I'm probably going to stay another year in Thailand. I enjoy living over here a lot. I've made some good friends.
I've found a good group of Christians to stay strong with. I go to a Bible study small group once a week. I've been going to an evangelical church. It has a praise and worship band but each week different people lead it. So one week they'll have a trumpet and the next someone will play violin. I enjoy worship there.
I've made friends with Christians from coutries all over the world too. I've met Christians from Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Poland, Canada, Russia, and the Congo. I think that's really neat.
I've also met some missionaries over here. In some ways what they are doing is the same as what I'm doing. They teach English to Thai college students, but they teach Bible stories. Some other missionaries I met are in Laos. They can't mention their faith because the government doesn't like it. They could only get into the country as teachers. Laos is a communist country. I can't share my faith with my students. I've talked a little with Thai teachers about Christianity and Buddhism. I'm not very good at bringing those subjects up.
Sometimes I feel good about what the Lord is doing through me as a Christian. I've had some discussions with the other teachers from Baylor. Ironically, they are mostly not Christians. I've never converted anyone though. I feel guilty about that sometimes. I know I shouldn't feel that way. For one I can't convert anyone. Only God can do that. All I'm required to do is sow the seeds.
I know I have a long way to go in terms of who God wants me to be. I still don't pray much. I still don't read the Bible much. I still don't feel comfortable when I talk about my faith. I'm not sure why that is. Please pray for me to get peace about my identity in Christ.
I've also struggled in my walk. Bangkok is a sensuous city filled with temptations. Thai women are unbelievably beautiful. I've been too physical with some of my Thai girl friends. We're just friends, but when we go out dancing and drinking, things get crazy. I haven't gone out dancing for a while because of that. It's still tempting though.
I don't like teaching very much, but it seems like the only job I could find in Thailand. I should find another school so I can earn more money. I'm not saving much. I only make $400 a month. It's plenty to live on over here but not enough to take back to America. I'll need to work somewhere better to save up for a car. I don't think my parents can afford to give me one.
I'm uneasy about Bush being our president. I hope he doesn't start a war with Iran. Please pray that the Bush administration will use more diplomacy. Okay I'm through ranting. I appreciate the prayers of everyone. Thank you. Peace.
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