First Week in Thailand

It has certainly been a packed week! So much going on, sometimes we feel like we haven't much gotten our feet under us yet. But at the same time, God is so very good to us. We have had abundant opportunity to serve Him and been a part of so much going on! No doubt about it, the transition from the United States to Thailand is not an easy one. But then we have to remember that it is only the first week and we shouldn't expect ourselves to just acclimate right away.

We did a lot of teaching in the schools this week, opening up some doors to the area high schools. Pictured is Andrew leading a game of "Red light - green light" teaching the English words for directions and traffic symbols. Through such seemingly simple teaching, we were able to build relationships with not just the students at the school, but teachers as well. Leah and I were able to talk with one of the teachers, who is taking English herself. Bridges were built which will hopefully turn into future opportunities. It is amazing how something as simple as English can really open such doors to tell others about our Jesus!

We were also able to visit the elephant village, a certain "must" for the Anchor group to see while in Surin. They put on quite a show too, pictured is Andrew getting walked over by one of these elephants. Obviously, I am alive, I'm writing this blog! But I must say having such a humongous bestie treading over your chest is not exactly relaxing! What a place though, dozens of elephants just walking all over the place. Not something you will see in America.

We are just so thankful to the Lord for how He has taken care of us. He has given us new and old friends. Leah has picked up where she left off with her friends she made in 2003, and Andrew has been able to make friends as well during the week. Some of the student helpers we met at the schools this week came to Sunday service! Wow, that was exciting. One of them was studying graphic design, and so I was able to show him some of my work. I was excited that we connected on a level, because that is a bridge built through which the gospel can be taken to this guy. The teens were able to build many bridges as well, pictured are some of the guys playing a Thai sport, Takraw. It is like hacky sack in the US, but over a badminton style net. Very interesting, and our guys didn't do so bad!

Again, thanks to all who are praying for us. We are doing well, struggling with everything that is new, but excited about what God is already doing in us!