My sister, Kelly, had some questions about my life in Thailand, so this blog is response to that. If you have any questions about my time on the race feel free to send them to me ([email protected]) and i’ll do my best to answer them. Thanks!
What is the culture like?
The culture here is much more different from America than central America was. You greet people with your palms to gather and raise it to about your mouth.
You take your shoes off before going into someone’s home, a store, or even the classroom.
They are very traditional. The traditions are passed down and it’s very difficult and frowned upon to break them. They are very respectful and polite. The head is very important to them. It’s the highest part of the body and you do not touch someone else’s head. Feet are the lowest part and it is considered disrespectful to show the bottom of your foot to someone, have your feet pointed at someone, or to touch something with your foot.
How the people you worked with have touched your life?
This month we have been working with our wonderful hosts, T.J. and Joy. They truely have hearts for service. They are always trying to find ways to serve people and reach people and tell them about God’s love. They have blessed us many times in the few weeks we have been here. They have taught me about service and what it should look like.
We also have had the opportunity to work in a school teaching English. The students are so excited to see us everyday. They are so excited to be told good job and given high fives and hugs. They love when we play at recess or join in on a gym class. They are children and they just want to be loved. As we finish our last day here, I hope I have shown Christ’s love for them enough. I hope they see how loved they are.
Where are you staying?
We have been able to stay with our host Joy’s nephew, Yod. He has been such a blessing to let us stay and even sometimes use his bike. We have a bathroom with a toilet and a shower. There is also a kitchen to cook our meals. It is also close enough to our hosts that we can walk there, and see the rubber plantations on the way. We were able to celebrate Christmas and even set up a small tree and take crazy Christmas pictures.
How do you get around?
We usually get a ride with T.J., Joy, or Sompien. They drive us to school, the store, and even the beach sometimes. This is another way our wonderful hosts have blessed us. There are no taxis where we are and the buses are not close to where we are staying.
Do the locals make you feel welcome?
The locals are very welcoming. They aren’t used to seeing a lot of foreigners. They always greet us and smile. Sometimes they laugh, but who wouldn’t when you see 7 foreigners walking down the street acting kinda weird, and usually singing.
Fundraising update!
I’m on my way to reaching my march 1st deadline of being fully funded. I’m still in need of about $2,725 to reach the $15,500 goal. Thank you so much for all those who are already supporting me, prayerfully and financially. You are a blessing and I’m so thankful for you! If you are interested in supporting me financially you can click on the link “Support me” to the left. Thank you for your consideration! God bless!! Love you all!
