Thoughts from Sarah

Well, what an amazing time. I can honestly say that the two weeks spent here in Thailand with the WA8 team were two of the best that I have had in a long while. I love it when others catch hold of something that I am passionate about - so it was a total delight to see the team enjoy spending time with my Partners family, be moved by the situation of the Karen and then spring into action and give themselves whole heartedly to everything that had been planned.

Everyone rose daily to the challenge of living in a culture not their own; different food, hot weather, insect bites, language barriers, massive spiders and at times, less than comfortable sleeping arrangements. As we spent time together praying, studying God's word, worshipping and diagnosing each others ailments (!?!) we grew closer as a team and I now consider Jay, Hazel, Ben, Susanna and Jackie some of my dearest friends.

Personally, there were times of sadness for me as I really miss being here on the ground with the people from Burma. But God has, in his gentle way, confirmed to me that for now my home needs to be England. I have also been encouraged that my love for music and singing has been re-ignited through my time with the team - I hadn't realised how much it had been dampened over recent years.

A couple of highlights; Firstly playing volleyball in the pool at Horizons two days in a row...work hard, play hard is a great ethos to live by! Secondly, at Mae La camp, the children remembered my favourite Karen song and prepared it to perform to us. That was a very special moment for me. Most of all, I remember the 'open mic' time at Noh Bo - those students were amazing!

All in all it was an experience that will not be forgotten for a very, very long time. Thanks guys! :) xx