Hi everyone!
P-Squad has been in Chiang Mai, Thailand for roughly one month. This past week, we went to immigration services to renew our visas and we are staying for one more month-praise the Lord!
Thailand is colorful– found in the lights, the fruits, the art. There is life found in nature and people.
You may remember that while I was support raising for this year, I partnered with a coffee shop in the Wisconsin Dells called Bella Goose Coffee where I had enjoyed many ice lavender lattes! Bella Goose has two locations in the Dells and three locations here in Chiang Mai. I know, small world- right?! After our longest travel day yet from Jordan to Thailand, we settled into Bella Goose. It instantly felt like a piece of home was picked up and brought to Thailand! It has been a sweet place to end the year.
My squad is currently split into four teams working with four different ministries here. My team, C3, has had the honor of working directly with Bella Goose.
The mission of Bella Goose is to enrich communities through people first hospitality and to empower people globally. Through food and coffee, they are bringing holistic transformation to exploited people by providing training programs, transition homes, employment and individualized case management.
While Bella Goose has various ministry opportunities within the coffee shop and partnering foundation called Gateway, we are focusing on a few projects that will benefit the growth of the coffee shop in the future. We spent most of our days in the office working on our laptops- creating, problem solving, and brainstorming. We work Monday-Friday 9-4 pm. On Saturdays, we asked the Lord what we should do for the day. Recently, they have been spent getting outside of the city hiking or being in nature! We end our week with our sabbath on Sundays. This ministry has looked different than the work I have been a part of for the last ten months of the race but I have seen the Lord’s hand in it. These projects are sustainable and needed for the vision that Bella Goose has for their future. Our purpose is clear- to work for the lives of the powerless and marginalized that will be changed for generations to come.
Typical look of my team’s ministry, always fueled by coffee of course.
While I have little to none business experience, my belief in this ministry and the strength of the Lord is helping to make a way. Additionally, I believe this type of work is preparing many of my teammates including myself for what the Lord may have for us in the future! Being in ministry often involves doing behind the scenes work. We are grateful to be led by an amazing leadership team here that does all things for the glory of God and to see His name proclaimed among Chiang Mai!
Photo of my team with two of our hosts who went on The World Race years ago.
Because we work, sleep, and eat here at Bella Goose, we have been able to build relationships with the baristas. Its been a joy !!
Looking ahead..
We have roughly 2 ½ weeks left of our ministry time with Bella Goose. Next, we will have a few days in the southern of Thailand to celebrate the year as a squad before we travel to America on July 19th (woah.) We will have a short debrief together in the states before our squad says goodbye together and we return home.
If you have any questions about our ministry this month or anything at all, feel free to reach out to me (651-764-2709 or [email protected]). Or to learn more about our ministry, go here: https://www.bellagoosecafe.com
Be well. Love well.
Mags
Hi have loved reading your posts. I hope your experience continues to provide Spiritual renewal for you. All the Best. carl
Thanks for reading, Carl- it means so much to me! May the Lord bless you & keep you & make his face shine upon you always !!