Well, Thailand has a new Prime Minister, who just happens to be the brother in-law of Taksin, the guy who was ousted in a coup a couple years ago and is now in exile in London… (the one before the most recent resigned Prime Minister Samak- I know, its confusing.) Let's hear it for democracy!
The former could be an example of one of the differences in how some things go here in Thailand compared to the US. Not wrong at all, just a little different. For example, I was apparently hired as a teacher at the Chiang Mai University Language Institute, however I have yet to know when I will start or what kind of classes I will have. Thank you for your prayers though, God was gracious to encourage me with this job and He knows when I will be ready to begin working.
As a result of my unemployment, I have enjoyed some liberty this past
week to explore the city and other areas, to seek encouragement from
others and for God to give me some rare and very special opportunities
to talk about His love.
As for fun, I had a chance to go to the Chiang Mai zoo which is in a beautiful setting and has some wonderful animals. Also, while in the pursuit of a visa extension, I got to go Burma/Myanmar which is a stamp on my passport that not as many people can claim! We only crossed the border and visited a friend I met that works in a coffee shop on the Burmese side and spent an hour or two in the border shops. My interest in Burma is increasing as I learn more about the conflict and oppression going on there.
(This by the way, is Chinese imitation electronics paradise so if you
are in the market for a fake Blackberry or illegal copied DVDs, I can
make a run!)
I also had an adventure taking the public bus to Phayao,
the city where the medical team was stationed and had a blast spending
time with them. We ate at an outdoor restaurant that served food in a
way similar to the Tokyo Pot except all-you-can-eat, with a grill and
boiling broth and only like $3! It was awesome. (Why do I always get
excited to report about food?)
Encouragement has poured in from many sources this last week as well and I
know it was due to God's answering many of your prayers and His
knowing the needs of my heart. I went to a really cool youth meeting
where I heard my first sermon in English since I've been here by a guy
from New Zealand who had a translator, as well as a community church
where everything was in English which provided some much needed food
from God. I also spent time with heart-friend Marissa who is here in
Thailand and people from the medical team including Jim and Hunter,
who poured into me with much needed prayer and encouragement.
As for special opportunities, still hoping to meet with Pee and I
might take a guy who translated for the medical team with me. Praying
for how God wants to lead him.
While with the medical team I had a really special encounter with a
lady named Mugda who listened about Jesus and wanted to learn about
him. After hearing the story and talking for a while, I got to hold
her hand and tell her she was like one of God's children that He had
been searching for and she started crying and hugging me and called me
sister. Another very real conversation and connection from God and a
rare scenario I could never have created! Please pray for Mugda to
continue to be drawn to the Lord and that He would put people in her
life to help her on her path.
(This a what i call a braid attack!
They periodically come in my room and create varying amounts of braids on my head. This one is one of the best ones yet!)
In SALT Ministry news, the middle school kids had a Bible bowl
competition which I got to help set up and staff and they had a ground
breaking ceremony for the new children's home and church! It was
incredible to see the dreams of Virgilio and Esther come to fruition
after almost 40 years!
Long winded, but I can't help sharing of the things I've seen and heard!!
Praying for all of you in Houston and for those who lost friends in
Stillwater.
Love, Maggs
