Ubon Ratchathani

So I'm here in Ubon. I have been for the past couple of days. Since I don't have wireless at my school, I've been coming to an internet cafe to stay connected with the outside world!!

I can't even began to describe the difference between here and bangkok. It's a whole different environment. So far, I'm loving it. It comforting to be away from the city and the pollution. Ubon is really pretty and the people are so friendly. For the past couple of evenings, Erin and I have been hanging out at the park. It's really fun! There's so much going on, off to one side a group of break dancers showing off their moves, across the way numerous games of futbol are taking place, not to mention many other sports as well. There's even a fitness center with equipment and dance lessons. Erin and I sometime just sit and watch. It pretty interesting to watch cause there are several gay guys dancing and it's hilarious.

The school compound is really nice, the apartment where we are living up stairs is very spacious. Despite the ants and mostiqitos that we run into, it's a very nice situation.

Leaving Bangkok

Today, in a couple of hours I'll be leaving Bangkok for Ubon. So many mixed feelings. I'm going to miss everyone here, but i know this is a new adventure that God has laid out. It seems for the past week, every worship thought that has crossed my path has been about following God's plan, and going where He leads. Just like Jeremiah 29:11 says, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I take comfort in that verse, I can do anything with God, He's one step of ahead of me always and forever!

Rayong Beach

Today the language school took the day off, and we spent the day in Rayong, Thailand. Typically this area is crowded with tons of beach goers, but today not so much; it being the off-season and all. I was so excited to finally get to go the beach in thailand!
We got up extra early and drove two hours outside of Bangkok to Rayong Beach. This trip as well as being a relaxing day away from the city, was also a spiritual retreat. Pastor Williams came along and had various short worship thoughts throughout the day. I felt so blessed to be away from the busyness of Bangkok.
A few of us decided to venture out into the gulf of thailand. For me it was quite of change from swimming in the cali beaches. The water was so warm, it was a nice change. After eating lunch, we walked around and took pictures. It was a fun getaway to have before leaving everyone for Ubon.

Freak Rain Storms

It's seems to be an everyday thing here. Right around 5 in the even or so; dark, black clouds start to quickly roll in. It happens so fast, one moment you can enjoy the Bangkok skyline, and the next it's hidden behind a mountain of grayness. Erin and I often wake up from our afternoon naps and realize it's not safe to leave because most likely it will start pouring when we lest expect it. Ahhh...the joys of nature ;]

Today especially was scary. I've never seen the sky that black, before sundown of course. And in a matter of moments, it's pouring. It doesn't even start with a drizzle this time, it's like a dam opened up in the sky. I hope never to be caught out in a storm like todays.

Yummy Birthday Cake!!

Tonight, Kim cooked us a wonderful American dinner; consisting of pasta, garlic bread, veggies, && salad!! Now that wouldn't usually wow me, but after just being here just two weeks I have been missing those foods. Especially salad!! It seems that salad isn't part of the Thais meal. Anyways after the meal, Kim had prepared me a chocolate cake w/ a candle for my birthday. It was fun to celebrate once again my birthday with these great people. Kim's 6 year old daughter Sierra, made sure she was right by my side as I blew out the candles and then she insisted she help me cut it. lol.

After eating way too much, we all watched "I Am Legend", and "Inside Man." I had so much fun spending another Saturday night hanging out with everyone. It made me think about starting next week, I wouldn't be able to do that anymore and I'm going to miss it so much!

The Ultimate Mall Experience

My first impression of Bangkok, Thailand was definitely a growing city with really bad pollution. But there's so much more to this lively city. I honestly thought I wouldn't many of the luxuries that I have living back in the States, but that's not the case here at all! I can pretty much get anything here just the same as if I were living back home. Bangkok's malls have and continue to shock me. They are so beautiful. Today we went and saw a movie for the first time since we arrived two weeks ago. And just let me say the movie theater is lot nicer than the ones back home. You actually get to select where you sit in the audience, and the seats are really nice (especially for the price you pay, the low, low price of 140 Baht=about $6). Another thing that is done before every movie, is the audience stands up and pays respect the King of Thailand, while is song his played. This idea of holding the king in the highest respect is seen throughout the country. It's really interesting to me, cause I feel as Americans we don't really hold anyone even close to the level of respect that the Thais do.

The mall itself is breathtaking. With every floor, something new to amaze you. I think it was like the sixth level, you can buy a ferrari (I have no idea how you get it out of the showroom). We took our sweet time going through the food court, there just too many places to choose from. But my favorite part was dessert. We ate at Swensons, which is an awesome icecream place.

After stuffing ourselves and watching "Dark Knight" we preceded to catch the public bus back to our apartment. When we boarded the bus, it's was actually empty for once. But by the time we got to our neighborhood, it was packed. Erin and I made our way to the door, and jumped off. It wasn't until the bus drove away did we realize we had gotten off a little early and the rest of our party was still on the bus. lol. But it was okay, we knew where we were, and preceded to walk to 7-eleven to stock up on snacks. Exiting 7-eleven came with a surprise, a typical thailand downpour. We tried our best to get back as soon as possible. I'm sure the locals had a good laugh at us. I mean two white girls running through the rain, soaked. It had to be a funny scene.

Side note: I think I've gotten way too comfortable "living the good life" here. And surprisingly I am more than ready to leave for Ubon. I feel like this has almost been a little of a vacation and I'm ready to have that mission experience that is intended for an SM. Hopefully I'll find what I'm looking for, with God's direction; of course.

Filipino Food && Karaoke

Ever since I arrived here in Bangkok, my co-workers told me about their tradition to go out for either Korean or Filipino food and sing karaoke. Now my first reaction to this tradition was fear. Haha. I'm not the singing in front of people kind of person. But tonight I even surprised myself. There we were enjoying some yummy food and flipping through a book of hundreds of karaoke songs. I'll admit I didn't just jump right into it...it took me some time to realize I really am comfortable enough with these people (who i've only known a week and half) lol. So anyways, I did it. I sang karaoke. Once I started I couldn't stop. The songs varied, from Spice Girl's Wannabe to Mandy Moore's Only Hope. But it was so much just letting loose with my new friends!