Ok, so about half of my foreign co-workers are British or Australian and Thailand largely uses British English. This being the case, I learn new vocabulary quite frequently. Did you know that it is correct to say "do maths" rather than "do math"? They say "maths" because it is short for "mathematics." I no longer ride the elevator. Instead, I take the "lift." Oh, and for my students to understand me, I have to tell them to put their "rubbish" in the "bin" (not trash in the trash can).
My latest crazy food experience was Cambodian escargot, as a Thai teacher called it. It was so spicy that I could not taste anything and I tried not to think about the texture or the fact that I was actually eating snails:) Not too bad for a one-time experience, but it's not something I plan to repeat soon.
The highlight of the week was seeing friends from Lee University. Three girls from my major, Intercultural Studies, were on their way back from their internship in Siem Reap, Cambodia. They had a couple of days in Thailand and my friend Eric and I got to spend an evening with them. It was nice to talk about Lee and the ups and downs of living in another country.
For my dad's sake (for those of you who don't know, he's in the cattle business), I'll mention that I got to eat steak last weekend. One of the Christian teachers invited me to her home for a gathering of friends from her church. All of them have students at BCC and several of the guests spoke English. We had a mix of Thai and American food and I got to make the kanompang gratiem (garlic bread). Lots of fun!
Monday, July 23, 2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
The Yellow People
I have officially joined the yellow people. Every Monday, the majority of people in Bangkok wear yellow polo shirts with the royal insignia on them. Ever since the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol's coronation in 2006, Thai people have worn yellow shirts every Monday because he was born on a Monday. If the yellow shirts don't convince you of the Thai people's love for their king, then the life-size pictures along the highway and the pre-movie king video at every movie theater should do the trick. I wore my yellow shirt for the first time on Monday of this week. My school was giving us yellow shirts for free, so I did not want to spend money to buy one. The other perk to wearing a yellow shirt is that female teachers are allowed to wear pants if they wear a yellow shirt. Woohoo!
I recently found out that it is indeed against the law for motorcycles to drive on the sidewalks in Bangkok. I used to think it was legal because it happened so frequently. When walking on the sidewalk, you have to keep your eyes and ears open. You have to be very vigilant because you may only have a moment's notice to dart out of the path of an oncoming motorcycle (slight dramatization added for effect). The worst are those that approach from behind. I finally asked a Thai friend about the motorcycles and he said it is illegal to drive on the sidewalk. Who knew?
The highlight of this week was a day of prayer called "Hunger for Purity." Approximately 200 people from many Thai churches came together to pray for Thailand. About half of those who attended were youth and young adults. It was amazing to see them passionately worshipping and crying out to God. They are not afraid to express themselves through dance (both spontaneous and choreographed) to the Lord. The powerpoint had the song lyrics in Thai and English and my friend translated the prayer topics and messages for me. It was very refreshing to spend the day with other believers in prayer for cleansing and revival in Thailand.
I recently found out that it is indeed against the law for motorcycles to drive on the sidewalks in Bangkok. I used to think it was legal because it happened so frequently. When walking on the sidewalk, you have to keep your eyes and ears open. You have to be very vigilant because you may only have a moment's notice to dart out of the path of an oncoming motorcycle (slight dramatization added for effect). The worst are those that approach from behind. I finally asked a Thai friend about the motorcycles and he said it is illegal to drive on the sidewalk. Who knew?
The highlight of this week was a day of prayer called "Hunger for Purity." Approximately 200 people from many Thai churches came together to pray for Thailand. About half of those who attended were youth and young adults. It was amazing to see them passionately worshipping and crying out to God. They are not afraid to express themselves through dance (both spontaneous and choreographed) to the Lord. The powerpoint had the song lyrics in Thai and English and my friend translated the prayer topics and messages for me. It was very refreshing to spend the day with other believers in prayer for cleansing and revival in Thailand.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Song Taos and Thai daily life
My Thai word for the week is "song tao," which literally means "two rows," but is actually a noun. It is a small pick up truck with two rows of seats along the sides for people to sit on. I like to ride song taos to and from the sky train station every day because they move very quickly and take alternate routes to avoid heavy traffic. Any type of transportation on the streets of Bangkok provides opportunities for your life to flash before your eyes, so every day is an adventure. I try not to take motorbikes as they are the most risky, but there is no foolproof way to get around. Oh well, such is life!
I've realized that I only remember the Thai words people tell me when they are words I was wanting to learn. Sometimes people tell me many words at one time, and I usually forget them all. I've learned the days of the week and some other basic vocabulary words, which is encouraging.
I'm doing the culture shock thing a little bit (not because I want to). I miss being able to jump into my car and go somewhere close by to buy food, clothes, toiletries, or whatever I need. Here, I have to find out where I can find the thing I need and then how to get there, i.e. which bus, train, etc. to take. It is a long process that can be very exhausting. Still, I am way too afraid to drive here, so I will not be learning to drive British-style any time soon.
I got to share my testimony with the foreign elementary school teachers at my school two weeks ago. It was really amazing how God used it to challenge another Christian teacher to share a testimony of what the Lord has done in his life as well. He was previously not very vocal about his faith with the other teachers, but now he is opening up more, which is very good because he has been at BCC longer than I have. He wanted to start a prayer group with other foreign Christian teachers, which we have had for two weeks now. I got to speak today in our meeting.
I will close with something I heard recently from a Thai minister. He was addressing the foreign teachers at BCC. He mentioned many reasons that people could come to Thailand. Some were things like experiencing a new culture, helping a developing nation, or running away from something (namely God) in one's own country. He told us that he was sure that the reason we came to Thailand is because of the free sauna we experience every time we step outside. He is not kidding. It happens every day.
I've realized that I only remember the Thai words people tell me when they are words I was wanting to learn. Sometimes people tell me many words at one time, and I usually forget them all. I've learned the days of the week and some other basic vocabulary words, which is encouraging.
I'm doing the culture shock thing a little bit (not because I want to). I miss being able to jump into my car and go somewhere close by to buy food, clothes, toiletries, or whatever I need. Here, I have to find out where I can find the thing I need and then how to get there, i.e. which bus, train, etc. to take. It is a long process that can be very exhausting. Still, I am way too afraid to drive here, so I will not be learning to drive British-style any time soon.
I got to share my testimony with the foreign elementary school teachers at my school two weeks ago. It was really amazing how God used it to challenge another Christian teacher to share a testimony of what the Lord has done in his life as well. He was previously not very vocal about his faith with the other teachers, but now he is opening up more, which is very good because he has been at BCC longer than I have. He wanted to start a prayer group with other foreign Christian teachers, which we have had for two weeks now. I got to speak today in our meeting.
I will close with something I heard recently from a Thai minister. He was addressing the foreign teachers at BCC. He mentioned many reasons that people could come to Thailand. Some were things like experiencing a new culture, helping a developing nation, or running away from something (namely God) in one's own country. He told us that he was sure that the reason we came to Thailand is because of the free sauna we experience every time we step outside. He is not kidding. It happens every day.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Barbecued fish, wyteboard markers, and ministry
Today has been a good day. I ate barbecued fish for dinner (yes, I said barbecued fish...it tastes really good) and had a companion on my commute home from work ( a Thai co-worker who is a Christian and speaks English). Besides that, I was blessed to lead some praise and worship songs for the Native English Speaking Teachers' session in Revival Week at Bangkok Christian College. All the students go to chapel each day and watch a presentation by a music, drama, and dance ministry group from northern Thailand. The presentations use Thai history and Bible stories to share the love of Jesus Christ. In addition, all the faculty and staff attend evangelistic meetings during part of their lunch break. It was clear that most of my co-teachers did not want to be at the meeting, but I believe the Lord is using the songs and truths spoken to make them think about Him and eternity.
I have enjoyed taking part in various ministry opportunities, such as singing back-up for the praise team at my church last Sunday. I also know that the Lord is allowing me to speak about Him to my students and co-workers at various times. I know that many seeds are being planted.
On a less serious note, I would like to inform everyone who uses disposable whiteboard markers that you are missing out on the fun of refilling and reusing whiteboard markers ( the brand here is called Wyteboard Markers, hence the blog title). Recycling is very important here and we do not throw away our markers when they run out of ink. Oh, no. We use medicine dropper-like objects to rewet the fibers inside the markers. The first time I did it, I forgot about the medicine dropper and tried to pour the ink directly into the marker. Let's just say the my ringfinger and fingernails were no longer white:)
My friends and I found a Mexican restaurant that serves food Chipotle style! It doesn't taste the same, but it is still Mexican food! I've been twice.
There's not much else to say, so I will leave you with a few thoughts in Thai:
Mai pen rai (it's ok, never mind)
and
Phrajow way pon (God bless you)
I have enjoyed taking part in various ministry opportunities, such as singing back-up for the praise team at my church last Sunday. I also know that the Lord is allowing me to speak about Him to my students and co-workers at various times. I know that many seeds are being planted.
On a less serious note, I would like to inform everyone who uses disposable whiteboard markers that you are missing out on the fun of refilling and reusing whiteboard markers ( the brand here is called Wyteboard Markers, hence the blog title). Recycling is very important here and we do not throw away our markers when they run out of ink. Oh, no. We use medicine dropper-like objects to rewet the fibers inside the markers. The first time I did it, I forgot about the medicine dropper and tried to pour the ink directly into the marker. Let's just say the my ringfinger and fingernails were no longer white:)
My friends and I found a Mexican restaurant that serves food Chipotle style! It doesn't taste the same, but it is still Mexican food! I've been twice.
There's not much else to say, so I will leave you with a few thoughts in Thai:
Mai pen rai (it's ok, never mind)
and
Phrajow way pon (God bless you)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Never buy polyester bedsheets!
I know most Americans would never think of buying polyester bedsheets, but I could not read the label. It was all in Thai and somehow I did not see through the plastic that the sheets were not cotton. The first night in our new house, I did not have pillows (the store forgot to deliver them with my bed) and I had polyester sheets. It was very hot and difficult to sleep. The next day, I went to a better store and found not only a fitted sheet, but a flat cotton sheet as well (flat sheets are difficult to find here). I know it sounds crazy, but I have never been more thankful for cotton in my life.
I am making more Thai friends all the time. Praise the Lord! Wanee ben wan an gan. (Today is Tuesday) I'm learning more Thai from different people, which is really good. Whenever I'm with Thais and they sing a praise song that I know in English, I sing it in English while they sing Thai. A Thai teacher at BCC has asked me to write the words to some of the songs for her in English. She wants the student church at BCC to sing songs in English sometimes--partly for me and partly so that the students can learn them in English too. Many of them are English speakers.
Ok, so I have to write about the new student church at BCC. A church is being planted by students and faculty at BCC. It is on Thursdays from 4:15 to 5:30. I have heard that it is difficult for some students to go to church on Sundays, but they are able to go on Thursdays. Students lead the praise and worship and play a major role in the planning and facilitation of the services. A teacher preached the sermon, but they would like students to preach eventually. The church was birthed out of a high school cell group that has been in existence for many years. It is very exciting to see the students' love for the Lord. There were about 40 people at the first service, including teachers and university students and high school students outside BCC.
Today, I was talking with my director at school and she said that she had a headache. I asked if I could pray for her and she said that was ok (she is not a Christian, although she has been very exposed through working at BCC). After I prayed, she immediately said that she felt a little bit better. I was surprised (I should not have been, but I was). This is the second time she has challenged me to trust and believe God more. I believe the Lord is going to do a work in her and in many of my co-workers.
I got a taste of home when I ate Mexican food with my friend Eric, his roommate, and some other Thai friends. We had a great time eating and talking, especially about Pentecostalism and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Thais are Christian and are interested in seeing their church go to a deeper level of passion for the Lord. It was a great night.
I know the Lord is ordering my steps and using me in many ways that I am unaware of. God is so good!
I am making more Thai friends all the time. Praise the Lord! Wanee ben wan an gan. (Today is Tuesday) I'm learning more Thai from different people, which is really good. Whenever I'm with Thais and they sing a praise song that I know in English, I sing it in English while they sing Thai. A Thai teacher at BCC has asked me to write the words to some of the songs for her in English. She wants the student church at BCC to sing songs in English sometimes--partly for me and partly so that the students can learn them in English too. Many of them are English speakers.
Ok, so I have to write about the new student church at BCC. A church is being planted by students and faculty at BCC. It is on Thursdays from 4:15 to 5:30. I have heard that it is difficult for some students to go to church on Sundays, but they are able to go on Thursdays. Students lead the praise and worship and play a major role in the planning and facilitation of the services. A teacher preached the sermon, but they would like students to preach eventually. The church was birthed out of a high school cell group that has been in existence for many years. It is very exciting to see the students' love for the Lord. There were about 40 people at the first service, including teachers and university students and high school students outside BCC.
Today, I was talking with my director at school and she said that she had a headache. I asked if I could pray for her and she said that was ok (she is not a Christian, although she has been very exposed through working at BCC). After I prayed, she immediately said that she felt a little bit better. I was surprised (I should not have been, but I was). This is the second time she has challenged me to trust and believe God more. I believe the Lord is going to do a work in her and in many of my co-workers.
I got a taste of home when I ate Mexican food with my friend Eric, his roommate, and some other Thai friends. We had a great time eating and talking, especially about Pentecostalism and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Thais are Christian and are interested in seeing their church go to a deeper level of passion for the Lord. It was a great night.
I know the Lord is ordering my steps and using me in many ways that I am unaware of. God is so good!
Monday, June 4, 2007
You know you've been in Thailand too long when...
You know you've been in Thailand too long when...
You see an insect crawl out of your salad and you continue eating it (the salad.
You consider the lizard in your apartment to be your roommate.
You enjoy squid eggs more than regular squid.
You consider crazy bus and truck drivers that endanger your life to be part of the experience.
You get excited when you see street vendors selling bugs so you can take pictures.
You like to drink out of a bag.
Just kidding! I have had all of these experiences, but I know I have not been in Thailand too long.
Things have been very busy here. I am starting my 5th week of teaching and I know most of my students' names. Praise the Lord! My 5th grade classes usually understand me when I teach them, but my 4th graders are still catching on. I'm still learning about classroom management and other things, but I realize that it's all a part of the process. Please pray for me as I will be starting to teach an after school class tomorrow.
I've had some really positive experiences with my students, which really helps me keep going. One day, I was talking to my friend Sarah in the US and I asked her to pray for breakthrough with my 4th graders. That day, the class went very smoothly, the students enjoyed themselves, and they seemed to understand everything. It was so encouraging. It gives me hope that there can be more days like that.
On a lighter note, I was shocked when my 5th graders started singing Disney love songs and knew all of the words. I was checking their homework books and laughed out loud as they sang Beauty and the Beast, Pocahantas, and Aladdin songs. It was great! It seems like they are only interested in superheroes, but I guess not!
Praise Report!
My roomates and I found a house! The rent is very cheap. We have to buy a good amount of furniture, but it is worth it because of the inexpensive rent. It is very large by Thai standards and we will have plenty of space to invite people over. We have been painting and cleaning it for the last three weekends and we will hopefully move in this week. The whole situation shows that God has given us favor. The owner of the house is friends with a Thai woman in our church and she gave us a good price because she knows our friend. Also, my school sent a van to help us move our belongings. We did not have to pay to rent a truck. I am amazed by the Lord's goodness to us.
I'm still adjusting to being here and still trying to figure out my schedule. Sometimes these things stress me out, but God is with me and is helping me speak life and trust Him to lead me.
I almost forgot to say that I have been able to go to a devotional/prayer meeting with the Thai Christian teachers before school. I expected to go and not understand anything, but one of the teachers translated for me the first time and continues to translate for me. I cannot tell you how much it encourages me to fellowship and pray with other believers at my school. I realize that God is in control and will use all of us to make an impact on the next generation of Thai leaders.
My friend Eric from Lee University (and a fellow Coloradan) arrived a couple of weeks ago and is teaching in the same department that I am. I also met a girl from Tennessee who is Christian and is teaching at BCC also. The Lord answered my prayer for American Christians! I feel a little bit selfish praying that way, but I am so glad they are here with me.
It is really good for me to sit down and think about all of the ways God has blessed me. It helps me keep the right perspective.
You see an insect crawl out of your salad and you continue eating it (the salad.
You consider the lizard in your apartment to be your roommate.
You enjoy squid eggs more than regular squid.
You consider crazy bus and truck drivers that endanger your life to be part of the experience.
You get excited when you see street vendors selling bugs so you can take pictures.
You like to drink out of a bag.
Just kidding! I have had all of these experiences, but I know I have not been in Thailand too long.
Things have been very busy here. I am starting my 5th week of teaching and I know most of my students' names. Praise the Lord! My 5th grade classes usually understand me when I teach them, but my 4th graders are still catching on. I'm still learning about classroom management and other things, but I realize that it's all a part of the process. Please pray for me as I will be starting to teach an after school class tomorrow.
I've had some really positive experiences with my students, which really helps me keep going. One day, I was talking to my friend Sarah in the US and I asked her to pray for breakthrough with my 4th graders. That day, the class went very smoothly, the students enjoyed themselves, and they seemed to understand everything. It was so encouraging. It gives me hope that there can be more days like that.
On a lighter note, I was shocked when my 5th graders started singing Disney love songs and knew all of the words. I was checking their homework books and laughed out loud as they sang Beauty and the Beast, Pocahantas, and Aladdin songs. It was great! It seems like they are only interested in superheroes, but I guess not!
Praise Report!
My roomates and I found a house! The rent is very cheap. We have to buy a good amount of furniture, but it is worth it because of the inexpensive rent. It is very large by Thai standards and we will have plenty of space to invite people over. We have been painting and cleaning it for the last three weekends and we will hopefully move in this week. The whole situation shows that God has given us favor. The owner of the house is friends with a Thai woman in our church and she gave us a good price because she knows our friend. Also, my school sent a van to help us move our belongings. We did not have to pay to rent a truck. I am amazed by the Lord's goodness to us.
I'm still adjusting to being here and still trying to figure out my schedule. Sometimes these things stress me out, but God is with me and is helping me speak life and trust Him to lead me.
I almost forgot to say that I have been able to go to a devotional/prayer meeting with the Thai Christian teachers before school. I expected to go and not understand anything, but one of the teachers translated for me the first time and continues to translate for me. I cannot tell you how much it encourages me to fellowship and pray with other believers at my school. I realize that God is in control and will use all of us to make an impact on the next generation of Thai leaders.
My friend Eric from Lee University (and a fellow Coloradan) arrived a couple of weeks ago and is teaching in the same department that I am. I also met a girl from Tennessee who is Christian and is teaching at BCC also. The Lord answered my prayer for American Christians! I feel a little bit selfish praying that way, but I am so glad they are here with me.
It is really good for me to sit down and think about all of the ways God has blessed me. It helps me keep the right perspective.
Monday, May 14, 2007
First week of teaching!
This week has been full of emotional ups and downs. I started teaching last Wednesday and found that many of my students did not understand me. It was frustrating and I felt unprepared. However, many people encouraged me by reminding me that my students had been on vacation and had not heard English for 2 months. In addition, I am brand new to them and they probably have to get accustomed to my accent. Now that I have taught them for three days and have started getting to know them, I am more comfortable with the situation. I speak much more slowly and I try to take everything in stride.
As I began working on lesson plans, I felt very unsure of myself because I have limited training and experience as a teacher. I started asking my fellow teachers lots more questions than I had been. I also decided that I have to keep moving forward instead of letting my fears keep from doing anything. As I have been stepping out, the Lord has been meeting me. He has been giving me ideas and providing resources from other teachers to help me with my lessons. God is so good! I love the verse that says that even we are faithless, God is faithful because He cannot deny Himself!
The really crazy part of teaching is learning my students' names. Their names are things like Teerapat and Warinthorn. They have shorter nicknames too, but I was told by one teacher that it is better to call them by their full names. Since then, other teachers have said it is better to use their nicknames. I think it is more a matter of preference, so I am using their full names just to keep continuity with how I started.
On my second day, I told my students that we were going to pray and I folded my hands together to help them understand. They really did not understand and it took me a long time to get them to close their eyes. I prayed a very simple prayer.
After I said "Amen," they still had their eyes closed. I had to explain that "Amen" means it is the end of the prayer. I am now asking them to say Amen after me so that we will have less confusion. Overall, I realize that the Lord is allowing me to teach them about Him from the ground up. What an opportunity! Please pray for me to have wisdom and insight about how to do this. Please pray that I will choose to believe the best and not get discouraged as I live out and share my faith with my students and fellow teachers.
On a lighter note, I thought some people might find it humorous that Starbucks sells sausage and mayonnaise buns here, along with brownies, cheesecake, and other pastries.
I am continuing to seek the Lord about where and how to be involved in ministry outside of my job. I am blessed to have many Christian friends at two churches.
As I began working on lesson plans, I felt very unsure of myself because I have limited training and experience as a teacher. I started asking my fellow teachers lots more questions than I had been. I also decided that I have to keep moving forward instead of letting my fears keep from doing anything. As I have been stepping out, the Lord has been meeting me. He has been giving me ideas and providing resources from other teachers to help me with my lessons. God is so good! I love the verse that says that even we are faithless, God is faithful because He cannot deny Himself!
The really crazy part of teaching is learning my students' names. Their names are things like Teerapat and Warinthorn. They have shorter nicknames too, but I was told by one teacher that it is better to call them by their full names. Since then, other teachers have said it is better to use their nicknames. I think it is more a matter of preference, so I am using their full names just to keep continuity with how I started.
On my second day, I told my students that we were going to pray and I folded my hands together to help them understand. They really did not understand and it took me a long time to get them to close their eyes. I prayed a very simple prayer.
After I said "Amen," they still had their eyes closed. I had to explain that "Amen" means it is the end of the prayer. I am now asking them to say Amen after me so that we will have less confusion. Overall, I realize that the Lord is allowing me to teach them about Him from the ground up. What an opportunity! Please pray for me to have wisdom and insight about how to do this. Please pray that I will choose to believe the best and not get discouraged as I live out and share my faith with my students and fellow teachers.
On a lighter note, I thought some people might find it humorous that Starbucks sells sausage and mayonnaise buns here, along with brownies, cheesecake, and other pastries.
I am continuing to seek the Lord about where and how to be involved in ministry outside of my job. I am blessed to have many Christian friends at two churches.
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