July 28, 2012
Our last week with our hosts was one of the hardest but also one of my most joyful times of the Trek. Only four days before we left the slums, Yaai Pensi became incredibly ill, suffering side effects to her TB and diabetes medicines that she had just began taking again. We saw our energetic, outspoken comedian grandmother spending two days unable to do anything but lie on the floor, sleep, and vomit. It was only at this instance that I really experienced the purest moment of joy in serving and loving Yaai Pensi and totally disregarding all of my needs in order to ensure that I was meeting all of hers. Jesus truly revealed to me what it looked like to take joy in suffering because even as her pain became my own, I was able to see God's faithfulness in sending people who care for her and to see how she still fought to serve others with the little strength that she had.
It also brought me great joy to show Yaai Pensi my love in a way that's thoughtful and surprising, which was by writing a song about her in Thai. Even though it's ridiculous, she took every moment she could get to make us sing it to her. God has really giving me love for her that is beyond my own strength and understanding. Having the honor to live with her this summer has humbled me beyond what I've ever experienced and given me the desire to live beyond myself. Thank you Jesus for humbling me!
by Sunnah
