Learning Thai

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – Jesus (John 16:33)

This past week has given me plenty of opportunities to think about this promise that Jesus made. Our visa problems are pretty minor in the grand scheme of things (especially as we grieve with our teammate who was just diagnosed with leukemia), but they are very unsettling. I really like living in Thailand and there have been very few times when I really wanted to leave, but when we’re so abruptly reminded of our status as foreigners here it does trigger an impulse to “go home.” These feelings of disillusionment have prompted me to think again about where my sense of identity lies. It’s natural to want to live in a place where we can belong and blend in – but that’s not a reality that the Bible promises us.

Being the “alien and stranger” isn’t a lot of fun, but this mild experience with that identity makes me grateful for God’s kingdom and encourages me to always show compassion towards others in this same situation.

-Tom