27: racing along

Today feels like it's stretched forever... but that may be because it started bright and early at 2:00am this morning! That's right, this morning was my second Standard Chartered Half Marathon. It was, to the date, my one year mark from my first Half Marathon-- which I did in order to help the Kelley Family Adoption. That was actually the reason I started running. As many of you who've known me for a while know... I never ran in America. Unless it was in a pick up game of soccer or frisbee. But running for a reason, to help support this lovely family, was totally worth it! And, God has blessed and taught me so much through running. [Shameless plug: if you're ever looking to be a part of someone's adoption story, you should check out their blog.]

[before]

[over halfway!] 

[finished]

After the race, it was a quick trip home, a much needed shower and an hour nap before church. Tonight we had small group and finished up our 3-part discussion of Jonah. Almost every week God brings new people to our little group, and tonight was no exception! I love that people are comfortable inviting their friends. I was feeling pretty tired before group... but God gave me the energy I needed and made discussion go smoothly. Praise Him!

[L-R: Me, Aom, Jum, Alli and Dol]

After small group, us girls went for a picnic at Peace Park to see the Loi Krathong festivities (& we kidnapped Steph for the occasion). We had a delicious dinner, compliments of Jum, had fun with some sparklers and enjoyed community time. 

[I love picnics!]

[Jum & I -- photocredit: Steph]

[Love me some fire!]

Thank you for your daily prayers-- God is giving me favor in relationships and opportunities to share about Him. He is also giving me strength and stamina. He is showing me how accomplish my tasks without neglecting Him. And He is doing much more than those things as well! Thank you for not giving up praying in this homestretch. Not to bring it back to a racing metaphor... but... I want to sprint my way home to America. Exhausted, perhaps, but exhausted for the glory of God!

growth.

Everyone told me before I came to Thailand that being here would change me, but slow growth sometimes feels hard to mark, doesn't it? When I was training for the Half-Marathon, every long run felt like the hardest run... ever. I would run 5 miles and think "That's it. That's my max. Can't go further." But then the next week I would run 6. And then 7. And I'd think the same thing, that I'd reached my limit. But the more that I pushed, the more I was able to stretch myself. I think that faith is like that.

God asks us to step out in faith, and if we choose to be obedient, it stretches us. Our obedience often feels like we're maxing our faith out. Like, "Okay, God, I did that for you. But that's it. I can't go any further than that." But then the next time, that same act of obedience becomes a little easier, and we are able to do something that requires a little more faith.

If we don't stop to look back, it would be easy to become discouraged. After all, every act of faith feels just as stretching and just as difficult as the one before. But when we look back we see that 5 miles doesn't wind us anymore. That 8 miles has become refreshing instead of making us feel like death-warmed-over. He stretches us in our faith so that we will have a greater capacity for faith.

So, this post is about me looking back. Because as much as being here is about giving/putting-out for others, it has also been a time for the Lord to teach me, both in spiritual and practical ways. I wanted to share a few of those things with you for your encouragement and also for your continued prayer for these areas of my life.

Being in Thailand…

…Is allowing me space to grow.  Maybe it has more to do with the fact that I’m alone in an unfamiliar place, but it has forced me to confront a lot of ugly places in my heart. How often do I put off heart-checks because I am distracted? Ummm… yeah.

…Is keeping me an active learner. I didn’t learn a lot of things growing up because there were always more capable people around to do them for me (shout-out to my parents, who can do pretty much everything, excellently). Of course, that’s an immature way to approach life, but it’s hard to intrinsically motivate yourself to do/learn hard things. Let’s blame it on human nature. But here, no one is doing anything for me. If something needs to be done, there is no “honey-do” list. There is only a “Liz to-do list.” This both wears me down and excites me. Some days it's fun to learn things and slop my way through new experiences, but after a while, it does get wearisome. Perhaps because we weren’t designed to live our lives alone... Regardless, I am very much looking forward to the day when I can hand over the paintbrush, caulk and pliers. :)

…Is helping me learn wisdom, boundaries and balance in relationships. This, of course, is something people learn all the time, but Thailand is so relationally oriented I feel like I'm getting a lot of practice!  I'm always confronting heart questions like: How do I respond to criticism? How swiftly do I forgive? Am I a grudge-holder? Am I disciplined in dying to self? Do I seek ways to serve others? Do I give without expectations of repayment? Living in community quickly reveals these answers. I’m thankful that God has given me relationships where I can practice extending and receiving grace from others, and opportunities to see it modeled biblically.

…Is teaching me discipline. There’s no one to tell me what to do, remind me, or follow up. There’s only me. It’s so easy to blame people, circumstances, finances, etc. for a million and one things… but being single and abroad has stripped away a lot of those excuses. This is how it feels: If I don’t cook, no one cares. If I don’t exercise, no one cares. If I don’t clean, no one cares. If I don’t do my laundry, no one cares. There is a lot of freedom in that, being able to do what I want. But the reality is, as Dodson put it in Gospel-Centered Discipleship, "God's forgiveness frees us from judgement, not from obedience." I am accountable for my freedom; I am responsible for the trajectory and management of the life that God's given me. And the pressure of that is much greater than simply trying to meet the expectations of man. The questions that have surfaced for me are twofold: What kind of person do I want to be? And what kind of person has God made me to be? And the answer to those questions force me to confront the frequent incongruities with what I say I want and my actual choices.

There’s still much I don’t know and a lot more growing to do… And honestly, it's a constant battle to be still stop striving and to let God do the working and the growing in me. But I am thankful for friends, family, a church and small group who challenge and push me to keep reflecting on Christ and the cross. 

finished.

[A newsletter will be sent out before the end of 11/20 with details on how folks who pledged can make their donation through YouCaring.]

After months of training, three days of carb-loading and hydrating, November 18th arrived. Race-day. I was nervous, excited, and really hoping and praying that I could finish before the clean-up crew started breaking down the course... 

Crystal, one of the women from our church, came to support and encourage us! She and Claire ran the last 10K of my half-marathon with me. Crystal and her husband, Brandon, have been some of our biggest fans here in Thailand. Who else but a stud would wake up at 2:00 am to help support two girls from her church... and then run with them?! 

[2:30 am... ready to head to the race!]

We arrived around 3:30 am, and the half-marathon line-up didn't begin until 4:30 am, so we had some time to kill and take some pictures...

[Crystal & Claire]

[Claire & I]

[Crystal & I]

Before the race, I had to make a little trip to the ladies' room... I feel like using the toilets in Thailand are always a burden. First you have to find them, then you usually have to supply your own tissue, and your own soap... what a hassle. So after some bad directions and lots of "hong naam, you-tee nigh?" (where's the bathroom?) I finally saw some signs and arrows. It was still dark, but I had my eyes peeled for some porta-potties. Nowhere. I'd walked so far from the race, I knew I must have missed them. Stopping a police officer I asked again, "hong naam, you-tee nigh?" He proceeded to walk me to a what looked like a charter bus. Yes, a bus. It would seem they don't use porta-potties for races, they use giant buses. I walk up the steps, and sure enough, they've compartmentalized the bus and each "stall" has a squatty potty. It is at this point that I remember I didn't bring any toilet paper... So, back to the street I go and I start looking around. Before too long, I spot a girl holding a roll. I approach her, "Khaw tote kha. Oww nit-noy maay kha?" (Excuse me, can I have a little bit?) Lucky for me, she was either feeling generous enough to spare a square, or too caught off guard to say no. I won't go into details about the lack of cleanliness or the fact that it was a squatty potty... But... That's one experience I wouldn't mind not repeating. After that little adventure, it was time to start stretching and lining up for the race.

[Folks warming up... They were so intimidating with their fancy stretches, salt packs and fanny pack pockets]

[Ready, ready! Lecrae's "Gravity" album all queued up for the race]

[Everyone in front of me, I was right in the middle, which I loved!]

[My last view of Claire and Crystal before our reunion at the 7-mile marker!]

I've never been in a race before, but everything people say is true. There really is such a supportive and fun atmosphere at a race. Everyone is cheering everyone else on; it really is neat to be a part of! 

If I had been a spectator, I would have taken a lot more pictures... pictures of Thai people holding up signs they made that were poorly translated. My favorite one just said in huge letters "I DIED." Haha, that was a sign I didn't want over me during the race! I also would have taken a picture of the random spectator giving out high-fives, or the guy who stopped running to hand out prunes to people (I don't know, it's Thailand...). I would have photographed the runners' smiles when they got to a checkpoint and were rewarded with cold water, sponges and watermelon wedges, and the people like me trying to balance all those with my phone and personal water bottle, all while still running, ha! 

But even though my pictures are limited, there were plenty of photographers. Every time I felt like slowing down or being bored (because, let's face it, 3 hours is a long time), there were the paparazzi! It was enough to get the spring back in my step and put a smile on my face. I don't want to think about how many Thai folks now have pictures of my sweaty face!

[This was taken, while running, at my 1/3 point. I was on a bridge and the sun was just beginning to rise.]

[Claire ran her 10K with me, for the last leg of my half-marathon to help spur me on and set a good pace with her fresh legs. This photo was taken after the race, but it was a joy to see her and Crystal's face at the 7 mile marker!]

[After the race! They provided us with free tiger balm patches, which I promptly applied to my sore knees.]

I can't tell you how much you all were an encouragement to me while I ran... and really, this has been such a joy to be a part of, albeit a bit surreal. In fact, if it weren't for needing to slather my body with tiger balm today, I might think it didn't happen! I have been so blessed throughout this whole process. Claire and I started off by wanting to do something to help a dear family, the Kelley's, with their adoption. And, while we were able to do that ($610 was pledged!!), I feel like I have grown and been so uplifted through this process as well. There is something really neat about being able to help rally people for not just for a cause, but for a child. Your contribution, whether through encouraging us, praying for the Kelley's or giving financially is going to make a tangible impact on a child and their family.

Here is my encouragement to you... If God has grabbed your heart about something, run with it. See where He takes you and see how He changes you in that process. It's worth it!

[For Claire's post on the race, click here!]

half-marathon.

Here's the short version... (for the full story, click here)

On November 18th, I will be running a half-marathon to help raise money for the Kelley's adoption of a child from Azerbaijan (read their blog for the details on their story!).

I am asking you to consider giving towards this cause, $1/km ($21 total) or a flat donation. I am hoping to help them raise at least $500 towards their adoption.

If you would like to sponsor my run:

1. Email me: lizswauger@gmail.com with the amount (either $/km or the flat donation amount) you would like to pledge.
2. Before the race, you will receive an email with an update on my progress.
3. After the race (11/18), you will be emailed a second update which will include directions on how to make your contribution through YouCaring. 

Amount pledged as of:
10/10- $105.00
10/11- $155.00
10/12- $205.00
10/15- $300.00
11/01- $500.00
11/16- $535.00
11/18- $560.00
12/02- $610.00

The $500 goal has been met! But there's still time to donate. All the money will be going to help the Kelley's Adoption-- So keep the pledges coming!

[month five]

Today is a big day for a lot of reasons...

- Today is the 5 month anniversary of when Claire and I left Fredericksburg for Thailand. When I say that the time here is flying, I do mean flying! It's hard to believe that we've been here for 5 months already... and yes, I know I'll probably say that every month until I leave.

- Today, the "D.C. Three" (as Lorena fondly called us) was disbanded, as there are only two now. Laura left us today to return to America. I greatly dislike all these goodbyes; it seems like there is always someone leaving! But I am grateful for the time I did get with Laura, and the opportunity to get to know her better... and to know her, is to love her. I have been very blessed by her. It is evident that in only 3 months, she has already made a big impact here. She has also been an iron-sharpening-block for me and I have benefited greatly from her wisdom and relationship with God. She has helped me process all-things-Thailand, provided comic relief, and been a thoughtful friend. It was hard to say goodbye to her today, but it helps knowing all that God is calling her to once she returns. She has been well-stocked with hugs from me, so if you see her, feel free to request one of them!

[LaLa, as we have nicknamed her, and our last night at the guest house. We treated her to a farewell evening on the town! Complete with French desserts and a night-view of the city]

- Today marks the one-week mark until the BKK Half-Marathon! With only 7 days left, there is still time to pledge. All of the money raised will go to help the Kelley family in their adoption process... and the giving is done online through YouCaring, so no hassle! If you want more information, click here.

- Tonight I had the opportunity to help lead the Sunday Bible Class. John Lapos was giving his doctoral dissertation in Malaysia and was unable to teach, so he asked me to lead the group in his stead. The first part was for new believers and John asked me to talk with them about how to share their testimony. Two of the people who attended the class were not believers, so when it came time for them to write down their testimonies, I asked them to write, instead, what they knew about God. When it was time to share, one of these two, Mr. Wiichai, proceeded to share the Gospel with me. He is so close to accepting Christ. He reads through the book of John on his own, and says that he does have a desire to know Christ. Tonight he said that he hopes that soon he will be ready to become a Christian. He is someone that a lot of people have invested in and had conversations with. When the Spotswood short term team was here, Ryan spent a couple hours with Mr. Wiichai answering his questions and talking to him about the Gospel. Repeated interactions like that have led him to have a pretty extensive knowledge of the Bible... and it seems like his heart is being softened into accepting what his mind already knows. Please be praying for him!

Other news and updates...

- November 19th I will start a new session of Thai school! Please pray for me. I am very excited about being intentional in learning more Thai, but 20 hours/week in class leaves my head feeling pretty mushy.

- Term 6 has begun! I finished my first week of Term 6... and I'm so excited!! I have 7 classes, and 3 tutees this term. My classes all have such awesome and unique dynamics. I think that this term will be my favorite so far. I think part of it is because I am becoming more familiar with the curriculum and in the classroom, but a lot of it has to do with my students also. I have taught some of them previously, so we have a rapport. I'm more of a known quantity, now. And, all my classes seem to have a great sense of humor and think I'm funny also. A double-win.

- Claire and I were adopted for Thanksgiving! We will be having a home-made feast with the LifePoint staff at Tiffany and Steve's home. I'm sure this will get its own post when it happens, but needless to say, we are thrilled we won't be homeless for the holiday!

That's all for now! Thank you so much for following along on my time here and for your faithful prayers. Sending lots of love and humid weather your way... :)

call us crazy.

Since Josh and Tasha Via first shared their story with Encounter at our summer retreat, I have closely followed their adoption story of Alethia Grace. Being able to read and hear about the reasons for their adoption touched my life in a unique way. They shared that all believers should have a heart for orphans, because God has a heart for orphans. They also shared that the more we understand adoption, the more we understand our place in God's family, because we, too, have been adopted. For their family, it was not about fertility; it was all about the Gospel.

Since being in Thailand, orphans are something that Claire and I have thought a lot about. How can we be involved and help? And how can we do it in a personal way?

I believe that God gave us an answer to that question... through a sweet family that we both know and love, the Kelleys (read their blog for the details on their story!). They are currently in the beginning stages of adopting a child from Azerbaijan. For them, it's also all about Jesus.

Kyle and Becca Kelley, and their son Matthew

So what can we, two girls in our 20s half a world away, do to help them? We've decided to do a fundraiser... I will be running a half marathon, and Claire will be running a 10k.

If you know Claire or I at all, you are probably laughing right now. That's okay; I laugh about it, too. I ran for the first time in I-don't-know-when when my dear friend Tamra gave me an iPod. (Because, isn't that what people with iPods do... run?) But Claire and I both thought that whatever "fundraiser" we decided on should cost us-- which I remember every time I feel like wimping out and hitting snooze one more time in the mornings.

I'm not really convinced that I can run for 21 km... especially by November 18th. But, I am willing to try, for the sake of future-Kelley. It's a way for us to support not just adoption and orphans in a general way, but in a very specific and personal way.

Would you consider being involved with giving towards their adoption process?

The Kelleys have set up an account with YouCaring to accept donations... however, right now, we are just asking you to pledge. You can either pledge a flat rate donation, or a certain amount per kilometer (a half marathon is 21 km). If you would like to be a part of the Kelley's adoption through sponsoring my run, please send me an email at lizswauger@gmail.com with the pledge amount.

If you pledge, you will receive:

- a pre-race update on my progress and race information (so you can be praying for me also!)
- a post-race update (complete with pictures!) and details on how to fulfill your pledge through YouCaring.