#ThailandTuesday: 40 Days

40.

The number of years the Israelites wandered in the desert.

The number of days Jesus fasted and prayed.

The number of days until I move to Thailand.

It's getting so close.

I have my passport, visa, and ticket.

I still need to pack and finish support raising.

In the midst of so many things, there is such a temptation to focus on all the things to do and completely forget the things God wants to do- right now. God isn't waiting for me to get to Thailand. He has something for me today. And you know way, He has something for you today too. I'm remembered of these Jon Foreman lyrics, "Why do I worry? Why do I freak out? God knows what I need, He knows what I need."

Thank You God that you meet us where we are everyday. Thank You for your provisions in our lives. Thank You for the sweetness of Your friendship today.

Take time today to pause and pay attention to who God is and what He is doing. He is more than we could ever ask or think and He is enough for us.

Important Update!!

Hey everyone!!

I have some important information regarding where I am in the process of going to Thailand.

1. I leave on August 10!

2. We are currently deciding on whether or not I can fully commit to 2 full years at this time. Why are we deciding this? Because so far I do not have the funds (one time gifts and monthly commitments) to stay for 2 years. My sending organization asks that all funds be either committed or in the account before I go. As it is right now I am getting close to having enough to go for one full year (78% of what I need). I am at about 40% for two full years. We are also looking into if there is a possibility for me to go for one year and continue to raise support during the first year for the second year. The deadline for making this decision is 3 weeks from today. 

Here is how you can pray/respond:

• pray that God's will would be done for how long I am supposed to stay in Thailand for this first time around (I might want to go longer... which is another process with my sending organization).
• Pray for full provision
• Pray about jumping in with the financial support team... even if you aren't in a place now but think you might want to in January or next summer, please communicate that with me.

Also... I am picking these up today to send out! If you don't think I have your address and you want one, please email me (klight@quikmail.org).

Love and blessings!!

#ThailandTuesday: Fun Video!!

Hey everyone!

I wanted to share a video with all of you that some of the folks in Thailand made for me. It gives you a glimpse of what the school feels like and what the students are like. I think it is so cool to hear where all of these students are from and what their families are doing... and I get an opportunity to teach here and I'm sure they will teach me a lot as well!

To be honest, I don't like asking for money. I feel like people must be tired of hearing about it. But this is the season I am in- a season of raising a support team. I believe in what God has called me to do and everyone is invited to invest in some way (prayer, encouragement, finances, etc). The question now is, would you seriously pray about investing financially? In order to fulfill a 2 year commitment, I still need about $23,000 (about $1,000/month). Here's the thing, every bit matters, even if it is $5 or $100 a month or a one time gift.

I'm leaving in 54 days. Will you respond to this invitation?

Even if you can't give now but think you might be able to in the next 2 years then please, let me know. I can count that in toward my total!

As always, thank you all for the love and support many of you have shown. If we haven't connected yet, I would love to! Feel free to email me.

Blessings,
Kassie

#ThailandTuesday: a season of faith and "see ya later"

At the end of May I went back to my home state of California to spend some time with friends and family before moving to Thailand.

It is a surreal thing, saying goodbye for an indefinite amount of time. "Bye gramma and grampa, hopefully see you in 2 years." I know the world is getting smaller and it's easier to travel, but there is something about saying goodbye and setting off on a new adventure into what seems like a great unknown.

Just wondering if there is anyone else out there who says "see you later" more than "goodbye." I say "see you later" to almost complete strangers or people that I might not ever see again. I don't know if it is me trying to be hopeful or just avoiding the finality of an ending.

Anyway, it is just an interesting season of saying "see you later to so many friends and family.

It is also such a season of faith. I don't think I imagined the process going quite like this. For one, I imagined the support raising process to go a lot faster than it has. I had hoped to be almost done by now. But here I am, 4 months in and 2 months away from leaving and I am at 25% of my monthly support. That has been a place for me to really rely on God. It's almost like I had this idea of, "ok God, I got this..l here is my plan and here is how it will go and I trust You and everything but I'm putting my hope in this plan that I have in mind. " And then when my plans don't work I jump to thinking that I need to work harder or repent for something I must be doing wrong. Don't get me wrong, I am so thankful for everyone who has given so far, but there is still a ways to go.

This past weekend I was watching veggie tales and the story of George Mueller came on. It was so simple- a man called by God to look after England's orphans who just daily trusted God to meet every need, not just for himself but for all of those he cared for. We are called to be diligent and work hard, but we are kidding ourselves if we think that that alone will sustain us. God is our provider. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him. I was convicted and I repent of anytime I tried to depend on my own understanding through this process.

I am called to simply trust and obey (for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey).

Blessings to you all, and as always, feel free to contact me at any time!