Well... it's been quite a while, hasn't it? I apologize for the delayed posts. No news is good news, right?
I'm pretty certain that I speak for the whole team when I say: we really love it here. This past week we were blessed with a chance to go to Krabi #themostbeautifulplaceihaveeverseen. It was just what we needed. The break was so good and allowed us time to rest. So fun! Near the end of our journey we found ourselves missing Bangkok. We were really excited to return to our "sweet home sweet" (as the Thais say). And... on the way home we got to ride in a VIP bus. Yeah, I know. It was awesome.
After returning to Bangkok, we have found ourselves becoming very comfortable with the culture. Now, this is both good and bad... really more bad than good. haha The more comfortable we get, the more we start reverting back to our American ways. We tend to laugh a lot, talk loudly, and sometimes we kick each other (this is not good in Thailand). People on the bus are starting to stare. On our way home from Krabi, a Thai woman on the bus asked (right in front of our faces), "What are all these Americans doing here. They're so loud." Then (this is so great), the stewardess informed her the we all knew Thai. hahahaha... So, we don't all know Thai, BUT Ann knows Thai and she told us what the lady said. The woman became very quiet, very quickly. Situations like this are very funny, but they also remind us to calm it down. *Please pray that we don't kill our ministry by becoming too comfortable.
This week we have all become teachers! Yes, it's slightly intimidating to know that people are paying money to learn English from us, but God is with us always. At the BSC, we are paired up and have a schedule of who is teaching what when. You like that sentence? Yeah, I am teaching English. Matt and I actually got our first opportunity to teach with the set curriculum yesterday. I really like teaching. *Pray that our classes will go smoothly. In addition to teaching curriculum based classes, we offer a free Bible English class twice each day. We cover simple, yet powerful, stories from the Bible while practicing English... it's so great. *Pray that Thai non-Christians would come to the class desiring to practice their English skills and leave curious to know more about Jesus.
As I mentioned before, during the day we spend our time visiting universities. On Tuesdays we'll be on Sripatum's campus and Fridays on Chula's. During this time we are meeting students and sharing the Gospel. Sometimes we have chances to straight up tell students what we believe and other times (like when they don't know English--hehe) we are able to invite them to free Bible English classes or other events that are going on at the church. Building relationships and then connecting students with the church is very important. Sometimes relationships are built over the strangest things. Yesterday, it was the question "Edward or Jacob" that brought giggles and laughter. *Thank-you Jesus for working in ways that we don't understand. Pray that our team is bold when meeting students. We are given tons of opportunities, pray that we use those. Pray that we would remember that we cannot bring people to Christ on our own. If we were trying to do things on our own-- we would fail every time. Pray that we will rely fully on the Lord, knowing that he can use all things for His glory... even a conversation about Twilight.
I can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am to be here. I am learning and trusting more than I ever expected. I have seen God work in more so many ways! It reminds me of how good our God is. *Continue to pray for our Thai friends.
Love you all. Thank you for praying for us.
leigha
Team Jacob for life.
Team Jacob for life.
