Okay Gang, it’s been a while since I talked to you all last. Please forgive me. We’ve been on full go doing ministry and exploring Thailand. There is much to report so I’ll paint with broad strokes and then fill in with later blogs. Also, I got my hair cut, in case you don’t recognize me {Photos courtesy of Aviana Alvarado}.
1. Where are you?
We arrived in Bangkok the first of this month, spent two nights there before heading to the east central part of the country known as Chantaburi. Thailand is an incredibly beautiful, clean country. We have found the people to be very polite and like to smile often. Thailand is probably the most modern of the places we have stayed which reminds us in many ways of home (People actually open traffic laws, and there are 7-elevens on nearly every corner). There is one unexpected contrast: there is very little english. Most people do not speak english and just about everything we see, even in stores, is in Thai.
2. What are you doing?
A lot of our work this month is teaching english in local schools. We’ve visited several schools already. From first grade all the way up to high schoolers we’ve seen ’em all. It’s challenging work and makes me want to tip my cap(the president) to every teacher back home(Seriously, thank you for everything you all do). Visiting the schools is a great way to love and serve the Thai people and helps us create a relationship where we can share the Gospel. Several of the schools have invited us to return, later in the month, so we can share a drama. Please pray for this time and the preparation leading up.
We’ve also spent time visiting church members who are new believers, and/or not able to make it to church. We call these “cell groups” and they’ve been a wonderful opportunity to pray for and encourage believers here in Thailand. Thailand is overwhelmingly Buddhist with about a percent of population here being Christian.
Finally, we’ve visited a women’s prison, a boys juvenile detention center, and an HIV/AIDS orphanage. Each of these experiences has been special and moving. Although the people look different in each situation we’ve been able to cast a ray of hope into bleak situations.
3. Anything else? What’ve you been doing for fun?
First off the food here is great. Thumbs up for Thai food! (Especially street food) Chantaburi is known for the tropical fruits they grow, so we’ve gotten to try some really unique fruits (many of which are quite tasty!) The list includes: Durian (The king of fruit), Mangosteen (the queen and a whole lot better smelling than the king), longan, papaya, dragon fruit, jack fruit, guava, and rambutan. There are also fresh(and better tasting) versions of what we’ve got back home: Pineapples, bananas, mangoes and apples.
Chantaburi is close to the coast so we’ve gotten to visit the beach and a pair of waterfalls (one of which was where Joe was baptized). Plus we got to visit this church!
Here’s a snapshot of Joe’s Baptism:
That is about all I have for now.
Please feel free to ask any additional questions in the comments below.
As always, thank you so much for your continued support and prayers. Love you all!
Please keep my squadmates in your prayers as they are approaching a financial deadline ($11,000) at the end of this month. Mariah is one of my teammates who is in need financial support. Visit here blog at http://mariahfosdick.theworldrace.org/ If you are able, please support her and the other vital members of our squad.
Much Love,
Sam
