What I’ve Been Learning Since Moving to Thailand

Written by Sami — Serving in Thailand

It’s a bit challenging to condense my first two months of living in Thailand into a single blog post. However, I thought it would be best to share a couple of key lessons that God has been teaching me. 

Lesson 1 “Giving Myself Grace:” I was never called to be perfect, yet I often struggle to believe that, especially since moving to Thailand. Learning to drive a motorcycle—my main mode of transportation—was terrifying; I found myself as the only person in driving school who couldn’t complete one of the practical tests. It was challenging to struggle in front of others, and while I eventually passed, it took considerable time for me to accept that mastering this new skill was harder for me than I expected. Additionally, living with a group of Germans and Austrians has presented another layer of challenge as I try to learn both German and Thai. I often feel lost in conversation, hearing languages I barely understand. Allyson and I have talked about how these experiences challenge my belief that I need to be perfect. God never asked us to be perfect; instead, He reminds us that our weaknesses can actually highlight His power. Through all of this, I’m learning to give myself grace, recognizing that striving for perfection will never lead to the results I truly desire. 

Lesson 2: “God’s Community:” Every Wednesday night, Allyson and I have a Bible study on the book of Acts. Recently, we read Acts 2, which describes the early church and the incredible fellowship and community they shared. It’s inspiring to see how the entire body came together, and I recognize that this kind of community is still alive today. Before I left California, my town  was significantly affected by a natural disaster—a forest fire that forced many families, including those at the camp where I worked, to evacuate. In response, countless people from the church and the community stepped up, offering their homes, food, assistance, and fellowship. Now that I’m in Thailand, I’ve witnessed the impact of flooding on local homes. We’ve spent many weekends helping families move their belongings and clean up the aftermath. I’ve seen families here offer their homes, time, and resources to support those affected. God’s community is vibrant both back in the States and here in Thailand. The more I look around, the more I’m amazed by this family of God and how beautifully it shines through, even amidst what seems like a disaster, revealing God’s glory in powerful ways.