I've been here a month. People are kind, friendly, a little shy at times, but that doesn't bother me. I live with 5 americans...all good. Getting to know students on campus. Ironically busy hanging out. Thailand is relaxed, laid back, little plans. I'm horrible at speaking thai. Can't remember anything.
Getting to know people, but relationships take time. The culture is ultra respectful, non confrontational, smiley. I'm constantly being rude, but not on purpose. Walking on grass, pointing my feet, talking too loud, walking over people. Ahh!
There's lots of time for discussion. We spent time in a hill tribe village. Taught at the school unexpectedly. One morning, the entire school was having an assembly. Our Thai friend asked us to give an anti-drug speech. Before we could deny the offer the entire school turned around and began clapping. My speech in front of 200 thai kids consisted of, "drugs are bad...umm...bad for your heart, mind, body," pass the microphone. Brilliant!
Jason and I went on a 10 HOUR motorcycle ride to get my visa renewed. Intense with rain, sun, and cold mountain weather. It was fun...but probably won't do it again. I'm used to the food. It tore me up for awhile, but now it's better...way better.
The christians here are amazing. it's really difficult for them to become Christians. Basically, they must deny their culture. I respect their persistence so much. I'm learning a ton about ministry, what it means to evangelize, and what i would like my life to look like. This has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Thank you, God...
Anyway, I'll leave some pictures to tell the rest of the story...




Getting to know people, but relationships take time. The culture is ultra respectful, non confrontational, smiley. I'm constantly being rude, but not on purpose. Walking on grass, pointing my feet, talking too loud, walking over people. Ahh!
There's lots of time for discussion. We spent time in a hill tribe village. Taught at the school unexpectedly. One morning, the entire school was having an assembly. Our Thai friend asked us to give an anti-drug speech. Before we could deny the offer the entire school turned around and began clapping. My speech in front of 200 thai kids consisted of, "drugs are bad...umm...bad for your heart, mind, body," pass the microphone. Brilliant!
Jason and I went on a 10 HOUR motorcycle ride to get my visa renewed. Intense with rain, sun, and cold mountain weather. It was fun...but probably won't do it again. I'm used to the food. It tore me up for awhile, but now it's better...way better.
The christians here are amazing. it's really difficult for them to become Christians. Basically, they must deny their culture. I respect their persistence so much. I'm learning a ton about ministry, what it means to evangelize, and what i would like my life to look like. This has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Thank you, God...
Anyway, I'll leave some pictures to tell the rest of the story...
8 Comments:
That's awesome, Erika. I'm glad you are having such a great time.
Hey little Erika! I am so glad that you are having such a wonderful experience in Thailand. I guess I am enough out of the Westover loop that I didn't even realize that you were going. I will be praying for you and I just know that you will be speaking the language like a pro before you know it!
-Andrea (Hise) Whiteside
good to hear an update! i can't wait to hear about the whole experience when you get back.
...maybe all that 4-wheelin' and bike riding helped prepare you for the 10 hour motorcycle trip. yikes.
i love the overview. now i have some real images and stories of you there instead of the ones i was making up in my head. my favorite is your drug speech, priceless!
Love you and miss you! I'm so excited to hear all about your time in Thailand but mostly excited to hug you:)
Erika,
I love that you gave a drug free speech I'm sure you weren't uncomfortable at all...you love public speaking!! I'm glad you are having so much fun...but don't decide to stay b/c I get real lonely at night...the beta fish aren't very talkative...they're good listeners though..
Erika,
I love that you gave a drug free speech I'm sure you weren't uncomfortable at all...you love public speaking!! I'm glad you are having so much fun...but don't decide to stay b/c I get real lonely at night...the beta fish aren't very talkative...they're good listeners though..
my hair looks similar to the child's in the last picture on your blog minus the bangs.
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