Dear Molly

Thursday 1/26/12

Dear Molly,
 
Well, at least I think that is your name. That is how you introduced yourself last night to me on Bangala Road. You looked like all the other Western girls walking around. You were wearing cute jean shorts, a blue floral top, and white Converses. You didn’t look any more than 24. My heart, my mind, and my soul tell me your story is something my mind cannot even fathom. 
 
At first I was taken aback that someone speaking English was even approaching my friends and I. It took my brain a second to realize that you were inviting us to a bar. You were telling us about this Scandinavian bar but honestly I didn’t really hear a word you said; my brain was still trying to catch up to what was going on. Molly, you and I both know that is not just a Scandinavian bar. Ya, sure there might be some Scandinavian people there and more specifically girls there, but that is not just a bar.
 
I could tell my friends wanted to bounce along on our way, and my flesh definitely wanted to part ways right after you invited us to that bar. But the spirit within me wanted to talk to you more. I just had this overwhelming feeling like we were supposed to talk to you. So yes what followed was probably not the best small talk you have ever had but at least I was trying.
 
You said you were from Sweden. But why are you here in Thailand and more specifically in Phuket on Bangala Road inviting strangers to a bar? I am sorry you have been here for three years. No one should ever be in a foreign country for any reason tied to the bar industry. Actually, no one should ever be tied to that industry in anyway no matter where it is. I tried to keep the conversation going after those icebreaker questions. I started to tell you that we have been in Thailand for a few months, and I really wanted to tell you more. I wanted to tell you why I find joy in the opportunity to go talk to people on Bangala Road. But I was so overwhelmed.
 
I was overwhelmed with the feeling of disgust. I don’t think I have ever been so anxious or upset when talking to a stranger. The word why kept running through my head. Why were you on Bangala Road? Why were you inviting people to that bar? Why did you leave home? Why are you working there? Why do you look so happy? Why have you stayed in Thailand? Why have you not gone home? Why? Why? Why?
 
So I just walked away. I am sorry. I am sorry my flesh took over, and I reverted to walking away when the spirit inside of me just wanted to grab you and take you as far away from that place as possible. Instead, I was a coward. I didn’t say one word about Jesus. I didn’t even explain the reason why we came to Thailand. I didn’t even tell you how beautiful you are on the inside, how were created to be free, or how you were made greatness. I just nodded my head and walked away out of fear. I am sorry. Please forgive me. Allow me another opportunity to be your friend…to be your sister. Even as I write this my flesh gets scared about what if the opportunity does present itself. But I promise you if it does, I will put aside my pride and fear. Don’t I sing about how a river of life is flowing out of me? Doesn’t that river open prisons doors and set the captives free? Well, Molly, I know you need to be set free. So I pray that the river of life flows from my heart so that you may be set free.
 
Since I met you last night, it feels like I haven’t been able to get you off my mind. I will always remember you. I will always remember you are created for more than working at some Scandinavian bar on Bangala Road. I will remember you, Molly.
 
In hope and love,
Audrey the American girl that you met on Wednesday night