Hello and welcome from Thailand. We have had another exciting two weeks as we have just finished week 4 of term 1. So, what updates do I have to bring you?

Life here at Manorom

We thought it would be fun to give you a little snapshot of life here. So, here we go. Every day, Jessica and I wake up around 0530 for quiet time and to prepare for our day. Jessica’s head pops off the pillow way faster, and by the time I am downstairs, she has already started brewing coffee and is quietly sitting in “her chair” with her bible. I have grown quite fond of this ritual and safeguard it from the temptation of the snooze button the best I can. By 0700 it is time to wake the kids and get ready for school.

0725, we are walking toward the school with our daunting 2-minute commute (down from nearly an hour in DC) and heading to staff devotion, where we all take turns sharing scripture or a story that is pressing on our hearts. Starting each day with worship music and a short message really helps center us and even reenergize us for the day ahead.

By 0800, we are plowing into the mission field, with a smile and a wave for all the kindergarteners who get to start a whole hour later than the rest of the school. The days are very different for Jessica and me. Jessica is dedicated to her classroom, teaching the last level of kindergarten before they are thrown to the wolves in 1st grade. I love walking by and watching her teach, singing silly songs, or teaching phonics.

I run to and fro, teaching my two subjects (Physical Education and Computer), then change my very sweaty shirt, sit in my office for visitations, or visit each learning center to learn names and just chat with people. Yes, I have finally found a job where I get to talk to people. Our day ends around 1630 (4:30pm), where we walk on the surface of the sun, or so it seems in the heat of the day, to scan our fingerprint and sign out for the day.

Then the after-school life begins. Most days, it is buying fried chicken on a stick, french fries, pork croutons, or ice cream from the campus canteen, and the kiddos play a variety of games with those who stay late or the Chinese students. They run amok, going back and forth for badminton rackets and ping-pong paddles, or letting friends take their bikes to ride around campus. The sound of laughter and happy screams rings out, echoing through the hospital and making the campus really feel alive. It warms our hearts to know they are making friends, and even more so when they walk up to our door and call through the screen to have our kids come out and play.

We still go to the market on Wednesday for a miniature feast and a movie. Last week, we actually took a gaggle of nine kids to the market and then invited two of the boarders over with their guardian to watch the movie in our front room. It was chaotic, but a ton of fun.

Elizabeth has started her piano lessons again after school, and Madelyn has picked up playing guitar as well! Madelyn is going to join the band in week 7 to show off all her mad skills. They just grow up so fast, don’t they?

Jessica and I currently spend two nights a week doing our best to learn Thai with one of the school instructors. We actually have a lot of fun and are currently learning the 44 consonants and 20+ vowel sounds, some of which I simply cannot pronounce. Jessica is a ROCKSTAR and is having straight conversations with the instructor. It is amazing. I mostly stare at her like a deer in the headlights until I get a little extra help from Jess.

Outside of those planned activities, a day is not complete without walking up to our favorite street food: 7-11 or CJs for dinner, and, if we are craving it, a fantastic traditional Thai coffee from Hops, our street coffee vendor. And yes, before you ask, it is still much cheaper here to get food than to buy groceries and cook, not to mention how hot the house gets when you cook!!!

Now for some life updates.

English Second Language Sunday School

Jessica has been teaching English as a second language to Chinese students who need a little extra help. Traditionally, all the students are combined and taught at the church, but Jessica was asked to help split the class based on their level of English, and Jess teaches those whose English needs a little more work. She is currently using a room at the local clinic on Sunday mornings prior to church. The kids have loved her and seem to look forward to her lessons each week. Some of the parents are now even attending the lessons!

The best part is that it is always centered around Christ. She helps them memorize verses and teaches through bible stories. It has become an awesome outreach to kids and adults who just need a caring, loving teacher in their lives.

Pray for this ministry, its mission, and its growth as students and adults alike come to learn English, but more importantly, hear the gospel.

Preaching at Manorom Church

I have been asked to preach on 5 July at the local Manorom Church. Since there is no official pastor for the church, members rotate to share what is on their hearts. Luckily for me, I can preach in English, it will be translated into Thai, and the slides will show the Chinese translation. To say that I am nervous is a huge understatement, but I know that God will provide the message and the strength and will use it according to his will.

Please pray for wisdom and understanding for the message God has planned and for all those it takes to reach three different cultures and languages.

Chaplain Office established

The room has been cleared, and the door signs (made of paper) are in place. The Chaplain’s office is set up with IKEA furniture and even a small fridge for cold water. This place serves as a refuge for people who just need to talk about their day or have questions about the school or their own faith.

I have gotten lots of visitors so far, most casual and relationship-building, others laden with pain and a need for answers or a listening ear. It is clear what my role is here. I am here for this. Though the Chaplain is responsible for two short messages a week, it is the time in the office or spent talking with students and staff across campus that seems to be yielding positive results. The trust is starting to grow, and I hope that soon, I will be able to truly be there for those in need.

In the same vein, the school really needs a school counselor and a guidance counselor, and I am praying heavily on whether getting additional education is my path forward to help with that goal.

Pray that students feel comfortable discussing the hard parts of their life and for the wisdom to help them see your path for their lives.

Donations

Thank you all for your gifts! Currently, the bulk is focused on helping get teachers’ classroom supplies and on some small quality-of-life improvements. We are in the process of transferring funds directly to the school for the purchase of recreational equipment. This, as with all things here, does take time. We will post pictures when everything is approved, ordered, and put in place. Thank you again!

I think that about covers it! We love hearing from you all. Keep sending prayers our way, and if you have our number, a text or call!!!!