One Month in Thailand

One Month in Thailand

So, for an official update…

This first month of December has seemingly flown by without our notice. Just as everyone says, it seems as if we’ve been here for an eternity and just arrived all at the same time. I find it interesting how quickly those things which seem bizarre become so normal. For example, the first time we went to a market for a meal, an awful smell penetrated the air and I thought I was going to be sick. It’s funny because just about three weeks later, I smelled that same smell and it reminded me I was hungry. Every day I am reminded of how much Thailand has become another home.

In the last month, we have….
…Gone through Module 1 of Thai language school
…Learned to sleep though Soi Dogs endlessly bark
…Learned to ride bike on the opposite side of the street. (So far, no calamities have occurred. However, one of our bikers has hit a parked car.)
…Made friends! =]
…Eaten a few things that some would classify as inedible. Fish meat balls are just not my favorite. I feel the same about cow brain.
…Drank coffee that is more like sweeten condensed milk with a mild coffee flavor. (I feel as though it took a few years off of my life.)
…Learned that ten baht bubble tea is a little taste of heaven on earth. (Ten baht is about 33 U.S. cents)
…Resolved that Chicken Fried Rice is the comfort food of Thailand.
…Found that four, and occasionally five, people can sit somewhat comfortably in a taxi
…Discovered that no one actually understands how traffic patterns work AND as long as no one has suffocated, room most definitely exists for at least three more people on the bus.
…Wondered how the buses are still working… “Guys, I can see the ROAD through the hard wood flooring. Woah, I think that board’s loose… Maybe, don’t step on it?”  
…Decided the most common pick up line is “Hello! I love you.” (Did that actually ever work?)
… Become a spectator’s sport.
…Learned that people walk where ever they may please. Just walk wherever you please and stay out of the way of others. (Impossible, yes.)
…Learned to love the people of Thailand.

To be honest, Thailand and I had a rough start. I had a fever the first few days and even though my physical health went back to normal in about a week, I still just felt rather pathetic and I wanted to go home. They say that’s normal. I can’t remember feeling homesick. New places, being on “my own”, and growing up always were the exciting things to me. All of a sudden, I wanted to be home and I missed my family and my friends more than the words I have could express. All these things brought me to think a lot about this grand thing we call life and I wondered at how we measure a good life. I wondered at how one is considered a success or a failure. I wondered at what I really find important in life and if being in Thailand for the next 8 months was truly worth it. Once again, I had to learn the hard way that I have to bring my troubles, cares, concerns, and heartache before The One who knows my soul and once again, learn to rely on Him for my strength. I find that this has been the case many times in life, but it’s an unending lesson. 

This road, I know, is not an easy one.  Of course, that is where the most valuable lessons are learned

Thailand: Part One

So here on this side of the world, many things have transpired. We have been in Thailand for almost a month now and time sure does fly by. So far, we have completed Module I of Thai Language School, we have braved the Thai transportation system, we have gone to a few Christmas parties, we have had sleepless nights due to the street dogs, and we have been continually been reminded of why we are here.

Currently, we are focusing on teaching English at a school here in Thippawan. We will be very grateful for the prayers. Personally, I am not a teacher and the thought of teaching children who can't understand me, is intimidating beyond all reason. However, we will do it.

There's a little insight as to what's up... Not much I know. I'll try to get on that at a later date!

Update One

DTS is over and the journey to Thailand is soon to begin. I'm enjoying my little amount of time with my family and friends. However, I currently feel rather overwhelmed by the things needing to be done before I go.

I spent the last three months in Ohio preparing for Thailand. I was stretched in ways I never thought possible. I will admit, many things certainly transpired that made me second guess my decision to go to Thailand, but in the end, those things are the things that contribute to making one stronger.

My favorite part of DTS was volunteering at an after school program called The Zone. I was in the fourth and fifth grade classroom and I spent my time there helping with homework (they are learning algebra younger and younger...), teaching crafts, playing in the gym, and just talking to some about how the day went. I was never short my quota of daily hugs on the days we were there. Many of these children come from broken families or just bad situations in general. It was neat to be able to see the teachers pour into the lives of these children everyday. I learned so many valuable lessons from the teachers I shadowed. As I left, I cried. I was hugged hundreds of times by thirty-five children in under three hours. I am also now the owner of an over-sized, hot pink card, a few original works of art, and a chain mail bracelet of many colors. I miss my fourth and fifth graders.

In one week from now, I will be in Thailand. Please keep my team in your pr-y-rs. We will need them as we prepare to teach English, learn Thai, and build relationships. =]