This last month I started language study & finished the 1^st module.  I can speak basic greetings and communicate simply for transportation & at market.  My weeks consists of 3 days of in classroom study and I am praying to get a couple Thais to practice with me when I am not in class.  As well I spend about 12-15 hours in the mercy ministry office per week.  One highlight from the month was that our larger YWAM team went up to the old capital, Ayutthaya, for intercession & worship one day after the Lord had impressed it on us at our regional conference.  It was one of those aa-ha moments being atop an ancient Buddhist ruins with 60 others at sunset worshipping the one true God who will reign forever.  We really sensed the Lord will redeem this city from the ruins & hopelessness that lingers over this city.   While worshipping there was a gentle rain that I believe was God’s symbol of blessing & pleasure.

Taste of Life Here:

Yes I have been laughed at a bit at my mistakes in trying out Thai & pointed at many o’ times. But the other day really blessed my heart when I was able to bust out a laugh with someone other than me learning a new language.  The Thai staff in the office is learning English and said to me, “Angela, I love it when you wear clothes” (like I never wear clothes?!?..she was trying to say I love your style in clothes).  While I was giggling, she was trying to make up for it, so she then said, “Angela, I love your furniture  (trying to say I love your jewelry!).  Oh the little funnies in crossing language barriers.

 

Praises

• Found a church home close to where I live!  Its not what I expected, but the Lord put it on my & my roommate’s heart while we attended there last week.  Its small, about 30 people, mostly young people.
• I got to greet & host my friend, Kim Obrenbrunner, upon her arrival to Thailand for a couple days.  She is serving long term in NE Thailand & have developed friendship with her this past year in Wisconsin! 
• God has been stirring on my heart injustice to children more & more.  Been praying on how to respond.
• Finished up 1^st module out of 12 modules of Thai language school.
• My Thai roommate, Eve, has been generous & we are developing open, deep friendship.
• Feel connected in the mercy ministry team & YWAM team.

Prayer Requests

• Small Group: Lord to form a small group of 4-5 Thai/foreign Christian women for worship, bible study, and prayer weekly.
• Community Outreach:  That the Lord will show me where He is working & how I can join him.  There are 4 slums in my neighborhood (1 out 4 people in Bangkok live in slums) and my apt. complex is full of Thais.  I want to be blessing even with the minimal Thai I know.
• Injustice of Children:  Lord to show more specifics on my part of the large injustices here in SE Asia.
• Protection: Spiritual, emotional, and mental protection in the newness/vulnerability of this 1^st season.
• Transportation: God’s hand protection on my travels each day.  I take taxis, motorcycles, bus, etc. 
• Friendships:  I have met many YWAMers & Thais, but ask God to develop friendship in my life.
• Jesus first:  My heart to be set on growing my love relationship with Him as my top priority.
• Language School:  Ears to hear the tones & mouth to speak it.  Pray for relationship with my teacher & that I stay eager & put myself out there with practicing.  I get frustrated with not knowing words/tones.

Read& Pondered This:

I have FAITH in the faithfulness of my Lord & who I am in Christ Jesus.

Freely you have received, freely give.  Matthew 10:8

Love you all and think you much!!!!!!!!!!!!!