Praises

So I feel convicted that I've presented a few of my blogs with more complaints and prayer requests than praises.
I think I was trying to prove to everyone that I wasn't just on a vacation, watching Thai sunsets and playing with litle kids everyday (though those perks many never lose their luster)...that I was learning and growing and this place and this experience was teaching me things and challenging me in new and crazy ways that I hadn't even anticipated.

But I fear that in the midst of that effort, I might have misled my readers to believed that it has been ALL stretching and ALL work...and I dont emphasize nearly enough just what a tremendous blessing these people, this place, and my God has been to me in these 3 weeks. My biggest frustration has actually been that I dont have ENOUGH to give, that I dont have the skills or the language or the time or the resources to make an outstanding difference here like my prideful self wishes desperately to make. Instead...I just continue taking, just continue soaking it all in, continue to have fun and enjoy the beauty that I miss at home, and play with the children that Im too busy "teaching" back in the States.
Im learning so much...about life, about my future, about the universal human condition, and God's hand in...EVERYTHING.

This week has been FULL of reassurment and blessings that I would just like to praise God for:

- We started a women's bible study for the ministry team about "Discerning the Voice of God"...and that's just been fantastic- sharing testimonies and learning more about our loving shephard Christ together day by day.

- I got permission to start my dance class on Saturday, and it went fantastically. Im teaching them how to praise God the best way I personally know how to. The girls and boys were running up to me Sunday showing me what they learned and asking to be taught more...excited about next week! Tee hee. I've got little Thai kids doing pierettes across the kids room floor.

-I think Im finally starting to gain familiarity, authority and lasting friendships with the kids...their recognizing me for more than my whiteness, calling me by name and begging for playtime...Im in heaven.

- An American team arrived yesterday...which means not only new fellowship with some really cool people, but American breakfast, community adventures, and English worship/ devotionals!

So thank you for your prayers everybody...they are working miracles here!
Check out this link for some more pictures of my ASC and youth kids!

http://fsu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2258691&l=d7c8d&id=5251386

Many love and blessings!