Finally back on my blog game!
Took a month off and now here is an overdue update.
As my dear friend Faith Devito put it, “Thailand is a picnic forever”. Faith and I got to share a room in Thailand along with our other friend Clara. We woke up next to each other every morning. We spent lots of time together exploring and trying new foods (hence the ongoing picnic).
Our first week in Thailand, we painted a park. It was so fun seeing the park come alive. Doing projects where you can see the difference as you’re working is so rewarding. The community saw the difference too. Everyday at lunchtime some of the local women would come out to us and bless us with delicious food that they made. It was such an honor to receive their gratitude in this way. The language barrier was so real, but there was still so much communication in other ways!
For the rest of the time that we were there, ministry was different than we expected it to be. Going into Thailand, we had a preconceived idea that it would be difficult and emotionally taxing. We were thrown for a loop when we ended up helping at a cute little boutique and church plant. We were eager for tasks as there were not always many to give out.
Having more downtime ended up giving us more time to bond as a team. We were able to have time for one on one time with teammates which was especially valuable because there was a three person buddy system in Thailand. We also did a Bible study as a team and wrote notes of encouragement for the rest of the squad!
On days when we didn’t have ministry, we had the opportunity to explore all that Chiang Mai had to offer. We ventured to sticky falls which is the coolest waterfall I have ever visited! And my love for elephants was deepened when I got to hug one. Exploring the beauty of Gods creation revealed his creativity and eye for beauty.
The our few weeks in Chiang Mai flew by much quicker than any of us were ready for. Before we knew it, we were packing back into a double decker bus, trekking our way to Bangkok to spend time with coaches and mentors, to rest, and to intentionally remember all that God has done. That week was so spiritually refreshing. Read your Bible, it makes a difference! Christmas fell over that week. It was harder than I expected to spend Christmas away from family. But there’s something so sweet about spending it with your brothers and sisters in Christ. We were all in it together, missing our families and knowing that this is such a small sacrifice for the experience and growth that comes with this year and the work we are doing in the name of the Lord.
Thanks for reading and coming along this journey with me! I hope to be writing again soon. 🙂
-Sophie
I love reading your updates. They really give me a better idea of all that’s going on. Thanks
Yup 😄
Wow Sophie how incredible!!! I didn’t think it was possible for the Copeland family to eat Thai food more often than already but it looks fantastic. What a great and blessed journey I’m so happy for you and your crew to have this experience!! Safe travels till the next one!
Yes! Thank you! And more Thai food is always possible, no such thing as too much 🙂
Just soo proud of you and happy to see all of your blog entries—>especially the pics!xoxo
Thank you!! 💕
Sophie…..your Grampa Copeland faithfully sends along your updates to a bunch of us, and it’s pretty amazing to read all these stories that God has been using in your life and in others along the way. The photos you send are full of beauty….. the stunning God-created scenery and the God-given GLOW on all your faces!
Hugs & Blessings
Thanks Ms. Parker! It really is incredible to see all the beauty God has put in this world 🙂
Oh my goodness Sophie – that picture of the SKY above your adorable elephant hug photo is incredible!!!! All the colors!!!! 🌈
The sunsets were incredible! What a display of the glory of the Lord!
I so enjoy reading your updates. It looks like God is really using you and your team. Miss you!
Thanks Fred! I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog
Quote of the day, “Read your Bible, it makes a difference!” Amen, sister! Words to live by.
Haha! It’s so true! #breadoflife
I love reading your updates!! The joy you have serving is so evident on your face and in your words as you share your experiences.
“Read your Bible. It makes a difference.”
Yes!!! So, so vital
I love that you got to hug an elephant 🐘❤️
Praying for you and miss you 🙏🏻🤗
Thank you so much! Miss you 💗
Thank you so much for sharing! It brings back so many memories, starting for me at age 19, studying at ChiangMai University, and many trips through the years. Continue the journey, Sophie, sharing your time, talents, and beautiful smile! What gifts!
Chiang Mai is such a wonderful city! I would love to go back
You do such a great job with this blog! I love the many pictures and captions, and of course, your reflections. That elephant picture is priceless! I love that you felt like giving up Christmas with family was a worthy sacrifice, and God made it special with sweet fellowship. He often fills our loneliness. I’m excited to hear what is next!
Yes! Christmas in Thailand was such a sweet time!
You’ll probably enjoy going to the Thai restaurant in Keene after this experience. And the people there will be especially interested in you when you tell them you visited their country (.If they are actually Thai).
Oh I am always excited to go to Thai Garden! And my fam and I have been keeping them updated!