Sawatdee Kha

Sawatdee Kha!  (Translation:  Hello, Welcome, or sometimes even used to say farewell in Thai).

One of the very few phrases I have learned in the last two weeks, I have become accustomed to greeting almost anyone with it; and always I am received with a similar reply along with a big smile befitting to the country’s title.  Thailand is, indeed, the “Land of Smiles.” 

Jason and I are now in Krabi, South Thailand.  God has not only provided us with a house to live in the moment we arrived, but He has also faithfully supplied us with things that we need to function here: a bed, a motorbike, and some furniture, etc.  This is but a few of the many things He has allowed us to have.  We are both overwhelmed with His gifts and how He has shown us that He knows exactly what we need and more.  We also found the car, but haven’t bought it yet, that we believe will benefit us the most as we go around the area.  And yes, God has given us that too!  We are super grateful for the goodness and generosity of friends and family supporting us as we pursue God’s call in our lives here. 

Jason and me at Ao Nang Beach taken at sunset.  I am wearing Thai-styled pants.

Wednesday (September 14), Phylla (our co-worker) and I went to the Bangkok immigration office to apply for my non-immigrant visa allowing me, and eventually Jason, to stay longer here. I was finally given my visa!  Praise God for that!  This visa is only the first step of the several steps we will be taking in order to get a work permit eventually giving us a legal reason to stay.  On this note, I will also be continuing to work on my US naturalization papers when Jason gets back from the Sowers Conference in Beijing, China at the end of this month.  It will be too much for me to explain all the details of US and Thai immigration here, but we trust that it is all in the hands of our Father. 

On Monday, I will begin working at Prakhun Language School (Sowers school) teaching English to little Thai kids from 4 pm to 8 pm; and I will also be helping in the worship team.  Jason will begin working with Roslen (Phylla’s husband) doing bible studies and preaching in Ao Nang (a town about 15 minutes away from Krabi).

Please don’t stop praying for us and the whole Sowers Thailand team as we fulfill God’s vision for the Thai people.  Pray that He will keep us strong and firm in Him.  Pray that He will open the hearts of people we come across with. 

We are glad to have you all as our partners in the work of the Lord.  And as the Thai people would say it, “Kop Khun Kha”,which means ‘thank you.’