Change...

Change is just around the corner, and I very excited about it. Tomorrow I will be traveling up north to vist my roomate's family over the highly celebrated New Year's. I am looking forward to this opportunity to see another part of Thailand, to meet new people, and just to enjoy the New Year's celebration outside of Bangkok with friends.

I will also be moving into a new apartment on January 5th, just after I return from my trip!!! I am very excited about this, and I am looking forward to the change and opportunities that my new home will bring. Change is good, and I may be odd, but I LOVE change... I need it in my life. God continues to remind me of his faithfulness and his goodness in my life through everything that has taken place these past few weeks. He remains the same. He is constant. He never changes...He is an everlasting God.

To let you know, I stumbled upon a music studio, and was able to play the piano and sing in a private "practice" room yesturday. O my...it was glorious! I think this ends my talking about the piano. I will update sometime next week.

THE END.

So this is Christmas...

A very Merry Christmas to you all!...I know this is short, but I want to let you know I am still alive and doing well, and I am enjoying Christmas here in Bangkok. I greatly miss you, my family and friends this Christmas, and I hope that you are enjoying this wonderful day wherever you are. I am so thankful and blessed to have you in my life.... know that you are greatly loved.

LOVE.

Politics

Here are two recent articles reporting on the very popular elections that took place yesturday...

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/12/23/asia/thai.php

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/ap/20071224/tap-as-pol-thailand-election-2nd-ld-writ-7934085.html

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny From depths of Hell Thy people save And give them victory o'er the grave

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height, In ancient times did'st give the Law, In cloud, and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

A Story That Must Be Told

It began this morning. I got ready for the day, and took my time walking the distance from my apartment to the bus stop to catch bus number 38, 46, 48...which ever one came first, it ended up being 38. My destination was Central Bang Na, I am having slight issues with my computer still, and I was going to see if things could get solved. I climb the steps into the bus, and walk towards the back and take a seat on the back bench. I pay the 8 baht for the ride, and quietly sit and observe those around me. I love riding the bus. I find it enjoyable and crazy at times... especially at the peak hours of the day when the buses are packed full with people.

There is an elderly lady sitting next to me, I smile and I greet her. She timidly smiles back begins to speak in Thai so so softly I could barely hear her. I continue to talk to her, and finally understood that she was asking for money. To the right of me is another lady who glances back smiling, I think amused at my attempt of speaking Thai, she begins to talk to the elderly lady, but also did not understand what she is asking for, or what she is saying. We make eye contact and begin to talk to one another. She gracefully gets up and moves to sit next to me, and continues to talk to me. Her name is Pim. She speaks English very well, and proceeded to tell me about her travels to America where she recently visited her sister who lives in Maryland. I ask her what kind of work she does here in Bangkok. She replys"I am a Music teacher."
"O, wow!" I reply with a big smile! "What kind of music do you teach?"
"I teach Piano." She replys. " I told I play the piano, and that it is something that I enjoy very much. She then invited me over to her home sometime to play the piano she owns, and also invited me teach her english! We begin laughing, at I don't know what, and exchanged phone numbers. By this time we had arrived at Central Bang Na. She stayed on the bus, and I got off the bus after saying goodbye.

I can honestly say that I am amazed at the goodness of God. He is so faithful even in the small small things. I had the biggest smile on my face! It is those random encounters where I know that he has orchestrated everything. Who knows if anything will happen, if anything it is an open door. Yes, he is beautiful. And to inform you all, my computer did get fixed for the time being.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

well not really!...but I am truely excited to be here in Thailand to celebrate Christmas this year. Christmas is less than one week away, and instead of cold cold weather with mounds of snow and ice, it is very breezy, pleasant, and warm. Everytime I hear a christmas song such as Joy to the World, or O Holy night playing in a department or grocery store, it brings a smile to my face, and sometimes tears! There is something about hearing the truth being declared in a country that has no understanding of the true meaning of Christmas that is beautiful...He will reveal himself, and bring glory to his name.

I have been enjoying a little slower pace of life these past few weeks now that school is on break until January. I have been able to meet new people in my neighborhood, and spend time with some friends from school. I am trying to practice my Thai as much as I can on the streets, and I am excited to return to school to continue learning.

Thank you all for your support and prayers...keep checking my flickr site as I am continuing to add more pictures.

Those Ivory Keys

This is a simple post...a tribute to the beauty and joy of the piano. It is something that I absolutley love, and something I am missing right now. I miss the feel of those ivory keys under my fingertips...all 88 of them.

Life in Bangkok

What a busy week, I can't believe that my last post was a week ago! The REACH team has arrived and are expiriencing all that Thailand offers! They are a true blessing, and I am excited to get to know each one. I know that they will bless many lives.

I am officially completed with the first module of language school. On Tuesday my school celebrated with a small christmas party with an enormous amount of food...it was delicious! Have I mentioned that I like my school?!:) Also on Tuesday my laptop crashed!!! Yes, I don't know how, but it completley died. No worries, within 12 hours it was reparied. I lugged it to school, and then afterwards, I found my way to Pandit Plaza, a large computer center, where I tried to explain in Thai what happened...and within 2 hours it was fixed costing me around $8.00.

Yesturday was the King's 80th Birthday...I grand holiday here. Everyone had holiday from work, and you could definitly feel the festivities in the air! Along with being the King's birthday, it was also Father's day, so families everywhere spent the day together. Tawan, Sharon, and I travelled north about 3 hours to a town called Saraburi. It was a lovely trip...it makes me want to see more places in Thailand. There are so many beautiful places I long to visit. Being in the country surrounded by sunflowers was glorious!

Today I cleaned like a mad women. Our apartment was getting a little filthy and it needed a deep cleaning! Now that school is done for this month, I am trying to find things to stay busy with, and continue to meet new people, and grow the friendships I have already established.
I believe that I am coming down with a cold, my throat has been sore today. I think I will go drink some green tea.... Yes that is what I will do.

much love.

glorious chilly mornings

I am enjoying the pleasant weather that we have been having. It is so refreshing to me. It is still warm and enjoyable during the day, and very cool in the mornings and during the night. It will last for a few months, and then get very hot! I am soaking this up right now.

I have 3 more days of classes before my first module is complete. I will not be going to school in December as there is no school, and I will start again in January. It is hard to believe that I have been here for one month. O my goodness, time has gone by so fast. Yet at times it really seems as if I have been here for so much longer.

My days have been filled with learning Thai, studing Thai, and speaking Thai, and sometimes at the end of the day I feel as if I have no understanding of this language! It is an unique language and I love learning it. I am grateful for the enormous amount of grace and favor that I have been given.

I was walking home down my soi today, and was able to talk to some of the ladies that were out watching their children on the street. I don't know, I just love those random appointed moments when I am able to talk to people, and listen, and just be love. I am excited to see what will come from me being here, and what will happen in the months ahead. Beautiful things I do believe.

happy thanksgiving, and things I have discovered

Happy Thanksgiving! I had a fabulous day yesturday, I am so thankful for this time and for the people here, and for everyone back home! I miss and love you! God has been so GOOD. I hope you all are well! Here are some random little things that I have discovered so far...

I am enjoying eating the different delicious food found here...some what of a surprise is the enormous amount of pork that is consumed. There is pork everywhere!

Motorcycle taxis are usually the quickest way to get somewhere close, and are fun and sometimes crazy scary! You must make sure your legs are close to the bike because you weave in an out of traffic quite swiftly.

Most drinks and are served in bags with a straw...it is rather useful.

I love riding the Skytrain and watching the different people the emerge and exit. There are so many people here from all over the world, it is captivating!

A Thai massage is wonderful.

I love the fresh fruit that is always available...with a stick to consume it with.

Monday is the day to honor the King, by wearing a yellow shirt. The King was born on a monday, and so on that day there is a sea of yellow covering the city...although I think that it may change to pink in the future.

We have a team member from Costa Rica named Raul, and it has been fun mixing the three languages of English, Spanish and Thai to communicate!

I am sure there is more, but this is all I can think of right now. I must go now and study for my first Thai language speaking test that I have today. ;)

I will be posting more pictures soon...!

It is Well

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain: It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed his own blood for my soul. (Refrain)

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Refrain)

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul. (Refrain)

This is a hymn that I love...I love the truth it speaks.

Church...

What is the church? Who is the church? What did Jesus intend his church to look like? These are questions that could seem to have obvious answers, but truely think about it. Jesus spoke in Matthew 18:20 " For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them." His presence and spirit is indwelling within us, he is present. He is present wherever we worship him, wherever we love, wherever we serve, and in every place that we represent Jesus to the lost. I have been incredibley challanged and moved in thinking about these thoughts. What is it that Jesus has called us to? In Matthew 25:35-36 he speaks again"For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you came visited me; I was in prision and you came to me."

Living here in Thailand, in a place of so much desperation and need so present all around, I am moved. I desire so much so to have a heart for the lost, for the broken and hurting. I feel as if recently I have become hardened and complacent toward the poor and to those in need. I desire a tender heart, and a spirit quick to hear the gentle voice of he who calls. I desire wisdom in the giving of my money and time, yet above all I desire to have the heart of Jesus. I desire to be the hands and feet of him. If Jesus were to be walking down the street here in Bangkok.... where would he go? What would he do? Who would he spend his time with? To whom would give?

My roommate last night asked me this question, "Ani, what is the church?" I spent time with her friends a few nights ago, and I could see that they were curious as to why I am here, and why I am so different from other Americans...They said I am looking and acting Asian...haha! I am encouraged by these open doors that the Lord is providing. I only desire to be sensitive and listen to his voice and allow him to move in his timming. I praise him.

What can I say? I am learning Thai and expiriencing all the fun things that come with learning a new language! I am still enjoying my class...we are now at the point where we are learning some conversational Thai such in how to ask questions....colors....numbers....learning to describle things(What is this?...that is a pen...what color is the pen?....the pen is pink...is the pen pink?!) It is fun getting to know the other students in my class and hearing their stories....what brings them to Thailand to learn Thai? I find it very captivating.

Tawan is concerned about my hair...she thinks that it is becoming too dry!(It already is dry to begin with, and my using a clothing iron to straighten it I am sure is not helping!) She laughs, and says that tonight we will go buy something to help my poor hair!

I desire to be a blessing, I am reminded of this. I am so incredibly blessed and I want to give so selflessly of what I have received. Father God remind me of this truth, it is not about me. I live soley to bring glory to your name. Use me to bring your sweet presence in this place. I desire to be the fragrance and aroma of you.

Anita

School...

I started language school yesturday, and my head is swimming with vowels, consonants, and tones! It is difficult I must say, and I thought I might go a little crazy today! I am in a class of around 7-9 students( 2 new students came today, and I don't know if they will come back or not!) I truely believe that I will enjoy learning this new language. I have a fun class so that helps! There is a blend of cultures from Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Holland, and America in my class. I am already blessed by getting to know the people I am learning with. My teacher's name is Kruu Ladawan. She is young, energetic and understanding, yet she will not let you speak anything less then correct Thai. I started in the first module which will consist of 20 lessons, and after I complete module one, I will progress unto the next modules. I have class Monday-Friday from 1:00-3:50 PM. I like my teacher, I like my class, I am blessed.
I really must go and study, although there is nothing I can really study at this point, I just need practice what I know so far and speak it out.

much love.


Anita

The Latest Happenings...

would include feeling very content in being here. I am blessed. The last few days have been refreshing. It feels good to have the goal of knowing that the next few months will be devoted to learning Thai, and building relationships and connections. I know that I will have to rest in him and allow him to lead me.

On a small beautiful note, yesturday I purchased an electric water pitcher, I now can make coffee in the mornings using my french press and some great Costa Rican coffee that I have. The smell this morning was absolutely divine!

Sunday I went to church in the morning with Sharon, and we then had a delightful lunch at a little coffee shop, I enjoyed our conversation very much. I later met up with some friends of my roomate, and we had a good time speakng English and Thai. I am trying to learn, and it is quite humerous at times! I really know that my relationship with Tawan and now her friends is ordained. I know that the Holy Spirit is moving. I am excited to see what will come.

Tonight we are going out for dinner with the same friends. I am living in a one room apartment (which is very common in Thailand, many singles and families will live in only one room) We have no kitchen, this is no problem since there is an abundance of street vendors and roadside stalls to eat at costing very little, and always fresh fruit is a tastey treat anytime of the day! The smell of so many different flavors and spices saturate the air everwhere. Thailand is known for their food, and I am having a blast tasting the different dishes. One of my favorite dishes so far is called Som Tum( a spicy papaya salad) mmmm....so good!

Yesturday out team traveled southeast and visited Bang Bo and Bang Plee. Some of our team members live out in these areas, so we visited them and saw their homes. I enjoyed being able to see the different communities and neighborhoods. The area of Sumut Prakan is primaraly an industrial community with the population primarily from Northern Thailand. Many of people who dwell in Samut Prakan are working long hours in the many factories. This is the community in which our vision is for.

Well... I know that is a random post, but I hope you enjoyed reading it. Today I am going to go visit Phahurat(an Indian community) and Chinatown, and perhaps rest. I start school tomorrow, what a glorious day. Thank you for your prayers. what a blessing they are,

I am continually adding more photos...

love.

Anita

buses, streets, beauty, and humility

One thing that I know for sure is that the Lord is faithful and so good. All I can do is worship him. He has been my rock and true sustainer these past few days. I am humbled living in a totally new culture and knowing so little of the language and wanting so desperetly to communicate, and not being able to beside the universal smile and some small Thai phrases. I have found that this has been lonely and hard. Yet he is beautiful and I trust in his truth and peace. I will learn Thai, I just need to wait and abide soley in him. I have observed that there is so much beauty and deception covering this city. It grips my heart. Many are seeking and desire truth and peace. I pray the the giver of both will continue to stir in hearts and draw many into his glorious presence.
I have taken many buses, and other forms of transportation, and today my first motorcycle taxi ride in the city! I find them all enjoyable. I also have walked probably the most that I have in awhile, even more than I did in India I believe. I like it, although I now have some sore blisters on my feet. I find that it gives me time to pray, greet people, observe, and soak in the sights and sounds of Bangkok. There is so much I have not yet discovered.
I begin language school on November 7th. Please pray for wisdom and understanding. May my lips be quick to speak Thai, and that my mind and ears would be able to retain and listen. Also pray that I would seek patience and grace as I learn this language and the culture.
May I also have wisdom so rich as I build relationships in my classes and in my neighborhood. Today I really felt that there was a breakthrough. I am the only farang ( white person) in my neighborhood, and I have been told that my presence has created quite an interesting stir... yet today I really felt love as I greeted the store vendors, the fruit vendors, and my neighbors. I have felt that the last few days many were reserved and quiet towards me, yet today many responded in warmth. May these relationships delvelop and deepen, and I know that it will take time. May you be filled with awe and wonder of this beautiful creator we serve, he alone is glorious.

Aneeeeee ( my new thai nickname)

Photos

To view my photos go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonyamai/ I recently added some pictures and I will add more soon. Since I cannot upload pictures on here, I will only be writing. So make sure you check out this link!

much love.

The last few days...

I have arrived in Bangkok indeed. I am still adjusting to the time and the transitions, but honestly I am feeling really good and refreshed. I spent some time with the Mast family yesturday and purchased a necessary item... a mobile phone! Today my next purchase is a map of Samut Prakan and the surrounding areas of Bangkok, and very importantly the bus and skytrain map.
Last night Candice, Sharon and I went to meet Tawan, the girl that I will be living with. I moved in last night, and enjoyed my first real Thai dinner at a nice restuarant called Little Big. ( a fun name!) Our Thai friends ordered for us which was so good because I got to taste a wide variety, food was quite taste and very different from the Thai food in the States. Today I had a nice quiet morning here at the apartment, I took a walk to the nearest seven eleven and purchased some things, next I bought some delicious fresh pinneaple on the street...my favorite! I am going to go explore the city this afternoon.
Tonight, Tawan and I are going to go out to Central Bang Na. I will tell you about her sometime, she is special and I feel totally blessed to be living with her. I am excited to get to know her better. I wanted to post some pictures, but my computer is not letting me...sad day. Photos will come I promise!

Seoul

Right now I have some time while I am in Seoul waiting for my connecting flight to Bangkok, so I thought I would write a little something. I have had good flights so far, and I am simply loving Asia! I am rather exhausted, but I am well...let's see it is 5:28 PM on Tuesday, I must go...blessings

Anita

Please watch for updates on this lovely site. I will be leaving for Bangkok, Thailand on October 29. I will try to faithfully update this site with stories, thoughts, insights and photos. A big thank you to everyone for your love and genuine support. I call you blessed!