Myanmar Mission Trip Journal (Part 1)

« Hebron Blog

Over the Christmas and New Years period, the English Congregation sent a team to North Thailand and Myanmar in order to experience, visit and help some of the overseas ministry's that our Church supports. Here you will find a journal that we kept while we were there. For each day there is a record of the different things that we did, followed by a video of a team member sharing their thoughts and reflections.

We hope that in sharing this journal, you will be able to have a more tangible insight into our time overseas as well as some of the things that we learnt and were challenged with as God's people.


Day 1

When we got to Sydney Airport at around 8am, everyone was looking and feeling pretty fresh. This is despite most of us being up late the night before. Somehow no one was late and we wound up having breakfast together at the airport maccas. We prayed together and then went to our gate to board the plane. It all was going pretty smoothly, but then our plane was leaking fuel or something because of the heat! We wound up sitting on the tarmac for 2 hours. This, on top of the fact that they were unable to seat us all together flight a little bit of a bummer.

By the time we landed in Bangkok it was almost evening rather than the mid-afternoon we had planned for. Nevertheless it was nice to finally be on foreign soil. Naturally we took and photo and Facebook'd it. The 'likes' were encouraging… We managed to find some cheap phone SIM's which gave us a week's free internet. This turned out to be pretty crucial to getting around as we had to spend an hour on two trains and taxi's to get to our accommodation for the night.

It was a bit surreal. Being in the train stations didn't feel all that different from home, but it was quite a lot more foreign when we made it to the street. One (unnamed) team member remarked that it smelt different… So far though, the biggest cultural difference we've seen is that everyone is very friendly and ready to help. Service seems to be their thing here. Whether it was a waitress, railway guard or taxi driver, there seemed to be a readiness to lend a hand.

Tomorrow we travel North to Maesai where we begin the first 'real' part of our trip. But for now we rest.

Thank you Lord for safe travels and new experiences. Give us strength to keep going for you and your kingdom. Amen.


Day 2

We woke up for breakfast downstairs - it was pretty awesome. It was a buffet + fresh juices + delicious chicken congee. We also met Peter who was a friend of some people who donated some accommodation to the team. He was a very interesting character with many, any stories to tell.

After breakfast we some time to spare before our flight so we walked down a road near our hotel. It was quite a cultural experience. It seemed to be at that point when it really hit many of us that we weren't in Sydney anymore… There were a lot of random shops like motorbike repairs, hairdressers, internet cafes etc. The smells also took some getting used to. We also saw a rat eating some thrown out rice on the sidewalk… interesting… never seen one in broad daylight before… so daring! (They'd actually be kind of cute if they weren't so disgusting.)

We then made our way to the airport, but not before a certain team member stopped to get a 'quick' passport photo taken. The man stroked their hair… hahahah… Anyway, we flew Chiang Rai where we finally met up with Keith (and Pastor Eugene). Keith was lovely and talkative. He drove us in a borrowed pickup truck to our hotel, some of us travelling in the back tray! It was super fun and exciting! Felt a bit naughty sitting in the back of a pickup truck unharnessed, and flying down some highway. But the thing that made it was really the fact that road rules, speed limits, lane changes and indicating didn't seem to mean anything here…

Anyway Keith took us to an amazing restaurant for dinner. THE FOOD WAS AMAZING!!! There was also a private function on so we had some pretty shocking karaoke singing to provide hilarious ambiance all night. Before I forget, dishes included: Tom YUM (named very appropriately), soft shell crab, fried fish, steamed fish, delicious fried rice, and the most delicious of all - seafood cooked in a coconut. Unbelievably amazing! All this, plus the pitch perfect tunes of a 70 year old Thai lady signing to some awesome synth beats made it a very surreal evening. We were floored when told it cost us $9 per person. We would have paid $50 for a meal like this!

Being already very full, Keith than took us to dessert to some street milkshakes on the way back to the hotel. They were really… creamy and 'milk' tasting… slight different to Australian milk. We then went back to the hotel and prepared for a church service the next day.

We're all sort of tired already, so Lord, Please give us strength to serve you faithfully and humbly.


Day 3

Our first night in Maesai was pretty uneventful. Most slept well except for the all night 'bong' of the elevator at the end of the hall. Breakfast at 8, our first green curry of the trip and them some small errands and we were ready to go to the Maesai Grace Church for Sunday Service at 9:30.

It was a short trip by pickup truck through the back streets to the Church. We got there and were greeted by Pastor Mong. We were a bit early and the objects of many a gaze. While waiting for the service to start we peeked in at their Children's Sunday School. Lots (70?) of kids! They were all very energetic. One guy was wearing a Superman suit (cape included!) 

Service was so interesting! They began with singing and it was rockin'. (Their gear was better quality than ours at Hebron!) They then moved in to a more traditional service. We were a bit thrown becaused we thought we were meant to run the whole thing today! But turns out we only had to share an item. We sang Silent Night and King of Kings for them in rounds. Boys v. Girls. Not entirely sure of our quality, but everyone was very gracious. Then Eugene shared a gospel message - that Jesus is God's needed and desired gift to the world.

Pastor Mong also preached but we had no idea what he said as it was in Burmese. It was interesting and encouraging though that they sang some English songs that had been translated. (Lord I Lift Your Name on High, and Heart of Worship) It was great to be able to sing with them! We even met a lady from Germany there with WYWAM. It was so encouraging to see so many different people serving there.

We then had lunch with them. Chicken and Ginger Noodles, Shan style. Very yum! We then went and had traditional Pad Thai. Also very yum! It was also our first taste of Thai Coke.

From there we went in to a bit of a tourist mode. We visited the Golden Triangle and Opium Museum. Very educational. Then we saw some of the sights around the area including a Buddhist Temple and a photo sport where you can see 4 different countries in the one view! (Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and China) We then had a bit of a rest before dinner, which was All you can eat BBQ/hotpot. Very yum again! We were very full, and much silliness ensued. It was fun, and really great to see how the team has bonded and come together.

The fun continued as we walked through a nearby night market. One of us haggled (poorly) a cheap pair of sunnies. Much advice was given, though little appeared effective. (hah!) We finished the day with a team meeting where we planned for our Kid's Program the next day. Our 'puppet' show needs work! Haha

Thank you Lord for your people from all over the world. Thank you that we can worship together because of Jesus. Help us and give us energy for tomorrow's Kid's Program, especially since most of them are not Christian's. If it is your will, reveal yourself to them and save.


Day 4

The day started with hotel brekky and a quick crawl through the produce market. Then we headed off to the Church once more. Massive moment - Eugene sat in the truck tray with us! It was fun and really nice to all sit together and laugh on the way there. We got there and the kids were super excited to see us, though really we were all being a bit awkward. We drove down to a nearby park and started our 'program'.

We found out very quickly that we were slight in over our heads. We had to think quickly on our feet and be super flexible as we had 2 hours at the park, in the sun, on wet grass with about 60 kids ranging from K-6. It was suddenly a bit unnerving. But we jumped in and started with a game of Stuck in the Mud. It was slightly chaotic and it got a bit confusing with game rules but we all still had fun. The kids also loosened up at this point and started climbing on top of us, competing for our limbs!

We then ran through the skit that Yixin and Avi had organised. The kids were super attentive and the translator did really, really well. It started to get a bit hot in the sun though so we moved to some shade for games of 'Follow the Leader' and 'Dragon's Tail'. They loved it! It was so good to see them so happy and excited. The team also got really into it and we really bonded with them.

By now it was snack time… which then turned into free play time and lunch. We ended up joining the teachers circle for lunch. We had this very tasty bean and nut salad with fried rice. It was so kind of them to prepare food for us and we could see the teachers were excited for us to try their good and join them for some conversation. We had a good time!

Soon, it was time to go and after some group photos we handed out some koala gifts. After that there was some intense waving and high-5 byes. We went back to the hotel and found ourselves in possession of a little free time and so we went out and explored the local markets. After about 5 minutes, we all realised that we were interested in different things and so the group split up… girls v. boys.

After that we joined up together again and Keith drive us to Chiang Rai where we visited the long neck village. It was amazing to see the different tribes and people groups, and especially meeting the long-necked women. It was so strange to actually meet these women who we had heard about at random points in our lives. Apparently the iron rings around their necks don't actually elongate them, but rather push down their collar bones. Ouch! Those things were super heavy…

Anyway, after this stop off, we headed to the centre of Chiang Rai to eat some delicious pizza at a chain called The Pizza Company. We had a Tom Yum pizza which Keith had raved about. (admittedly it was pretty good) After dinner we headed in to the Night Markets there and had a good walk around with a few picking up some bits and pieces.

It's been really awesome and encouraging how well the team has been getting along. Everyone seems easy going and ready to laugh constantly. There are always countless memorable quotes, remarks and retorts going on.

Lord, thank you for the opportunity to meet the kids and spend time with them today. Help them to acknowledge your presence and love for them in their lives. Thank you also for our team and how we have bonded together. Give us unity together in Christ. Please continue to strengthen us daily and give us energy and sustenance as we have many travels still to come.


Day 5

Day 5 started like most other days had so far except there was a bit more anticipation in the air. We woke and had breakfast a little earlier than usual as we wanted to make the border crossing into Myanmar as soon as possible. We walked the 500 or so metres to the crossing handed in our passports. They didn't give them back! Then we stood around waiting for them to process our visa's. In the meantime we met Eh Ywa (Nohtoo's sister in law) who would guide us to Keng Tung.

Having passed through the border, we set out on the 4 hour drive to our destination. It was both very bumpy and bendy. Impossible to sleep through (though we all tried). At least this time we all had a seat inside the vehicle! Haha… Halfway through our journey we stopped for lunch. It was a little shed run by local women. We had some very delicious chicken noodle soup. We all had two bowls… and were flabbergasted that each bow cost something like 60c.

When we got to Keng Tung we stopped by the Church Compound to say hello to Pastor Richard and Pastor Nohtoo. They greeted us very warmly and served us tea. It was so nice to see them! And they seemed genuinely excited to see us too! We then went to our hotel, settled in and then had a little walking tour of Keng Tung. It was kind of a strange sort of experience. It was almost too normal for a place that was 'closed' and under military governance. We ended our tour at a local tea shop where we relaxed and had some local milk tea. Different, but very tasty!

We went back to the Church Compound for dinner. They had prepared a great spread for us and we were all very satisfied. All this talk of terrible good had proved untrue so far! Then, we went back to the hotel where we rested for a little while. They had a snooker table! So we passed some time there.

Next we prayed together as a team and then we headed off to the Church for their Christmas Eve Night Service. When we got there, the children were all playing games so we joined in. We played their version of musical chairs and then a game called 'Boot, Shoot, Dying'.

When it was time, we went into their Hall for service. It was just like a normal service except with their own traditions. Their songs were LOUD… Rock concert loud! Pastor Eugene preached and then we all had hot chicken congee together. It was very welcome given the freezing cold.

Back to the hotel and there was no electricity. Bedtime.

Thank you Lord for safe and smooth travels. Than you for your people here. Please keep building them up and please help us to be a blessing.


Day 6

It's Christmas! And to be honest it feels a bit strange. It's definitely not our typical Christmas experience… But still, some things are the same. We had breakfast, then headed off to the Church for Christmas Service. When we got there, the Church was packed and we saw a wonderful variety of items in praise of Jesus. Everything from solo's to choirs and even a violin orchestra!

We've pretty much figured the typical structure for a Burmese Service now though. It goes LOUD music, a Bible reading, hymn, prayer, item, sermon, hymn, announcements, benedictions and Amens. We sang a song for them too (Silent Night) even though their items were so much more polished. Pastor Eugene preached - Jesus is the promise one who saved the world - the only one who could do it.

We had lunch with everyone after that and had some good times with our new friends. Then we caught up with Pastor Richard/Nohtoo and passed some of the Church's financial support to them. Form there our day opened up as we had moved some plans around. WE went back to town and explored a little, taking a scenic walk around the lake. We had lots of time so we rested a little while before heading to dinner back at Pastor Richard's house. They are spoiling us…

Pastor Nohtoo then took us to a local yoghurt café… It almost felt like their equivalent to going out for froyo! We had milkshakes… and some great sharing and fellowship.

It was now late so we went back to our hotel. We had short meeting and some prayer together. Thankfully we still had some time so we spent it organising our Kid's Program coming in two days time.

Dear God, Thank you for the relationships and connections we can make with your people around the world. Help us to serve them well, trusting you for all power and strength.


Day 7

A new day and a new experience! After breakfast, we set out to visit one of the nearby villages that had converted to Christ a few years ago. We waited a while for a bigger car to arrive but then ended up squeezing into the one we had anyway! The ride took more than an hour and was extremely bumpy! It's a good thing we were in a 4WD. Some of us felt sick… while those in the 'boot' felt bruised… haha

We made it to the village and while in some ways it was quite charming, it was clearly very poor, especially compared to what we are used to. There were pigs, piglets and dogs walking around everywhere. Chickens too. Everything was really dusty. All the buildings were made of wood from the surrounding jungle. We sat in a 'living room' where we were able to chat with some of the villagers (translated by Nohtoo of course). We found out that they had moved the whole village from a remote area where they used to cultivate poppy. This was something they did after they received Christ! They served us tea and these fried sticky rice things which are dipped in salt. Different but tasty! They were chewy with an almost popcorn like flavour. We then walked around the village. They had running water piped from a river. It flowed constantly from an outlet made out of a Coke bottle! We also saw their church building which was quite cost. We then took some photos with the villagers then left them to go to see some local hot springs. Bumpy, bumpy ride again…

When we arrived, the smell of sulphur was immediately noticeable. It wasn't the most clean looking place but it was definitely popular. We got some eggs and boiled them in the spring! And ate them some really soft and delicious fish from a vendor there.

From there we went to the Church Compound to have lunch (yes, more food) even though it was already 2pm. Some of us got to travel back via motorcycle! Fun times. After that we rested till about 6:30 where we went in to the 'Opening Ceremony' Service for the training conference that we were taking part in. Yixin shared his testimony and Simon preached the message - God reveals himself to us - in creation but most importantly in his Word.

After that, we had late dinner and then went back to the hotel. Team meeting and prayer, some planning for the days to come. Then sleep!

Lord, give us strength and energy for the busy days to come. Make them fruitful and encouraging - times of real fellowship with your people here in Myanmar. Please build them up, and all for your sake.