When they were asked to host a five-day retreat in Thailand for middle school missionary kids, Paul and Kristin Mathias knew right away that God had planned a very special week. They prayed, prepared, kissed their little girls goodbye, and boarded a plane to Bangkok. 

Paul, director of the Storms Research Center, and Kristin, Arts & Sciences faculty, know well the challenges of being a child of a missionary. Paul lived in Belgium, and Kristin grew up in Germany, Spain, and Italy. Their understanding of what these students face on a daily basis made them perfect candidates for sharing their hearts. 

The theme for the week was based on I Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." Paul and Kristin wanted to use this verse to remind the students that they are chosen by God and that they are significant to Him. 

But even after an incredible week of fellowship, encouragement, and laughter, these precious teenagers shared their prayer requests: "that people would send me American candy; for my family back in America; that I would find friends; for the Bible club my family is starting; we just moved and I am going to start homeschooling; for the work my parents do." Most of the kids are either going through a transition or are isolated from friends where they live. Prayers for peace and comfort are vital. 

Before leaving the beautiful country, Paul and Kristin spent a day in Bangkok. "We bargained in a market, visited a palace, enjoyed dinner with missionaries, and fed a baby elephant - a thoroughly enjoyable day." 

The Mathias couple returned to the States on January 23, 2011, and are adjusting to the 12-hour time difference and enjoying being home with their girls. They feel grateful to have been able to be an encouragement to those nine missionary kids, and they plan to be a part of another retreat in the future. 

"We were so blessed by these kids. From their morning devotion to playing around in the pool, they were a blast to be around. Their faces are sealed in our hearts, and we pray God will [continue to] give us creative opportunities to pour into their lives."