Getting back into the swing of things after a long flight and jetlag seems to take longer than you'd want it to. My Grandfather mentioned how "hard" a trip to Asia was about 50 years ago and it really put things back into perspective. (Slow boats, trains, backs of donkey's, hiking on foot...months of travel that now only takes a full day). What do I have to complain about??? Well, despite it only taking 30 hours of plane travel, we decided as a family to take a couple days away together at a cheap resort and just rest. As good as furlough was, it was short and rather rushed, with lots of traveling place to place. However, we couldn't get away the first week back due to visa renewals and such. So we went away during the 2nd week back.


In the mean time, I decided to go ahead and jump right in with scheduling and planning and talking to my mission mentor; which happens to be my Uncle David, who is the field director of NBCM, and Aunt Norma. We discussed some things that he would like me to do as an intern of NBCM, and one of the main things he stressed is the need for a full comprehension of the Thai language; studying up to at least grade level six, and taking a Thai exam. So I began looking into studying at one of the language centers that I have studied at in the past, Payap University. I looked into some other options but this one seemed to be the best all around. It costs about $250 a month, and that's 3 hours every weekday (9am-12pm). Just to clarify a bit, I do speak Thai, on an average level, however I have never learned in such depth as to be able to counsel or talk on an emotional level, as well as reading and writing the Thai language. I passed the placement test for module 4 in Thai, and began studying on the 15th (Sept). I have completed my first week and am learning SO much. It is very challenging, but I am thoroughly enjoying it! The plan is to continue studying either with this University or by a private tutor for the next 3-6 months, until I take my exam in May of '09.

As far as Daughters of Ruth, I met with Ajahn Boonlerd, the Thai pastor, the first week and we discussed what I would be doing with the girls. Since the girls were in school all day, I asked Ajahn Boonlerd to wait and not tell the girls I had arrived, so we could surprise them. So that Sunday, I arrived at the home, where they have their church services as well, and we all had such a good reunion. Joe Garmen arrived from the States and we met up to talk through a few things, and had him out to our house for dinner. We decided to start up English lessons next week, on the 22nd, and I'm going to be teaching 2 days a week, one and a half hours each evening. And on Sunday's teach piano lessons. That is their only free time, except Saturdays and for now, that's not an option with all the hectic stuff going on, one needs a day to rest. :P


Another ministry I have is with my family. To help my Mom each afternoon for about 2 hours, I tutor my siblings in whatever they need help with. I also have to designate time to do my Thai homework, as well as updating the website and things.

One thing you can pray with me about is a new opportunity for the girls of DofR. There is a new Thai school opening next year run by Christians. It will be staffed with both Thai and English teachers. Two days a week will be solely taught in English. There will be music lessons, art, culture and most importantly Bible and counseling for the girls. The students will be mostly Thai orphans, and children like the DofR girls. I am so excited about the possibility...but it's all just thoughts and prayers at this point. I talked with Ajahn Boonlerd and Joe Garmen about this just this week, and even though they are very interested in it, it doesn't seem to be something that can happen at least at this point. ARM is trying to raise money to build a home for the girls at this time. Also the school is located all the way across town and since it is a private school it would cost about $400 per girl, per year. There is a possibility of reduced costs, and such, but it doesn't look too good at the moment. But it would be such an opportunity for the girls, and I would possibly be able to work along side the girls on a daily basis by helping to teach in the schools (by the time it opens I will be finished with my Thai studies). So I would really appreciate your prayers in this. If the Lord wants it to work out, then HE can make it happen!
Another prayer request that I have, would be that enough funding would come in to finance a vehicle. A reliable, secondhand vehicle would cost about $5000. I have been using our family vehicle but that is not easy on my parents who need use of the vehicle too. Thank you for all of your love, support and prayers.
In Christ,
Angela