Thailand - Third Wave 2012 [Day 4: Sessions, Small Groups & World Market]

In the lift - story of our lives at Town In Town!

Wednesday January 4 was our first full day of Third Wave. The morning was free for those of us who had already checked in and registered. We had our first Plenary Session at 10:30am. This was a “Welcome and Cultural Orientation" – so we learned some things that would be useful to us as foreigners, plus some general information about Thailand.
After lunch, we had regional meetings. This is where we joined with people from our own region (usually just one country, but Australia and New Zealand joined) to have a discussion time. We had to think of particular people in our lives, and ask the Lord how He sees them. This really opened my eyes, and I have a vision of how I can put compassion, love and friendship into action!
After our discussion time, we had free time! YAY!! (we didn't get much free time over the week)

We set up for the World Market, and then I went and had a lovely, hour-long massage. It was good, but quite painful as well! I had the back, shoulders, neck and head massage – traditional Thai style. It cost 350BT, which equals about $12AUD.



My masseuse

The topic for the evening service was “Called”.

We had great worship…

"Holy, holy, holy... I want to see You..." Love singing in other languages!

…and prayer…

…as well as a panel-Q&A time.

One of the questions that were asked was, “How can we be prepared to fulfil or develop a specific ministry call?” Some points that were given were:

• We need to hear a call
• A call is not always a lifetime
• Find a mentor – someone to journey with
• Get started – jump right in! Don’t only prepare, prepare, prepare

On the panel was one person from each region – people from Germany, Africa, America, Vietnam, Mexico and Spain.
One thing that I’ve loved about Third Wave – the different languages! I love that SO many different nations and cultures were represented, and that even through the language barriers, we were able to communicate and worship!
After the service, we had our World Market. Everyone brought items unique to their own country, set up stalls, stuck prices on the items, and we all bought from each other. All of the money raised was given to 12:7 Serve (LINK). My friend Dani is one of the 12 young people who will be travelling around Meso-America for 6 months this year, and I am SO proud of her and excited for her – and so happy that we were able to help the team in that way!

Displaying some Aussie goodies!

I bought these Aussie cuties!

So many things to choose from!

Delicous sweetness!

Tammie put hard effort into our display

I [heart] Australia

At the World Market, things got a little crazy!!!

Dancing

And I had fun taking pictures with some great people...

I was sitting in that chair all by myself... and these awesome people came to take pics with me =D They're the best!

Hannah and I - room-mates!

 

With the Cambodian peeps :-)

After-mid-night 7-11 run... Icecream!!

Such a full day, but a fun one!!!
Can't wait to share more with you :-)
~Rachel

Thailand - Third Wave 2012 [Day 3: Small Groups & Opening Dinner]

The view from my floor - I'm on floor 10, and the highest is floor 11!

On our third day in Thailand, Tuesday January 3, we had a reasonably relaxing and slow day.
After breakfast, we had regional meetings. We began all together (still the Asia-Pacific people) in the meeting room, by singing a hilarious song that had some funny actions… I want to write the words down and maybe even record the song, so that I can show you when I get home! So much fun!
We were given 2 questions that we would discuss in small groups, and we all went with people from our own region – so I was with the other Aussies, as well as the Kiwis. We spent 30 minutes finding Scriptures and discussing the topic / questions, and then everyone met together again. We had one person from each group go up the front and share with everyone what their group had learning. I wrote pages and pages of notes!
Then we got another 2 questions, and we did the same thing – discussed with our group for 30 minutes, and then met again. Only this time, individuals could share as they felt led. Again, I wrote pages of notes!!
For the rest of the day, we had free time!
After lunch, I uploaded some photos and tried to finish blogging.
*fail*
The internet really is temperamental! I am trying to write my blog posts in Word and file my photos, so that when the internet is working, I can easily copy and paste the post, and insert the pictures. I am doing my best!
Mid-afternoon, Tamara and I went for a walk with all of the Pilipinos. They are so great! Our plan was to go to the market, but apparently it is a 40-minute bus ride away! I am determined to find one that is closer. We have to go to some markets before we leave!

We ended up eating at McDonald’s, believe it or not! And the Philipino pastor shouted everyone a cheeseburger meal, because it was Aster’s birthday.

Here’s some information for you: in the Philippines, meals sizes are smaller than Australian sizes – we all got a regular, but for them that would be a large. I’m amazed that the meal sizes in America are even bigger!
Since we were with the Philipino group, we got to sit with them for over an hour while they discussed how Third Wave would impact them and their ministries back home. It was cool to hear their perspectives and situations.
We went back to the hotel at about 5:30pm, and I quickly got showered and dressed for the Opening Dinner for Third Wave.
We lined up to enter the dining hall, and were greeted by lovely, beautiful Thai people!

The entrance

We all received a flower - traditional Thai flower

And some cool clay stuff was swiped on our cheeks.
"Sa-wa-dee-ka". This is "hello" in Thai

The room looked wonderful. A flower in the centre of each table; chair covers on the chairs. And so many people are here now! It’s so amazing!

Dinner was buffet.
While we were eating dessert, we were entertained by these beautiful Thai children!

Traditional Thai dance

Dance / actions to One Way [Hillsong]

Beautiful dance to Who Am I? [Casting Crowns]

I was sitting next to Belinda during dinner, and found out that she would be going home at midnight. Our leaders also shared that with everyone, and took time to thank Belinda for her inspiration. She was the one that originally (4 years ago) suggested to host the 2012 Third Wave in Thailand!
Then Verne Ward prayed, and all of us Australians and the New Zealanders as well, gathered around Belinda and prayed for her. It was a really special moment.
After we prayed, I became really teary and emotional, and just stood there crying in pain for Belinda. Tamara and I just stood with each other and shared the tears of the moment. I wanted to be strong for Belinda, so when I calmed down a little more, I was able to give Belinda a hug and say goodbye before her trip.
Then I got my computer and came here to the 2^nd floor, and posted my last blog post, and talked with my friend Dito, from Indonesia. It was great to learn more about each other’s cultures and each other.
That was probably the most relaxing day I’ve had since being here – and it’s going to get more busy!!
But God is good, and provides all of my needs.
~Rachel