Cant believe it

I will give a full post of all the latest happenings of this week when I get home. But its my last night here, wow, cannot believe it. Really. Tonight was very hard saying goodbye to the students and in just a few hours I must say goodbye to my teammates, not an easy thing. I love this city, and these people. God has blessed me beyond measure these two months. I have had such an amazing time. It is impossible for me to ever forget my time here. Thank you all again for the support and following along with me on my journey. Pray that God continues to grow these students and brings them unto himself.

I really cannot believe in just two hours I'm on a plane home, its crazy. I'm am not ready at all, but its time. God has done so much this summer and now I must go and pray he continues to do so.

Pray for safety and rest, we have a LONG trip ahead of us! See you in a couple of days, about to travel BACK in time, it should be fun and confusing yet again!

blog when i get back

24 more hour quick thoughts

Things that Ill miss the most.

I will miss my bed being made up everyday and clean sheets every night. This must be big since its number one. I guess I should say these are in no particular order.

I will miss staying in a hotel called the Nice Palace and all the jokes that come along with living in a palace that is not all that nice at times.

I will miss those two dang dogs that every morning bark at the same time, every stinkin morning!

I will miss all the inside jokes that our team has come to have.

I will miss trying to have a conversation with the cleaning lady everyday and her talking a million miles an hour to me in Thai, I keep telling her I DON'T SPEAK THAI, maybe one day she will get it! Ha ha

I will miss my morning coffee and toast, that cost me 1.50 and is amazing!

I will miss walking on campus and hearing AmIEE AmIEE!!

I will miss the walk to the bus stop, great time for conversation.

I will miss all the memories in the taxis, talking over the walky-talky to other taxi drivers, telling the taxi drivers all about our days in great detail when then do not understand any of it, dancing in the taxi, listening to Elvis int the taxi, and oh so many more memories.

Ill miss swing dancing in the streets and park

I will miss my 45 min ride to campus everyday in which I get to put my IPod on and just chill...

I will miss running into people we know on the streets

I will miss trying to figure out what the food is we pass on the streets.

I will miss trying to speak in hand motions... and I wont miss this too!

I will miss being able to bargain and not having anything be a set price.

I will miss cheap massages

I will miss hearing my teammates tap "I love you " every night on the wall before we go to sleep

I will miss all our late night fun times with all the Americans, playing games, telling stories, and just having the time of your lives.

I will miss 10 baht ice cream

I will miss the sounds of the city

I will miss watching the same commercials over and over and over again and thus randomly throughout the day braking into complete quotes of commercials.

I will miss my balcony that over looks the beautiful city

I will miss the sky-train

I will miss worshiping in English and Thai at the same time

I will miss bike rides at the park

I will all our LONG bus rides to all the places we have gone

I will miss the kindness of this nation

I will miss ROTEE!!!

I will miss some of the foo

All the 7/11 stores

Late night outings to get cream-os

Late night get together in the coffee shop, like right now its 3:18 A.M and im in the coffee shop with all the Americans, good times

I will miss at 6:00 everyday having to stop and sing the anthem with everyone in the the country.

Watching the video of my every-night getting attack by the monkeys

Watching the leprechaun video everynight.

I will miss ALL THE PEOPLE THAT I HAVE MET!!!!! ALL THE STUDENTS AND AMERICANS AND TEAMMATES!!!

put simply, Thailand.. I will miss you

I could go on and on and on!! but now things I wont miss

1) Waiting for the one elevator that takes forever

2) Stairs

3) Millepede's

4) having to pay for internet

having to wait for the bus

squatty potties

having to buy toilet paper before using the Hong Nam.

having stuff drop on your head as you walk down the street.

only having one cell phone- I have loved not having my phone with me but its hard to only have one team phone to all share.

not having a straightner

The smells of the streets-- Ok i might miss this a little

and thats about it.. im sure there is more but not many.

Can you tell I love THAILAND.. cause I do!!!!

I better get to bed.. hope I can blog tommorrow. Have sooooo many wonderful stories to share, but if not, Ill see you in America!

Bunch of Rambles

I cannot believe that in just a few days I will be heading back to America. Wow. I have so much that I want to tell you all, so this might be a long post and broken up into a few different sections. Things have been moving so fast around here, I am so sorry to have fallen short on my blog, but like I said it is not priority.

I am overwhelmed with emotions thinking about all that God has done this summer. Looking back at these eight weeks I see so much change in myself, my teammates, and the students we have met. This truly has been a season of restoration and redemption for so many of us. Trying to put into words all that has taken place almost seems like an impossible task.

Yesterday we had a farewell party after church. It consisted of the usual fun, games, songs and food. But we also had a time where the Americans said goodbye and the Thai students were able to talk. Needless to say it was very emotional. When the students shared their heart with us on what this summer has meant to them it just assured me once again that this is the Lords will for us to be here this summer. I will share a few of the stories with you.

Oma is such a sweet guy. A few weeks ago our teammate Stewart just happen to meet him as he was getting a bottle of water. Oma had heard the gospel several years ago but never seeked to know any more about it. However some situations in his life recently have caused him to rethink everything. Oma told Stewart that just a day before they met he prayed to God that if he was real that he would send someone to tell him more about himself. The next day he met Stewart, who was just getting a bottle of water at his cafeteria. Stewart was able to share the gospel with him, and Oma is now seeking to know Jesus, seeking to know the truth. When Oma told us his story and how he feels when he hears scripture it puts a fire in my heart. I cannot describe the feeling, but it was no accident that Stewart or any of us here on this team are meant to be here. Anytime we are in a group setting, most of the time Oma is over reading the bible, trying to find truth. I'm amazed, and will never forget this guys heart.

Quwang- Don’t worry if you don’t know her now, you will meet her in heaven. Quwang accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior this past week. She thanked us continually for giving up our summer to come share Jesus with her so that she can spend forever with him. That right there is enough reason for coming, just that once little sentence. Pray for her as she seeks to understand what it is like to live like a christian. But how neat it is to know she needs to know nothing more except all she knows now, Jesus. Praise the Lord!

We had so many students reveal their heart to us, cry for us not to leave, give us presents, and tell us how much they love us. I have seen many wonderful and amazing things while on this trip, but the honest truth, the most beautiful things I have seen thus far is the hearts of these students. When I came to Thailand my goal was to tell these people about Jesus, but I never thought in a million years I would grow to love them so much. It is going to be so hard to say goodbye not to the “students” but to my dear friends. They are some of the sweetest people I have ever met, so selfless and giving.

Wow, I just have so many things I want to say, and I don’t know how to put it into words. I guess its just an impossible thing to try to explain the power of the Holy Spirit, and how evident it its that its working here.

Sorry I am so scatter-brained. I just do not want to leave. I keep thinking about how my expectations for this trip have been far far exceeded. The Lord has done far beyond what I could have ever imagined. He has blessed us beyond measure and equipped us to do the impossible. Today is a Buddhist holiday, so there are no classes, many students have gone to the temples, but many have chosen to stay here with us. I know when we get on that plane on Friday it will not be the end to what God has begun here. I have a desire in my heart to come back to Bangkok, and continue to build these growing relationships that have started this summer.

If I could try in the smallest bit to sum up what I have learned this summer it would be this. To abide in Christ, find your identity in Christ, to pray and seek wisdom in Christ, to trust that Christ has a perfect plan, and that his plan will work out. This morning while having my quiet time in the coffee shop downstairs I read about how God called Moses to do the impossible. In Exodus we see how Moses made many excuses to God on why he should not be the one to do what the Lord asked of him. He thought he was incapable, not wise enough, not strong enough, and he flat out just did not want it to be him. And through his conversation with God, trying to convince him to send someone else God said “ I will be with you” and “ I will help both (him and Aaron) of you speak and will teach you what to do”! Wow! Even Moses was scared to do what God called him to do, but God was with him. I felt the EXACT same way when I was coming here. I had my tickets I was packed and I knew no matter what I was spending two months in Thailand, but I was terrified. I was scared that I would be alone, that I would not have the answers, that I would do something wrong, and in all honesty there were moments that as exciting as this adventure sounded I just flat out didn’t want it to be me. But just as God fulfilled his promise to Moses, he has fulfilled it with me. He has been with me, evey moment of every day. He has given me the words to say to these students, when I flat out do not have a clue what to say. We must remember that “ apart from him we can do nothing”, and we cant. Yes we can spend a summer in a foreign land, but to have students come to know Christ and to seek the truth in such a dark city, that my friend is all God!

My God, he is mighty to save, let him use you, I promise you will not regret it.

Surrender a time in your life that you can say, “God this time is for you, use me, brake me, send me.” You do not have to be a college student, and you don’t even have to come to Asia, you just have to surrender. I have met many elderly couples this summer that in retirement felt they needed to come to Thailand for a Summer. I have also met many young family's that have dropped everything they had and came to serve the Lord. Its not impossible, in fact its very very possible. Do you remember me and my story? How I had a mile long list of things that kept me from coming to Thailand this summer, and in just a few weeks all those “impossible” things that kept me from coming just “somehow” worked themselves out? Well it did, and I came, and I am forever changed. The Lord has allowed me to see this nation in so many aspects, from the village to the city, from the mountains to the beach, and from the saved to the lost. If I could have ever thought up a perfect trip it would not even come close to the trip He has planned for me.

I could go on, and will soon. So many more things I want to share. Still have not blogged about the beach, but I am heading to meet with some students.

Remember, God is good all the time, and all the time God is good!

Love you all!

To God be the Glory

I do not have long to post, I am at the university right now. But I might not be able to post for couple of days. Just wanted to give a quick update on the camp.

Thank you to all of those who prayed this weekend for us. I know that the prayers were heard. We had an amazing time at the camp. Ill give you a quick rundown.

Friday we left after all the classes were done. We took a bus about 2 hours north of Bangkok to a resort. Our bus ride was so much fun. To save money we rented a "party bus". It had no air condition but it did have party lights. Ha ha. It was at night so they bus driver turned on the music and lights and we all danced for two hours in the aisle. It was a little cramped, but oh so much fun. We kept it baptist, don't worry ha ha ! But this was a great time for us to just chill with the students.

The resort was beautiful. It was in the mountains/ jungle. We all stayed in little bungalow type houses. I stayed with 6 girls. I had the pretties view out my window when I woke up each morning. I would post pics but unable to at this moment. There was a huge pool, wonderful food, and plenty of trails to go exploring. We took many walks, and found many creatures on our walks, YIKES!

On Friday night we just rested up in our rooms and tried to get to know the Thai students better. Saturday morning we woke up, ate a wonderful breakfast, and then had activities. We painted team flags, and came up with cheers. All of our activities were focused around teaching English in a way that taught the gospel.

After lunch we spent the afternoon hanging out by the pool and talking with students. Saturday night we had a program where once again we played games and sung songs. Some Americans also performed a skit, that explained that we all have baggage in our lives, and we need to learn to lay them at the foot of Jesus. Our supervisor, Tim, and his wife Jill shared the Gospel as well. Then we broke up into small groups and talked about everything.

While talking with some Americans last night about the weekend, the best way we could describe it was that we thought it was very fruitful. Out of 26 students, about 15 are very very interested in learning more about Jesus, and about 5 of those have talked very seriously about accepting him as their savior. We were so blessed this weekend with the direction and wisdom of the Lord. I truly saw his hand working throughout the weekend. We serve such a divine God. The way he orchestrated everything just amazes me. So many of the students just had a desire to know about our joy. We had several students that opened up to us, and poured out their hearts to us. They told us that they were seeking what we had.

I am just amazed. This summer has been so different from all other mission trips I have been on. We truly have been shown again the power of prayer. Prayer is such a powerful thing! To see how God is working through us by the testament of these students just proves that God is a sovereign, all knowing God who directs us to the ones he is working on. I am challenged so many times because I doubt that certain students would ever be interested in the gospel, and so many times I am wrong. The ones you would least expect are the ones who are searching.

I know that there were many seeds planted this weekend. Today we have already met up with many of the students on the trip. Twice already today I have talked with students that attended the camp about what it means to be a Christan. God is moving in this place.

I am filled with such indescribable joy today. I trust that when we leave this place in a week and a half that the Holy Spirit will not. This summer has taught me personally so much about my savior. Our God's mercy is so deep, and his love is wide.

Please pray that the Holy Spirit continues to work on these hearts! I pray that we are given the time that is needed to spend with these students before we leave. I hope that God enriches these relationships so that when we leave the relationships can sustain. (Praise God for facebook! Seriously!)

A week and a half, wow. I better not talk about it or I might cry!

Tonight we are going south to the beach for a few days. We will get on a bus and drive 14 hours through the night. Pray for safety for our team, I am soooooo excited! Cant wait!!!

It all leads up to this..

aSo sorry I have not posted an update in a while. Lots of amazing things have been going on, but I'm just too busy. I will inform you of this past week on Monday I hope, but for right now I just ask you to pray for us.

As you know all summer we have been building relationships with these students. Many of us have all ready been given the opportunity to share the gospel with them, and a few still have not heard it yet. Some students are really seeking the truth, while others just take it as a history lesson.

None the less, in a just a few hours we will be taking 20+ eager as well as non-eager students to a resort for the weekend. Here we will be working on English, playing games, and sharing Christ. I am so excited to see what will happen this weekend.

I will be sure to update you as soon as I get home on what is going on, but I ask one favor of you... pray!
Its kinda cool really to think about it, you in America, me in Thailand, and our Father in Heaven. But yet distance does not matter when it comes to the power of prayer. We have been blessed with missionaries here, a place to go, money and food, and now we need God to work. As believers and brothers and sister in Christ we are called to pray for each other. Many of you committed to this when I came, so now is your chance to make it happen. Here is a list of things you can pray for.

1) Safety- Traveling there and back. Safety at the resort, while sleeping ans spending time together.

2) Health- That everyone feels their best the entire time. Missionaries and students.

3) Fellowship- That God shows how to have true fellowship between believers and non- believers

4) Direction and Wisdom- For believers and non-believers

5)Faith that God can and will fulfill his good, perfect, and pleasing will in his timing!

6) Rest

7) Salvation and Truth- Non-believers to seek Jesus, and find him

8) Understanding- that even though we might not see "results" that we know the Holy spirit is working

9) That God reveals himself to us, that we are filled with the Holy Spirit and that we grow and abide in him like never before. Pray we learn even more how to depend on our father, how to pray to our father, and how to glorify the name of our father.

There are many more things that we need and should pray about, so this is not a complete list by any means. I ask you to keep us in your thoughts this weekend. I know that we are just planting the seed and it takes a long time for that seed to grow sometimes. But pray that when that seed is planted that it can be watered, and soon enough can grow.

In a lot of ways this is one of the last times we will really get to spend quality time with the students.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Love you guys!

Almost made it all summer....

Well I almost made it all summer without getting sick., that is until Saturday.

We went to the floating market Saturday with some students, and it was fun, until the end. I will tell you more about that day in a bit but first to update you on my health, since many of you were praying for me.

Sometime during Saturday I ate something that I was not suppose to eat. We ate on the water and the Thai students so sweetly ordered for us. It was family style, with many interesting foods. I was scared to eat some of the foods because I didnt know how "clean" it was, so the germaphobe that I am I decided to stick to the vegetables that were garnish. I now assume that since they were garnish they were not cleaned, and thus were not suppose to be eaten. About an hour after eating the vegetables I began feeling very sick to my stomach. We were on a boat ride for two hours so I knew it would be a while until I could get back home.

I began feeling worse and worse. Long story short, after the boat ride and the bus ride back to the train, (we use plane, trains, and automobiles to get around these parts , ha ha) I was so sick I could not even stand up. I sat at the train station while five of my WONDERFUL teammates fanned me off. I got on the train, barley, but when I got off I was so sick and in so much pain that two of my teammates had to carry me the rest of the way home to the hotel, which is about a mile away. They were my lifesavers!!!!

By the time I got to the hotel I knew I had to get to the hospital. So my supervisor took me to the ER with the help of two of my teammates. We live right down the road from the hospital so this was very convenient. They hurried me in, and confirmed it indeed was food poisoning. They gave me two injections through an IV so the pain would ease quicker. I now know you are never suppose to eat uncooked veggies.

Within the hour the pain began to ease, but still did not feel up to par. I was able to go home though. I stayed in bed the rest of the night and most of the next day.
I have been on meds that have saved my life, and whatever it is is moving through my body. It has been a rough couple of days, but today I feel so much better! Almost back to my normal self.

Through this experience I have been reminded once again how weak humans are, and how in our weakness we must learn to depend on others, as hard as that may be. I am so blessed to have these wonderful people here to take care of me. I love to serve people, but its very hard to be served sometimes (unless its by your momma). Some of the girls took such good care of me while I was here. It was a humbling experience for sure to have to depend on my teammates in a new way.
Our God is the great physician, and what an understatement that is. I am so thankful that it was not worse then it was. It could have been ALOT worse.

2 Corinthians 12:9 "... My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"

I am so thankful that God has given me good health most of the summer. What a reminder of how weak humans can become so quickly, one minute I was fine, and the next I was so weak I could not stand up. But Gods power is so perfect, even in my weakness. When I am weak, indeed he is strong. I am reminded that I am in control of nothing, and how I must learn to depend even ever so more deeply on my savior each day. Whether I am talking with students, or sick, I am weak. Weather I am so well and able or ill and distraught I am weak. Whether I am happy or I am sad, I am weak. I am weak because I am human, but through him I am redeemed, renewed, refreshed and made strong. What an awesome, powerful, all mighty God I serve.

I just hope I do not have to experience this again, not fun at all!


Thanks for the prayers, and Ill post more soon. LOTS OF GOOD IS HAPPENING, God is MOVING some BIG mountains!!!

Blogola Time

Well, so I am sad that it has become a weekly thing that I really update and blog. I fully intend to blog more often, but I am so busy, and keeping up with this blog is not number one on my list of things to do. So I will give you a quick update day by day of this past week as well as some things to pray for.

Friday- we had a fourth of July party at the school. They cooked for us and had a little ceremony. We had spaghetti and fetachnie (spelling?) and corn on the cob, as well as some other very scrumptious food. Some Thai students sang some American songs for us, but they were far from patriotic. We had everything from Norah Jones, to Lady GaGa. It was a bit hilarious to say the least. They asked us prior to the party if we would sing a song, we thought they meant patriotic so we sang the Star Spangled Banner. I just find it very funny we sing the national anthem and they sang Lady GaGa, I'm sure we looked real cool. But hey it was the fourth of July! They also made us dance for them, I taught one of the old teachers how to two step, they were a hoot! I wore a white skirt and a red and white striped shirt with a blue cover, what can I say, I make a great American flag. Im proud to be an American, ha ha ha! But really, I am. There are some British English teachers that teach at SPU. They came to the party, it was... well.. really what do you say. I had to explain to the group why we celebrate Fourth of July in America, there was a bit of awkwardness in the air. Can you guess why??

Saturday- We were able to sleep late and it was so wonderful. At noon we went to SPU (the university) to help out with freshy day. Its a day were all the freshmen go through hazing, very interesting. They asked us to play English games with the, so for five hours I played sherades. To say I am tired of this game is an understatement. But it was a good time to meet new freshman. We went to JJ market that night to find some souvenirs. I really like JJ, but it is soooo big.

This lions club clock is at JJ. Go lions club!

Sunday- Fourth of July- Church was great as always. After church we had hot dogs and potatoes salad and chili. Oh and Jello, I felt like such an American. The fourth of July here really is just another day, nothing special at all. Every once in a while we would say happy fourth, but with no fireworks whats the point. At the park we rented some bikes and took a wonderful ride. Me and the girls who rode the bikes sang We are proud to be an American, and God Bless America, I love that no one understands us. We kept telling everyone that it was Americas day when we would pass them, and the Thai's would just smile, to much fun.

I really enjoyed riding the bikes, perfect thing to do on the fourth of July. We also played some frisbee in the mud, I was VERY muddy. I went with some of the guys to watch them play basketball, I met a guy there from Houston. He said he loves to go to San Marcos to shop and float, small world.

Just a side note, because we did it Sunday night as well, us Americans have gotten SO good at squeezing into taxi's. We have a system, two in the front, four in the back, and two in laps. Im always a “lapper” I guess you could say. That's eight people; the taxi driver's hate us, but our wallets love us!

Monday- One of the best days on campus so far. The night before we really prayed again that God would send us the students he wanted us to meet that day. First thing when I got on campus I went and ate breakfast with three girls that I had met the previous week. They were so much fun to be around, really kept me laughing. Jay, on of the girls, asked me what how you said “pimple”. She thought she had a pimple, but insisted to me that she didn't have acne, and had a clear “completion” as she said. Then she asked me what “dimples” were called. It was so funny, she kept saying we love dimples and hate pimples. Sweet girl. They wanted to meet with us again sometime this week because they said they do not know many people on the campus. I am hoping tomorrow we can meet up with them again.

Eve and Fern called me soon after that and wanted to have lunch. I am so happy they have continued to call us, I am praying that even though they do n

ot seem very interested in the gospel, that us being around them will influence their lives, and in Gods timing their hearts will yearn for him. Eve

asked me to go with her to her badminton class. I was a bit hesitant because, one I didn't know what the teacher would think, and two I and the rest of America DOES NOT play badminton. But I went anyway, what the heck right? Sure Ill make a fool of myself in front of hundreds of students, why not! Fortunately, the teacher did not show, and I blended right in with all the others who could not play badminton. Beginning to think if anyone actually can. I had sooooo much fun though, and got in several good laughs with the girls. I enjoy doing activities with them where we do not always have to speak and be serious.

After that I went and met up a girl named Beer, yes... Beer. She was a girl that we met at the fourth of July party at SPU. It was pouring down rain so we sat on the porch of the liberal arts building and just talked. It was nice. Beer is not very good at English, but a joy to be around. She thoroughly loves Americans and really wants to get to know us. She had to leave pretty quickly to get back to class but ate supper with us later that night.

Right as Beer was leaving, Fern was coming. ( Don't you love these names? I do!) Fern is a girl that I do not ever remember meeting the first time, but one day I ran into her on campus and she remembered me. We have wanted to get together for a long time but she is only on campus one day a week. She speaks English very well and is just a doll. Luckily that day several of her classes were canceled. ( lets just say its more normal to have class canceled then to have it at SPU, very sad). I asked Fern if she would want to go up to the English room and play a game. When we got up to the room I felt that I should give her the survey about being interested in the gospel.

Fern was very interested! As soon as she was done with the survey she asked me to tell her more. I was elated! I was able to talk with Fern for about an hour about Jesus Christ and what he means to me. She told me she is very worried that if she dies she will not go to heaven because she is not good enough. I was able to explain to her that as a christian none of us are good enough to go to heaven, because God is perfect and Holy and we are sinners. But because God loved us so much he knew he had to make a way for us to in our imperfection to live eternally in a perfect paradise with him. So he sent his only son, Jesus Christ to pay ransom for our sins and bridge the gap between us and God. I explained to her that our bible tells us that there is no other way to the father except through Jesus.

Fern had never seen a bible. I showed her mine and she just held it and flipped through it for several mins. She would ask questions and then listen patiently while I explained. She asked me how I know the bible is true and why I believe what I believe. She asked me many questions in fact, some simple and others not so much. But the best thing about the whole situation was that she honestly was interested. A lot of Thai people will sit and listen to you out of respect, but this was not about respect, this was different. I could feel the Holy Spirit speaking through me. I don't mean to sound crazy, but I was just in awe with how God provided me with the words and scriptures to share with her.

After we talked I asked her if she would like a bible and she said yes. I gave her one to read, and hope she has been able to. She told me it was a lot to take in because it was so different from everything she had been taught, which is completely understandable. Please pray that the Holy Spirit moves in Ferns life. Pray that when she reads the bible that God will give her a heart and mind to hear him. Pray that our team is given another opportunity to meet with her.

We went to dinner that night with Fern and Beer. I was happy we were able to have a little girl time in a social environment. I know that God can take control of these relationships. I am asking God for discernment on how to approach these situations.

That day was great! Got just sent us a fountain of students, and really reminded us of our purpose.

Tuesday- I was able to sleep a little later because my schedule was different. I headed to SPU about 12:00 stuffed like sardines in the taxi. I would love to know what the students think when they see these crazy “farong, pronounced falong” , which means white Americans, pour out of a taxi. I am sure it is a sight to see.

I didn't have many students that day, but that was ok. Gave m

e a chance to go around and meet with new ones. At 2:30 I caught a bus to the Baptist Student Center on the other side of Bangkok. Some of our team works there every night teaching English, but last night they needed help, so I went. The BSC teaches English classes from beginner to advanced. All the classes are taught mostly by retired America

n school teachers that are now missionaries. I met an older man from Oklahoma whose brother was Youth minister of FBC Odessa for many years. Small world once again.

I sat in the conversation corner most of the night. This is an area where the students, who are mostly adults, can come and just practice having an English conversation. I helped in two classes as well. Both classes were beginner one, so about all I could do was ask them their names and then go over vocab. None the less, It was a blast. I really enjoy the BSC. The people are great, the atmosphere is great, and it is such a joyful place. I wish I was able to go more often.

While we were there we met some other American missionaries. Its fun to meet Americans. We met two guys named Dan and Dave I believe. They w

ere from South Caroline, the same town as one of our other missionaries, and have many mutual friends together. Another small world thing. You may have heard of these guys though. Dan and Dave were missionaries with their brother Jeremy last summer in Yellowstone. I am not sure of the exact story, but towards the end of their two month trip they were in a terrible car crash. Jeremy, the younger brother was pronounced dead at the scene, but when they got to the hospital he was alive. He was in a comma for several months and is now paralyzed. Dan was told he would never walk again, after he broke both his neck and back. Today he is walking just fine. Dave had minor injuries but was still forced to take off work for a year as an elementary school teacher.

I was broken for these boys, what a tough year they have had. But they just radiated the love of Jesus Christ. They handed out wrist bands that say, being Jeremy's legs. Dan and Dave will be working with the BSC this summer. We know it is hard for them to be away from their brother, but was an amazing testimony they have that can bring glory to our Father. Our team is asking you to pray for them, and their brother for a full recovery. Our heavenly father is the great physician and can heal their brother.

I am still aw-stuck at the people that God has brought together thi

s summer. Some of us work closer with each other and others we only meet on our journey. But we are clearly reminded of our Gods divine power in stories like these. It is evident that God can be glory through ones pain. I hope that this team continues to learn this sometimes very hard lesson.

Wednesday-

You tired of reading yet, well I'm tired of typing, so there you go!!

It was my day off today, I'm sure you have caught on to that already. I woke up early and caught the skytrian with MaryAnna, the sweetest girl from Mississippi ever. We rode to Victory monument where we met a BSC student. Puy just graduated from law school and is now living at home. I think you could say she is almost fluent in English. She w

anted to take us somewhere today, and we were up to the adventure. We had heard of the thrown palace and thought we should check it out. We hoped on a bus once we met up with Puy and rode for about 15 mins.

We were unable to take pics from inside but maybe I can google some. On the grounds there are several palaces and several museums. We saw many old artifacts from Thailand , including old carriages and carts the Kings rode in.

Vimanmek palace was amazing. It is the world's largest golden teak-wood mansion. It is BIG, and full of amazing things. We took a tour of it. I could not help but imagine being a little girl living in this palace. It was like something you would see in a movie.

Once we were done there we went on to see the Amanda Samakhom Throne Hall. This is by far the most beautiful building I have ever seen in my life. Again I was unable to take pics. This is where the Royal family have parties and where their thrones are. I do not even know how to begin to describe its beauty. There are so many amazing things to look at, ill try to find some pictures.

We ate lunch with Puy and then headed back to the hotel.

Please pray for me. I have something terribly wrong with my eyes. I woke up with them both swollen shut and blood shot red. This really made the day with Puy hard. I was miserable the the entire time. I feel much better now, but my eyes are still blood shot. I think I got something in them, I am not sure. Sweet MaryAnna prayed with me about them. If the devil cant distract you one way he will another. I have felt good most days, other then headaches, but when your eyes hurt your whole body hurts. A lot of days my contacts bother me, but this is different, its defiantly not my contacts.

Anyhow... everything else is going stupendously. Ill say it again, I am having the time of my life. We are praying through the students and trying to figure out the ones we are suppose to take to camp with us next weekend. This camp will be an evangelistic camp, so we want to take students that are open to the gospel. Pray that God reveals those people to us, and that He will make a way for them to go.

I want to thank everyone again for their encouragement. Your prayers are much need, and I know we have so many people back home praying. I am having fun, but more then anything I feel I am being used. I have had some amazing conversation with my teammates, and I am blessed to have these brothers and sisters here with me to encourage and keep each other accountable. We have about three weeks, wow, three weeks. And then.. its over. But it is FAR from over right now, I know God is going to continue to use us and shape us and mold us. I expect not only for students here to be forever changed, but for myself as well.

Dear Lord, If i get it down, will you keep it down??

I asked a student to pick out my lunch today, the only thing I recognized was tofu. I am feeling better now... its all about the experience.. right???? The other day there was an octopus in my soup... thats all I should have to say.



Fried chicken and rice... safest bet so far.




Phai Thai is also good, its noodles with peanuts and sprouts.



The best dessert I have found though is Rotee. It is like a fried crape with butter and condensed milk on it. Alot of people eat it with banana but I just like it plain. I could live on it if I had to.



You can also get KFC ice cream cones here for 10 baht, which is about 25 cents.. so wonderful and so not good for the figure! Thai food is VERY spicy, so we are told to be careful what we try. I try to eat Thai food most of the time and splurge on American about twice a week. Most meals here are less then a dollar. Its great.

That is all... ha ha

Update

Well good middle of the night to you Americans, and afternoon to the Thia’s. Don’t think any Thia’s are ready this, but if they were…good afternoon.

Today is Wednesday here, my day off. Once again its just about the best thing ever to have a day off. God was good to us when he ordered to have a day of rest, why is it that so many of us forget to obey that order?? I slept until about nine o’clock and when I woke up I had a really bad headache. I have continued to have it most of the day. This puts a damper on my day off plans, but none the less it has been fabulous. I was able to skype with Jonathan this morning, that was wonderful. I think skype and facebook are two of the best inventions for people away from friends and family.
Ever since I have been here I have had a craving for Mexican food. Last week a friend here found a Mexican food place, but also paid a hefty price, 35 bucks! I was determined NOT to have to pay half of my weekly budget to calm my cravings. So after some asking and looking I found some WONDERFUL Mexican food at a really cheap price! The ones off today went to check it out. We rode the sky train a few miles to a really cute little shopping center. Once we found the Mexican food I had a burrito, no it was not a BigDeal burrito from Crane, but for Bangkok Mexican it was five star.

After eating our “last meal” worthy burritos, we found a nice little dessert café, called “ There is always room for dessert” . It smell was heavenly, wow. And our dessert was prolly some of the best dessert I have ever had. It was a brownie with hot fudge and ice cream, but was made from the best ingredients. Yeah we paid for it all right, but oh so worth it. I will have to run some stairs later to work it all off.
This week has found its ups and its downs. We all can tell personal stories of Gods successes, and our failures here this week, but I will only share with you mine.
After I blogged on Monday, Eve came to see me. I have been so happy that not only have I pursued her, but she as well has made effort to come talk to us. She came in and asked if she could take me to the zoo. I was a little in shock and asked when. She then went on to explain that she had a day off and really wanted to hang out. She asked my partner as well and said her friend View would be there as well. We actually already have plans to go to the zoo one Saturday so I asked if we could go to the aquarium. After talking with my supervisor we both thought that it was very important that I went. So me and my partner, Ashley, took the rest of the day off to spend with the girls.
Before we left Ashley and I prayed that God not only would protect us but that he would also give us the right opportunities to share with these girls.
We took the skytrain across Bangkok to the nicest mall in town, Siam Paragon. This is where the most expensive restaurants, and shops are. It is very beautiful, with fountains and amazing architecture. I was really hoping that I would have a chance to visit Siam, so was thrilled to be there.
The aquarium was at Siam as well. I am not big into fish, so it was ok. Once you have been to an aquarium you have been to them all. But it was a great time to build relationships with these students. They wanted to do the biggest package, so we did lots of extra things. We went on a behind the scenes tour, and rode the glass bottom boats. The funnest thing we did, however, was the “happy feet”. This is something than many Thai’s do. You stick you feet into a tank full of little fish. The fish then proceed to nibble away the dead skin from your feet. It tickles soooo much. Typically I would not do something like this, because I am a major germafob, but I was glad I did it. We had lots of giggles. Eve and View love taking pictures, so we took plenty. I will share in a bit…
After we shopped and hung out we had to head back. Ashley and I had a meeting so we had to part ways, but it was a great day.

The next day was Ashley's day off, so I was not sure if Eve would come to visit us. But sure enough she did. I, the Texas team, and all the Americans prayed for these girls the previous night at our meeting so I really was hoping that God would give me a chance to talk to them about Jesus. Eve told me she had class all day but it actually ended up being cancelled, so I was able to take Eve and View to lunch.
Ruth Anne, my supervisor Tim's daughter, came to translate for me. I asked the girls to take a quiz for me that just let me gage where they stood and how receptive they would be to hearing the gospel. The quiz asked basically if they knew who Jesus was and if they wanted to know more. It was only about ten questions long.
Both of them took it willingly. Their answers were expected but at the same time discouraging. Long story short, Eve basically told Ruth that she felt she already knew all she needed to know about Jesus. She said that she thinks Christianity and Buddhist are very similar and she is satisfied with being Buddhist. View actually asked us a few more questions about how Jesus forgives sin. Some other things were said, but this was the just of it.
At the moment, I felt defeated. There were so many things I wanted to say to these girls but just knew it was not the right time. But then I felt an overwhelming peace from the Lord. I know that this is the Lords work and not mine. He will have to be the one to lift the vial from these girls eyes so that they can see the truth. He will have to be the one to bring them unto his wing. He will have to be the one to reveal to them that there is a hope that is found in his son Jesus that cannot be found in any other religion. HE WILL HAVE TO BE THE ONE…. But for me.. I just have to be there to listen, and when the time is right to speak.
If everything were on my timing no telling what would go on, but its not. Yes I would have loved to have these girls ask questions all day, but they didn’t, and that’s ok. I think however, this is the time to pray for these girls like we have never done before. I pray that what we said irritates them in a way that they want to search for the truth.
We spent the rest of the afternoon together learning English. They acted the same, wonderful to be around. I know this barrier is not the end, but just another way that makes me trust in the Lord.
These are just two of the girls that we have talk to, there are numerous more. Some have wanted to hear everything there is to know, while others have walked away and not returned.

I cant believe it is the middle of the summer. I have been here a month and have a month to go. In some ways it feels like I have been here forever, and in others I feel like it was yesterday that I got of the plane. But before I know it I will be on that plane going home. I once again will say that God has a perfect plan for this team this summer. We cant change this nation, but God can. I have already seen some amazing things and been comforted so many times by the Holy Spirit. I have fallen in love with this beautiful city. I have begun to love all the noises, and sights, even some of the food. But other then the dessert place from today, the smells are still not my best friend. It has been such an eye opening experience to me to live in a culture so very different, but in a lot of ways, so very similar to mine. I really hope that this next month will be just as good or even greater then the first. I honestly am not looking forward to the day I go home. I cannot wait to see my family, but I love it here. (no mom I'm not going to move here..)
I hope that I can continue to experience the culture and make friends. The Thai people are just such amazing people.
There is so much going on all the time that its hard for me to know what to share, and remember what I have. I would love to answer any questions yall might have about anything.
Continue to pray that God will move these mountains.

Some days you just ought to ride an elephant.

Hello Blog World. I hope your side of the world is getting along ok. Saw the oil spill is still not contained, the media over America here is sounding like there are some hard times over there. Keep me updated as well!

As for here, things are wonderful. These last couple of days I have just felt an overwhelming peace that God has his hands in all the situations we are encountering. We are continuing to build relationships with these students and many of them have begun to turn into friendships. I thoroughly enjoy hanging out with the Thai people. They truly are such a joy to be around. I am reminded of the verse in James that says “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

We really do serve a God whose love is consistent. Pray that we are reminded daily that all good things, blessings, and our wisdom comes from the Lord and that he is unchanging. Many of these students are just that to us, gifts.

As many of you might have seen tagged photos on facebook, we had a bit of an adventure on Saturday. We took about 35 Thai university students to see the ruins of the old ancient capital of Thailand. Here we got to ride elephants.

The elephant shows were so neat. It really seemed as if they were humans dressed up as elephants. They were trained so well, kind of makes you wonder how they train them. Riding the elephants was an experience. How often do you get to say you rode an elephant through ancient ruins of Thailand? Not often. It was so funny while on the elephants because we just kept saying, "I’m on an elephant". At one point we were close to a street and I looked down and saw a guy on a motor-scooter, I yelled down at him "Hey just so you know down there I am on an elephant"! He had absolutely no clue what I was saying but he looked up and laughed!
(sidenote- sometimes its really funny how you can use the language barrier as a laughter relief, no telling what they are saying about us!)

Once we were off the elephants we went up and hiked around parts of the ruins. I think this was one of the oldest things I had ever seen. I am not sure of the exact date but it is several thousand years old. To us they were just historical markers with impressive architecture, good photo-shoot spot. But to the Thai's they were spiritual monuments in which they gave praise. Again, it is so hard to see these people putting their faith into something that is dead or non existent. How empty and hollow of a world it must be to not be filled with the Holy Spirit. I am so thankful that I serve a God that not only is the author of salvation, but also fills me with a never ending fountain of love and peace. While at the ruins I prayed that the people there would be filled with the peace that can only be found from our God.

Eve and View went with us on Saturday as well. I am so thankful we got to spend the day with them. They love being around us. I am really excited to see where this relationship goes with these girls. I know they are entirely lost, but I also feel in my heart that they are searching. Pray that God shows us how to be an example to them, so through us they can see him.

There are several other students here that some of the American got to share Christ with. A few names are, Off, Awf, Nice, and Ake. Please pray that these students are broken and hear the gospel.

Yesterday we had church again. We hung out with several students and then went to the park. This will be the case every Sunday. It was a wonderful time of fellowship with the Thai Christians. I love how the church truly acts as one body and a family. They truly love one another, we can learn so much from them.

I am heading to have lunch with a girl named Fern! Hope it goes well!

What a Joy!

I am sitting here smelling like fish sauce because I split it on me at lunch. I feel sorry for those around me, I stink. But other then the fish sauce today has been stupendous!!!

We spent most of our morning prayer walking the campus. I believe in the power of prayer and that God can do big and mighty things when we call upon his name. I am so thankful we had the chance to do this today. We prayed, and would love for you to pray with us as well, for the protection of the American students while on campus, for opportunity with students on campus, for the Lords guidance and direction, for the students we have met and will continue to meet, and many more things.

Eve called me at lunch and wanted to come join me. She is just the sweetest girl; I have a major burden on my heart for her. We were able spend all afternoon together working on our English. It was fun for me to teach her, and she was a great learner. Tomorrow her and three of her friends are going with us to Utia, the old ancient capital of Thailand, for the day. Pray that God can cultivate these relationships and that he uses tomorrow as a way for our friendship to strengthen. Eve already told me that she would ride elephants with me, I am pretty stoked!!

Tonight we have a hang out night at the church, should be great fun. Of course girls and guys on mission trips prank each other, its inevitable. I am a bit worried on the guys comeback to the girls after we TP'ed their rooms last night. Made me feel like I was back in youth! Fun times acting silly and totally immature. Again I am thankful for the team God sent here to spend the summer together. We all feel like we have known each other for years, it’s been great.

Can’t wait for tomorrow, should be a blast! Pray everything goes well!

There is no title, I am not creative.

Hello All!

Well I know I have not posted in a few days, it has been very busy. But finally today it is my day off. I am so in need of a day off. It has been none stop since we arrived in Bangkok. This morning I went over to the church and made myself a nice bowl of oatmeal, and then I came back and did a load of laundry on our balcony and hung everything out to dry. Very domestic sounding I know. Today I plan on having an“Amy” day where I can read, watch tv, or whatever I want to. And then about four o'clock I am going to the movies with everyone. It is 60 baht movie night, less then two dollars. Plus, its at the nicest theater in town. Cant pass that up!

This week has been great and challenging. Several people on our team have felt ill and worn out. I am thankful that I have felt well, but the worn out part is another story. But none the less God has done some really neat things this week that reminds us that he is the one in control.

Sunday we attended our first church service at Canaan baptist church. This is the church that is coordinating our trip. Church was wonderful, and much needed. I loved the worship because they sang American worship songs, and hymns so that we all could sing together, but in two different languages of course. We sang , Sing sing sing, One Way Jesus, Here I am to worship, From the inside out, How Great is Our God, and How can I keep from singing. These are songs that I have sung numerous times during worship at the BSM. It was the weirdest and coolest feeling singing them here in Thailand though. I can vividly remember praying to God to provide a way for me to go to Thailand while singing some of those songs. And here I was, in Thailand, once again praising the same Father of all the nations. Some of the things God can do and provide for have just amazed me. He is not a God in a box for sure.

Then we sang How great thou art, and To God be the Glory. I love both of these songs sooo much. But while we were singing To God be the Glory I felt very hungry for roast all of the sudden since that is the song we sang at the end of church in Crane growing up. Wrong maybe, but funny all the same. If all I had was some roast in my tummy I would be good to go!

After church we had a good ol' fashion baptist pot-luck. It was so yummy, they even made spaghetti for the Americans. We stayed at the church all afternoon and played games with some students we invited over. About two o'clock the phone rang and it was one of the girls, Eve, we had taken to JJ market the night before wanting to know what I was doing. I was sooo thrilled that she called me. I told her to meet me down the street if she wanted to come hang out with the Americans for the afternoon. She agreed and I went and picked her and her friend View up and brought them back to church. They asked me what I had done all morning and told them I went to church to praise Jesus. ( these are the same girls that I showed the cross to the day before) When I told them we would be hanging out at the church that just smiled and said that was fine. They came in and I taught them how to play Thai Uno. They were wonderful.

We had planned to have a few short English games with the students and also sing some worship songs with them. It was really neat seeing these girls singing the songs. They kept just reading the words over and over. Then one of the American students got up and shared their testimony and the gospel. I prayed that Eve and View would continue to listen and receive what they heard.

After we ate a snack at the church and all the games were done, everyone went to the park. Eve and View also joined us. This was a great time for the non-christian Thai students to get to know the Thai Christians in an informal environment. The park was beautiful! There were family's all over riding bikes, flying kites, and having picnics. We all played ultimate frisbee. View and Eve really enjoyed playing frisbee. They left about six but said they had a wonderful time. I really am burden for these two girls, I hope that God can cultivate our relationship so when the time is right I can share the gospel with them again.

Sidestory- The church ladies brought carved watermelons to the park for everyone to eat. I had never seen anything like it. I will have to post a picture. These ladies carved baskets full our flowers out of watermelons. It is an art that I had never seen. I asked one of them to teach me and she said she would but she could only teach me how to make a leaf because it take years to master the skill. Oh well, guess watermelons carving is not my calling.

Univeristy-

The last couple of days have been great at SPU University. Monday Eve called me to go eat with her and View for lunch. When I got there another girl that I had eaten lunch a few days earlier with was there also. I didn't know they were friends with Zang but it just helped us all connect more. (FYI- all Thai students make nicknames for themselves. Some of them can be quite funny. Here are a few from my notebook that I have met. Mob, dook, Benz, Dream, Ice, Boat, A, Dig, Nuy, Best, Ning, Off, Bell, Fern, Den. It is really funny to hear their nicknames)

The Texas students once again had to give a presentation to a class about Texas. We were told to talk for about an hour over the culture and lifestyle of Texas. I don't think any of these students picked up on a single thing we said about Texas. Oh well.

We have run into several of the same students and many are starting to recognize us on campus now. Amy is about the only name that these students can say, so when I walk on campus I hear my name shouted everywhere. Yesterday I walked into a classroom and I heard about 30 voices say “ AmIEEE”, it was really funny.

There is one guy on campus that works at a coffee shop called “love milk”. He calls me Miss Universe. Talk about building up ones self-confidence. Ha ha He is weird, I stay away from there. Ha ha

We are really seeing how God is providing us opportunity and relationship within the campus. This is our starting point for these relationships. Pray that God continues to use us on this campus and allow us to reconnect with the students that we meet. We call many of the students back and they hang up on us. This can be frustrating. But when you find a student such as Eve, we know it is worth all the trails that we must encounter and persevere through.

Night life-

I really enjoy the night time in Bangkok. It is so beautiful with all the lights and sounds. Most nights we do things with the entire group. Such as last night we went and sang karaoke. It was in a bowling ally. But to call this a bowling ally far misleads what it really is. This was the nicest, most swanky bowling ally that I had ever seen. There were people dressed up in suits bowling. It was so pretty and nice. They had several karaoke rooms that were really impressive lounges. It was the strangest thing to be in such a nice place that was a bowling ally/karaoke club. The students had so much fun singing songs with us.

We met two SPU students on the bus yesterday that had just moved to Thailand. One was from Indonesia and the other from, I think, Buton. Neither of them knew Thai but both knew English. They were very discouraged because they had just moved here to study and felt very homesick and out of place. We invited them to dinner and to hang out. Pray that these are some guys that we can impact. The American guys on the team said they really felt like this was a opportunity that God gave them. We all prayed that they would come with us tonight, we must wait and see.

As for me I am doing wonderful. I want to thank everyone who is praying and I hope will continue to pray for me. I know the Lord is already doing some amazing things. I am broken for these students and I hope that God will come in a change their lives. I told my mother there is no other place I would rather be right now because I know he Lord is using me. As much fun as I am having there are still those moments where I am clueless and left feeling defeated. Today I was reading in James about the wisdom of God and where it comes from. Scripture clearly tell us that wisdom comes from the Lord if we believe he will give it to us. I believe with my entire heart that the Lord will give us the wisdom needed to connect with these students. I know he will continue to direct us in the direction we are suppose to go. There have been a few moments in which I have felt tired, but at the same time so smothered in the Lords comfort and grace. Last night as our team was having our devotional we prayed that the Lord would show us his power. The entire time we were reading scripture there was a rainstorm, and then during prayer time it kept thundering like I had never heard it before. I felt so small and covered by the Lord. Just hearing the thunder alone reminds us that he is in ultimate control. Our team started giggling after prayer just because we felt so small and incapable by ourselves, but so filled by the mighty God that we serve. He is mighty, and BIG.

Time here is going fast, cant believe it almost been three weeks. I know that God can change this nation in a short amount of time. I just hope his timing is while I am here. I will blog again very soon! Sorry its so long!