Motorbikes are fun!

Today was day 1 of learning how to drive a motorbike!! I didn't think I would be able to do it, but it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Hopefully after some more practice I'll be able drive with real traffic and I still have to master driving with someone on with me. lol. So we'll see how it goes. 

Wow

So yesterday, before my young adult class; one of my students asked me a question. Point blank..."Leah, do you believe in Jesus?" In that moment I was frozen, shocked...did he really just ask me that?? I just couldn't believe that this Buddhist, teenage kid had just asked me that very raw question. I had never been in such a situation. As soon as I got my mind around it, I answered him and told him, "yes I do, I'm Christian." I asked him how did he know about Jesus? And he told me that his aunt was a Christian and he continued to ask me what my religion was. Unfortunately the conversation couldn't go on, because right in that moment we're interrupted and class had to start. 

But 'wow', was all I could think. I pray that God will give another opportunity to share my beliefs with my students in a more full manner. But I'm thankful for this uplifting chance to answer my student's simple question; it was very much a blessing. 

The ups and downs...

So I'm half way into my second week of teaching and I've felt so many different emotions. 

1. Loved. Just this Monday, two of my previous students returned. Lemon and Soda greeted me very warmly. Lemon even gave me a big hug, and told me she missed me. I was touched. 

2. Overwhelmed. That very same Monday, I was at the point of major tears during my beginners kids class. Who knew such cute kids could make you  feel this way!? While half of my class (the older kids) were sitting quietly and behaving, I had three others screaming for my attention and running wild. I could feel my frustration boiling, but I had been feeling sick and my sore throat prevented me from raising my voice. Instead I left and got Pnee (school secretary) to speak to them in Thai. As soon as they were being reprimanded, the youngest of the three broke out in tears. All I could think was, 'great! that's all I need.' At that point I was so close to giving and crying with him. I just felt so overwhelmed and I didn't know what to do. 

3. Successful. This term I teaching two beginner level classes, for high school aged students. I enjoy and even look forward to this time of day. It's so much fun to teach these students. We always have a good time. They open up and ask questions which makes teaching them even more great! 

I expect the ups and downs to come and go. I mean some days I feel so overwhelmed with my kids class, and then on others I feel like I'm actually teaching them something. And thats what matters. The bottom line is I love being a teacher. I love that feeling of accomplishment, knowing I'm making a difference. Even on the days when I have no idea that I am. I pray and hope that my efforts are not in vain but that I really am doing something good. 

A Stranger's Words...

Today, randomly I remembered this brazilian lady I met at the Bangkok train station. We were both waiting for the train to Ubon, and since it was taking FOREVER we shared our frustrations with each other. We got to talking, and she asked what Erin and I were doing in Thailand. I explained what had brought us here wasn't a mere vacation, but somewhat of a life changing opportunity. The conversation was casual and simple and in the end we went our separate ways. But before we parted she told both Erin and I how much she admired us for doing what we're doing. I was flattered and a little surprised. Sometimes I forget about how I got here and the reason why I stay. I forget that I'm a missionary and that's there's a greater reason out there of why I'm here now. This total stranger simply reminded me of my purpose and how I should put everything in perspective. I'm here for not myself but others...and I hope to never forget that.

Ubon: Round Two

Well, I'm back in Ubon. I arrived on the overnight train this morning. It felt like yesterday that Erin and I were traveling here for the first time back in August and now we're here in January. I have so much to look back on...it's mind blowing. Having only been back in town for a few hours, I had to get back to teaching. It was a little overwhelming not having had class for two weeks, but I survived. I recently received the school's calendar, and I actually only have two more terms to teach and then I'm on my way home. Again, I'm shocked; where has the time gone?!

Happy New Year

I just can't believe it's 2009. It's amazing to me that 2008 has come and gone so soon. It has been a great year. So many things in my life have changed. I've never been so happy! This time last year I would have never guessed, I'd be where I am now. I'm so thankful for this last year, I grown so much and I have learned so many things about life and love; I have no regrets.