A Story or Two from Jared

Hello to all from "The Land of Smiles"!!! This is my (Jared) first blog, as Amber has done a great job updating regularly. So much has happened since we first arrived in Thailand, I thought I might give an update from my point of view. I'll spare you the details of our first two weeks, but share that it was a difficult transition to say the least. However, God guided us through, and we came out the other side with a renewed focus on our tasks ahead of us. Not to mention all alive with no major injuries or problems (ie. passports)!!!

My mom and I started school on July 31st. I think that I can speak for both of us in saying that the first day was a big shock to our brains. I was eager to start, and once it began, even more eager to complete it. Sounds a bit funny, when you think about it, but isn't that the way it is with most things? Anyway, our brains have been on overload, mostly with the amount of English grammar we are re-learning. I honestly didn't think that I would have to consider when to use a present perfect verb instead of a present simple verb when teaching English as a foreign language. Hahaha! That is exactly what we were thinking our first hour into the class. We are slowly adjusting, however, and getting caught up to speed. We usually have about three-four hours of English grammar, an hour of Thai, and two-three hours of teaching principles/practices. Our class is an interesting mix of 8 Americans, 2 Australians, and 2 Britts. The ages range from 22-65, so there are alot of crazy/arrogant ideas, mixed in with some "wisdom" that has come with age/experiences. I feel that I can comment on this with a COMPLETELY rational mindset (moving my wife, daughter, and mom half-way around the world). {For those who don't know me that well, I'm being sarcastic. For those that do know me, I'm dead serious, COMPLETELY rational.} The class seems to cover alot of topics including: the best bars, palm reading, astrology, Buddhism, ghosts, alcohol in mass quantities. All the more the need to be a light and an example. With that in mind, I have focused my attention on being friends with my classmates and really getting to know them. I spent this past Saturday with one of them. His name is Kyle. He is 24 and from Colorado. We rented mopeds for the day and drove all around the surrounding countryside. Kyle is searching for something he is not sure of. He has asked alot of questions regarding Amber and I moving to Thailand with a small child and how we came to find out what we are supposed to do with our lives. If you think about it, please pray that God continues to use us in Kyle's life.

Maya saw the moped and was so disappointed that she wasn't going for a ride. Amber and I talked about it for a bit and decided, like all good parents, that our kid needs a moped experience! Now before you get too anxious/flustered/upset/angry/joyous/jealous (the list could go on and on), consider that I'm practically a pro now, with TWO WHOLE DAYS of driving experience (sarcasm again). Maya was SO excited that the morning of, she woke up, jumped out of bed saying, "Maya's ready!" That was followed by a "YEAAAAHHHHH!!!!!" and clapping. How could a loving father say no to that?!? She was so happy to put her mask on and hop on. She did great! I thought for sure that she would wiggle around, but she sat in between Amber and I and smiled the whole time.

We are in the middle of our 4 week course and are looking and praying for work once we are finished. We still aren't sure what city we will be in, but we do believe it will be in the north of Thailand. Please continue to pray for us and our ability to hear God and His direction for us. Maya's birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks as well. Amber is hard at work planning a big party at an orphanage. We want to use her party to bless kids who have never had an opportunity like this before. If you want to be a part of this, please email Amber as we would love for you to be able to bless kids through us. We have also invited my class to come as well. Please pray that some of them take us up on the offer and God touches them through it as well. Also, please be praying for Maya as she continues this transition to a country that is in awe of her blonde hair, blue eyes, and white skin. She is a magnet wherever she goes and sometimes gets quite annoyed with everyone touching her and gawking at her. She is a trooper though, and is learning Thai and speaking it on occasion! She loves to play with kids and would love to be around more of them. Please pray that she will have plenty of friends she will trust and love. I would also ask that you keep my mom in prayer as well. She has left the comforts of home to travel to a place that is extremely awkward for her at times. She has been adjusting well, considering all of the changes. Being much taller than everyone has many disadvantages, especially walking around in the market where canopies are 5 and a half feet tall and one has to walk through bent over. However, she has made it this far and continues to impress me with her determination.

Thank you again for all your prayer and support. We miss all of you and can feel your love and the difference your prayers make in our lives. Know that we think of you often and that you are having influence on the other side of the world. If any of you use Skype and would like to talk to us, our Skype name is amber-jared. We are on at random times, but usually in the morning States time.

In Him,

Jared