Language School and everything else

(from Amy)

At the beginning of January I began taking a course in Thai and have been quite happy with the results. There are three courses at the center I take lessons from: Beginning, Intermediate, and "small talk." I ambitiously signed up for the Intermediate course thinking I had a good foundation. For the first couple of days I was completely lost and debated whether or not to change classes. But, after the first week I was speaking Thai pretty well and decided I would be alright! It has been such a great experience for me. I have learned a lot about the Thai language and people. Over the past couple of weeks I have had several conversations with the girls (even though I have to ask them to speak very slow) and it has proved to be worth my time.
I have loved getting to know the girls on a different level but it has been challenging too. Some of the girls are acting as though they have met me for the first time. They are all the sudden shy in my presence because I can understand them better. They also have made changes in their behavior. It's really interesting to see the difference. They stop fighting with one another when I am around and treat each other with a little more respect. I hope in the next couple of weeks that I can learn to speak faster instead of having to think about everything. My listening skills are okay, but when I speak I have to think about everything, which can be frustrating.

Yesterday my beloved Chris flew down to southern Thailand to work with an organization on relief work. I was sad to stay behind but couldn't leave the ministry here at this point. Right now he is in a small coastal area called "khao lak." Apparently this town was one of the most devastated towns in Thailand. It is a little further North of Phuket on the mainland. Please keep him in your prayers right now as he comes face to face with a hurting, devastated people.

Looking back on what we done thus far, we are encouraged and strengthened to keep moving ahead. While the tangible evidence has not yet come to fruition, we do feel that we have been able to make some needed changes within the ministry. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue our work here in Thailand.