Introduction

Fall semester of 2009, I knew God was changing my heart. I felt a calling to Thailand. As random as can be, I was in no way informed of anything relating to this Asian country. Within days after praying for the future, my sister, Erica, brought up the idea of applying for SendMeNow through the University of West Georgia. As I rummaged through the dozens of trips available, I choose several that would fit my love for helping children, teaching ESL (English as a Second Language), and making money. But then, there it was… Thailand; with possibly the shortest description, showing no evidence of any three of my “loves” haha. Through interview weekend, I prayed over my decision and realized that I was in a blessed financial position as well as time allowing schedule to make sure I accepted a non-paid, full summer trip to serve. My number one choice remained Thailand.

Obviously I got the trip I requested but to my surprise, the trip was much more than I could have hoped for. An e-mail was sent out from Scott Payne whom lives in Thailand and would be one of our hosts for the summer to come. He spoke of the minor mistake in the change of description on our trip list. The summer was to be full of teaching ESL (AWESOME) to college students at a university in Mahasarakham. We would be building relationships with the locals and helping along with the Americans with their needs in their student ministry. Come to find out, between our two host families, they both had young children I would get to spend the summer with. Not to mention, as many of you know, I have always had a sincere desire to adopt an Asian baby… no worries, I will not be coming home with one yet; but one day!