From the other side of the world....

Welcome to my blog.

I am not really great at writing and sharing stories but I will begin with the few days leading up to my flight to Thailand.

Saturday Night, my sister and I had planned on making dinner and watching a movie with a friend that we both know from church. I was excited to have a chill night but was also feeling kind of sad because I knew I would be unable to see all the wonderful people I have met at first Presbyterian in Norfolk. So I'm sitting on the couch, reading, and all of a sudden the door opens and a million people run in shouting, SURPRISE!! I was utterly shocked! I had no idea it was coming. The evening was so wonderful. I was able to talk with people I had not seen in a while and also say my good byes.

Sunday morning, after church was a bit of a shock. I got in my first accident on a rainy and nasty day. I was so frustrated and could not believe that it happened THEN, 2 DAYS before I was leaving the country. My friend and mother both put it in to perspective, God has things planned and Satan does not want them to happen. This fact is both terrifying and encouraging. It is a terrifying reminder that there is indeed spiritual warfare that we as christians must face. It was encouraging in the fact that God is at work and is allowing me to be a part of his work.

I tell you being in a foreign country as a single person is a weird experience. I feel like I shouldn't be allowed to walk around by myself. But here I am walking down the street by myself, thinking, "I'm in a foreign country, walking around, by myself." Its completely bizarre. These first couple days have been exciting and a bit lonely at times. I am the only single young person who is teaching. This I was not expected! I figured most of the teachers would be younger due to not being tied down to a job quite yet. I am enjoying hanging out with the other teachers but am eager to start meeting native thai's. I have been going through a few sets of brief orientations on culture and how to teach english confidently. These have been helpful to me for sure.

Yesterday I was able to swim laps at a local hotel which was WONDERFUL. After being on a flight for so long and getting a chance to stretch my legs I felt far more relaxed and at home. For lunch, I invited myself along with one couple who is teaching at the BSC. They are such a neat couple. They showed me around town and helped me find food and a hair dryer (yes its HOT here but very necessary ;) ) After this I was able to spend some time with Ned and Wanda, the couple from my church. I had dinner at their house and then went to a special worship service. It was great to experience thai worship. It is not too much different from the western style but was neat in that I was worshipping with other believers on the other side of the world!

I do not know what saturday and sunday hold, but I hope to see more of the town. Monday I will be able to meet the two thai girls I have been e-mailing. I'm very excited!! I can't wait to tell you all about this. Well that will be all for now... I will be sure to post some pictures and share some stories in the future!