Hello All!
Life here in Thailand is flying by. It is hard to believe I have been here for almost 10 months. It seems to go by in a blur.
Most of my time, approximately 8 hours of the day, is filled with going to language school and doing homework. By now I have studied 7 levels in language school. I can now speak, read, and write Thai. Unfortunately, I still feel that my level of proficiency in those areas is not where I would like it to be. This Tuesday is my last day. I have enjoyed language school very much , especially these last 2 levels. They focused on reading stories about social problems in Thailand. It has been a good experience studying language, but I am ready for a break. Getting up at 5 in the morning, spending 1 hour or more traveling, and studying for 4 hours everyday for 5 days a week has taken it's toll on me.
Oh, I just wanted you all to know while you all are enjoying the nice cool snow, I am toasting here in 100 degree weather, and it is not even the hottest part of the season yet. :) Yea, you can send that snow over anytime! haha
I guess now you are all wondering now that Language school is done what the next step is. I was wondering that too. I had been looking for a job, but nothing seemed to feel right or work out. There was also a question of where I should live. I finally had a meeting with the leaders of the team here in Thailand. After talking to them we all decided it would be best to move closer to the team members form Nicaragua. I told them I wanted a reason to move there other then for spiritual support, so my Thai friends would understand when I move. It was decided that I go to KBU or Kasem Bundit University. I feel alot of peace about going there. I think God was telling me to go there for awhile, but I doubted what I was hearing.
They have a 4 year program that teaches Thai to foreigners. As of now I will only study for 1 year. I am very excited about this opportunity. It provides a chance to be on campus naturally, make relationships, and study Thai. I can also get a Visa through this which is awesome! I really feel like God has his hand on this and am looking forward to seeing how he will continue to open up doors.
This year I will also spend time praying and discerning what God would like me to do in the future. I have decided I will be in Thailand until God tells me to move on. I hope to have a plan in place for my next term in serving God. That will include hopefully a job, a visa, and a place to live. You can be praying that God will give me guidance in that.
I wanted to share with you all about my Easter considering it is pretty different form what you all experienced.
First of all it was hot! Real hot. I had to buy fruit for our meeting. So After I got ready I got on the motorcycle and headed out. It was a nice day to be driving. The sun was bright and the birds where singing. For me it was a special day. This is the whole reason I am here in Thailand, to tell people of the risen savior. For everyone else it was just a normal day.
I stoped by a vendor and bought some bananas and watermelon. After that I headed to the Mast's home for a international celebration. We gathered from 5 different countries. America, Thailand, Laos, Nicaragua, and Philippines. When we were all gathered, we worshiped in Spanish, English, Thai, and Laos. We then took communion using grape juice out of plastic cups and sticky rice. It was such a cool moment for me. Just knowing what Jesus has done and seeing brothers and sisters form around the world celebrating together was awesome. We also did a bible studied about Jesus and how he had risen.
I missed all the traditions that we do in the States. The Easter baskets, and candy, the Sunday meals, and the family. But I felt like I saw a bigger family. I feel like I really appreciated for the first time what Jesus really did. I hope you all had a blessed Easter. He has Risen, he has risen indeed!
May God bless you all!
Until next time!
Danielle
