Carrie's Thailand Trip!

Kids smile.

Women smile.

Men smile.

Groups of kids smile.

And I smile. For I think that I shall love these people.

Ok, maybe I'll smile not so creepily.

But if I could get my smile that big, it would be, for I am very excited, as you can see.

Anywho, Thailand really is known as the Land of Smiles because the people are so easy-going and friendly. Thais are known for their hospitality and kindness. And they love having fun! So smiles abound. Hooray! I love smiles!

However, just because they are smiley does not mean they have true joy. There is still brokenness and pain. Any country is the same in that respect. People put on masks. They may reflect the cultural norm and expectation of friendliness and calm, and they may find happiness in the things that they know. But people have an insatiable need inside... insatiable by all except Christ. Thais need Jesus. The culture is beautiful, and the people are awesome, but the huge majority is still lost. I pray that they will look to HIM; Psalm 34:5 says,

"Those who look to him are radiant;

their faces are never covered with shame."

Imagine those smiles being transformed and deepened by knowing Christ... so that they may be not only friendly, but radiant. There is something profound about a person who knows and loves God and is living in the Grace he gives. So yes, I think I will love these people and their precious smiles. But I pray they will understand the unending joy that comes from knowing God and embrace him with joy. Then they may smile for his glory.

PS- Here is another thing to smile about. Protests are settling down. Things are still unsettled, but the rioting has ended for now, schools and businesses are open, and life is returning to normal. Pray that it stays that way! I have some friends who are over there right now.