This blog is truly about a girl who brought me a lot of joy, confidence and perspective of how God continually pursues those who love him..
—————————
Aside from working in the coffee shop and inviting students from the university to game and open mic nights, our teams also had the chance to tutor students in English. Learning English is very important to the Thai culture especially those of the younger generation. Many begin learning English at an early age and pursue it further in college. It is not always easy to find someone to practice English with so many forget what they have been taught. While our two teams were at Wongen we were able to give some the chance to further their English and build relationships.
At first, Ashley and I were teamed up to tutor a class. Then it was down to us having our own class, each with two people. I was anxious and freaking out. I was going to be leading 2 people who I don’t know from a different country and whom barely spoke any English. I had no idea how I was going to do this. I tried not to think too much into it and remembered the verse “Do not be anxious about anything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to God.” Philippians 4:6 I found rest in knowing God was going to take care of me, he knows my heart better than I do.
Tutoring sessions throughout the month continued to change until a week and a half before leaving Chiang Mai when I finally got a student to tutor. This time God and I both knew I was ready. My student’s name was Noi, a professor in southern Thailand who was studying at Chiang Mai University across the street from Wongen. To my surprise, she knew quite a bit of English. Definitely more than I knew Thai. I practiced English with her through conversation and read over some homework so she could hear how words are pronounced. I would only be with Noi for 2 tutoring sessions.
The last day of tutoring I received a new student, Frung a true blessing from God. We had a lot in common and continued our relationship outside of tutoring with dinner and going to one of the night markets. I didn’t directly get to talk to her about Jesus for our time was short but Chelsea and I prayed over a blind woman a night we all went to the market. Hopefully being an example of Christ she was able to see him through us. Frung sought me out on multiple occasions, stopping by the coffee shop to say Hi, encouraging me in so many ways, stopping by the last day we were in Chiang Mai to say goodbye one last time. In this same way God pursues us all the time, is proud of us in more ways we give ourselves credit for and simply that we are so loved. Teaching english turned out to be a true joy from the Father and a help in my continuation of building confidence.
“My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2
