Many of you are probably aware that teaching English is one of the biggest felt needs here in Thailand and in most of Asia, actually. When we first moved to our neighborhood it didn't take long for us to meet many of those who live in the neighborhood...or who serve the neighborhood in some capacity (ie, the man who sweeps the streets, mows the little bit of grass in the garden, the guards). In Thailand, on most streets you will find food hawkers. Sometimes they come with their motorcycle with a cart attached where they might sell fried chicken and sticky rice, or pork on a stick, or somtam. And sometimes, they actually set up a makeshift restaurant right on the sidewalk, complete with tables, benches or chairs. One such "restaurant" exists just as you enter our neighborhood. It didn't take long for us to meet the owners and talk to them on occasion. I came to learn that they are from the South and they moved to Bangkok because the economy in the south was no good for them. They have two children, a son who is 16 and a daughter who is 14. It is clear they want to make a better life for their kids. The mom asked me a couple months ago if I'd be willing to teach English to her daughter, May. At that time the son was still down south living. But, last month he moved to Bangkok as well. Anyway, I told her I would teach her daughter, but didn't really set up any days or times, just told her to pop in sometime. About a month passed, the son moved up and the mom introduced him to me one sunny afternoon as I was on my way to my language class. She asked if I would teach him as well. Of course, I said "yes!" and then she followed with, "how about today?" I quickly thought through my afternoon and said, "sure, we'll start today, 4pm." And that is how it all started. So, three weeks in, I have four students but I am not accepting anymore. It is free...I know, I know, I should charge something (as my training taught me) but for now, I am just going to see how it goes. My students are the teenagers (brother and sister) and then another brother and sister who are 9 and 11. Their parents have a som tam (spicy papaya salad) restaurant at the end of our soi...and we buy food from them on occasion.
Above are A and C doing a worksheet, below is M.
Pictured below is C, also working on her worksheet at the end of class.
I'll work on getting a picture of them all smiling at the camera!
So, it's been fun. I try to get them to speak as much as possible. Thais study English from 1st grade on, but of course, it's usually taught by a Thai. So, they know grammar (usually) a lot better than we English speakers, but the actual speaking is where they need loads of practice. I would ask you to pray for me as I teach and plan lessons. Please also pray for the students.
Of course, the main reason I teach them is to build relationships with them and their folks...and hopefully show them the love of Christ...and share the gospel. The young man has heard the gospel from Taiwanese missionaries who were in the south...and he seemed open to discussing more. I am happy to have God use me in whatever way in these family's lives. I may just be a little bit of water in their lives, or I may have the extreme privilege of watching those seeds sprout into a real faith! May Christ be glorified regardless of what I get to see...and may I be faithful to the gospel and to sharing the hope that I have. Thank you for your prayers.
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