It feels like I haven't posted in a long time. I guess that's what happens when you keep pushing back writing in the blog for two weeks! Since the last time that I've posted, a lot has gone on. First off, the Jasper Kids are back from their summer break. So two weeks ago I got to see a lot of familiar faces when I went to Wiang Pa Pao, there were also some new students who joined Jasper Kids this year, 5 girls and 5 guys, so it was fun getting to know the new kids and getting reacquainted with the other Jasper Kids. I was a bit nervous at first, seeing the kids, because it would be the first time that I would speak to them in Thai, but my nervousness melted away as the kids made it very easy for me talk to them in Thai. Seriously, it is way more fun hanging out with them this time around, than last time because I can communicate and understand them a lot better.
Since two weeks ago was the Jasper Kids first week back, Pastor JJ and Junya held a PTA meeting to go over the purpose of Jasper Kids and to introduce the staff and the new students, and later that evening, we had icebreakers to introduce the new kids, and as the usual we played corny asian games, but fun nonetheless.
Last week, when I went back to Wiang Pa Pao, there were no events with the Jasper Kids, so it was very chill and relaxing weekend to just hang out with the Jasper Kids, definitely something I enjoyed a lot. We also held Saturday English school registration for the Jasper Kids and other kids in Wiang Pa Pao. Had a lower turnout than expected, but it shall be fun teaching Thai kids English as it also gives me a chance to practice my Thai.
Aside from those few things, when I'm in Chiang Mai, it's been the same routine, learning Thai and teaching English, and at the same time planning for the short term summer mission teams. I guess one one thing that I can definitey praise God for is that oldest student, passed out of his intensive ESL course and will now be entering the 7th grade, so I'm very happy for him. This is also my last week in Chiang Mai because the first mission team will be arriving next Wednesday, so that means this will be my last week studying Thai and teaching at the center, man I can't believe three months have gone by so quickly! Now it's time to put in some work!
Some other highlights from the last two weeks...
- I guess during the first seasonal rains, there are these flying bugs that look like giant termites that come out from its nest, and they come out in hordes, it's ridiculous, but anyways, apparently they are a very tasty treat. So two weeks ago the Jasper Kids were catching them as they were coming out from the ground and later on these bugs were fried and salted. Apprehensive at first about eating them, I ate one and was suprised that it tasted like popcorn, no lie! I can definitely see myself eating more. First Bo Shing Tang now meng maleng (the name of the bug), I wonder what's next.
- Wiang Pa Pao is wonderful at night, at this time of the year. The night time sky is black and clear, no hint of light pollution, as the multitutde of stars shine bright and clear. Then there's the cool breeze, when you stand outside, and as your just taking in the heavens, fire flys dot the surroundings here and there. It feels like a slice of heaven. Did I mention how beautiful it is in Thailand!
- Prayer Requests
- Now that it is June, it's now time for me to spend time at Wiang Pa Pao and help out at the Jasper Kids. This is what I've been waiting for, so please pray that I will be dilligent and serve the ministry with a humble heart.
- Pray that God will use me in presenting the Gospel to the villages we visit with the mission teams, and pray that I will be humble in serving the teams as well
- Pray for my continued language learning, that even though I'm done with tutoring, that I will be dilligent in my self studies.
- Pray for the Jasper Kids that they will come to know the Lord much more in this upcoming year.
I'm glad things are going well for you Frankie. Keep it up, and thanks for doing the work that we can't do! We'll be praying for you every week.
ReplyDeletewhats up frankie,
ReplyDeleteit's jeff and jane. hurry up and update your blog! talk about how awesome the la team was. miss you bro. take care of david and jonathan for me.