Jen's Journey #15: September 2015

 Dear Friends;

Back home it is beginning to change seasons.  Weather will get cooler, people are getting ready to head back to school.  Thanksgiving plans will be made and soon, the trees will change colour.  The change of season is not as obvious here in Thailand but I feel like it has been very distinct for me this year.  There are so many changes and adjustments that I don’t really know where to start.  It may take a couple of letters to go through all the changes. 

The last year, I was working on a project that came to a climax in July.  It was both gratifying and exhausting to see all that hard work pay off.  The highlight was that Martha got to come visit me in Chiang Mai and I spent time with her just talking about life.  For the last two weeks of July I was able to take a short break to try and catch up on some much needed and missed sleep.  I spent this time in the Philippines.  It was great to see the country that so many friends call home.  The trip home was quite the adventure.  If you are interested in that story, I can share it later. 

In my last prayer letter I wrote about what I would be doing next.  I had been asked to cover for someone’s home assignment.  It appears that they will not be returning to the same position and I have now been asked to consider taking on this role for the rest of my term here in Thailand.  I started this role on August 3^rd and so far I am enjoying it.  For the time being I am taking it slow, there is so much to learn and figure out about those whom I am serving.  Due to the ministries and locations that they are serving in, I am limited in what I can share.  I am planning to go visit some of them next year after I finish my Masters class.  Due to the requirements of my courses I will not be able to plan any travel before the New Year. 

On the 24^th of August I started my last semester of my Masters courses.  As I finish up my classes, I have reached the top level of courses so the work load is quite extensive.  For the first part, I am taking Marriage and Family Therapy.  The last class will be on Counseling Women.  Please pray that I am able to finish well and focus on these classes when needed as I also strive to learn a new position. 

I have been able to get involved with my church in a number of ways.  I am currently serving on the Small Groups committee.  We are striving to try and reach the Thai communities around us.  This involves also helping all of the small groups at the church to reach out to their communities all over Chiang Mai.  I am also serving as a Facilitator with my housemate, Candace, for the Young Adults Small Group.  We are currently the only Young Adult Christian Group in the city that we are aware of.  This means that we have people from all over attending our group on a weekly basis.  I have come to realize that this is a big ministry as we support them and their ministries as well.  Please pray for Candace, myself and those we are striving to serve. 

Thanks for your prayers.

Jen

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippines 4:13

Jen C. and I in Calapan.

Praise                  

-       Started New Job, am enjoying it

-       Started last semester of MA.

-       Got to visit the Philippines.

-       Candace got a new Job.

-       Finished up my project position well and on time.

-       Good start to my new course.

-       I have been able to get involved in my local church, reaching out to others.  

Prayer

-       Please pray that Candace’s job gets better.  It is very stressful and frustrating right now.  Or that she is able to find a better job soon.

-       Please pray that I am able to learn my new position well and quickly. 

-    Please pray for the small group that Candace and I facilitate, there is a lot of change over and people are struggling right now.  

Upcoming Events

Sep. 25^th – 30^th           Thesis Writing Retreat

Nov. 6^th – 8^th               Women’s Retreat (I am on leadership for this)

Aug. 24^th – Oct. 16^th   Marriage and Family Therapy Course

Oct. 26^th – Dec. 18^th   Counselling Women Course

 

Finance Update

Budget Season has come around again.  I am striving to keep the expenses low but over the last two years the expenses have gone up and the Canadian dollar has lost value.  Please pray that God will provide the needed partners to help with raising my support levels again.