So I've been without internet in my room for the last few days. It seems like it's been out for forever. Well, since Saturday night. That's pretty much forever nowadays, right? It hasn't bothered me much except for the fact that I know my parents (and maybe other people?) want to know what's going on in my life! Let's start with a response to a comment I received on an earlier post.
What have been some of the differences in my thinking this time around?
(That was all written Tuesday. I have since been SO busy. )
Differences:
I came in recognizing that it wouldn't be the same. And the first time I walked into Santisuk (the school), I felt that difference. I saw all these pictures from when my team was here last time and missed them dearly. It felt so strange to not know what to do without them. Right away I consciously chose to be open to people. I walked up to the only other person in the lobby, a student that I had only known by name the first time I was here. I spent some time with her and loved her immediately. And the great thing is, I felt loved right back. It was such a reassuring meeting. And I got to meet with the director of the school for a long time. We had barely talked on my first trip. We actually stayed in her office talking for a couple of hours about life and ministry and how to take care of myself while here. Her advice? Balance. Make sure I have time for me. I don't have to say yes to everything (though I may still be having a hard time with that one.. hence the lack of blog posts). But already, I have spent much more time outside of my room and actually with people. I'm working more and (up until 2 days ago) I'm (was) sleeping more, too. I've realized that I laugh just as often, though maybe not to the point of tears, but I am truly enjoying the locals' company. I didn't really give them the chance last time. People ask me if I feel lonely here by myself, but the truth is, I'm not ever really by myself, and when I am, it's a fantastic few moments of relaxation!
That's as much as I can think of. Feel free to posts questions about what you'd like to hear about! I'd be glad to answer them!!
But anyways, back to the events of my life... which now have multiplied since I waited so long to write a new post!
Friday: I traveled downtown to spend a few hours with the lovely Natalie Cook, who was on a retreat here during her four month mission trip to India. We ate Mexican food, cupcakes with severely melted frosting, and talked about hour experiences thus far. Keep her in prayers- India is an entirely different world and it seems that there are parts of Kolkata that are very spiritually oppressive. Then I came back and went to church! I really like the people here. They just make me so happy!
Saturday: Rong Klua. A bunch of people form the church took a day trip to the markets on the Thai side of the Cambodian border. It was a great time to get to know new people and better friendships with others. But it was definitely different being there.. Wherever I went, people stared. That was new. I know I get it a little bit in Bangkapi, but it's definitely not like that!! I'm grateful for the general level respect of the Thai men. Natalie said that in Kolkata, they are constantly being stared at, and it causes them to keep their head down most of the time. Here, I am able to walk with my head high. I just pretty much decide not to make eye contact with the starers.
Sunday: At our zone meeting (all the cell groups get together) someone decided to be very honest with me and tell me that the last time I was here, I left the impression that I didn't really like or appreciate the members in my cell group. As far from the truth as it is, my actions said otherwise, and that broke my heart to hear. So I decided to consciously try to spend time with them and hope they feel loved and appreciated. After zone meeting, we had Bible study. In the foreigner Bible study, we just about our current environmental situation.Thailand has been having issues with flooding. The dams at over capacity, so there have been warnings issued to the Bangkok area that they will release the pressure this coming weekend. We have been told to stock up on food and water just in case we're stuck inside for a long while. Our director also said that she was told our area, if flooded, would be one of the fifteen worst areas in the Bangkapi area because it is so low. We have purchased sand bags and lined the nursery with them, but we're hoping that it won't end up being necessary. It's terrible, but part of me hopes it will happen cuz it's be a cool story. And I wouldn't have to wake up early, as classes would be canceled. But anyways, pray for protection in whatever way, whether it means the floods don't come or that we are safe when they do.
Monday-Thursday: Classes. Long days. Hanging out with friends. Rain. Straight hair. I spent five and a half hours on Monday night getting my hair chemically straightened because I was tired of wearing it up (my straightener broke the first day I was here). Five and a half hours. It was slightly ridiculous. I have a LOT of hair. I am not allowed to wash it for four days. (That means tomorrow will be a glorious day!) Tuesday, I spent time with a girl from my cell group, Nan. I seriously love her. We ate dinner together and then came back to my room and just talked aout my experience here last time and how it's different this time already. We discussed reading the book Captivating together. We listened to worship songs in English and I showed her some of the things I've written and even the song I recorded about a boy in high school! I never show that to people! Needless to say, it was a fantastic time of just being open with her. I'm so excited about the friendship that will develop there! Last night, I hung out with friends. They wanted to form a band. Apparently I get to be in it and sing harmonies. Haha. Also.. Someone here has revealed that they have feelings for me. Already. Pray for wisdom in how to handle it.
This weekend: Tomorrow, I will go to the Grand Palace with my 10am class. We'll leave at 8am and return at 3pm so that I can get ready for church. I'm a little nervous about this trip because normally we would take the boat taxi, which is faster than sitting in traffic, but the boat taxi hasn't been running on account of the waters being so high in the canal. I'm afraid of possibly getting stranded far away from home should the floods come. But tomorrow night, I get to sing at church! It's Friendship Friday, which is the outreach night the church has once a month. I'll be singing Your Love Never Fails by JesusCulture with a friend here and How Great Is Our God in English AND in Thai. I will have to work on my pronunciation. Pray that many students will come and hear the Good News. Saturday, (if there is no flooding) I will go with my 7am class to lunch and then in the evening, I'll be staying the night with my cell group at one of their houses. It will be a going away party for the Philippine missionary in our group, Joy. Sunday will maybe be a day of relaxation after I get home? But perhaps not. We never know anymore.
I have yet to start looking for a job. Pray that God creates a clear path for what I am supposed to be doing and where. I need guidance! And motivation!
Well, this is sufficiently long enough. Until next time (and hopefully it won't be son long!).
Peace to you.
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