The Grand Palace is a sight to behold. Most of us had seen pictures, but seeing it in person was grand indeed. Everywhere we looked there was gold and finery-- majestic structures, temples, I supposed, and gold statues. We made our way to the Grand Temple; the site of the Emerald Buddha. No pictures were permitted inside, and shoes had to be removed prior to entering.

I was surprised by how small the buddha inside was.

The interior was covered in gold; crystal chandeliers hung from the ceilings. Some guests sat in a prayer position, but most of us were tourists, just standing in the back to take it all in and see it for ourselves. The whole complex was amazing and the exterior beauty was astounding. I'd wondered if I'd feel a sense of darkness in a place filled with idol worship. I didn't. In fact, I felt nothing at all. This gold idol was just a statue --no life, no power.

After lunch our group returned to Rahab ministries. Located in the Red Light District, a street lined with nightclubs and neon signs - Superstar, King's Club, the Strip, etc.-  that would come to life in a few short hours. Rahab has a small sign, no lights. We came here a few days ago to learn about their ministry, have lunch with them, buy their handmade goods, and make jewelry with them. Today we came back for one final visit with our dear sisters. Some of these women are former prostitutes, worked in the bars... many in this same District, I'm sure... and now make jewelry and crotchet with Rahab Bazaar. Their shame has been taken away, replaced with hope and a job they can be proud of.

When it was time to leave, we all held hands and Connie prayed over them. After her "amen", one of the precious leaders of Rahab--who speaks excellent English--said they would pray for us too. Bowing our heads again, I was not expecting the flood of voices that suddenly spoke as they all prayed at once in Thai. We had no idea what they were saying, but it was the most beautiful sound. Silent tears streamed down my cheeks.

We have seen a lot of things that have broken our hearts on this trip, but this was the first time I cried.

As we all hugged again and said our goodbyes, my heart was full. Here was a place that had nothing of outward beauty. No gold here, not finery. No crystal chandeliers and marble. But here was life. Here was the beauty unimaginable - in the hearts of these women, in their prayers, in the testimony of their changed lives. The Spirit of the Lord was in our midst and there was a great power. Here was the dwelling of the One King and God.

HERE was the Grand Palace.

*Photos by Connie Rock.