I have just been on vacation (holiday as my British friends call it). Before I was officially on break, I got to teach 290 2nd and 3rd grade boys (in groups of 10) to make banoffee pie (a pie that has bananas and toffee). Our school had 2 English camps that ran for a total of 6 days. I was "Chef Emily" (complete with a chef outfit). The students went to different places in "English Town," such as the cafe, post office, TV station, hospital, school, etc. and learned English through various activities. We also took them to Safari World, which is a mix of Sea World, a safari park, and a zoo. It's a great place for kids.
Once school was out, I went to visit friends in Vietnam and Cambodia. I highly recommend going to visit locals in a foreign country because they know where all the best food is. My Vietnamese friends were so hospitable and wanted me to try so many different kinds of food. I thought that liver pate was only for the hi-so (high society), but everyone in Vietnam eats it. We had it on sandwiches and I was pleasantly surprised that it tasted pretty good. I also tried century eggs (you can look that one up). They eat several kinds of noodles and fresh "wrap your own" spring rolls (not fried). They use lots of fresh vegetables and green herbs, especially sweet basil, which is my favorite.
In Vietnam, I rode all over Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) on the backs of my friends' motorbikes (most people don't have cars). However, the laws requiring helmets and a maximum of 2 people on a motorbike are strictly enforced. I got to go swimming near a waterfall and tour the Mekong Delta region as well. We rode in small boats up and down the canals and learned about how local food, such as rice paper and coconut candy, is made. My favorite things about being in Vietnam were reconnecting with my friends there and speaking in their church young adults group.
In Cambodia, I got to visit my friend Sarah from Lee. She is teaching in a village one hour from Siem Reap (home to Angkor Wat). We visited Tonle Sap, which is a lake that is home to many Vietnamese refugees who cannot live in Cambodia or Vietnam. I really enjoyed staying with her host family in the village and visiting her school.
My favorite food was banchaiyo, a Vietnamese style pancake with pork and lots of vegetables. The only resemblance it has to a pancake is that it is made of some type of flour. It may not sound good to a Westerner, but it is very delicious.
Next week will be the beginning of our second semester. I'll teach until the end of February and be free to travel home for a few weeks at the end of March. The first half of the school year has gone very fast.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
A Celebrity?
I felt like a celebrity. I must have had 30 people lined up to get my autograph. Ok, this did happen, but let me put this statement into context. As a requirement for Thai social studies classes, students must learn how to "wai" properly. A wai is putting one's palms together and bowing one's head out of respect to an elder or authority (you've probably seen it in Asian movies). Students have to "wai" twenty teachers/school staff persons and get their signatures to prove that the students really did what they were supposed to do. More than 30 2nd and 3rd graders were lined up to get my friend's signature. I thought I would help her out and start signing the students' books, but it turned out that they all lined up for both of us and the lines continued to grow. I think I signed my name for 10-15 minutes. Oh, the joy and humor of living in another country:)
This month was filled with cultural experiences because I got to do another Thai dance this year for our school's 156th anniversary (as you can see from the pictures at the top of this post). The first picture is from last year. I liked this costume much better than my costume this year. However, the dance we learned this year was more complicated than last year's dance and I feel proud of our group for working so hard to learn it. The men in the pictures are co-teachers from my department.
I also celebrated my birthday this month. My students sang "Happy Birthday" to me two times and many people at work wished me a happy birthday. I got to go to Sizzler with my friends (Sizzler here is really good--especially the unlimited salad bar) on my birthday and I got to celebrate at home with my church friends the next day. I cooked Mexican food for the party at my house and I ended up showing everyone all the different ways you can melt cheese. We had nachos, quesadillas, and tacos. It was great. The top picture is of my roommates and other friends on my birthday. (Aren't you proud of me for finally putting pictures on my blog? Just kidding)
Finally, I am so grateful to God for opening new doors for me to serve in the churches that I attend. I have gotten to facilite or "MC" twice in the church that I attend in the afternoon and I got to speak in the Thai/English service that I attend in the morning. I've also gotten to share some American dishes with my Filipino friends because we eat dinner together every Sunday after church. I've made Texas chili and beef stew. Both went over very well, praise the Lord!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Summer (sort of)
While everyone in the US has been enjoying the summer, I've been teaching because I already had my summer. However, it's still felt like summer because I've gotten to go to two camps and travel a little bit.
For two months each year, a flower called "dtaa grajiow" blooms in Thailand. I went to see it with a group of Thai teachers one weekend. We also saw the "Stonehenge" of Thailand (yes, they stole the name from the original) and went to a Thai silk outlet (I have a dress being made right now:). The trip was fun until our van broke down and we were late getting home. It turned out ok though, because we arrived in Bangkok at 11:45 p.m., right before the Sky Train closed and I was still able to go home that night.
On the 4th of July, I went to an English camp at the beach in Pattaya with 40 American high school and university students and over 100 Thai university students. We had McDonald's cheeseburgers, apple strudel, and watermelon for dinner. We had sparklers, but they said it was too late at night to organize everyone and use them. Nonetheless, it was fun to be with other Americans for the weekend. I made a lot of new American and Thai friends (Facebook is great for friends you can't see often). We had "cultural" nights in the evenings, including a drama and small group discussion with the Thai students. We talked about true satisfaction and what we often do to attain it. The highlight of the weekend was 8 Thai students choosing to accept Jesus as their Savior. It was especially good because they had been considering it for some time as they talked with Thai Christians. I pray that they get plugged into the church and grow in their faith.
The other camp I attended was with my church. It was very small, but I had many opportunities to get to know people in my church better. Within the last few months, I have really felt like I'm 'in' at my church more than I was before. It's been a little bit difficult because I'm a.)not from the Philippines and b.) not able to speak Tagalog. Several of my friends have told me that they did not talk to me much at first because they were afraid I would be critical of their English or they just didn't feel comfortable speaking only English because they were afraid they couldn't think of all the words they want to say. People seem to be a lot more comfortable with me now, which is good.
I'm off to my Thai lesson (I have a new teacher), so I have to stop here.
For two months each year, a flower called "dtaa grajiow" blooms in Thailand. I went to see it with a group of Thai teachers one weekend. We also saw the "Stonehenge" of Thailand (yes, they stole the name from the original) and went to a Thai silk outlet (I have a dress being made right now:). The trip was fun until our van broke down and we were late getting home. It turned out ok though, because we arrived in Bangkok at 11:45 p.m., right before the Sky Train closed and I was still able to go home that night.
On the 4th of July, I went to an English camp at the beach in Pattaya with 40 American high school and university students and over 100 Thai university students. We had McDonald's cheeseburgers, apple strudel, and watermelon for dinner. We had sparklers, but they said it was too late at night to organize everyone and use them. Nonetheless, it was fun to be with other Americans for the weekend. I made a lot of new American and Thai friends (Facebook is great for friends you can't see often). We had "cultural" nights in the evenings, including a drama and small group discussion with the Thai students. We talked about true satisfaction and what we often do to attain it. The highlight of the weekend was 8 Thai students choosing to accept Jesus as their Savior. It was especially good because they had been considering it for some time as they talked with Thai Christians. I pray that they get plugged into the church and grow in their faith.
The other camp I attended was with my church. It was very small, but I had many opportunities to get to know people in my church better. Within the last few months, I have really felt like I'm 'in' at my church more than I was before. It's been a little bit difficult because I'm a.)not from the Philippines and b.) not able to speak Tagalog. Several of my friends have told me that they did not talk to me much at first because they were afraid I would be critical of their English or they just didn't feel comfortable speaking only English because they were afraid they couldn't think of all the words they want to say. People seem to be a lot more comfortable with me now, which is good.
I'm off to my Thai lesson (I have a new teacher), so I have to stop here.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
A couple of weeks ago, my former professor from Lee University came to visit some students who are doing an internship in Cambodia. We all met for dinner, and my professor asked me which aspects of Thai culture I have bought into and which ones I haven't. I had a hard time answering him right there because I don't always think quickly on my feet. I've thought more about that and realized that I probably have a pretty substantial answer.
1.Food
Sometimes, I eat rice 3 times a day! The other day, I was eating Hong Kong noodles for breakfast in my office with chopsticks and my co-worker asked me "If someone would have told you five years ago that you'd be eating noodles with chopsticks for breakfast, would you have believed them?" I said "absolutely not." Even last year, I didn't eat Thai food for breakfast. At this point, I realize that I don't have time to cook a substantial American-style breakfast, so it's better to buy Thai food and eat breakfast in my office.
However, I have not bought into everything. I ordered food the other night to take home and I thought I was getting pork (sometimes that's the only option if you want meat--I'll explain in a second). I got home, and realized that along with my pork (and vegetables, mint leaves, chili, etc.), I got pig intestines. After picking out all of the intestines and taking the large amounts of fat off the meat, I probably ate ten baht worth of the thirty baht I paid for my "nam tok moo."
2. Market Shopping
Every time I ride the bus past Khlong Toei Market, I think, "I really don't want to go there because it smells horrible." It's a "wet market," which means that they have fresh meat and seafood, along with produce and lots of other things. The prices are really good though. I was cooking for my church, and I was on a budget, so I decided to brave the market. After buying everything I needed and finding that people were generally helpful, I decided that I need to go to the wet market more often. I had a really good experience.
Average Thai people buy their clothes in flea market type settings. Some markets are huge with hundreds of stalls to choose from, and some are relatively small as they are set up along busy streets. While it's a little bit hard to find clothes big enough to fit well, I've become like the Thais and I would rather shop in a market than in a department store because I can save a lot of money. I think I might have to give in and buy shoes in department stores, however, because it's rare to find shoes that fit me well in the markets.
3. Transportation
I take buses, song taos (pick-up trucks with seats in the back), the Sky Train, the subway, taxis and motorcycle taxis everywhere I go. (I don't have a car and I'm not very excited about Bangkok traffic or driving on the left side of the road. I guess I haven't bought into that one) I'm trying not to take motorcycle taxis very often because I generally feel like I could die at any moment (but they're so convenient that sometimes I forget the danger when I'm in a hurry). After riding on the sidewalk on a motorcycle two times recently, I've realized that I have to use a different method of transportation on that route.
4. Language
When I'm with Thai people I don't know, I try really hard to speak Thai and listen to what they're saying. I don't catch everything, but I usually understand enough to continue the conversation. When I'm with people that speak English well, I'm kind of lazy. I don't usually practice Thai with them because I know that we will save time if we speak English. My Thai lessons are on hold for the moment because my teacher had to go back to her province. Hopefully we'll start again soon.
I think that's more than enough for now. I'm really enjoying teaching 3rd grade. I think this year is going better than last year because I actually know what I'm doing and because my students are more respectful and interested in learning than my 5th grade students were last year.
This week is Spiritual Revival Week for the students and teachers in our school. I'm leading praise and worship with the elementary native English-speaking teachers. Pray for me to show the love of God and be confident, no matter what the attitudes of my co-workers are.
1.Food
Sometimes, I eat rice 3 times a day! The other day, I was eating Hong Kong noodles for breakfast in my office with chopsticks and my co-worker asked me "If someone would have told you five years ago that you'd be eating noodles with chopsticks for breakfast, would you have believed them?" I said "absolutely not." Even last year, I didn't eat Thai food for breakfast. At this point, I realize that I don't have time to cook a substantial American-style breakfast, so it's better to buy Thai food and eat breakfast in my office.
However, I have not bought into everything. I ordered food the other night to take home and I thought I was getting pork (sometimes that's the only option if you want meat--I'll explain in a second). I got home, and realized that along with my pork (and vegetables, mint leaves, chili, etc.), I got pig intestines. After picking out all of the intestines and taking the large amounts of fat off the meat, I probably ate ten baht worth of the thirty baht I paid for my "nam tok moo."
2. Market Shopping
Every time I ride the bus past Khlong Toei Market, I think, "I really don't want to go there because it smells horrible." It's a "wet market," which means that they have fresh meat and seafood, along with produce and lots of other things. The prices are really good though. I was cooking for my church, and I was on a budget, so I decided to brave the market. After buying everything I needed and finding that people were generally helpful, I decided that I need to go to the wet market more often. I had a really good experience.
Average Thai people buy their clothes in flea market type settings. Some markets are huge with hundreds of stalls to choose from, and some are relatively small as they are set up along busy streets. While it's a little bit hard to find clothes big enough to fit well, I've become like the Thais and I would rather shop in a market than in a department store because I can save a lot of money. I think I might have to give in and buy shoes in department stores, however, because it's rare to find shoes that fit me well in the markets.
3. Transportation
I take buses, song taos (pick-up trucks with seats in the back), the Sky Train, the subway, taxis and motorcycle taxis everywhere I go. (I don't have a car and I'm not very excited about Bangkok traffic or driving on the left side of the road. I guess I haven't bought into that one) I'm trying not to take motorcycle taxis very often because I generally feel like I could die at any moment (but they're so convenient that sometimes I forget the danger when I'm in a hurry). After riding on the sidewalk on a motorcycle two times recently, I've realized that I have to use a different method of transportation on that route.
4. Language
When I'm with Thai people I don't know, I try really hard to speak Thai and listen to what they're saying. I don't catch everything, but I usually understand enough to continue the conversation. When I'm with people that speak English well, I'm kind of lazy. I don't usually practice Thai with them because I know that we will save time if we speak English. My Thai lessons are on hold for the moment because my teacher had to go back to her province. Hopefully we'll start again soon.
I think that's more than enough for now. I'm really enjoying teaching 3rd grade. I think this year is going better than last year because I actually know what I'm doing and because my students are more respectful and interested in learning than my 5th grade students were last year.
This week is Spiritual Revival Week for the students and teachers in our school. I'm leading praise and worship with the elementary native English-speaking teachers. Pray for me to show the love of God and be confident, no matter what the attitudes of my co-workers are.
Friday, May 2, 2008
I'm back!
After a wonderful visit to the States, it was a little bit difficult to readjust to life in Thailand again. I had forgotten how different it is here. Thank God for grace! I had to say goodbye to some of my best friends here on the day I got back. Brittany and Witt are already back in the US and will get married in June and then go to seminary. I also said goodbye to Saichol, as I had realized that we are going in different directions. Thank God for revealing the truth to me.
Chiang Rai, Thailand is a beautiful city. It is surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. It is near the northern border with Laos and Myanmar. I got to visit two different missionary families there this week. The first missionary family is an American woman married to a hilltribe man; they have two boys. They minister to the tribe that the man is from. Most of the people in this tribe live every day only thinking about how they will survive. He is very different, however, because he is very well-educated and has an earned Ph.D. His Ph.D. program was in English and he speaks five languages. His mother lives with their family and she is a sweet older lady who has Alzheimer's disease.
I had to laugh when I heard this story about her. She lived most of her life in a village, washing clothes by hand and cooking over an open fire. As you can imagine, moving into a house with lots of electric appliances was quite a shock to her. She truly believed that the people on TV could see and hear her. One day, she saw a man speaking her dialect on TV. She kept asking him where he was from. She didn't understand why he didn't answer her. She started to learn the truth when her family showed her a video of herself from her son's wedding. They asked her how she could be in the TV and outside it at the same time. She was partly convinced when her "TV self" could not answer questions, but she never fully believed that people don't sneak into the TV through a secret door in the back of the TV set.
She had just been to the village when I arrived, and she brought several tasty treats back with her. Some examples were miniature plums (arroy mach... I mean very delicious) and plump brown beetles (cooked of course). The name for the beetles in the tribal language means "What is it?" I think everyone was asking that question because I didn't see anyone eat any of the beetles while I was there.
I also visited a missionary family that recently moved to Chiang Rai from the Philippines. I met them while they were staying in Cleveland, Tennessee. Dr. Quinley taught one of my classes and it was incredible. I really enjoyed visiting with the Quinleys.
Tuesday is the big day! I'm starting work again and I'm very excited about what the Lord has in store for my students and for me this year. I'll keep you posted!
Chiang Rai, Thailand is a beautiful city. It is surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. It is near the northern border with Laos and Myanmar. I got to visit two different missionary families there this week. The first missionary family is an American woman married to a hilltribe man; they have two boys. They minister to the tribe that the man is from. Most of the people in this tribe live every day only thinking about how they will survive. He is very different, however, because he is very well-educated and has an earned Ph.D. His Ph.D. program was in English and he speaks five languages. His mother lives with their family and she is a sweet older lady who has Alzheimer's disease.
I had to laugh when I heard this story about her. She lived most of her life in a village, washing clothes by hand and cooking over an open fire. As you can imagine, moving into a house with lots of electric appliances was quite a shock to her. She truly believed that the people on TV could see and hear her. One day, she saw a man speaking her dialect on TV. She kept asking him where he was from. She didn't understand why he didn't answer her. She started to learn the truth when her family showed her a video of herself from her son's wedding. They asked her how she could be in the TV and outside it at the same time. She was partly convinced when her "TV self" could not answer questions, but she never fully believed that people don't sneak into the TV through a secret door in the back of the TV set.
She had just been to the village when I arrived, and she brought several tasty treats back with her. Some examples were miniature plums (arroy mach... I mean very delicious) and plump brown beetles (cooked of course). The name for the beetles in the tribal language means "What is it?" I think everyone was asking that question because I didn't see anyone eat any of the beetles while I was there.
I also visited a missionary family that recently moved to Chiang Rai from the Philippines. I met them while they were staying in Cleveland, Tennessee. Dr. Quinley taught one of my classes and it was incredible. I really enjoyed visiting with the Quinleys.
Tuesday is the big day! I'm starting work again and I'm very excited about what the Lord has in store for my students and for me this year. I'll keep you posted!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Squid and seaweed snacks
It's hard to believe that the school year has already come and gone. My students' last day before exams was February 22nd and we celebrated by having a party in each class. The students brought food to share, and the most popular items were as follows:
1. Potato chips (especially seaweed, shrimp, and barbecue flavors)
2. Squid snacks (I don't know the cooking process, but it ends up in rubbery strips. It's a common snack food that you can buy in convenience stores)
3. Seaweed snacks (It's formed into paper-thin sheets and is also available in convenience stores. The best thing is when they combine squid and seaweed snacks together--you get the best of both worlds!)
We had the occasional cookie and candy bar, but the first three were by far the most popular snacks. In one of my classes, a students gave me a handful of squid snacks and said "Teacher, low fat!" I knew it was a big deal for me to share their food, so I had my fill of potato chips, squid, and seaweed that day.
Last weekend, I was able to visit three youth groups with a youth committee that my boyfriend advises. We went to his hometown and also visited the seaside city of Pattaya. I sang a Thai song with the committee and the children at one church crowded around me to see if I was really reading Thai. I was using my own English version of Thai, but I think people at all of the churches were surprised that I was singing in Thai (I didn't know what every word meant however). I also got to eat coconut fresh from the tree at Saichol's house. It's so delicious!
I'm coming home in one week! I am very excited to see everyone and to eat American food at normal prices!
1. Potato chips (especially seaweed, shrimp, and barbecue flavors)
2. Squid snacks (I don't know the cooking process, but it ends up in rubbery strips. It's a common snack food that you can buy in convenience stores)
3. Seaweed snacks (It's formed into paper-thin sheets and is also available in convenience stores. The best thing is when they combine squid and seaweed snacks together--you get the best of both worlds!)
We had the occasional cookie and candy bar, but the first three were by far the most popular snacks. In one of my classes, a students gave me a handful of squid snacks and said "Teacher, low fat!" I knew it was a big deal for me to share their food, so I had my fill of potato chips, squid, and seaweed that day.
Last weekend, I was able to visit three youth groups with a youth committee that my boyfriend advises. We went to his hometown and also visited the seaside city of Pattaya. I sang a Thai song with the committee and the children at one church crowded around me to see if I was really reading Thai. I was using my own English version of Thai, but I think people at all of the churches were surprised that I was singing in Thai (I didn't know what every word meant however). I also got to eat coconut fresh from the tree at Saichol's house. It's so delicious!
I'm coming home in one week! I am very excited to see everyone and to eat American food at normal prices!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Big news!
A lot has happened since my last blog! The biggest thing is that I started dating one of the Thai Christian teachers at my school. His name is Saichol (pronounced sigh-shone) and he leads the praise and worship for the prayer meeting I go to before school every day. He is still learning English and I'm still learning Thai, so we don't always understand each other, but we get by. Sometimes we have help because we hang out with our friends Brittany and Wit; they help us if we don't know how to say a word in Thai or English. Brittany is an American Christian teacher at my school and Wit is her Thai fiancee. Wit is active in their church and he is my Thai teacher. I thank God for them. Saichol and I teach the same students (He teaches Bible and I teach English) and our students like to tease me about him. I knew they knew about us when they started singing the Wedding March in my classroom.
Brittany, Wit, and I got to go to Saichol's home and church in Chonburi (a city 1 hour southeast of Bangkok) two weeks ago. Many Thai people work in Bangkok but are from other places. Saichol's parents live near Chonburi. Brittany, Wit, and I got to lead games for the children in a Saturday program and I was blessed to share my testimony with the youth in the church. Many of them come from underprivileged backgrounds and I shared about how God can change us or change our circumstances to fulfill His plan for our lives.
I had to laugh the other day when I saw a commercial for "Dancing Shrimp Pizza." People in Thailand love to eat a variety of seafood on pizza and they put ketchup on their pizza when they eat it. My Filipino friends like to eat seafood pizza, so I've had the privilege of trying it. It's quite the experience.
I will only teach my students for one more week and then they have a 2 month summer break. I will work until March 21st, and then come home on March 24th! I'm in the home stretch! I really thank God for His faithfulness to me this year. I know that He has been answering all of the prayers of my friends and family. Lord willing, I will start teaching here again in May. After one more year of teaching, I would like to go to seminary to study counseling. I pray that God allows me to learn Thai well enough to someday counsel Thai people and especially people who have been rescued from sex trafficking. I thank God for giving me a clearer vision for the future. I know He will bring His will to pass in my life.
Brittany, Wit, and I got to go to Saichol's home and church in Chonburi (a city 1 hour southeast of Bangkok) two weeks ago. Many Thai people work in Bangkok but are from other places. Saichol's parents live near Chonburi. Brittany, Wit, and I got to lead games for the children in a Saturday program and I was blessed to share my testimony with the youth in the church. Many of them come from underprivileged backgrounds and I shared about how God can change us or change our circumstances to fulfill His plan for our lives.
I had to laugh the other day when I saw a commercial for "Dancing Shrimp Pizza." People in Thailand love to eat a variety of seafood on pizza and they put ketchup on their pizza when they eat it. My Filipino friends like to eat seafood pizza, so I've had the privilege of trying it. It's quite the experience.
I will only teach my students for one more week and then they have a 2 month summer break. I will work until March 21st, and then come home on March 24th! I'm in the home stretch! I really thank God for His faithfulness to me this year. I know that He has been answering all of the prayers of my friends and family. Lord willing, I will start teaching here again in May. After one more year of teaching, I would like to go to seminary to study counseling. I pray that God allows me to learn Thai well enough to someday counsel Thai people and especially people who have been rescued from sex trafficking. I thank God for giving me a clearer vision for the future. I know He will bring His will to pass in my life.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Back in the Swing!
After 10 days off for Christmas and New Year's, I'm back in the swing of things at school and our church activities are back to the regular schedule. It's amazing to think that I only will only teach for a month and a half and then the students are off for the summer! They finish at the end of February and I finish working at the end of March.
Right before the Christmas holidays, I was able to start leading a small Bible study/cell group for 11th grade students who can speak English well. Two of the students come from Christian families and the other four do not. Sometimes it is difficult for Thais to go against the grain and choose to become Christians. Buddhism is a part of everyday life. To leave it separates you from many important family activities, not to mention the fact that most Buddhist parents in our school discourage their sons from becoming Christians. I am very proud of the students in my Bible study and I am grateful to be able to teach them more about faith in God.
I am also learning more Thai. Several people have recently told me that my Thai has improved. Khap khun Phra-Jow! Chan fook pood paasaa Thai dai gap khon maak. (Thank God! I can practice speaking Thai with many people.) I like to practice Thai with people I don't know well, but I feel more self-conscious speaking Thai with people I know. I also feel like it takes too long to speak Thai when the person I am talking to understands English. Nonetheless, I want to practice more.
On a cultural note, I have been wearing black and white to work for the last 15 days. The king's sister died and the nation is in mourning. Mourning will officially go on for 100 days, but non-government employees can stop wearing black and white. It's so interesting to see how much the people of Thailand love the king and his family. The king brings a great deal of unity to this nation.
Today I was taking a taxi home and the taxi driver took several backroads to avoid traffic. He drove through a residential area and I was amazed at how tranquil it seemed. There were a lot of trees and greenery. For a few minutes, I felt like I was in a sanctuary away from the noise and rush of the city. There were no buses or cars whizzing by, and there were no street vendors. It was a very nice retreat from the norm.
Right before the Christmas holidays, I was able to start leading a small Bible study/cell group for 11th grade students who can speak English well. Two of the students come from Christian families and the other four do not. Sometimes it is difficult for Thais to go against the grain and choose to become Christians. Buddhism is a part of everyday life. To leave it separates you from many important family activities, not to mention the fact that most Buddhist parents in our school discourage their sons from becoming Christians. I am very proud of the students in my Bible study and I am grateful to be able to teach them more about faith in God.
I am also learning more Thai. Several people have recently told me that my Thai has improved. Khap khun Phra-Jow! Chan fook pood paasaa Thai dai gap khon maak. (Thank God! I can practice speaking Thai with many people.) I like to practice Thai with people I don't know well, but I feel more self-conscious speaking Thai with people I know. I also feel like it takes too long to speak Thai when the person I am talking to understands English. Nonetheless, I want to practice more.
On a cultural note, I have been wearing black and white to work for the last 15 days. The king's sister died and the nation is in mourning. Mourning will officially go on for 100 days, but non-government employees can stop wearing black and white. It's so interesting to see how much the people of Thailand love the king and his family. The king brings a great deal of unity to this nation.
Today I was taking a taxi home and the taxi driver took several backroads to avoid traffic. He drove through a residential area and I was amazed at how tranquil it seemed. There were a lot of trees and greenery. For a few minutes, I felt like I was in a sanctuary away from the noise and rush of the city. There were no buses or cars whizzing by, and there were no street vendors. It was a very nice retreat from the norm.
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