Mountains
Waterfall
Traditional
Leave Your Shoes Outside
Animals
A "Little" Bit of Thailand
30 November 2012
27 November 2012
JUNGLE
On Saturday morning, we began our trip up the mountain.
Our first stop was at the "Wachirathon" Waterfall.
This waterfall was absolutely beautiful!
The mist was nice and refreshing as Thailand is very HOT!
Secondly, we went to a dormitory to share the bible with a group of children.
We shared a quick bible story and a few worship songs with them.
They were very welcoming and I enjoyed it very much!
We arrived at the jungle village just before supper.
Although we were very high on the mountain and surrounded by jungle...
I did not feel like we were in the jungle at all.
While it was not the village that I had expected, it was still amazing.
We slept in a raised shelter. Other parts of the home were not attached.
For meals, we had to climb down one ladder and up another.
For the bathroom, we had to climb down the ladder and walk past the village pigs.
* while it was an interesting experience, "squaty potties" do NOT like me!
On Sunday morning, we participated in the morning church service.
Our group shared an english worship song and two testimonies.
One of our leaders also presented the message.
* the message was translated three times (English, Thai, and Koren)
After the service, the church doors opened wide to an amazing view.
We could see mountains upon mountain extending far into the distance.
The song that we had chosen for this service was ""One Thing Remains."
"Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
One thing remains
Your love never fails
It never gives up
It never runs out on me" ~ Jesus Culture
It is so nice to be reminded of Gods love that never fails.
He is our strength. He is all that we need.
The "Expedition" team is constantly amazed by the mountains in Thailand.
For 5 hours we drove up this enormous land formation.
They are so large and absolutely wonderful...
Yet, we cannot even begin to compare God to these mountains.
He is higher then the mountains that we face.
Mountains might refer to our struggles in life but wow...
When we look at these physical mountains and know that God is greater...
We can see that He is above all else. We should be amazed by His heights.
Sunday afternoon, we headed back down the mountain.
We made one stop at another dormitory.
Here, we shared a bible story with the children and made bracelets.
After 5 hours in the back of the pick up truck, we were back at our housing site.
It was definately a fun weekend.
Our first stop was at the "Wachirathon" Waterfall.
This waterfall was absolutely beautiful!
The mist was nice and refreshing as Thailand is very HOT!
Secondly, we went to a dormitory to share the bible with a group of children.
We shared a quick bible story and a few worship songs with them.
They were very welcoming and I enjoyed it very much!
We arrived at the jungle village just before supper.
Although we were very high on the mountain and surrounded by jungle...
I did not feel like we were in the jungle at all.
While it was not the village that I had expected, it was still amazing.
We slept in a raised shelter. Other parts of the home were not attached.
For meals, we had to climb down one ladder and up another.
For the bathroom, we had to climb down the ladder and walk past the village pigs.
* while it was an interesting experience, "squaty potties" do NOT like me!
On Sunday morning, we participated in the morning church service.
Our group shared an english worship song and two testimonies.
One of our leaders also presented the message.
* the message was translated three times (English, Thai, and Koren)
After the service, the church doors opened wide to an amazing view.
We could see mountains upon mountain extending far into the distance.
The song that we had chosen for this service was ""One Thing Remains."
"Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
One thing remains
Your love never fails
It never gives up
It never runs out on me" ~ Jesus Culture
It is so nice to be reminded of Gods love that never fails.
He is our strength. He is all that we need.
The "Expedition" team is constantly amazed by the mountains in Thailand.
For 5 hours we drove up this enormous land formation.
They are so large and absolutely wonderful...
Yet, we cannot even begin to compare God to these mountains.
He is higher then the mountains that we face.
Mountains might refer to our struggles in life but wow...
When we look at these physical mountains and know that God is greater...
We can see that He is above all else. We should be amazed by His heights.
Sunday afternoon, we headed back down the mountain.
We made one stop at another dormitory.
Here, we shared a bible story with the children and made bracelets.
After 5 hours in the back of the pick up truck, we were back at our housing site.
It was definately a fun weekend.
23 November 2012
ADVENTURE
I'm sorry that there has not been any new posts lately.
Our time in Thailand has been filled with many new adventures.
We have done so much in the last week!
TEACHING ESL (english as a second language)
*Monday to Friday
*Beginner class!
Each morning, we take a truck taxi to a church in Chiang Mai.
It takes about 45 minutes each way.
We begin with morning devotions and worship.
The expedition team then breaks into groups of 4 for teaching.
At 10:30 we begin our lesson.
The students in our beginner class are hilarious.
Every morning, something funny happens and we laugh about it all day.
I am so thankful for the students in this class!
It is my hope that the students get what they wanted and more from our lessons!
The class ends at 12 but we stay at the church until 3.
After lunch we have the option to go to the day market!
We also have time to plan for the next day.
VILLAGE
* Saturday November 17, 2012
On the back of an old pick up truck, a group of us travelled up the mountain.
For three hours we drove along narrow winding paths.
When we arrived at this rural village, we were greeted with a small breakfast.
Let me say, sticky rice in a banana leaf is YUMMY!
We then participated in a thanksgiving church service.
The village people were so excited to share this time with us!
After lunch, we had a tour of the village.
Water buffalo are COOL!
Another 3 hour truck ride and we were back at the housing site!
ALC (abundant life center)
* Every Tuesday and Friday
We have had the opportunity to work with a number of great youth/children.
At this housing location, there are about 30 young people.
While it is similar to an orphanage, it is actually very different.
I have learned a lot about this program and why it was developed.
The youth/children come from various villages around Thailand.
Their parents have made the decision to give them a better life.
At the center, the children/youth are given much more opportunity to grow.
Here, they can go to school, get a job, and learn about God!
In the villages, they would not have had the same freedom.
CULTURE SHOW
* Sunday November 18, 2012
We had some free time after church on Sunday.
This was a good time to rest and prepare for a busy week.
For dinner, we went to a place 1 hour away from our housing site.
Once again, we got to sit in the back of the pick up truck!
When we arrived, we took off our shoes and found a spot on the floor.
An amazing dinner was served.
We continued to eat the amazing food until the show began.
For the first part of the show, there were multiple dances.
We then moved to a small outdoor auditorium.
Here, we watched traditional dances preformed by various Thai families.
It was a great experience.
NIGHT MARKET
* Wednesday November 21, 2012
After our ESL lesson, we left for a Thailand tour.
This was much different then the first tour we had.
We went to various locations to observe Thai handicraft skills.
First, we went to a place where silk is produced.
We got to see the silk worms in action as well as the production of material.
Secondly, we went to a place that was all wood work.
The Thai people were carving large murals, small elephant statues...
Thirdly, we went to an umbrella factory.
I guess you can say it was not really a factory.
The workers were making the umbrellas by hand, painting them, and selling them.
We even had the option to get a painting on something we already owned.
The artistic abilities were absolutely amazing.
After our "little" tour, we were ready for the night market.
This was another adventure in itself.
By 7:00 pm the stands begin to open.
The people sell things like jewlery, clothing, souveniers...
I saw so many great items but there is no way that I could buy everything.
While at the market, I saw a couple of the ESL students.
They were putting their english to practice as they worked.
Next is our jungle trip.
We will spend the weekend with a jungle tribe.
Yes, this means sleeping in the jungle!
Exciting...
I will try to post more often as there is a lot to share.
Here are a couple pictures!
Our time in Thailand has been filled with many new adventures.
We have done so much in the last week!
TEACHING ESL (english as a second language)
*Monday to Friday
*Beginner class!
Each morning, we take a truck taxi to a church in Chiang Mai.
It takes about 45 minutes each way.
We begin with morning devotions and worship.
The expedition team then breaks into groups of 4 for teaching.
At 10:30 we begin our lesson.
The students in our beginner class are hilarious.
Every morning, something funny happens and we laugh about it all day.
I am so thankful for the students in this class!
It is my hope that the students get what they wanted and more from our lessons!
The class ends at 12 but we stay at the church until 3.
After lunch we have the option to go to the day market!
We also have time to plan for the next day.
VILLAGE
* Saturday November 17, 2012
On the back of an old pick up truck, a group of us travelled up the mountain.
For three hours we drove along narrow winding paths.
When we arrived at this rural village, we were greeted with a small breakfast.
Let me say, sticky rice in a banana leaf is YUMMY!
We then participated in a thanksgiving church service.
The village people were so excited to share this time with us!
After lunch, we had a tour of the village.
Water buffalo are COOL!
Another 3 hour truck ride and we were back at the housing site!
ALC (abundant life center)
* Every Tuesday and Friday
We have had the opportunity to work with a number of great youth/children.
At this housing location, there are about 30 young people.
While it is similar to an orphanage, it is actually very different.
I have learned a lot about this program and why it was developed.
The youth/children come from various villages around Thailand.
Their parents have made the decision to give them a better life.
At the center, the children/youth are given much more opportunity to grow.
Here, they can go to school, get a job, and learn about God!
In the villages, they would not have had the same freedom.
CULTURE SHOW
* Sunday November 18, 2012
We had some free time after church on Sunday.
This was a good time to rest and prepare for a busy week.
For dinner, we went to a place 1 hour away from our housing site.
Once again, we got to sit in the back of the pick up truck!
When we arrived, we took off our shoes and found a spot on the floor.
An amazing dinner was served.
We continued to eat the amazing food until the show began.
For the first part of the show, there were multiple dances.
We then moved to a small outdoor auditorium.
Here, we watched traditional dances preformed by various Thai families.
It was a great experience.
NIGHT MARKET
* Wednesday November 21, 2012
After our ESL lesson, we left for a Thailand tour.
This was much different then the first tour we had.
We went to various locations to observe Thai handicraft skills.
First, we went to a place where silk is produced.
We got to see the silk worms in action as well as the production of material.
Secondly, we went to a place that was all wood work.
The Thai people were carving large murals, small elephant statues...
Thirdly, we went to an umbrella factory.
I guess you can say it was not really a factory.
The workers were making the umbrellas by hand, painting them, and selling them.
We even had the option to get a painting on something we already owned.
The artistic abilities were absolutely amazing.
After our "little" tour, we were ready for the night market.
This was another adventure in itself.
By 7:00 pm the stands begin to open.
The people sell things like jewlery, clothing, souveniers...
I saw so many great items but there is no way that I could buy everything.
While at the market, I saw a couple of the ESL students.
They were putting their english to practice as they worked.
Next is our jungle trip.
We will spend the weekend with a jungle tribe.
Yes, this means sleeping in the jungle!
Exciting...
I will try to post more often as there is a lot to share.
Here are a couple pictures!
16 November 2012
YOUTH NIGHT
Thailand is a wonderful place!
There is so much to do and see here.
During the week, we travel 40 minutes each day to a church.
There we teach english to a number of eager students.
This has been a great learning experience!
I teach with 3 other "Expedition" people.
There are 8 wonderful students in our beginner class.
I love getting to know each one of them!
In addition to teaching english we also run youth events in the evening.
Tonight was our first time working with the group.
I would say that there were about 25 people aged 4 to 16.
This specific group of youth share this living space.
I am not sure why they live together at this location but they seemed to enjoy it!
Also, on the property, there are cows, chickens, ducks, dogs, and a monkey.
This was a fun opportunity to see how Thai people interact with their animals.
The monkey was hillarious. Holding your hand, sitting in your lap...
For the youth, we had planned various activities.
We had a time of worship with both Thai and English music.
A bible story was translated and acted out.
There was also a fun game of "musical chairs."
The children/youth were very excited.
By the end, they were chasing after our vehicle down the lane way.
*our transportation - sitting in the back of a pick up truck!!
This was and will be a great way to build relationships with Thai people.
We go back to this location on Tuesday. I am looking forward to it already.
While I am experiencing Thailand, my mother and bother are in Florida.
From what I have heard, they have amazing things planned for their trip.
I think this includes some deep sea fishing and an air boat tour?
So excited for them!
I hope they have a wonderful time!
There is so much to do and see here.
During the week, we travel 40 minutes each day to a church.
There we teach english to a number of eager students.
This has been a great learning experience!
I teach with 3 other "Expedition" people.
There are 8 wonderful students in our beginner class.
I love getting to know each one of them!
In addition to teaching english we also run youth events in the evening.
Tonight was our first time working with the group.
I would say that there were about 25 people aged 4 to 16.
This specific group of youth share this living space.
I am not sure why they live together at this location but they seemed to enjoy it!
Also, on the property, there are cows, chickens, ducks, dogs, and a monkey.
This was a fun opportunity to see how Thai people interact with their animals.
The monkey was hillarious. Holding your hand, sitting in your lap...
For the youth, we had planned various activities.
We had a time of worship with both Thai and English music.
A bible story was translated and acted out.
There was also a fun game of "musical chairs."
The children/youth were very excited.
By the end, they were chasing after our vehicle down the lane way.
*our transportation - sitting in the back of a pick up truck!!
This was and will be a great way to build relationships with Thai people.
We go back to this location on Tuesday. I am looking forward to it already.
While I am experiencing Thailand, my mother and bother are in Florida.
From what I have heard, they have amazing things planned for their trip.
I think this includes some deep sea fishing and an air boat tour?
So excited for them!
I hope they have a wonderful time!
12 November 2012
THAILAND
The "Expedition" team is in Thailand!
The travel here was great!
We got to fly over Canada, the North Pole, Russia, and China.
Our first flight was almost 14 hours long.
In Korea we had 3 hours before our next flight.
Another 6 hours on the plane and we were in Thailand.
We arrived at our first guest house early Monday morning.
It is very beautiful here!
In Thailand there is a 12 hour time difference from home.
This is very interesting.
I like to think about what my family is doing.
While I eat breakfast, they are probably getting ready for bed!
On our first day, Monday, we went for a tour.
After a short sleep, we had breakfast and left for the day.
First, we went to a small market.
Second, we toured the grounds of a very nice palace.
Thirdly, we visited a buddhist temple.
This adventure was very fun!
I especially enjoyed the drive to each location.
We got to drive up a very large mountain.
There were many sharp turns and beautiful veiws.
It was like a very fun roller coaster!
The people that we have encountered have been very kind to us!
Our guest house is absolutely beautiful!
The meals are amazing!
Our transportation is really fun!
Today, Tuesday, we will be moving to our main housing site.
On Wednesday we will begin teaching english.
Thank you for reading!
I will leave you with a couple pictures:
The travel here was great!
We got to fly over Canada, the North Pole, Russia, and China.
Our first flight was almost 14 hours long.
In Korea we had 3 hours before our next flight.
Another 6 hours on the plane and we were in Thailand.
We arrived at our first guest house early Monday morning.
It is very beautiful here!
In Thailand there is a 12 hour time difference from home.
This is very interesting.
I like to think about what my family is doing.
While I eat breakfast, they are probably getting ready for bed!
On our first day, Monday, we went for a tour.
After a short sleep, we had breakfast and left for the day.
First, we went to a small market.
Second, we toured the grounds of a very nice palace.
Thirdly, we visited a buddhist temple.
This adventure was very fun!
I especially enjoyed the drive to each location.
We got to drive up a very large mountain.
There were many sharp turns and beautiful veiws.
It was like a very fun roller coaster!
The people that we have encountered have been very kind to us!
Our guest house is absolutely beautiful!
The meals are amazing!
Our transportation is really fun!
Today, Tuesday, we will be moving to our main housing site.
On Wednesday we will begin teaching english.
Thank you for reading!
I will leave you with a couple pictures:
3 November 2012
ONE WEEK
Time flies when your having fun!
I can't believe it's Thailand time already.
This is crazy...
I am so excited!
This week has been absolutely amazing!
Where to begin?
Well, we spent one evening at a Thai restaurant.
Let me tell you... this was an experience.
The food was absolutely amazing!
Anything from spicy soup to mango sticky rice... we got it all!
Our Thai night didn't end there.
We spent a couple hours praying over Thailand.
After studying various facts, we could pray for specific needs.
I really enjoyed this night dedicated to our trip!
This week, we also spent a lot of time preparing for Thailand activities.
A large portion of our time will be spent teaching english.
For this, we have prepared various lessons.
In a group of 4, I will be teaching a beginner class in Chiang Mai.
We will be working with students of all ages.
In addition to english, we will also be teaching about the bible.
We will hold morning devotions for staff and evening programs for children.
I have also enjoyed our time on campus.
This past week, I have had the opportunity to do a lot at the school.
The school community here is wonderful!
Last night, I watched a movie with a group of students.
It was a great time to relax and have fun!
We also had our monthly care group for everyone on residence.
It was a special time for everyone to connect.
This meeting, we spent time in worship and talked about our fears.
I fear my future... I have no clue as to what I am doing after this program.
With God, there is no reason to fear.
I am slowly learning that I need to trust God in this.
Its hard but I am trying to give Him full control.
Our days have been filled with great excitement for this trip.
Prayer times, seminars, prep times, rest...
I am so glad that we were given this time to focus on the journey ahead of us.
It is so hard to put into words what I have experienced here...
Everyday, there are new opportunities to serve God!
This lifestyle is so amazing.
I can't begin to explain what I have experienced.
God is so faithful. He provides in every situation that we face.
I feel like I wrote this post without a focus.
It seems to be all over the place.
Maybe that is where my brain is at right now.
There are so many amazing things happening.
I just don't know how to share them.
At this point, I am getting ready for the BIG trip.
Thailand is going to be amazing!
I am a little stressed over the lessons but...
It will be an amazing adventure.
Personally, I think that I will struggle going home after this.
In one way, I want to go home because my family is there!
On the other hand, I absolutely love living in this kind of an environment!
Well...
Like I wrote earlier, its too hard to explain what is going on right now...
I don't know why I keep writting if I will never fully express anything...
My next post will be from Thailand!
We leave Saturday at noon.
13 hour flight to Korea - 3 hour stop over - 6 hour flight to Chaing Mai...
I think we get there EARLY Monday morning... With the time change???
It can get a little confusing but, I am ready to go with it!
Thank you for reading.
I hope my Thailand posts are way more interesting than this!
I can't believe it's Thailand time already.
This is crazy...
I am so excited!
This week has been absolutely amazing!
Where to begin?
Well, we spent one evening at a Thai restaurant.
Let me tell you... this was an experience.
The food was absolutely amazing!
Anything from spicy soup to mango sticky rice... we got it all!
Our Thai night didn't end there.
We spent a couple hours praying over Thailand.
After studying various facts, we could pray for specific needs.
I really enjoyed this night dedicated to our trip!
This week, we also spent a lot of time preparing for Thailand activities.
A large portion of our time will be spent teaching english.
For this, we have prepared various lessons.
In a group of 4, I will be teaching a beginner class in Chiang Mai.
We will be working with students of all ages.
In addition to english, we will also be teaching about the bible.
We will hold morning devotions for staff and evening programs for children.
I have also enjoyed our time on campus.
This past week, I have had the opportunity to do a lot at the school.
The school community here is wonderful!
Last night, I watched a movie with a group of students.
It was a great time to relax and have fun!
We also had our monthly care group for everyone on residence.
It was a special time for everyone to connect.
This meeting, we spent time in worship and talked about our fears.
I fear my future... I have no clue as to what I am doing after this program.
With God, there is no reason to fear.
I am slowly learning that I need to trust God in this.
Its hard but I am trying to give Him full control.
Our days have been filled with great excitement for this trip.
Prayer times, seminars, prep times, rest...
I am so glad that we were given this time to focus on the journey ahead of us.
It is so hard to put into words what I have experienced here...
Everyday, there are new opportunities to serve God!
This lifestyle is so amazing.
I can't begin to explain what I have experienced.
God is so faithful. He provides in every situation that we face.
I feel like I wrote this post without a focus.
It seems to be all over the place.
Maybe that is where my brain is at right now.
There are so many amazing things happening.
I just don't know how to share them.
At this point, I am getting ready for the BIG trip.
Thailand is going to be amazing!
I am a little stressed over the lessons but...
It will be an amazing adventure.
Personally, I think that I will struggle going home after this.
In one way, I want to go home because my family is there!
On the other hand, I absolutely love living in this kind of an environment!
Well...
Like I wrote earlier, its too hard to explain what is going on right now...
I don't know why I keep writting if I will never fully express anything...
My next post will be from Thailand!
We leave Saturday at noon.
13 hour flight to Korea - 3 hour stop over - 6 hour flight to Chaing Mai...
I think we get there EARLY Monday morning... With the time change???
It can get a little confusing but, I am ready to go with it!
Thank you for reading.
I hope my Thailand posts are way more interesting than this!
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