Minding My "P"s and "Q"s

I have already passed the one week mark since leaving home, and tomorrow at noon will be the one week mark of my life here in Khon Kaen. So what has it been like so far? Wonderful...but different. :)

The team NOW here in Khon Kaen (Nesbitt, Offutt, Weimer families) has made me feel welcome as a part of their team and the Offutt's have welcomed me as a part of their family. Kylie Offutt, my roommate, is only a few years younger and I feel like we have been instant friends. We have had fun times just teasing each other, facebook stalking, making lasagna, and hanging out. Kaylin (Mrs. Offutt) makes me smile, she loves happy things, chai tea, a good movie, and has a wonderful way with her Kindergarten class. She has been a welcoming hostess and I have already learned a lot about teaching from her. With such a supportive base in the States and here...great things are happening!

Dinner Friday night at a lovely restaurant with the Nesbitts and Weimers.
I accidentally ate a whole chili pepper!

Tuesday was my first day of observing at KKVS, the bilingual school in Khon Kaen. I observed with "Aajun" (term of respect for teachers) Kaylin. The kindergarten children are adorable and the language barrier so far hasn't been much of a barrier! I did learn quickly, though, to not step over people, to point with my whole palm upwards, and to wave people over with palm facing down. Oops! I went with the class to the Zoo on Friday. It was very warm but lots of fun! The little girl with the yellow hat was the child I took care of, Jaya. So cute!

KKVS Kindergarten class at the zoo

On Wednesday, Jason, Les, and I met with Campus Crusade for Christ to map out a gameplan for English club. That meeting went very well and I met P (another term of respect) Gai (pronounced "guy"), and P Check. People are addressed here by their nicknames which are often Thai or English words. Thursday and Friday Doni, Jason, Gai, and I passed out invitations at the Complex (main meeting point for the university...think of something like a cafeteria) to english club. I have been blessed to meet and work with Thai believers including P Gai and to stand by while they shared the gospel and set up English club. My schedule is now set up so that I will teaching English club at the Complex on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4:30-5:30.

P Gai (far right) and I invite a girl to English club in the Complex

While that picture of the Complex looks like a simple relaxed conversation...it was nothing of the sort. The Complex is a loud cacauphony of student and vendors voices all speaking Thai. It is hot (no aircon!) and humid, full of putrid (to my nose) smells, and decorated with Thai signs and advertisements. Culture shock has its fun parts, like good Thai food, visiting the night market, Starbucks (ok...that's not part of culture shock), and seeing an elephant or cow in the street, and its not so fun parts, like being suddenly illiterate, using strange toliets, and not knowing how to behave. I have had to force myself to use Thai greetings and stumble through others phrases. Language school is overwhelming and difficult. Even little things like adding a title before every name such as "P" or "Khun" are overwhelming and easily forgotten. But when I finally use a Thai phrase and I am understood...it is ample reward. Please don't get me wrong! This is a wonderful experience...many parts delightful, some parts hard.

An elephant hanging out in the street

Then, today I went with the ladies of the team to join a college group visiting the House of Mercy, an orphanage for HIV positive children. It was a lot of fun playing with the kids and it gave me a new prayer focus for strength for the young volunteers, Chloe and Jason, who run it and more volunteers who have a heart for orphans. Tomorrow is church, team supper, and Ted (Mr.) Offutt arrives from his time in the states. His family is so excited to see him and I am excited because it will be my first time meeting him.

One of the girls at the House of Mercy

Praying with the Orphans at the House of Mercy

Please pray with me that...

• Students will come to English club, God will give me wisdom as I work with Kaylin to prepare lessons, and I will step out of my comfort zone to build relationships with the girls in the group.
• God will give me strength and joy as I continue to learn the Thai  language and culture.
• God will strengthen Jason and Chloe as well as the Thai volunteers at the House of Mercy, raise up more volunteers, and bless their ministry.
• God will move the hearts of the board of directors of EFT to accept the Nesbitt and Weimer families so they can get their missionary visas. Pray that while the team waits to hear their decision that the team will be in prayer but find peace trusting God. This is a massive step for the missionaries!