New Friends and the One Year Mark

Well, as of yesterday, we have been in Thailand one full year! It's amazing and I am sure I have changed a lot in this year. I just want to share with you what I wrote in my journal a year ago on June 25, 2005

"As I begin to write in this new journal I think back on my college
journal. I was excited about the LORD and excited to see what He was
going
to do in my life at Toccoa Falls College. Tonight, I am again in
a new
phase of life getting ready to realize and begin some of what God
called me to
at TFC. It's VERY exciting but I think more so it's VERY
humbling. I
am very aware of my sin and pride and I am also keenly
aware of my lack of
dependence on the Shepherd of my soul."

So, maybe I haven't changed all that much. I am still very aware of my sin and daily humbled because of it. I can thank God because I know I am His, He has bought me with a price and He is NOT letting me go. Praise the Lord, for my name is written on the palm of His hand!

On another note, I think it might be finally happening, I think I have some Thai friends!
How exciting! As PJ, Calvin, and I have made a habit of going
outside in the early evening to walk around and try to meet neighbors it seems
God has directed us to two women specifically who are always so friendly and
nice to us. These two women each have a son. One woman is married to
a Bulgarian man and the other woman is married to a Thai. Their little
boys are both younger than PJ and older than Calvin (one is almost 2, and the
other is 2 ½). PJ loves playing with them, but mostly loves the one little
boys’ toys! Just about every night they expect us to come out and play and
talk and walk. It is so nice to feel welcomed like this and to feel that I
have some friends. Granted, there is still a long way to go before sharing
the Gospel but I am thrilled that God is answering our (when I say “our” I mean
both yours there in the States (or wherever you might be) and ours) prayers for
the relationships He is building in our new neighborhood. I also have
received two phone calls from one of the women I got to know on the English
retreat. Please pray for my relationship with this woman as
well.

I can’t believe how much busier life is here. It is
just crazy. So, I know I have posted a lot in the past few days but there
is SO much more to write about. It is really hard to tell you everything.
At any rate, I will do my best to keep you updated and aware of how to
pray.

On that note, there is one area specifically that if
you feel the Spirit lead, please pray for us. PJ as you might remember is
turning three on July 16. Most of the time, he has been a pleasant
child to be around. A few months before leaving Lopburi he started to act
quite rudely to people, but especially Thai people. Here in Thailand it is very
important for little children to “wai” their elders. To “wai” is to simply
put your hands together and bow your head. PJ basically has been refusing
to do it but it has really gotten bad since moving to Bangkok. I think
that it is a combination of a lot of different things (sin, transition in
moving, and his age.) I have been really concerned and often times
embarrassed at his behavior when greeting Thai people. He has started
getting spanked for it once we return home and we have seen some improvement but
still the problem is there. He also (and I think this is mostly
age-related) has shown that he is afraid. When he hears a loud truck roar
by or any load noise he is quite frightful. So, I started praying for PJ
and then the other night in my Psalms reading I read Psalm 4. It was so
encouraging for me to read and so I have now begun to pray it over not just PJ
but over Paul and Calvin as well. Below, I have written out a few of the
verses, the ones that really spoke to me.
v.3-8 “But know the LORD has set
apart the godly man for Himself; The LORD hears when I call to Him.
Tremble
and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still.
Selah.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD.
Many
are saying, “Who will show us any good?” Lift up the light of Your countenance
upon us, O LORD!
You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their
grain and new wine abound.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You
alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.”

My favorite verse is
verse 6 “Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O LORD!” This has
become my prayer for our family but especially PJ. How I long to see him
reflecting Christ in his behavior and I have great hope that he will.

So, these have been just a few musings of mine of late.
Thanks for stopping in this little location on the blog-o-sphere. God
bless