Sawadee ka from the Land of Smiles!
That’s right, folks. I did make it across the big blue ocean and have been loving life in Thailand for almost a week now. I arrived around 9pm on Sept 2nd. I spent the first full day resting and sleeping-jet lag has sauntered into my life and I think wants to stay awhile. My body still is having a hard time even a week later-pray that I can get over this soon. Not my fav.
Last Friday was my first day at Center 1. The Well has three centers in Bangkok, each with its own directors and focuses. The Larsons are in charge of Center 1. Their focus is at risk women and their families, so we have not just women working and being discipled there, but a few men (husbands, boyfriends, and brothers) as well. The Larson’s philosophy is that when you reach out to a woman at risk, you reach out to her family, too, especially since family is such an important aspect of Thai culture. This also means that there are plenty of sweet Thai babies running around to hug and play with. I got to hold a little two month old sweetie for almost an hour yesterday so her mom could fully concentrate on the lesson. So, so precious.
The basic schedule at the center is Monday-Friday 8-4. The mornings are opened with worship and prayer followed by a teaching time for two hours. These vary from bible teachings, to english, to computers to guitar lessons to art class. Then, there is a break for lunch. We saunter down to some food stands down the street and get yummy rice, noodle and meat concoctions for 25 baht (that is less than $1, friends. I still can’t get over it) At noon, we gather back together and they begin the work aspect of their job. Each Center concentrates on different products, and ours makes cards. I have just been sitting with the women and helping them cut out and glue. Some speak good english, some a little, some none at all. They are such gracious people, love it when you try to speak Thai (even when you butcher it royally) and so we give each other lessons as we work. Yesterday, I spent some time signing the names of the girls working on the cards at my table on little cards that are attached to the back. Cairo fam, I had flashbacks to our YE days;) We take a break each day at 3 , too and a man with a fruit stand attached to a bicycle comes to our door and I have the joy of eating a huge piece of watermelon for just 10 baht. I look forward to this every day, probably excessivley so. You can’t beat good, cheap watermelon, though! We wrap things up around 4pm and take a song tau (truck with seats in the bed and a cover) home.
I am currently staying with the Larsons and share a room with a lovely gal from London, Nikki. She is also in Bangkok for three months and arrived a couple of days ahead of me. She was a complete last minute addition here, as she was planning to be in Chang Mai working with an NGO there, but it was not a good situation for her. She was connected to the Well after a month and is spending the rest of her time here. She is 28 as well, and an answer to the prayer I had for someone to walk through all of this with. He is faithful! It is great staying with a family too, and being apart of their lives. The Larsons constantly open their home to many people, so currently we have two Thai men from the Well living here too and another guy from the States who is here long term. Jim and Judy have five children, two children living here with them currently, so we make for a rambunctious household! I am still praying about whether to stay here or get a room within walking distance of the Well. Traffic is horrendous here and the Larsons live on the outskirts of town. Still trying to discern what is best. The Larsons have a ping pont table and seasons of the Cosby show on DVD though. That gives major points in my book. 🙂
Nikki and I
We have kept ourselves pretty busy this week, getting out and seeing what Bangkok has to offer. Ventured to a waterpark Saturday, worshipped at an international church, and hung out on a rooftop restaurant and had a drink. I am learning to enjoy life in the big city. I went on my first outreach last night in the red light districts, which was, of course, intense. I will save my thoughts about for another blog.
slide fun at the waterpark-on the top floor of a mall! that’s Bangkok, baby!
I have probably lost many of you already. Thanks for hanging in there! Life is good and God is being His faithful self here in Bangkok. I am heading to Buriam (northern province where the Well has a center run by a former student of theirs) on Thursday and will be there until Saturday. I will be traveling with Nikki and Thea, an Aussie girl passing through). I will try to update as soon as I return. Thanks for journeying with me!
Here is a little shout out to my southern friends. A night in Bangkok is not complete without a cute little emo Thai girl singing Sweet Home Alabama. A brief moment of home in a strange land 😉
great update, Jess! glad to see that you’ve landed well and are assimilating Thai life. have you made it to the floating market yet?
How great is that now, to have Nikki there! I know that was a concern of yours. Now you’ll have someone to bum around the big city of Bangkok with. Before you know it you’ll be so immersed into the culture and life there! Keep loving on those girls and those babies!
Jess– So great to read your update. You are His beloved…He is so Faithful…the word just doesn’t seem to describe the depths of His love for us. I am so glad you are experiencing the Lord daily in Thailand. I love you sister! Praying for a normal sleep schedule for you!
Glad you are having a good time. Do good and be SAFE. Love you sis
There will be no shortage of yummie cheap food there. It’s my favourite food place so far!
You’ll have to go to the mall and have some icy coconut soup with tapioca and jack fruit for me.
Glad all is going well, and great news about Nikki.
Enjoy Buriram. 🙂