One Step Closer

Just wanted to send a quick note to say that I made it! I’ve packed up my belongings, said the difficult goodbyes to neighbors and friends and made the move to this new country. I could already feel the difference of this slower paced city as I flew in above the vast expanse of rice paddies visible from the sky on approach to the airport. The airport itself was virtually deserted with only two other planes parked on the runway. In just a few short hours of walking around the city I already sensed how laid back this place is. The people I have encountered are very friendly and quick to help. I’m looking forward getting things settled and becoming a part of this new community. Thank you for your thoughts. Hope you are having a great start to 2014!

Farewell to Neighbors and Friends

I can't thank the Father enough for the way He has blessed my time in Thailand with such amazing people. These are pictures from some of the last times spent with my neighbors and friends. It was difficult to say goodbye but I look forward to keeping in touch with many of them and visiting with them again when I pass through in the future. Please continue to remember them.  

Friends from our fellowship took us out for sushi on our last Sunday - a lot of tears were shed that day

A sweet friend who was always an encouragement

The young adults made us a sweet card to thank us for teaching them

Card from the young adults

They wrote little notes of encouragement behind each cloud

Our friend Sana from Pakistan. She is a refugee in Thailand who had to flee her country due to religious persecution.

These are amazing women and beautiful sisters in the Father

Our next-door-neighbors who told us over and over how sad they were to see us leave. They always looked out for us.

Another sweet neighbor who always stopped to chat with us

Our neighbor and friend, Athens. He loved to stop and chat and was always willing to help if we ever needed anything.

Our friend's mom who also lived in our village. She treated us like her daughters and often brought homemade meals to our house.

Our Thai family. We call the parents "mom" and "dad" and the girls are like sisters to us. This was a difficult goodbye.

Mei and Pim have been with us since the beginning of our time in BKK. They will be greatly missed.

Final dinner with two of our best friends, Ly and Bright.

Another difficult goodbye to a very close friend

Bright tried to keep the farewells light-hearted...but it didn't last for long. I am so thankful for her.

English School Christmas Party

Christmas is not widely celebrated in Thailand so the English students really enjoy the Christmas party put on by one of the English schools at which I worked. We played lots of games, ate delicious food and even had a visit from Santa. We all had a fun time but I was saddened in my heart knowing that everyone there was unaware of the real reason for the season. My hope is that one day all of my students and fellow teachers would come to know the true meaning of Christmas. 

 

Taking our friends home "Thai style" :)

Hello New Country

First glimpses of my new home.

All packed and ready to go

Leaving the Bangkok Airport

Arriving in the capital city

The first night in our apartment we saw a rat run across the floor. We chased it into the bathroom only to watch it disappear down the shower drain. We put a phonebook over the drain and went to bed. The next morning as I was washing my hands in the bathroom sink I found this. The rat must have also been coming in through the sink drain as you can see by the lovely gnaw marks left on the bar of soap. What a wonderful welcome to this new country.