waterfalls

 Today has been the best day I've spent in Thailand. The past few days many Thais have been celebrating a Buddhist holiday and cleansing, which started on Wednesday and will last for 3 months (similar to Lent, I'm told). With schools out and business' closed, the team was treated to our own special holiday - a surprise trip to the waterfalls!

The water rushed over the steep rocks and pounded down onto us, the thick trees and jungle branches swallowed us as we climbed up and up. I've been in waterfalls before, but never have I climbed up a waterfall. Unlike the icy bite that comes from snow-melted waterfalls, this tropical current was cool and comfortable, and just perfect for water fights. The beauty and adrenaline and adventure of today has put it unquestionably at one of the top 5 best things I've ever done in my life. Getting lost in the wonder and greatness of God steals my breath away. He is so good! - and my life is so good because of Him. I would never have climbed a waterfall in Thailand if he hadn't brought me here.

So today, on a Buddhist holiday in the middle of an Asian jungle, I wanted to make a statement of faith and give back to my Lord and Father. Surrounded by my Thailand family and held by my 2 most amazing leaders and friends, I was baptized. I've wanted to be baptized as an adult, but I felt like God was telling me to wait - until this moment. It was soul-shaking, one of the most powerful moments I've ever felt. And hey, who else can say that they've been baptized under a waterfall in Thailand?

Pictures below. I hope this brings a smile to your day.