Road Trip

Every three months our little group makes the four and a half hour trip up to Mae Sai (the border into Burma). This time our good friend Khruu Ooy (who usually does most of the driving) decided to turn the ritual into a girl's road trip. So at 6:30 am on a Saturday morning we raced around our house packing snacks and grabbing all the pillows in our house. We (our group of five housemates) and four of our Thai co-workers piled into a rented van which comes complete with a driver. The van was so comfortable, and with air conditioning and comfy reclining chairs it was even more comfortable than our house. We started off the morning with barbecued pork on a stick with sticky rice, one of my favorites that I will really miss when I come back to the States. We had such a leisurely trip laughing, talking, and sleeping. We reached our more anticipated destination at about 11 am, Doi Tung. Upon arrival we made trip to the bathroom where we all paid 3 baht, took off our shoes for the trip down the stairs, and then put on the special bathroom shoes which everyone shares. I'm not sure I'll know what to do in the States where one does not have to slip off their flip-flops in exchange for a pair of questionable community shoes, roll up their pants, and carry their own toilet paper into the bathroom. Anyway back to the actual story.

Doi Tung is called the "Switzerland" of Thailand. It was the former residence of the late mother of the King. We were allowed to walk through her beautiful yet simple villa. She had spent much time in Europe and the house and gardens reflect that style. We ate a quick lunch of mixed fried vegetables with rice (another of my favorites) and even enjoyed one of the best cups of coffee I have tasted in Thailand. Then came the highlight of the day...the garden. Picture the most gorgeous garden ever set in a hilly landscape with many fun details which really add to the effect. We spent quite awhile walking around and taking over one hundred pictures.

I would like to live here. :) It is surrounded by gorgeous mountains.

A picture with all the housemates before we go our separate ways.

Us being silly girls and imitating the statue behind us.

Under the waterfall.

My lovely roommate and I "fighting."

My sweet friend Brittany.

All of us at dinner.

We encountered our semi-normal situation where random Thai people take pictures of us and ask if we will take pictures with them. One might think that as the farang (foreigners) we ought to take pictures of the people here, however, the opposite is true. (When my parents were vi sting we went to the Royal Palace. While walking around the grounds several of the gardeners whipped out their cameras and asked to take pictures with us.) Anyway after our adventure in the gardens we climbed back into the van to drive to Mae Sai.


Mae Sai is a hard place to visit and is never really a pleasant experience. I am always confronted with the dilemma of how to love the overwhelming number of people who are in need. I struggle within myself to justify my un-Christlike attitude towards these people all the while knowing I should do something but never quite knowing what that thing is. I am always convicted in that city of what God's love for every person looks like and how I should be living it out, which is something I pray the Lord grows in me because I am not very good at it.



After Mae Sai we drove to a restaurant and ate dinner right next to the water. I am going to miss the Thai way of eating dinner where everyone orders a wide range of things that sound good and as they arrive at the table one at a time everyone shares them. Several hours later the van brought nine weary travellers back to our house around 10:30 pm where we promptly dropped into bed. So ends one of our more memorable and enjoyable border trips.

Recent Happenings

In searching my brain for stories of things that have happened in recent weeks, most of what I remember are the times we spent painting our building, scrubbing the floors, and cleaning the bathrooms. I now have a greater appreciation of Cinderella after scrubbing our entire building on our hands and knees; a product of the statement "Who needs drop cloths?"

(You can't really see how much dirt is caked on our legs from crawling on the muddy floor.)

I was so thankful to learn how to tile after two days straight of scrubbing floors. I was taught by our great friend Rob who selflessly comes to our school building most days and slaves away doing hundreds of jobs that we have no idea how to do. After a bit of a safety lesson he even let me use his special hand saw tool. (Daddy aren't you proud. ;) )

In preparation for our upcoming visits to the States(yay!), we made a trip down to the Walking Street/Sunday Night Market. Before we were even half-way there our approximately thirty-three year old car began to overheat. While this is not unusual it is still a bit of an annoyance. We pulled over into a gas station where Vente (our car) has overheated before. We put water in our radiator at least once a week (maybe we should try actual radiator fluid) so we carry a big bottle of water for the sole purpose of cooling Vente. Disclaimer: while the things I'm about to mention are probably not bright ideas we were told to do them by people who know more about cars than we do. Anyway we pour water on our boiling hot radiator but that soon gets old so one of my roommates touches the radiator cap. We all say "No! Don't take the lid off the car is too hot and it might explode!" However, our roommate says, "The lid isn't hot at all" and proceeds to twist it off. About a second later a geyser of dirty brown liquid erupted from our radiator. All of us who had previously stepped away from the car jumped even further back almost falling into a weird canal thing. Thankfully no one was hurt and we cooled Vente down with more water and were able to make it to the market after all. Lesson learned: really...don't take the lid off of the radiator when the car is still hot.

Yesterday, we had a special English as a Second Language training session with a woman from Australia. We are so thankful for all of her hard work and the time she has taken to help us. It will be invaluable. The training began yesterday morning and a headache that I had gotten a couple days before just continued to get worse. Thinking I might find some medicine I ran to the little shop next door. The one that when we sing our praise songs every morning we are able to watch the man and woman in their kitchen as they prepare food that they sell during the day. We share a wall and our buildings are extremely close. When I walked in I was so excited that he understand my question (I was speaking Thai) but he didn't have anything I could read the label for which made me a little uncomfortable. That was sad, but it necessitated a trip to the 7/11 which is exciting because that means...motorcycle! The trip is fairly short but is a pain to make in the car and takes twice as long. So, because Khruu Ooy wasn't there to stop me I borrowed Gordon's motorbike and headed off to 7/11. After a bit of a wobbly start I did pretty well, I even drove past the cars at the stop sign and pulled up next to the other bikes at the very front. I was nervous about having to cross traffic several times but the Lord protected me and it was great fun!

Today at the Thai school that Amy and I teach at our classes went pretty well. Although they were interrupted by the principal coming and taking pictures of us, which when you are either talking or making exaggerated faces to keep the students' attention are not very flattering. Then, he asked if we could Skype with a couple from Australia who often visit Thailand and volunteer at this school. We had actually heard about them before from the teachers at this school and some mutual friends (Rob the guy who helps at our school being one of them.) We had a nice visit with these people and look forward to meeting them in May. We also had a long talk with our principal today over lunch, he is trying to learn English and is doing really well! There is still some confusion about whether certain words are in English or Thai because the Thai speakers think he is speaking in English and the English speakers think he is speaking in Thai. However, after him saying "What?" when I'm speaking and me saying "Aray na?" when he is speaking we are able to understand each other pretty well. Which reminds me of something very exciting. This last week I read my very first sentence written in Thai letters. It was..."The crow has large eyes." well in English anyway. :)

After teaching we headed back to our school to continue our "manual labor" which the teachers at our Thai school think is hilarious. We began painting the front fence which at two o'clock in the afternoon receives direct sunlight. Amy and I began working with a bucket that had a hole in the bottom and had to be held in just the right way and with one pair of flip-flops between the two of us. Things such as shoes can be forgotten when one takes three bags, a change of clothes, and random things such as water bottles and coffee mugs to work in the morning. So we stood on one foot because the pavement was burning hot. After a little bit Brittany joined us and we continued the painting. We must have looked pitiful with our bucket and lack of shoes because our neighbor lady brought out three straw hats for us to wear. We thought it was so sweet of her to notice our dilemma and act on our behalf.

Last story for this extremely long blog. On Tuesday mornings Amy and I sit in a meadow for a little while and have our quiet times. (We drop our roommates off at another Thai school and then have some extra time in which it would be pointless to drive back to our school just in time to turn around and drive the Thai school where we teach.) Anyway last time we were in the meadow we saw this crazy dog run and stick his head through two rails in a fence. He started howling and Amy and I felt so bad for him. We were deciding how we could rescue him as he squirmed and struggled. Just then he was able to pull his head out of the fence. We were relieved that we didn't have to help him and went on with our time. About half an hour later later the same dog came and rammed his head through the same exact spot on the fence. This time we didn't feel so bad for him because...well... he should have learned his lesson. We joked about how sometimes we feel like we are that dog, trying to accomplish something that just cannot be done. However, today as we sat in that meadow that same dog came and jumped into the fence again! As we were laughing at his stupidity he was able to squeeze through the fence. We were quite surprised. I'm not sure how he was able to manage that feat, but we took it as a sign from God. ;) Sometimes those impossible things really are possible, we might just have to try what seems stupid a few times before we get it right.

The Steadfast Love

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,

His mercies never come to an end,

They are new every morning,

New every morning,

Great is thy faithfulness oh Lord,

Great is thy faithfulness.

On several recent occasions this song has brought tears to my eyes. One being when five Thai children who had been through some of the worst situations I can think of sang this song in Thai as a farewell to their English teacher. I can't even convey in words the sweetness of their voices proclaiming the steadfast love and faithfulness of their God in light of the circumstances of their lives.

The second time this song has caused tears was earlier this week. The last two weeks have been awful, words cannot describe the pain and frustration that overcame virtually our whole team. It was as though we were knocked down in a fight and as we struggled to get up we were hit again and again. Almost all of our deepest hopes were met with painful disappointment. Everyday was a new circumstance that just caused us to say "WHY?"

The battle I have struggled with is believing in who God is more than in what I can see. I can clearly see pain, disappointment, doubts, and fear. But I can not clearly see God as my loving Father and the giver of good gifts. I was reading James 1:2-3 where it is written that we must consider it all joy when we face various trials because the testing of our faith produces endurance. I was thinking about faith as the conviction of truth, the truth that all I am is dependant on Christ. In the midst of these trials that threaten to tear me apart...do I believe that Jesus Christ is good? Do I believe that His love is unending and unfailing? Do I believe that He is faithful to accomplish His good purpose?

In stormy circumstances truth is not always seen and certainly not always felt. However, I am reminded and choose to believe...

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
His mercies never come to an end,
They are new every morning,

New every morning,
Great is thy faithfulness oh Lord,

Great is thy faithfulness.

Opportunities

What does it mean when chalk, unidentified fried meat with claws, and bare feet all occur at the same time? Teaching! Yep, yesterday I began teaching Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade English at a school in our area. Praise God! *On top of our responsibilities preparing for our school the English team is volunteering at two nearby Thai schools. We will teach until the end of the term (March). The purpose of volunteering is two-fold: first to build community relationships and second to allow us to develop our teaching skills.* This school is really abnormal for a Thai school and is fairly experimental. They are gaining recognition for their unique approach to education, I am impressed by what I've seen. It has been a joy to be there, the students are attentive and respectful. The other teachers, after a brief case of nerves, have been very kind and welcoming. We have begun to build relationships with them over lunch (where the meat with claws comes in). They have given my roommate and I Thai names, names of flowers. I am so thankful for this opportunity. Yesterday upon arriving at this school we observed their morning assembly which included prayers to Buddha and a time of meditation. This school is a place where truth and light do not normally reside. Amy and I get the opportunity to go and love the people, both students and teachers with the love of Jesus. I am so thankful they have graciously opened their doors to us and pray that we will be effective witnesses (and teachers).

Farewell 2009

Highlights from Thailand 2009 (Click on the above image to see it full size)

So, trying to think of a fitting goodbye 2009 and welcome 2010 message is a little bit difficult. My human/selfish tendency would be to say I hope things work out better in 2010 and good riddance 2009. However, that would be totally inappropriate. 2009 was filled with the Lord's blessings and so much joy. Right now I don't want to downplay that but really just thank the Lord for all He did in 2009. The above pictures showcase just a few of the Lord's gifts to me.

I have four amazing roommates who encourage me and who inspire me to become more than I am. In each one of them I see special gifts from the Lord which they use to bless those around them. I can not tell how much they mean to me.

God also blessed us with a special Thai friend who has taught me what it means to really be a friend. She has graciously shared her country, her home, her resources, and most lovingly her time to help us. She has:

• picked us up when we locked our keys in the car
• taken us to get new prescription glasses (at a friend's shop who gave us a great discount)
• showed us great non-tourist spots around the city
• taken us to Burma twice
• given us an abundance of fruits and vegetables and meat (her husband is a businessman)
• gotten our car registration and insurance
• helped us rent cars when our families visited

Basically when we need anything Khruu Ooy is the one who is there to help. She often tells us, "I free for you all the time." And she really is. I've never met anyone so free with their time and energy. I can not imagine life without this wonderful woman who gives without expecting anything in return. May she be blessed for her love.

I am also so thankful for our friends Daniel and Noelle. They made the transition to life here so much easier. They have also been extremely generous with their time, money, and home. We have spent many wonderful hours at their house. Spending time with them is so relaxing, just talking, playing games, or even just all being on the Internet in the same room at their house is so enjoyable. They are without a doubt some of the most hospitable and gracious people I've ever met. They also added to our joy when they began fostering a nine month old baby named Makham. Some of my favorite times in Thailand are times when we babysat this precious little boy.

I am also thankful for the Vander Kooi family and the time they invest in our lives and the effort they put into our Monday night gatherings and the school project. The Thai staff we work with are sweet people who have enriched our time here. They are very welcoming and great fun to be with. I am so excited for several new friendships (with other foreigners) the Lord has brought to our path.

I do not say it enough, but I'm very grateful that the Lord gave me the parents He did. They have been supportive and encouraging almost from the very first time I said I felt called to go overseas. :) (It took a little getting used to at the beginning.) But they have stood by me throughout the whole process and have generously given much of their time and resources which have enabled me to be here. Thanks for always believing in me and believing that anything was possible. Thanks for never telling me that I was silly or that I couldn't do any of the crazy ideas I've had over the years. I am who I am because of you guys. I love you.

And now for the reason I came to Thailand, the hurting children the Lord filled my heart with compassion for. They are what I expected to be in my life at this point, not all these wonderful people mentioned above, and these children are now in my life less than anyone else. Life really just does not turn out how I expect. For three short months these children won my heart and taught me so much, and then they were gone. I still see some of them at church or at their house sometimes and they melt my heart all over again. I know that I will not be the same for having known them and I believe that my future will be different because of the effect they have had on my life. I am now more aware of the need for people to stand in the gap for children and appreciation for those who already do.

Looking Forward to 2010

As I look to the future most things are blurry. There are very few things I can say with certainty about the coming year. One is that Monday I will begin teaching at a exceptional government school. I will teach 1st and 2nd grade. I am definitely nervous about this opportunity as I know absolutely nothing about the school, students, or expectations of me. However, I am thankful for the chance to be with students again, for the chance to teach and love them. The second thing I can say with certainty is that the Lord is with me and that because I know He has a plan for 2010 I will step into the new year with joy and trust.

A Jumble of Thoughts

Wait... I feel like much of life is spent waiting. I must say it is not one of my favorite things. Waiting for answers never is pleasant. I am reminded of the lyrics to a song by Sara Evans. She sings, "But how do you wait for heaven? And who has that much time?" We (some of the English teachers) sat in our "cave" (the really cold room we sit in all day and create curriculum) and were discussing how we feel like we are getting older but not really doing much with our lives. Recently I've been reading about a girl a couple years younger than me who is "Mom" to twelve girls in Africa. When faced with stories like that I just feel so inadequate. On Sunday, one of the best days since moving to Thailand, I was talking with a new missionary friend. She recently arrived and we were sharing struggles and encouraging one another. One thing she said really stuck with me. We were talking about what is "effective" and what is "success." If the school does not work out, did we fail? Was our time here a waste? Who wants to think that they travelled across the world in obedience to God's call and then...failed. She shared about Martin Luther, everyone remembers him and what he did. But, what about the martyrs who no one remembers but who went before Luther and helped pave the way. Did they fail? Did they die in vain? I'm realizing now that no man's success is created in isolation, but is codependent on other workers in God's kingdom. So, we joked that we might need to be "burned at the stake" for the sake of those who will come after us. Is success always tangible? In America we grow up thinking we are valuable because of what we do, what we produce. When you come to a place and work so hard and have nothing to show for it, it is like a slap in the face to American ideals. Maybe, just maybe, God counts success as being faithful. As in obeying His voice, going where He calls, diligently doing what He puts before us, enduring heartache, and praising His name in the face of "failure". Maybe that is really the success we should strive to achieve.

So then, as we wait to discover the future of this project, I put my trust in the Lord. Because, "The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8

• He is with me (even in Hang Dong, Thailand)
• He will not fail (whether the school "fails" or not)
• He will not forsake me (even if I feel others do not understand, He always will)
• I do not have to fear (He will accomplish His plan, even if to me it seems like failure)
• I do not have to be dismayed (If I remain faithful, I will count that as success even if the world says I failed)

Urgent Prayer Request

We are facing another huge obstacle in our ministry. Not impossible, but huge in our human eyes. The obstacle is finances and it’s threatening the immediate future of the school project.

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’" Mark 10:27

We’re in a tricky situation. We have to have a building rented, a full staff and money on reserve to even apply for a school license. However, without a license, we can’t have students and don’t receive the tuition fees. At the beginning of the school year (May-August), we were receiving some tuition reimbursement and weren’t renting a building at that time and the Thai staff was being paid by our partnering ministry. Now, the partnering ministry is no longer supporting the Thai staff, we are paying for the building rent and we aren’t receiving any tuition reimbursements. Our expenses have greatly increased at a very pivotal time in our ministry.

We have been unable to pay the bills that have come due this week. We are stuck. If we are unable to pay the bills and unable to continue toward obtaining our license, our project will have to shut down. This breaks my heart because there are so many children and their families in this community that the school could reach for the Lord’s purpose.

I come to you as a person not fond of asking for donations. However, I don’t want to sit back and know that I didn’t do everything in my power to get the word out about the reality of the situation. Please join us in praying for the future of Hope International Schools. Please pray for God’s guidance and clear direction. If you are interested in giving the ministry of H.I.S. please visit http://www.hopeinternationalschools.org/.

Thank you for partnering with us!

Trusting Him,
The School of Promise Team on behalf of the nation of Thailand