delicious food if you know what to ask for. It is a nation full of broken people and yet everyone wears a smile. In my short 3 weeks here, my sense of injustice and helplessness, mixed with an overwhelming love for these people, has often led to despair. How do I help? I've had a lot of time on my hands to think and pray! The pace of life here is drastically different and indirect communication is valued...quite difficult to adjust to. I would say it's the opposite of Boston in regards to communication and work pace BUT God, in His infinite wisdom knew that this would be a time for me to slow down, observe and learn. "Quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, rich in love". One of the most difficult lessons I've had to learn is how to love people well as Jesus loves us, only without words, and being able to trust that He will use my weakness to bring Himself Glory. Let it be!

As of late, my mind has been monopolized with the phonetics of the Thai language...difficult alert! Please, empathize with Sarah and I when we try to translate a sentence with the same word, "mai" in five different tones and five different meanings for each tone. I'm certain we've offended many-a-Thai just trying to ask for milk with our coffee. The good news is, they love us for trying even if we did say their shop smells like a goat.

We will continue taking Thai lessons for 4 more weeks so please pray for maak (much!) grace. Hopefully by the end, we should be able to at least ask for no crickets in our chicken curry. Fewf & Amen.

The students at the Centre where we teach English c ooked a delightful surprise for us tonight. Chicken and Squid soup. I couldn't stop my inner monologue that kept saying, "come on girl! you know you want to impress these Thai students by being The Missionary That Could!" It was anything but tasty but I feel all the braver for it. Than k you Lord, it could have been much worse and still I feel like, I came. I endured. I conquered. This will be my mantra for the duration of our stay. Please, hold me accountable.

The prelude to a big move

Thailand...the land of smiles I'm told.

I have much joy as I write this update to

you! It has been a whirlwind these past 4

years in Boston from my work in Biotech to

our wonderful community at my church

Community of Faith Christian Fellowship

that I am so thankful to get to live life with.

God has taught me so many valuable

lessons while being in the corporate world

and as I walk with people of passion and

purpose in Boston.

What I will be doing in

Thailand?

One of my roommates from Boston, Sarah

Ladd, and I will join the current efforts of

Serving In Missions (SIM) in Chiang

Mai, Thailand for the next 9 months.

Sarah and I are responding to needs in

Thailand in the areas of education, justice, and

networking. The native English speaker is

in great demand and the door is wide open

for teaching English and other subjects in

the universities. In addition to opportunities

with SIM, we also hope to get involved in

other areas of social justice. One blessing is

that Sarah and I both have many

connections across the country of Thailand.

I feel refreshed and envisioned to begin this

new season with great passion! I very much

looking for ward to working alongside the

Thai people.

How You Can Help!

I covet your prayers and support. God

has really spoken to me about my journey to

serve in Thailand. To believe in one thing so

passionately is like finding a treasure chest.

However, to pursue that passion is different

kind of discovery. While exciting, it requires

a ruthless trust to unlock the chest and

reveal the hidden blessings that God has

prepared. (Matt 13:44-46) As you may

know, what proves to be most difficult on a

faith journey is that different keys are

required to unlock different chests in one's

life. So, with the right key, great confidence,

courage and discernment can unlock God’s

destined chest of treasure. I asked of the

Lord to keep me relentless in trusting Him

in everything that I do or even in the things

that I have no control over at all. As I do

that, I can rest assured that it's His will (His

best) for me whether the result is within my

expectations or not. Pray with me that the

treasure of this season will be shared during

my time and through my service in

Thailand.

For my 9 month term, we have raised support to serve in Thailand. Thank you to all of our generous givers!

Contributions will go directly to our efforts in Thailand.

www.sim.org/giveusa

Click on the “GIVE NOW” link.

Once on the giving page, type in Dara Davis for

Missionary/Project Name and select “Support”

for Designation.