Life continues on here in Chiang Mai.
I am getting used to living in my community and developing some
routine. Christmas went well. I was able to Skype with my family on
Christmas morning and then was invited out for Christmas dinner. It was a good time with friends.
Experiencing the Olympics while in Thailand was very different. The Thai don’t really seem to be as
interested in the outcomes of the games as other cultures but the International
community has a fair rivalry in the games.
I was able to watch the Canadian Men’s Hockey team win Gold with some of
my Canadian co-workers. It was a good
time with all the Canadians singing the anthem afterward.
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| On the Look out of Doi Sutep |
I have also had my first birthday in Thailand. This was a difficult time as I truly missed
my family and friends on that day. The
small group that I joined here took me out to dinner on my birthday. It was a lot of fun. I have been able to make some great friends
here in Chiang Mai. I am truly blessed.
In the beginning of February I had my Book 2 exam. I was able to pass and move on to begin
learning the Thai alphabet. It has been
hard work with a lot of memorization and practice. I have now started working on learning to
read. It is slow to start but I can see
progress already. I am really enjoying
my studies.
The day after my exam I had a minor run in with a motorcycle on my way
to school. I am truly blessed that God
protected me and I was not injured seriously.
I had some soreness and scrapes but that was it. I was able to get my bike repaired. The best part… the bike shop repaired it for
free. Bless them.
Now for some very exciting news.
At least it is for me. On Friday,
February 21st, the day before my birthday I received approval to begin
setting up “Field Trips”. These are
visits to different teams that I can explore possible future ministry
with. This is the first step in
determining where I am to be placed once my time in language study is
over. At this point I have just started the
process of setting these visits up but am hoping that I will be able to do the
first one in May. Please pray with me as
I (as well as the leadership and those on the teams) seek God’s direction in my
future ministry.
Blessings to you all,
Jen Oates
Tentative
Schedule
Language Class
(Lessons, Homework and Study) from 8 to 5 Monday to Friday.
Monday Small Group
Thursday Fellowship Meal and OMF Prayer Meeting
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| Me in a Karen Skirt |
Sunday Thai Church in Morning and English
Church in Afternoon
February 5th Book 2 Final Exam (I Passed!)
March 1st Thai Concert
13th Lead Prayer Meeting
31st Lead Small Group
April 14th-16th Songkran Festival
19th – 21st. Field
Trip (Tentative)
Looking Ahead
June
2nd-6th ICBM
(Church Planting Seminar) Conference
10th-15th Field Conference (Reunion)
Praise
-
I am enjoying my
Language Study more than I expected
-
God Protected me
in my minor accident a few weeks ago
-
My bike was fixed
easily at no cost
-
The Lord provided
a bike for me to use till mine was repaired
-
I was approved to
continue my Master’s Courses
-
I was approved to
begin actively looking for a people group to serve with.
Prayer
-
For continued
safety as I bike around the city.
-
That I will be
able to sleep well.
-
For friendships
with others to grow.
-
For my language
skills to increase and that I will gain confidence.
-
That God will
guide me to the ministry that He has planned for me.
-
For emotional
strength as I miss my family and friends back home.
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| Carved Soaps |
Thai Culture Lesson
(This is going to be a regular
section to show you a bit of what I am learning)
In Thai culture it is important that you always
be on time for work, school or appointments.
Yet in the Thai’s everyday life time is of little meaning. Relationships are more important than being
on time. The Thai have a very fluid idea
of time. Evenings are spent in community
and with Family. You will often see
people out on the streets very late as they socialize with each other.
Thai Language Lesson
(This is going to be a regular
section to show you a bit of what I am learning)
Nûn àa ray ka?
What is that?
yin dee têe dâi róo jàk
ka.
Nice to meet you
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