Ringing in the New Year with Change

This New Year marks two years of me living in Southeast Asia. Since arriving in this part of the world my life seems as if it is but an endless series of change; adjusting to a new environment, a different language and culture, new relationships, unfamiliar customs, hotter weather, bigger bugs, strange smells…the list is endless. Change is often uncomfortable, and I for one, don’t like to be uncomfortable! The way I react and respond to the changes happening around me is a big indicator of what is going on inside my heart. So, through encountering these external changes I have also experienced changes within myself. The changes within are often the most difficult because it has taken many years for me to settle into my way of thinking and behaving. The Father had a lot of work to do over these past two years and at times it has been quite painful. But I know He who holds the chisel is good and He is sculpting something out of this pile of stones that is more beautiful than I could ever possibly hope. Although the chipping and carving is far from over, I trust that He has sculpted me to look a little more like His Son than I did before I arrived in Thailand.

Here are just a few things I have learned or had to re-learn (often the hard way) over the past two years:

1. Don’t take yourself too seriously. When learning a new language and adjusting to an unfamiliar culture you are bound to make plenty of mistakes, some of which can be quite embarrassing. It is not uncommon to be laughed at when making such a mistake. My neighbors and friends don’t seem to understand that when the only difference between two words is a slight tonal difference I, as the foreigner, can easily get them confused. In their mind, those two words are completely different and they think it is hilarious that I should ever confuse the two. The unfortunate thing is that one of the words is often an impolite word which just makes them laugh all the more. As I sit there trying to figure out what I said wrong I have learned to just laugh with them. If I don’t laugh at myself I will end up getting frustrated and discouraged and think that I won’t ever learn this language (which has happened plenty of times). Plus, my friends obviously aren’t taking me too seriously so why should I? Having me around keeps things interesting for them.

2. The Father is in control so let Him be. There are so many variables in this life that I cannot and will never control. It doesn’t matter how much I want to be in control of certain things, sometimes it is just not possible. I tend to get very stressed when I can’t control the things happening around me. Living in another culture has given me plenty of opportunities to trust the Father with what life brings. I cannot control the weather, how people cut in line at the bank, the insane traffic along with the crazy drivers, starting class an hour late because my students are following Thai time, a sudden change in paperwork that was supposed to have been taken care of weeks ago, and the hundreds of other things that affect my daily life. Thai culture is a very relaxed culture. Even though people work hard they always place a huge emphasis on having fun. They pride themselves in not taking life too seriously or being in a hurry about life. They have a saying they use in describing themselves which is, ‘sabai sabai’ and it means ‘easy-going, happy, comfortable.’ This way of thinking can sometimes clash with my western task-oriented, time-oriented thinking. In order to become more of a part of this culture I have had to learn to live life with a more relaxed attitude and relinquish those situations in which I cannot control. All I can do is be prepared and go with the flow trusting the Father to lead the way.

3. We need people. Moving to a place where I knew no one and knew only two words of the local language put me in spot of constant dependence. I was dependent on the people living around me to teach me how to live in this culture. I have to be honest; it is not easy for me to be so dependent. I was able to live very independently back in the States. I knew how to order food at a restaurant by myself, get around town, mail something at the post office, put gas in my car, etc. Suddenly I was thrust into a world where I didn’t know how to do these things and that was a very uncomfortable feeling. If it weren’t for the people who helped me along the way, I don’t think I would have ever stayed here. Even though most of the communicating at the beginning was done through body language and smiles I was slowly able to learn how to live in this place and began to gain a little bit of my independence back. Those times of relying on people allowed me to develop deep friendships as we shared in this process of learning together. I would have missed out on so many amazing relationships if I would have tried to figure things out on my own. I am also dependent on people like you who, through your many emails of encouragement and thoughts to the Father, have carried me through these past two years. The Father has confirmed in my heart the importance of people in my life; people with whom I can be open with, people who challenge me, people who support me, and people with whom I can share His light. I am thankful for the people the Father has placed in my life and I am thankful for you.

This New Year brings with it another change for my life. In about two weeks I will be heading out, leaving this house, this neighborhood and my friends, and moving ahead to what the Father has planned for me. As of now, this means moving to a neighboring country in Southeast Asia. This is something I have been working toward since my arrival in this part of the world and the move was able to happen much sooner than I expected. Thailand was never my final destination, and although I am sad to say goodbye to my friends here, I am looking forward to getting closer to the people with whom the Father is leading me to share His truth. I have spent the past few weeks selling my things, packing up, and saying goodbye to neighbors and friends. I am excited for what is ahead but it is not easy saying farewell to the amazing people He has brought into my life. A couple of my friends have already cried about me leaving and others have joked about telling border control to not let me in so that I can stay with them in Thailand. They are so sweet and I am truly going to miss them. The difficulty we are experiencing in goodbyes is just a testimony of the Father’s role in these friendships, allowing me to get close to so many dear people in this season of my life. I know we will keep in touch. Please be thinking of them!

After all of the times I have had to pack up and move (and I have had my fair share) it never gets any easier. I appreciate your thoughts as I finish my time here and step into the next expedition He has for me. The Father has taught me so many things these last two years and I’m thankful to be taking these valuable lessons with me as I enter another unknown world. This move will mean learning a new language (thankfully it is related to Thai and even shares similar vocabulary), becoming part of a new community, building new relationships, and learning how to live life in this new country. The culture and customs in this new place are very similar to Thai culture and customs so it won’t be quite as daunting. There will be different challenges to face and a lot of change up ahead but I am confident that He is already there. Even with so many unknowns on the horizon, I can trust the One who is leading! Thank you for your thoughts as I make yet another transition. Please be asking the Father to show me ways to plug into my new community, connect with the local people, build relationships and shine His light in this new place.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas full of life, love and family. Thinking of you at this special time of year as we celebrate the birth of our King and remember the day when Love came down to dwell among us. May His everlasting peace be with you! 

Here are a few pictures from the last few months of finishing up my classes and final times spent together with friends and neighbors. Enjoy!

Final Women's Classes

The women's organization I work with hosted a 'Coffee Business' workshop to help provide more information and assistance to women who are striving to start their own business, particularly a coffee shop business. We partnered with Starbucks and other local business men and women to offer classes teaching the basics of coffee, business and financial management, as well as a question and answer time with a local coffee shop owner. Most of the coffee shops in Thailand aren't your typical cozy atmosphere type shops but rather little roadside stands scattered on well-trafficked footpaths or near busy sky-train or subway stations. I met two ladies attending this workshop who were looking to start a little shop together. They were so thankful to have a clearer picture of what this venture would involve.

The staff at Goodwill Group asked me to teach a few more self-defense classes to make sure all of the women had a chance to receive this training before I left. I am going to miss working with this great organization and will miss interacting with these incredible women. They have inspired me in so many ways!

La Fiesta

Back in February we had some friends from our fellowship over to our house for some Mexican food. This was the first time many of them had ever tasted Mexican food. They all loved it and were soon begging us to do it again. A couple of months ago April and I planned a time to host another Mexican dinner. Word spread quickly and soon we had about 30 people who planned on coming. We knew we couldn't hold that many people in our small house so we decided to move the party to the fellowship building and have it after service on Sunday. Our friends were so excited and the whole fellowship was talking about it for weeks leading up to dinner. There was much anticipation and April and I were getting nervous knowing we were going to have a huge crowd and not being sure how they would like it. Thai people can be pretty partial toward their own food. We sweated in the kitchen all morning cutting vegetables, shredding cheese, frying tortillas and making refried black beans, taco meat, guacamole, Mexican rice and homemade salsa. Thankfully we had two dear friends who helped us get everything prepared. After the service finished the masses came. There were looks of awe and some of curiosity as they approached the table. The guacamole was the talk of the night as no one had ever seen anyone use avocados in that way. They thought is was a genius idea. Some of our friends who came to our first Mexican dinner showed the others how to assemble those foreign things we call tacos. Many people had always wondered what a taco was but were never quite sure. It was a good sign when people came back for seconds and thirds. Our friends were so sweet to complement us over and over saying how amazing everything was. It was such a fun experience for us. We know what it is like to try new things. In the end we ended up feeding close to 70 people!      

Young Adult Study

This summer we started teaching some of the young adults in our fellowship. This college/career aged group of young people includes many new believers, most within the last year. We decided to start at the beginning of the Word and teach from the very first book so that they can build on a strong foundation in the years to come. Most of them come from a Buddhist background so even these beginning stories are very new to them. They have such a heart to love and serve the Father. Please continue to think of them as they grow in their relationship with the Father and learn more about Him. I will miss our times of studying together.    

Agape Camp

I spent a weekend away with our fellowship for our second annual retreat. Our days were filled with great teaching, awesome worship, special times of studying the Word together, delicious food, and plenty of time hanging out and relaxing with one another. It was amazing to see how far I have progressed in my language abilities when I think back to the retreat I attended last year with this same group of people. I wasn't able to follow the teaching hardly at all, couldn't sing the worship songs, or participate in the small group discussions. This year I was able to follow the teaching, sing in the language of my brothers and sisters, and even lead a small group! Thank the Father! This group of believers has been so encouraging to me during my time in Thailand and I will miss them dearly. I am grateful that we could share in this wonderful time together before I say goodbye. A piece of my heart will always remain with them and I look forward to worshiping the Father alongside of them again.   

Thanksgiving

Things I am thankful for: celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and eating delicious food that tastes like home, packages in the mail, the incredible support of family and friends, amazing Thai brothers and sisters to walk alongside, friends and neighbors who have welcomed me into their lives, having the Word in a language I can read and understand, Skype so that I can see my family's faces, air-conditioning, American style toilets, patient friends who take the time to understand my Thai, the coming of our King...

Father's Day and the King's Birthday

December 5th is the King's Birthday and Thai Father's Day. Our neighborhood celebrated together with a merit-making ceremony in the morning which of course is followed by food...and lots of it! Yellow is the color of the King.

Fun with Friends

I am down to the final days of spending time together with my friends here in Thailand. The Father has brought some incredible people into my life and it is not without many tears that I say farewell to these precious friends, many who have become like family to me. Please be thinking of them as many do no know the Father. I would love to see them standing beside me one day as we worship Him together. 

Celebrating Mei and Bright, two people who have become like sisters to me

It's customary for the birthday person to serve the cake to their guests starting with the oldest & receiving their piece last

Our friend Ly shares the same birthday with her younger brother Hong

Our friend Saranya is a famous singer in Thailand. We went to her concert with some of our friends decked out in support!

Our friend Bright is teaching us how to make spicy basil stir-fried squid

We also made a spicy Thai salad with fried eggs, onions, tomatoes, and green chilies and a Thai seaweed soup. Delicious!

Baby Grace. Our friends Lily and Golf just had their first baby and she is so sweet.

Eating Chinese food with our friends from fellowship. Look at all that food! I loved the Chrysanthemum tea.

Our friends took us to see an old Thai navy ship. They wanted to do the "Titanic" (as they called it) on the bow. :)

This family is so much fun. They wanted to take all kinds of pictures.

In the schoolroom.

This navy escort vessel carried the current King of Thailand back from Switzerland following his studies there.

We were a little scared of the monkeys roaming about. They looked hungry! We jumped next to one for a quick pic.

We finished the day with a delicious seafood dinner. These friends are like a second family to us. I will miss them a lot!

Yard Sale

Although it is unusual to have a yard sale here (apparently no one does it) we decided to try one in order to sell the rest of our things. We were going to start the sale at 8:00 am but our neighbors started showing up at 7:30. They came from everywhere in the neighborhood. I think they were curious to see what kind of things we had in our house. They wasted no time snatching up the items and by 10:00 we pretty much had everything sold. I was in shock at how quickly it all went. It was also the big social event of the month as everyone chatted with everyone else as they looked through our things. It was fun getting to visit with so many of our neighbors before we head out. Many of them were sharing how much they are going to miss us. We are very honored that they have allowed us to be a part of their community. We will miss them too!