At the Seaside

   I wrote this in my journal yesterday... =)

   The last day and a half have been sun-drenched and salty, wind-blown and smelling of the sea. Holly and I have been 'sitting in sunshine, calm and sweet' both figuratively and literally, and our happy hearts and my burnt legs are the proof of it. We have been delighting in every moment, kissing the joy and soaking in the timelessness.

   Our days together so far have consisted of sitting on the rocks and watching the waves crash on them, sitting on the dock and watching the boats go in and out, the fishermen delight in their catches, and the sun make its fiery pink and orange decent. We've listened to the waves roll in, to jazz music, and to each others' lives--catching up on the state of our hearts after 7 months of separation. We've eaten expensive fruit, spicy Thai dishes, and ice cream--sharing every meal to keep the costs (and our weight ;)) down. While the tide is out during the day we sit on the beach and laugh. While the tide is in at night we sit on the rocks and watch the stars and the lit up boats on the water and share the deeper parts of our hearts -- the places reserved only for a best friend.

   We don't make plans--just let the day unfold--and in doing so experience the day slowly, having the time to enjoy every beautiful thing that comes our way. It's lovely. This morning we've sat drinking coffee and reading our Bibles while this small beach town bustles about in a relaxed sort of way. We have no idea what the rest of the day will hold, but that is just the way we like it; every moment is an adventure.

Songkran!

It is probably highly unlikely in most countries right now to walk to an English lesson and end up getting soaked with water by your students.... but today, that is exactly what happened to me! In Thailand, that is a very probable scenario for the next week. Welcome to Songkran 2012! This week marks the traditional Thai new year (April 12-15 technically), a festival which is celebrated by a national water fight! From now till probably Monday or Tuesday of next week, I can't really expect to go anywhere without the very real possibility of getting wet!

Today I walked up to one of the bars to give an English lesson, and was greeted by my students (two 13 year old boys, sons of women who work at the bar) with squirt guns to my face. Rather than run away from the party, I joined it, and within 15 seconds my clothes were soaked through. :) For 30 minutes I "played water" as they call it, and decided that was enough for one day. On Friday I have plans to be out with friends all day in their pick-up truck soaking as many people as I can! Let the water fight begin!!!

From My Heart

From my journal, April 4, 2012:

It is very challenging for me to hope and persevere when I feel like I do not have purpose. My role here changes weekly, so I can never find a comfortable spot. That is probably good -- God did not bring me here to make me comfortable. At the same time it causes me to not know what I am supposed to do in any particular moment and then I lack a sense of purpose. I know my goal can't be wanting to know I am being used by God... but is it wrong to want that? It is wrong to want to know if my presence is making a difference? The things God calls us to are certainly never easy.

And so far this week I have done a lame job of pursuing the Lord which I'm sure has resulted in my stress and anxiety and longing for home. Stop longing for home, Jules. You've got a better country -- a heavenly one --awaiting you. Stay the course. The old faithful ones did not think of the country they had left. They looked forward, unto Jesus, who was leading them into something better that He had promised, even though they didn't even know what that was. You gotta keep your head up. Keep your hopes unbroken. You are Liz on top of the world and you're there because you HOPE in the One who has made the PROMISES -- and this hope will NOT lead to disappointment.

Remember, God has you here because it is GOOD for you. He longs to be gracious to you. It is not just that you have given up your life and made all kinds of sacrifices in order to bring peace and justice and blah, blah, blah to girls working as prostitutes. God has brought you to this place at this time because He is sovereign and good and merciful and he has your best interest in mind. That doesn't mean giddy happiness every moment of the day; but it does mean you can trust Him that here and now is the BEST thing for you.

And goodness, really your life is pretty awesome. How many people do you know that get to love people for a living? You teach 9 hours a week and during that time get to forget about yourself and focus your energy and attention on serving others. Besides that you play pool and listen to girls' stories and ask questions and get to hang out AS YOUR JOB. The question is, are you ready to give an answer for the hope that is within you? One of these days it will be time to do that, and you must be prepared. Think on that.

A Blessed Week

I forgot how much I enjoy teaching young people until this past Monday. My students in the bars have been unpredictable and altogether absent lately, save one who comes regularly, J. On Monday, during a break caused by lack of consistent students, I walked up to D Bar to say hello to some girls and ended up teaching two 13 year old boys, the son of a girl who works at that bar, and his friend. It was unexpected, and I'm sure they didn't appreciate the interruption to their pool game, but they humored the white girl and sat and listened for 45 minutes while I taught them the alphabet. I think it helps that I am pretty, haha. Maybe next week they will be less willing to study, but who knows. It brought me back to my year of teaching Spanish to 13-18 year olds as a 19 year old myself. Boys of this age are sassy but so much fun. I hope they continue to study.

After teaching the boys I taught an 18 year old girl, D, who just graduated from high school and will be studying to be a veterinarian at Mae Jo University next term. Meanwhile she is studying English, and has a very firm grasp on it already. She and I had a lot of fun in her lessons this week; she is a precious girl.

And so my heart is happy. Sometimes I absolutely love what I do... thank you, Jesus, for blessings like this.