The Reader's Digest Version

So much has happened in the last week and a half since I last blogged that I can only hope to communicate a taste of what has happened...or what my dad would call "The Reader's Digest Version."

I have now been in Thailand 2 1/2 weeks which means that last Sunday I switched from living with the Offutt family to the Weimer family. I am so blessed with this team of families that I feel at home with. They are supportive, encouraging, godly, and fun people, and they have included me me in a way that I know I'll hate it when I eventually have to leave them.

Beatiful plants here...these are hanging out in the Offutts backyard.

Kindergarten has been full of joy. The children wear me out but I always have enough energy for the day (answered prayer!) and I'm learning to love each of them as individuals (another answered prayer!). There is one child especially with special needs, Zoom, who my heart is breaking for. Overall, I know I am benefiting hugely from seeing education in another country. At Kindergarten on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays I learn new bits of culture and eat Thai "cafeteria food" which is often delicious.

Along the way I have blundered through many different stages of culture shock, some of them several times. It is difficult to remember not to point like so and always sit Indian style so your feet aren't pointing at anyone. But the Thai people are quick to forgive the ignorant "farang" [pronounced "far-ong"] or white foreigners.

One of the most challenging aspects of engaging in culture is language. Imagine that you are suddenly in a country where you can't understand, speak, read or write...you don't even know a single letter of the alphabet. That's life here (ok, I do know a few phrases). In fact, I have now finished 9 hours of language study with excellent teachers and I know some very basic vocabulary and can slowly try to sound out tones. I am, though, still entirely illiterate. As far as language goes, I am learning to PRAY for missionaries in language studies, and I am learning a new compassion for those in the states who don't know the language or culture. I find it hard to force out even the two words necessary to communicate "One bag" in order to buy sliced watermelon. Whew!

The team gets together for cultural outings about once a week (although going to the market, store, or restaurant is certainly also a cross cultural experience) and our cultural outing last week involved visiting one of the local temples, the Wat Nongwan. It made Buddhism seem so much more real to me. After all, I can somehow easily believe that the rote Buddhist prayer chanted by children ages 2-18 at school everyday is meaningless...after all since it is recited in Thai it carries no meaning for me. I can rationalize away the Buddhist architecture, idols in peoples yards, and write off the spirit trees as neighborhood landmarks. I cannot, however, deny the reality of seeing people set aside time in their day to go to a Buddhist temple, bow before idols, read a prayer, and ask what their fortune is. The religion is full of rich colors, deep confusion, lies, and ultimately it is empty. There is no loving creator God in Buddhism, no meaning to life.

At the top of the Wat Nongwan.

The Wat Nongwan

View of a tiny but scenic part of the city from the Wat.

In His great grace though, while I'm here, illiterate and only able to say hello, buy a wallet (with help), and introduce my family, God has given me an incredible opportunity to reach out to the Thai people...English club. So far Doni Weimer has been helping me at English club and we have taught the 2-4 college girls as well as several Campus Crusade staff who have come on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays to The Complex. We meet in a cafeteria like setting, laugh and smile, share cultural tidbits, and speak English. At first I was scared, but God has given me fun groups of girls and teaching with Doni has been amazing. She helps keep things fun, and I can bounce ideas with her, break into smaller groups because she can lead one, and laugh/cry about the results of a lesson with her. So, how is this an incredible opportunity? It sounds like just teaching English... Here's how. I am the attraction (a new farang from America who is about the same age) that draws in students to learn real American English. Then, the Campus Crusade staff can make connections and build relationships with the girls since they will still be here, understand the culture, and speak their heart language. Then, Campus Crusade will be able to tell these girls about Christ. So, you see, I am part of a team. Not exactly planting or watering the seeds...more like plowing. :) Two more classes this week...Thursday and Friday. Please keep praying!

English Club today...My side of the table L to R is Phone, Lin, Me and Jean (who you can't really see).
With their backs to you are Joy, Gai, Rin, and Doni.

Please join me in praising God for...

• EFT approving the Nesbitt and Weimer families! This is a huge step along the way of getting the visas they need.
• Ae, Mae, Orn, Jean, Rin, Lin, Phone, and CCC girls Gai, Check, and Joy all coming to English club. Also, that English club has been fun and God has provided wisdom and good advice in lesson planning. Especially praise God for the help and support of the Weimer family and Campus Crusade!

Please join me in praying that God would...

• Bless the Nesbitt, Offutt, and Weimer families who have made me feel so welcome. Pray for their language studies, sanity, encouragement, vision, and opportunities to reach out and share Christ with non-believers or encourage and disciple believers.
• Bring as many girls to English club as the Weimers and I can possibly teach and that the girls will develop relationships with Campus Crusade staff who can share Christ and live life with them.
• My time here will draw me closer to God and that God will use this time to encourage believers and draw non-believers...maybe even 10...to Himself. Yes, I think plowing counts. :)