Thailand Update

As most of you know, I decided in March to go to Thailand to do missions work upon completion of my contract in Korea.  This decision came after months of going back and forth between SE Asia and Brazil, some stuff God was showing me, and a trip I took to Thailand.  I wanted to give you an update on where I’m, and how I’m preparing so you would better know how to pray for me.

Money:  I decided it was necessary for me to live on a minimal budget, only purchasing necessities, cutting back on going out to eat, paying for Thai class and other trainings, and only allowing myself one vacation, as cheap as possible, between now and when my contract ends in February 2015.  This is really difficult for me because I love to travel and there are still so many places in Asia I want to visit.  I also love to eat and Seoul is full of so many yummy places.  I’m using this next 10 months to practice self control and pay off as much student loan debt as possible.  I really need help and accountability in this area.  Pray that I stay committed to sending as much money home as possible and those random, uncontrollable expenses won’t keep popping up as they have been doing since I made this decision. 

Learning Thai:  I started taking Thai class and completed my second class this past Monday.  I have only managed to learn the letters and sounds of the 44 consonants and 32 vowels.  This is a difficult task.  Please pray that God opens my mind to understanding Thai.  My teacher says I’m really good but she probably says that to everyone.  :P  I feel like once I learn how the alphabet works everything else will naturally fall into place.  This was difficult for me because of the cost involved.  I wasn’t going to do it at first.  But after prayer, God reminded me that He owns all the money.  Learning Thai, far in advance, is a huge investment, so I decided to bit the bullet and go to class.

Music: I decided I want to learn how to play the guitar.  When I move to Thailand I want to be able to lead worship.  None of the team members already in Thailand can play an instrument.  I feel like it is important for me to learn.  I’m looking for a good deal on a used guitar (praying I get one for free) and someone who would be willing to teach me. 

Training: There are some things I must do with my church before I can be sent as a missionary with them.  I am in the process now of beginning these things.  In May I will start a 7 months, long term missions training.  I’m looking forward to the small, group that will be doing this training with me.  I could use some good, godly bonding time with people.  It’s something that I’ve been neglecting the past several months. 

Memorizing Scripture: I decided it was important to arm my mind and heart spiritually as I prepare for this move.  I can’t think of a better way to do that than memorizing scripture.  I challenged myself to memorize a chapter of scripture a month.  This month I am memorizing Galatians 5.  In May I will probably memorize Psalm 139.  I’m really feeling discouraged and reminding myself of that scripture I’m memorizing every morning has been helping me.  Pray that I stay focused and accomplish this goal.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support of me throughout the years.  I am so happy to be preparing for this wonderful opportunity and look forward to the future.  307 more days!