Rough spot

Things are getting a little tough this week. I see on Facebook that friends will be coming from all over and seeing each other at my brother-from-another-mother. I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty jealous....

Spinning from that, I am really far away and can't easily communicate with such friends that I already had. It's not that I don't have friends here, because I do and some friendships seem to be growing rather quickly, but I still don't have that close network. It will take time.

Also, lately I've been spread thin physically, spiritually, and mentally, going different directions at once constantly. Lots on my mind, lots to do. My batteries are getting low, but I don't leave time to charge them.

The only way to get through this short season successfully is to rely on God to be my sufficient provider, friend, and comfort. Prayer support is appreciated.

-Derek

9 October 2012 Update

Sorry for the drought of updates and photos, but I'll make up for it here:

• 2 new photo albums on Derek Abroad Facebook Fanpage.

The first album is a growing collection of photos of daily life in Chiang Mai from September and October. I didn't include a lot of details in the captions, so feel free to ask questions in the comments or email me if you want a lot of details. (Chiang Mai Life)









The second album (Wat Chedi Luang photos) is compiled of photos I took from one of my favorite wats (temples), Wat Chedi Luang. It's in the heart of the city. It's construction began in the 14th century (1300s), and at one time it was the largest building in Lanna (Nothern Thailand). The top of the huge chedi collapsed during an earthquake in 1545. (Thanks Wikipedia! Wat Chedi Luang)


My goal for photos is to update weekly with photos of everyday life in monthly albums and add a new wat/temple every two weeks.

• Ministry ideas!

An easy way for interested persons not in Chiang Mai to be involved is pray for the visitors to the temples. You can pray for the current temple I'm featuring on the photo albums.

I'm designing a semi self-sustaining ministry that will help a few different audiences here as well as give opportunities for people back home to come be involved and experience what I cannot describe with words: witnessing first-hand God working in your life and in the lives of others, but others that are different from you- different appearance, nationality, language, culture. It's truly amazing and awesome, way bigger than us.

But no details now, sorry. I can't let the cat out of the bag yet. Stay tuned!

Preston Faggart? In Thailand?

If Harmony Baptist Church is missing their piano player, I think I spotted him in a grocery store in Chiang Mai!

He kept saying he wanted to come over... So maybe he did?

They call me Teacher

So I ended up accepting the position at the bilingual school. They pay is great, the fellow teachers are fun, and the kids are adorable- even when they're wild and crazy demon-spawn.

I'm becoming accustomed to my new life: My commute is about 20 minutes, sometimes rain and sometimes shine and occasionally both! I'm teaching 3rd grade science and math to two classes and health to one of them. I came in at the end of the term, filling a vacancy from a teacher that just split to the US. In my first 2 weeks I've had to create exam outlines and the tests. That was [not] easy, seeing as I didn't really know what the previous teacher actually taught. But the other teachers have been supportive and remind me that this is Thailand, the due dates for these tasks don't really matter. This laid-backness has it's pros and cons.

I went to Mae Sai, a town on the border of Thailand and Burma/Myanmar, this past weekend. It has pretty good shopping for counterfeit everything- Nike shoes and Crocs to motorcycle gear, Viagra to Johnnie Walker and Malibu, and of course a plethora of pirated dvds. While I looked forward to potentially scoring some cheap goods, I went to activate my second entry on my visa. I can now stay until November 13 unless I extended my visa for 30 days or replace it with the work visa. Ideally, I will be going to Laos in early October to get the work visa. I didn't take any pictures in Burma because there wasn't much to see where I was, but I plan on taking lots of photos in Laos.

Switching gears, actually to something 'mechanical,' I have become very comfortable riding a motorbike in Thailand. Maybe too comfortable. First of all, let me say that I have been complimented on my abilities. People are surprised when they find out I never road a motorcycle prior to coming to Thailand (so about a month). I'm often told I 'drive like a Thai.' I'm taking that as a compliment, though I suppose it could go either way. Along with this comfort has come confidence, and with that confidence risk. I'll keep my helmet in  my basket, on my seat, or between my knees if I'm just going down a soi. I will wear it if I go longer distances on main roads and always on the highways or big roads. I quickly moved to flip flops from basketball shoes because the shoes made my feet dirty, they were a hassle to change in and out of when going somewhere, and I'm lazy. I think I also tend to drive fast. And I like to pass cars between cars. I watch and learn- that's the key to survival. Even more key- God's grace and protection. I've done some stupid things on two wheels- some on accident and some on purpose, but God has protected me through all of them.

Time to go to work

This past weekend, Friday through Sunday, I worked at an English camp for a language center. The camp was fun and a title challenging. I've heard about how schools and language centers can be disorganized, but I finally got to experience it. Day 1: I never said I would teach, I was just coming to a meeting to talk about teaching at it. I was greeted with a buttons with my name on it and asked if I need to print anything. I had no idea that I was teaching, much less what to teach, so I had nothing prepared. Finally, the following four teachers asked, what are we teaching? By the way, only one of us had done a camp like this. Well, of course we got different answers from different people. We did the past we could in the hour we had until the camp started. Day 2 and day 3 were similar, except at the end of the previous days we were given suggestions on what to teach the following day. "Maybe you can teach some conversation. And maybe you can teach some listening. Maybe read them a story and then ask questions. Maybe some grammar, too."

This brings me to today, Monday. The language center also operates a bilingual school. Actually, two of the days of camp were held at the bilingual school. They want me to teach full-time here. I will have 3 class at 1 hour each per day, but I must be at the school 8am-5pm to 'help out' with other ESL activities. From what I gather, schools promise light class loads to make the  comparatively low pay seem reasonable, then they add on extra classes or bury you in extra duties. The plus side to this offer is they will provide me with the necessary visa and work permit. I have no idea about the pay. The school is about 20km from my apartment, not a fun drive on a scooter when it's pouring like today. Alas, I'm about to hit 'Publish' and be on my way to the school.

I haven't talked to the universities or many other schools, so I doubt I will accept any offer today. I'll keep you updated.

Curing my restlessness

I applied to two language schools today. Currently my plan is not to seek permanent employment with either school or any other language school I apply too. If they offer me the necessities for a work permit and visa, or if the at least assist me in the process, things can change, but I doubt I'll get something like that from them. I'm still considering working at a university, part or full time, which should provide me a means to be legal. I would still teach at the language schools if the schedules allowed it. I'm also considering private tutoring in addition to language schools. All of this is for the time being. The current semester ends in October and the next begins in November. That's when things "get real."

I also plan on language classes as soon as I start teaching. I really want to start learning, but I want to plan my learning around my teaching.

Doing nothing has been getting to me. At least investigating and applying makes me feel like I have a purpose right now. Can't wait to get the ball rolling!

Where are the tongues of fire when you need them?

Today I visited Chiang Mai Baptist. Everyone was welcoming and friendly. I met a missionary family from the Philippines. We had lunch afterward. It was great!

However... I was hoping for some kind of Acts, gift of tongues, Pentecost, etc. thing to happen. I want to speak Thai! There was an American family that had been in CM for about 5 years. The American father actually translated for the Filipino father, from English into Thai, when he explained that his family was moving to another city. It was definitely trippy to see an Asian man speak English and have a white man translate into an Asian language! The American's proficiency was an encouragement. I said a little prayer right there that learning Thai would be a fun challenge and way to grow, not a discouraging obstacle.

All the praise songs we (I mean everyone but me) were singing were in Thai, but I recognized 2 distinctly and sang the English version to myself. I say recognized distinctly because the majority of contemporary praise songs fall into limited variations of chord progressions and rhythms. Ask anyone that plays contemporary praise music- a single 3- or 4-chord progression is shared by at least half a dozen songs.

Anyway, I intend to visit again because they were friendly, I have some friends that go there, and it's near my apartment, but it might have to wait until I start to speak Thai a little.

Completely unrelated, traffic this weekend has been horrendous compared to normal, which at times can be bad. Apparently there is a major exam today in Chiang Mai for people that want to work for the government. Last night I was stuck in the rain on a scooter because traffic wouldn't let up. With the increase of traffic, I've had to turn up the aggression on my scooter driving style, taking a little more risk in maneuvering, but I'm starting to drive more like the natives... I'm somewhere between highschool girl (cautious) and young professional female (confident yet cautious). I kid. You just have to go with the flow, and luckily there are all types of speeds in this flow. Pass and be passed. It's actually a lot of fun. Not sure how I will react to traffic laws when I get back to Texas. We'll see!

I'm going to get back to my Thai tea and reading a book.

Toodles from Thailand,
Derek

Sorry for the delay

It's been a while since my last post. During the last week I have moved into an apartment (temporarily, just for a few months), met lots of new people, and have been trying to find my way around by foot and scooter. Lots of what I thought would be shortcuts ended up being extra-longcuts.

My apartment is kind of small. It's just a studio, but I like to call it a glorified hotel room, though it's not really glorified in any way. It's cheap and in a convenient location, my top criteria. Photos coming soon. I'll have to clean first... haha!

I think the security officers and a little old lady that runs a convenience shop in my apartment have taken a liken to me (is that the phrase?). Thais are typically friendly and smile politely, but these three individuals have gone beyond the standard demeanor. The security guards try to talk to me, but usually halt themselves, I'm guessing nerves or shyness. I think they also find it humorous when I make over a dozen trips a day in and out of the complex. Once it was raining really hard, I was on a scooter in shorts and a t-shirt, and I had to cut an oncoming car off to make into the apartments because there was a long lime of unyielding traffic leaving an adjacent parking area. No worries, it's the norm to do that here. No hard feelings, just a honk. Anyway, I pulled into the first covered spot I came to. I believe it's VIP parking, but regardless, it was far from where I'm supposed to park. The guards were sitting in chairs watching the rain and waiting for cars to come into the apartments. They didn't make me move, the just laughed with and at me about my pathetic appearance and situation. We chatted as much as we could in our limited common English about the rain and me being soaked.

The lady in the store also gets a kick out of me. Once I bought a small packet of laundry detergent and came back a moment later for change for the washing machine. Another time I bought a clothes line but had to return shortly because I needed hangers. She's really jovial in these situations. Actually, when I walk by her store, which is often since it's on my way to the elevator, she always smiles, says hi, and occasionally tries to talk more to me, all in Thai of course. Sometimes she tries to teach me words, like the color red once when I wore a red shirt. I really hope I can make the best of my time with these three people while I stay in these apartments.

There's also a coffee shop right outside my apartment. The employees are super friendly too. I think they also find it amusing when I come in multiple times per day. They have free WiFi, so it's been dubbed my new "office." I'm here now, actually. 2 cappuccinos and a piece of cake...

The language barrier is a great hindrance right now. I hope to begin classes and/or get a private tutor soon after I get back from Bangkok.

Oh yeah, I'm returning to Bangkok for a little while. My plane actually leaves in 4 hours. Travel in Thailand is sooooo cheap. I'll take the train back again, this time with a lower berth! I'm meeting up with a friend that's returning to the States later this month. I'll stay with her family for a few days, one night in Bangkok and another or two at their condo in Hua Hin, a city on the coast where the king lives. After that, I'm going to a ceremony for my other friend's brother opening a business. I'll get to experience more of the Buddhist belief and traditions.

Also, as some have heard, I have been able to use Mandarin (aka Chinese) here in Chiang Mai. So far it has been tourists and neighbors, but there is a mosque that has a body of Chinese attendees. There are some Chinese-speaking Americans that have already made friends with them. I'm hoping to meet up and be introduced to the Chinese, too. So it looks like my learning Chinese will have a purpose and not be a waste of time.

One of my new core verses while I'm here

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:12-14 (http://bible.us/Rom6.12.ESV)

Takes conscious effort.

Accomplished traveler, perhaps.

As of yesterday, I have now traveled in Thailand via plane, train, tuktuk, sky train, public bus, red truck, motorbike taxi, and have driven a car and a motorbike. I rented a motorbike yesterday to get around a little cheaper and easier. God was definitely protecting me! Haha! It's a lot of fun, I have to admit. Lots of the traffic rules I learned in Texas.... don't apply here for 2 wheels! There's definitely an advantage, until it come to rain or accidents of course. I mounted my camera to my helmet, so I hope to get some photos and video today. It looks like it will rain a lot, I left my umbrella-ella-ella at my friend's house, and I have to take the scooter back by 4 to return or rent another day, so I'll get moving after I finish breakfast and post this.

Yesterday I met my future roommate (come December) and a friend of his. We went to a market near his house that has inexpensive but delicious food. I think any savings I would make in my budget from cheap rent with him will probably go to more food...

I will most likely have the opportunity to return to Bangkok next week for a few days to see my friends again and to go to Hua Hin, that's where the king usually lives.

I know some of you saw on Facebook or Twitter where I got to speak Mandarin with a guy yesterday. It was random. He was walking along side me as I was being shown an apartment, talking to his son in Chinese. He looked over at me and said hello. I couldn't resist. It was really encouraging. I haven't used it in a long time, and I found out a friend here met some Chinese Muslims I can practice with. Exciting yet a little intimidating!

Let me hear back from you guys. Comment here, use Facebook, or email me!

Thailand Travel Tips: Taking a Night Train

I'm not quite finished with my journey as I write this, but here goes from my experience so far. And so far I like it...

The cost for a second-class air conditioned sleeper, BKK to CM, was 791 baht, roughly $26, for one way. I believe when I booked my flight, the cost would have been about $400 more if I added BKK->CM->BKK. In addition to being cheaper than a flight, it also counts as a night at a hotel. Can you beat that deal? Transportation, lodging, and cultural experience for less than $30!

When you book, do it as early as possible. I've been told at least a month in advance. I booked mine maybe 2 or 3 weeks in advance, and there was only one AC sleeper seat available.

Upper vs. Lower berth: I'm in an upper berth. The advantages of an upper berth is that you can seclude yourself whenever you like. You're also close to the AC vents, so this is the one you want if you like it cold when you sleep. But don't worry if you prefer warmth, you get an effective blanket. The narrow ladder used to go up and down from your bunk isn't hindered by your downstairs neighbor, so you really have complete freedom to come and go as you please. If you have a lower berth, however, you will have to wait until your bunkmate is ready to retire before you can go to bed. The lower berth starts out as two seats facing each other, an optional table is added later if you order dinner or would like it installed. When it's time for breakfast, the table is not set up again, as far as I know. Mine was served to me in the upper berth. The benefit of the lower berth is you have a window to see the countryside pass by. I'm a little disappointed that I missed that.

If you're traveling with a partner, try to get top and bottom one side. You will then known your bunkmate. Also, you both can choose to sleep sitting or leaning on the table and keep your gear stored in the top bunk instead of the shelves in the walkway if you're paranoid about it or would like extra security.

When it comes to food, I would recommend eating before you go to the station. If you don't have time, there are some stalls, cart vendors, and a small store at Hua Lamphong, but the prices are a little higher since you're paying for convenience or your poor planning. If you want, you can order dinner on the train. The selection is limited to maybe a dozen options for dinner and about half that or less for breakfast. The prices are a little high for Thai standards, but I wouldn't complain about the quality and portion sizes. My food, dinner especially, was "arroy mak mak!" Dinner and breakfast (and maybe a bottle a water I accepted) cost me 340 baht.

The car has an attached bathroom at its front- a toilet closet, a shower closet, and two sinks. I didn't use the shower (I could stand waiting until I got to my hotel and it was constantly in use or locked) so I don't know what it's like. I'm not sure if someone was showering when I used the toilet, but it didn't flush (and hadn't been flushed) and the sinks didn't have water pressure. The water pressure could have been depleted because it seemed like everyone showered that night.

A few things I would recommend bringing would be toilet tissue (our toilets had it, but you never know); wet wipes, they provide an alternative to the shower; snacks/food & water, especially if you don't want to buy on the train; and something to do- it is a "14 hour" train ride.

Remember "This is Thailand," and just like most of the rest of Asia, things don't run on a strict schedule like the West. Be on time but don't expect your train to be. I'm not sure what time we finally departed the station, but my train is expected to arrive 4 hours late. The best way to enjoy traveling and Thailand is to go with the flow, be fluid, and don't stress.

First day in B-K-K

I'm ready to start my day! I took a couple pics of my little hotel room. I'm going to meet a friend soon, I'll post more pictures and words when I get back in tonight.





Edit:

Today, my friend Tubtim, some of you know as Ruby, gave me a tour of Bangkok. First of all, Bangkok is huge and has a lot of stuff to do, so we didn't come close to conquering the city, but we did see a lot of cool sights: a museum of Bangkok's  history (which Tubtim designed several parts), the Royal Palace and temple in it, Khao San road, Asiatique (a new shopping area), and Wat Arun. [There may be some spelling errors, but I'll correct them and/or delete this note later.] We ate lots of good food, too. I decided to post pics in an album on my Facebook page (Click Here for FB page) because it will keep photos consolidated. Actually, I was a dork and left my cameras in the car all day, so I only took pics on my phone.

I really liked the museum because besides showing off my friend's amazing talent, it educated me on Thai culture and pride. I feel like I can understand the people on a new level or from a new aspect. I highly recommend it. I'll get the name of the museum in English and Thai and possibly a link to their website and insert it later. In addition to learning from the museum, it was really helpful having a friend explain to me the culture- the do's, don'ts, and why's. I definitely have a lot more to learn, but I look forward to it.

A couple crazy things I saw today: an Italian couple arguing/fighting. I have no clue what was happening, but the lady was super-angry and the guy was extremely apologetic, especially after the I-don't-care attitude didn't work on her. There was an old, white guy wearing extremely short shorts. Gross. I also so another guy with a GoPro. It made me kick myself for leaving mine in the car. He had the head strap attached to the camera but not using it. At Asiatique I saw a couple Harley baggers, one with ape hangers. Made me want one so bad... haha!

Anticipation

With less than 3 weeks remaining until the biggest move and step of faith in my life so far, anxiety builds amongst surrealism. And I wonder... Is this what awaiting death would feel like? Of course I mean under peaceful circumstances, in contrast to war or dire situations. My mind has built parallels. First, you're leaving loved ones behind. As remaining moments become fewer, they become more precious. Trivial things are less important, arguments end quicker, and people seem to get along better. Sadness is addressed with the assurance of eventually being reunited in a better place (Thailand). The premise of me going in the first place is that it's God's calling for me and the purpose of my last few years of work.

I had more similarities, but I wasn't able to reach a device and pen them quick enough. Maybe they will return, and I can edit later. The bottom line to this late-night rambling is that journey or death approaching, our remaining days are becoming fewer and more precious, and the cliche rings true- live every day like it's your last. I wish the senseless bickering between my siblings and me (in all directions) could have decreased and the displays of our love for each other could have abounded long before I moved to the other side of the earth.

Better late than never. I sure love them.

The Game of Life in Single Player Mode

    A guy is on a game show with a bunch of friends. The game show's format is a  mix of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (Regis version) and Let's Make A Deal, its prizes are like The Price Is Right, and it's co-hosted by Alex Trebek and Vanna White. It's called The Game of Life. Everyone he knows has played it, making it to various stages and winning various "big" prizes. He and his group of friends came to play with the intent of going home with the current headliner prize: a brand-new, custom Yamaha VMAX. Not all of their friends and family understand or support their esteemed prize, but the guys don't expect them to. This fraternity has a perspective shared only with each other.
    At this point in the game, most of our protagonist's friends have completed the game and won their sought-after and hard-earned reward, the rest continued in their endeavors. He is now at a crucial point in the game. He just reached a safety point and won an Alaskan expedition, but now he must make a decision: keep the expedition and continue to play a couple more rounds, one of which may contain the VMAX, though it is uncertain, or he can give up the cruise, pick one of the motorcycles or scooters he has passed over previously, and go home. He has less than a minute left to decide and has just used his last lifeline. Although the lifeline was the closest and wisest friend, it doesn't help because he tends to speak in vague answers to make you figure things out on your own. Adding to the confusion, the participant's head is filled with the voices of family and friends telling him to settle on one of the other bikes, after all, that is why he came- it's a guaranteed win! But he can imagine what the friends who have completed the game and have won their price would say: take a chance, keep going, it's worth the risk not to settle. His own logic kicks in: you can always admire the enjoyment of your friends with their bikes, besides, you'll still have the adventure of the expedition. Time is ticking. Guaranteed bike? Take a chance with the Alaskan adventure? Security or uncertainty? Ten seconds... Settle for what would do or strive for the heart's desire? What should he do? Five, four, thr....


"I'm taking a chance..."


    This identifies a stage or season in my life, along with many other men and women. Moving away from friends, family, and what's familiar to the unknown far, far away is a tough decision many people have to make when deciding to act proactively on God's call for ministry away from home. This decision can be especially difficult if the person is single. Paul might have said it's good to be single if you can help it (1 Corinthians 7:8-9). Those are Paul's thoughts. But he also paints a good picture of how marriage between a man and woman reflect the relationship between Christ and the church. Even stronger evidence: God doesn't think we should be alone, so he designed us to need someone else (Genesis 2:18). After all, he didn't make us asexual...
    The point of this analogy is to encourage people making tough decisions. People who mean a lot to you, such as friends and family, may genuinely want what is best for you. However, if it conflicts with what you know is right for you and causes doubt, seek the Holy Spirit for guidance and look to your close friends that share your passion, vision, and goal for encouragement. It may be easy to settle for less than what you know is right, but it is worth the risk and hard work in the end if you persevere to your goal. When it comes to ministry and marriage, "Master, Mission, Mate" is the right order. I've tried the other variations, and it just  doesn't work out well.
    It's like at VBS tonight. One of the mini-lessons we had for the kids was that following directions makes things easier and better for us. For the kids, they had an obstacle course to maneuver. The kids that followed directions had fewer if any problems and had faster completion times. We applied this to Scripture. God gives us directions. We will reach an end, for sure, but, if we follow directions, it will be a better end and more enjoyable journey.
    Do things the right way, even though you may think you know better. Follow directions, don't settle, trust God, and take the risk.

Celebrations and VBS

T minus 6 weeks, 2 days... 44 days from now, I will probably be leaving the great state of Texas and the United States of America to begin my new life in Asia. I can't believe it is so near! It is surreal right now, but anxiety and excitement will surely build in the next few days. I'm trying to make the most of my last month and a half with my family and friends. I got to see a lot of friends from high school, college, and past employment at weddings and birthday parties on Friday and Saturday. It was such a blessing to get to see a lot of people I haven't seen in years that I was certain I wouldn't get a chance to see before I leave. I also got to tell a lot of friends about my big move coming up. A lot couldn't believe I was moving so far away and for so long.

Yesterday was Father's Day. I got to celebrate with my father, mother, sisters, and nephews. I have been really blessed with a awesome, godly father. I won't exaggerate and say my dad is the greatest in the world. He definitely has imperfections and short-comings, but, of course, he is human. For a mere man, he has been a wonderful influence in my maturing and development into manhood, as well as a great example of a faithful father, both in his walk with Christ and marriage with my mother, and man of integrity. His childhood wasn't as well-off as mine. He turned away from his father's sinful and selfish lifestyle and ended what could have been a legacy of generational sin. I will definitely tell my children and grandchildren how my dad's faithfulness changed the course of our family. He is where I derive my work ethic, though I'm still trying to meet his level. Man, do I have stories of inspirational moments that will forever affect me... but those will wait for an appropriate time when I can fit them in to nail down a specific point. Anyway, all this to say I love my dad.

Tonight my church started vacation Bible school. If you're unfamiliar with this, it's a week-long mini-camp each evening this week where kids will play games, sing songs, make crafts, and have a little Bible lesson. I love working VBS! I'm co-teaching the games class with another guy, Nathan. Tonight we had a pictionary relay race and a game of tag for the wee little ones. It's really cool to see kids grow physically and spiritually. It makes me think of a Bible verse:

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:1-6 ESV) http://esv.to/Mt18.1-6

We have a great responsibility to lay a foundation for the younger generation's faith. It doesn't mean blindly believe something but to humble yourself- admit you don't know everything, especially no more than God (cuz you don't, see Job 38:2-4). This year's theme is about truth of the Bible, specifically the creation story. The curriculum takes a very strong young-earth stance, which caused a little controversy. There are a couple creation-based theories. I tell my nephews to research and learn about them just as much as they research and learn evolution at school and not to ignore something they don't think they believe in because ignorance of the others weakens your faith and understanding in the one you choose to believe. If you want to discuss different theories (or subjects of anything), you should have a pretty good understanding of what you don't believe so you can actually know why you don't believe it. Educating our children in both (or all) sides of an argument strengthens their understanding and faith; not doing so is a disservice to them.

Lastly, my friend, Putti Sok, is now in Thailand for the summer. Here's her blog: http://puttisok.blogspot.com/ Read it. Pray for her.


Ways you can pray for me:

• I'm still trying to gather up all of my start-up funds (and I have about 6 weeks to take-off)
• Pray that Nathan and I are aware of how God is moving at VBS and that we are devoted/invested in the kids and the lessons

Yesterday was a great day!

But first, I remembered some of the things I wanted to mention last time.
    I'm going to miss some important events in friends' and family's lives. For instance, my brother from another mother, Samson, is getting married in late 2012. He has wanted me to be a groomsman before he even met his fiancée! But I will have to miss this momentous occasion. My little sister, Allison, will graduate in December. I will be on the other side of the world and unable to celebrate her accomplishment with her. Not to mention  missing seeing  my nephews grow up, holidays, and birthdays.
    But that's the sad reality. I will miss important events. I know moving, and moving now in this season of my life, is the right thing to do. Luckily, I have the support of almost everybody that is important to me. To the remaining few that want me to stay or at least wait a little longer, I'm sure they will be won over in no time. They have no choice :)
    Oh, carpet- I will miss carpet. The majority of floors are cement, tile, etc. Occasionally there may be a rug, but carpet is only in hotels (from my experience). This will be easier to clean, but I'll miss the option of laying out on carpet for random nap. Yeah, I know, that's kinda weird.

    So yesterday... It started off with an errand. I had to get a copy of a title for an old Jeep I'm selling. This marks the first item sold from Craigslist (well, I'm waiting for them to pick it up as I write this). I also have another person coming out to look at a truck for sale and a guy wanting to check out my guitar and amp. These big purchases will help pay for essential things when I'm in Thailand. I'm praying that they sell quickly and without complication.
    Next, I met a teacher I worked with, Mrs. Rhodes, and a couple students for lunch. First, they gave me an AWESOME card that many, many, many students signed and left messages for me (see in the pictures). That was definitely the highlight of my day. Then we went to a Vietnamese restaurant for lunch. Great pho, fried rice, vermicelli dishes, and milk tea!
    I haven't mentioned it before, but I was worried I might have visa trouble. I was unsure of what kind to get, tourist or education (I want to study Thai before I start teaching if possible) and how to change whatever I applied for and received into a work visa. I talked to some expatriates who have experience with what I want to do, and they totally cleared up my confusion! Praise the Lord! I have a pretty good idea/plan now. I'll put the details below and eventually let you know if it works or not. This was the second-best highlight of my day. A lot of stress was relieved!
    Then last night I got The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler. Even though it was really late (I got it on Kindle), I couldn't help but to start reading it!

Visa Plan
I plan on getting two-entry tourist visa, each good for 60 days, and extend each entry for 30 days, a total of 180 days. I need a cushion of 2-3 weeks between this visa expiring and getting the work (B) visa. The total for the two entries and two extensions will be around $200, plus the cost of a visa run after the first 90 days.

Out of it...

Everything is still pretty slow-going, but it shouldn't be. The plan is for me to take off in less than 60 days, yet I haven't bought a plane ticket, much less done any other tangible preparation. I've been doing some reading, talking, and praying (though not as much as I should) in preparation. I had a great talk with my friend, Stephen, that helped me efficiently organize my vision into words. I'm about finished with a presentation for committee members at my church about my vision, goals, needs, etc.

Coming up next week: Sell everything I own. Craigslist, be prepared...

A few things I realized this week-

• I will miss my dog, Sammy.
• Teaching in a new school can be intimidating/exciting/anxious, much more in a new country! But I'm confident I will do well.
• Somehow responsibilities and decisions seem to carry more weight in Thailand- I feel like there is less room for error when I'm thousands of miles away from everyone I know.
• I won't know many people- so it's good I like to make friends!

I'm sure there's more, but Sammy is really hyper and wants to play...

More to come soon! Promise!

-Derek

Preface

Things are getting real. I created this blog many months ago, even tried posting a few times via the phone app. It didn't work, so I put it off until my big move was bigger on the horizon. It's a lot closer now, though not completely specific in details. But that's how I like doing some things... it keeps a sense of unknown adventure about the whole ordeal and doesn't allow me to rely on a plan. Please don't mistake this for poor planning. I have fail-safes in place, along with concerned family and friends that are keeping my feet on the firm ground of reality. Most of all, I trust God to keep me safe and provide for me. Will it be tough financially, emotionally, spiritually at times? Yes. But I know I will have a lot of prayer support, so I'm not worried.

Right now the idea is to leave in mid/late July. Will definitely keep this updated.

Moving on... There are a few purposes for this blog. The obvious: the blog will allow people back home (and elsewhere) to see what's going on during my move and stay overseas. I will also use it to reflect on what I've experienced and how I've grown over time. Lastly, I hope others can get something from it- learn from my experiences, be encouraged by shared hard times and good times, or be inspired to do something bigger than him/herself. I would really appreciate your feedback, encouragement, criticism. Friend or stranger. Agree or disagree.

-Derek