My apologies...

I do apologize for not keeping this thing updated. I had plans on writing when I got to Chiang Mai, but as soon as I arrived (5:30am with not much sleep...thank you night bus) I was wisked away to my friend's village where I soon became the only white person, and one of the only English speaking people there.

Quick update on my last day in Bangkok...I had 3 confessions of love (there may still be a chance for me yet!), one man called me mister (that chance may be gone), and when I was in the taxi heading to the bus station we got caught in traffic, so my taxi driver pulled the e-brake, jumped out and peed on the nearest tree. We both kind of laughed awkwardly when he got back in.

So...my sleepless nights have been an ongoing thing for me here...when in the village I was woken up at 4am by the monks chanting over loud speaker...we didn't go back to sleep after that. I haven't eaten any western food since I got here, and I have done much 'choking it down', and also much enjoying the food...I haven't been sick once, which is good, since they don't refrigerate left-overs...rather they put it in a cupboard with mesh on it to keep away the flies. I thought, "hey, that's a bit sketchy", but it's been fine.

I had the opportunity to teach english in the local school (the village is called Ku), and I think I did a terrible job, but I had a lot of fun with the kids. Their personal favorite was "head and shoulders, knees and toes...". They can't say "thirteen". It's brilliant. Also, that night I played soccer with the kids...so fun! We ran on gravel barefoot...I kind of ambled my way along, while they were all sprinting around me.

I haven't had an opportunity to share much with people around me, but I have done much praying. It has been really strange going to the temple with my friend who is Buddhist...she goes to worship, and I stand a watch and pray...i think that part of my trip so far has been difficult. I am no longer a Christian outsider, but I'm a Christian insider, if that makes sense. It's cool though, I was asking God whether there were any believers in this village, and a few hours later I met one! He is a Thai man who has been called to that village and is reaching out to the people. Pray for him...his name is Andew. There are about 10 believers who meet there and worship together...a small number in a village of 1000 people.

I have also had a lot of time to think seeing as how nobody really understands what I'm saying and I can't understand much of what they say, so I had a question...do you think there was sneezing before there was sin? I know, that's likely the most random thought I could have had, but I have to be honest, it ran through my head!

Please be praying for me. I am asking God many questions...how can I reach these friends of mine? I need discernment. They don't want to hear my words, and so I love...

One last story that made me laugh heartily...we were talking to this old lady in the village and she asked where I was from. I told her Canada, and she said (in Thai...this is the english translation) "I have been to Canada before. Most people go by plane, but I don't like that, so I went by bus."

I love you all...thanks for all your encouragement. You are on my mind and so in the silence that I spend my days here, I pray. Maybe that is why I am here...to pray. Love love love...

I will post some photos soon...I am never have my lap top when I'm around the internet. i am in Chiang Mai until tomorrow night and then I head to Lop Buri to spend some time with my friend from Turner Valley...