From Where I Stand

I hitch hiked my way to town for the first time due to the fact my moped is not working. I needed to get out. I am realizing that I love to walk and I can walk for miles on end. On my way back to campus I stopped by a familiar street vendor and ordered Som Tam (Papaya salad). This time she gave me half the amount of water in the jug. I had to strategically ration it to make it through my entire m eal BECAUSE she made it spicy.... I clearly communicated with her mai ped (not spicy). Not even half way through my meal I am literally panting like a dog, tongue is out and I'm shaking my head. I feel every surface of my taste buds rubbing raw, becoming nonexistent. "ped mai? (spicy?)" she asked. In Thai I told her it was spicy but delicious, because it truly was. She made a banging Som Tam. By a show of fingers, she told me she put three peppers in it. I looked back at her like she was crazy, "THREE?!" Why would she do that? I thought. Numerous motivations ran through...

I'm on my second plate of hash browns that I made from scratch. Let's just say today was a rough day at school. I am emotionally drained and going to bed after this. I feel like I haven't experienced the joy of His presence the past few days. Just when my heart speaks of that longing, a sister in Christ emails me a little testimony with a profound message of value in waiting for His perfect timing. A moment of prayer happened between her and a dear friend. When we wait upon God He will show Himself to be faithful. This act of prayer between the two has been circled in prayer for several years . And it happened. Glory be to Him. When we yield to God, He yields into us. And I got to witness this through her email. Tears of joy mixed with exhaustion streamed down my face. This little testimony brought second-hand joy of His goodness, faithfulness and almighty power. He is the great pursuer of our hearts. This was enough for me to know He is near and on opposite sid...

Thoughts: [listed my fear here.] Lord, Help me to rewrite the language of my story for Your Glory. Rid of my language for Yours to take place and honor your omnipotence and how you divinely work. Amen. 6/21/13 Sat. (back page) coveted a sister friend's brother in prayer and his [now] wife. 

It was friday and everyone was looking forward to Karaoke. Bee, Arsenio and I went early and ventured across the street to rendezvous with a family of buffalos. I figured out exactly what a rice field looks like. For the first time I saw a white cow. Chantaburi is truly beautiful and has many topographical features. One of the student's parents owns a restaurant in the country side of Chantaburi. We had a blast eating, singing and dancing the night away in their karaoke hut. It was truly a privilege to be able to wine and dine at this place. I haven't had this much fun in a long time. Almost everyone got up and sang a song, EVEN the shy ones! I LOVE when people willingly get the nerve to do something our of their comfort zone or rather, feel comfortable enough with those around to be themselves. I am one of those people. I must feel comfortable around my peers because I haven't sang like this since high school show choir. A few songs I sang: Everybody By: Ba...

Need prayer. I feel like my walk with Christ is lacking in being discipled by someone else who is physically present.  Prayers to spend more time with Jesus and experience his Joy, squared. Prayers for the Lord to prepare a community, someone, anyone to disciple me here and Lord, who needs to be discipled in my community? Prayers to Fear the Lord and not fear man.  "To fear the Lord does not mean to be scared of Him... Rather, it refers to a deep sense of awe and reverence, to an internal bowing of our spirit in recognition of who He really is." "So be content with you are and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you." (1 Peter 5: 6-7, The Message) "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God for he cares about you" (1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT) Ran...

I see my kids growing up before my eyes and it gives me the goose bumps. In awe. It's only been two months.... Not every day is cake but I do love what I do. Today during reading time, I received the spiritual blessings of mercy, strength and compassion and I didn't do anything to deserve it. I was actually unprepared for class, however, the Holy spirit always is. My words don't do this moment ju stice. We don't have many english books but the kids love when you make reading come to life. I asked one of the kids to get her books she brings daily. She willingly brought them over. The idea of sharing is a huge milestone for her! (you can't force a 3 year old to do anything). As I unexpectedly read the book, "I Love You Through and Through" not only was I receiving the words on each page but I was ALSO giving it away, instantly. My voice was shaking. Eyes welled up with tears. The Holy Spirit showed off today. "Delight thyself also in the Lord...

In the span of a month I have purchased a Ukulele (really cool story behind the purchase. I'm too lazy to write about it) and learned a song via youtube. Props to the dude who created the tutorial to 'Stand By Me' by Ben E. King. Super basic and simple for beginners.  A few weeks ago when I visited my Australian teacher friend we had the best, spontaneous time jammin'. She gave me some pointers and I introduced her to one of my all time favorite songs "You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson.  Before I left for Thailand, a sister friend told me that when the going gets tough just keep strumming that uke. I have been challenged to create a song for my kids and sing it to them. Challenge accepted. I need accountability though. Will you hold me accountable?  Peme brought in his toy guitar the second week. He is such a big help in the class and always wants to please the teachers. If I can inspire one 3 year old to learn how to play his instrument, I will s...

After the four of us ate a typical thai dish at a.... Mexican restaurant , Trish, Shawna, Kayla and I headed over to Khaosan Road. I was in a pissy and silent mood as I entered the touristy scene. I wasn't up to this atmosphere and my attitude needed to change before my mood ruined my whole night. Khaosan is flooded with tourists, obnoxious American hip hop music and Thai's persistently shoving advertisements and trinkets in your face. I needed to shake this mood and do something out of my comfort zone. What better way to embrace the crazy atmosphere than to not think twice about eating a scorpion. I am in Thailand now. They some how cook insects, arachnids and any bug that lives in their vicinity, then eat them as a part of their meals.  Why not? And why not now ? After I negotiated a lower, more reasonable price for an overly cooked scorpion it was only a matter of time before I could check this off my imaginary bucket list.  I pointed to its stinger with a worri...