Hello to all!Sorry it has been so long since we last updated our blog. It seems that so much has happened here so quickly, that we haven't been able to catch our breath. My mom and I completed our TEFL certification and have been out looking for work. We were having a difficult time finding jobs, due to the excess amount of foreigners in Chiang Mai and the time of year it is. We were not aware that all of the schools went on a three week break as soon as we completed our course. It just so happened that it is the end of the first school semester here in Thailand. So it was a bit of a rough go for us. However, God dropped an incredible opportunity into our laps as we sought His guidance. We have found part-time work with unknown potential at a language school. The director, Pat, is a Thai-born Chinese who went to university in the States. His school currently doesn't have a strong English program. Enter my mom and I (not that WE have great English). We are excited about the opportunity and look forward with expectation to what is on the horizon. I start work tomorrow, not exactly sure what I'm supposed to be teaching. My mom starts sometime later this month. Hey, it is Thailand, and we're learning that being flexible and just showing up makes a world of difference in so many lives!
We have been busy looking for a house to rent, as it is definitely past time to move from our hotel room. We hope to have something nailed down by the end of the week. Our search has been difficult, not knowing for most of the time where we would be working and wanting to be close to work, as Chiang Mai is very spread out. We hope to get something soon and share the pics with everyone.
Maya is becoming somewhat of a local legend, with people recognizing her everywhere we go.
Often, someone will run out of a shop and call out "Maya, Maya!", to which Amber and I look at each other and ask "Who is that?" thinking each other knows the answer. Many times neither of us has seen the person before! It is always fun to see their expressions and excitement when seeing her. Something new happens every time we go out. One of her favorite things to do is ride on a motor bike. We will rent one every now and then, when we have a lot to do around the city. She loves wearing helmets, so
we decided to buy her one, as opposed to wearing one we rent. Here is a pic of her "showing" it off. She is such a poser! Must be from Amber's side, as us Lee's are ALWAYS serious and don't play games :)Amber and I recently got in our first motor bike accident. Luckily it was nothing serious, just a couple of scrapes and bruises. The drivers in Thailand don't have much respect for "right of way", as we experienced first-hand. We were side-swiped by a car, causing us to flip off the bike in the middle of the road. Our first thoughts were of getting out of the way of the traffic coming up behind us. After that, we tried to manage an angry Thai women (just saying...) driver, who was VERY concerned about the damage we did to her car. After she saw there was no damage, she quickly calmed down, got back in her car, and drove off. We are thankful that Maya wasn't with us, that it was only minor, and that we weren't taken advantage of (as we have heard many stories of foreigners having to pay even when it wasn't their fault). Thank you for your prayers...they are working!
We are looking forward for winter (that is what THEY call it) to come. The rainy season is almost over, with just a couple of weeks left, and then hello to a slice of Heaven, 80 degrees with just a hint of humidity! I'm not missing Fall one bit, as I have been keeping track of the weather States-side. Amber misses the colors of the leaves and the bite of the cold air. We did recently come across a restaurant that reminds us of home. It has good hamburgers, hot wings, root beer floats, and chicken nuggets and hot dogs for Maya! All at very good prices. Not to mention they are the only place in Chiang Mai that has FOOTBALL ON TV!!! Ok, so I'm a little excited, I'll admit it. But what can I say?
We miss all of you and are so grateful for your prayers. We love hearing from you and all that is happening back home, even if it doesn't seem like much to you. It always lifts our spirits and helps us feel connected. Here are a couple of things we ask that you would keep in prayer:
- Housing - Pray that we find housing soon, that it fits our needs, and is close to our work
- Transportation - Pray that we will be able to find affordable transportation
- Safety - Continued safety
- Health - Pray that our bodies continue fighting off any and all sickness
- Ears to hear - Direction, daily and long-term
We love all of you and promise that it won't be long before we post again!
With Love,
Jared and Family
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