Lizeth Mendez 11-05-2016

After having a full day of traveling from Kunming to Bangkok, Thailand, the team arrived with arms wide open to Zoe who was the missing link the entire time in China. As we breathed in the humid air, the one thought running through the atmosphere was "WOW, it's going to be an amazing month!" Once everyone arrived in Bangkapi (after learning that it is normal to drive on the opposite side of the road) the first stop was to go and eat dinner at the mall next door. Having a mall next door is both a blessing and a curse since it can be tempting to walk around the mall for fun and spend some baht--which is the currency of Thailand.  It does help us quickly get a few grocery items though. Later that night, our host, Scott, who is in charge of the teaching at Santisuk, gave the team a brief rundown of Thai culture.  Of course, since the topic of not stepping on the king’s face (on money lying on the floor)  was brought up, so was the story of the girl who accidentally broke three taboo's of Thailand in one moment.  If there is one thing that each person who has been on this trip knows for sure, it is that a certain someone's laugh will have all of the team burst into a sudden symphony of laughter. Could there be a better way to end the first night of a month full of adventure? 

The day that the team left MN back in October, Dr. E sent a brief email informing us of the passing of Thailand's king; which meant many had to repack in order to accommodate this unfortunate event. Upon arriving in Thailand, there is only a sea of black, grey, and white clothing. It shows just how much the king was loved among his people and that his reign will not be forgotten easily. (He was king for 70 years!)   All around the city there are portraits of the king which never fail to remind the people of the king's love and good deeds in this country. The best way to fully become immersed into the culture is to respect the people's view on the royal family and their loss – even if it means wearing dark colors the entire month.  

Since the first day, the team has had an array of adventures such as visiting Santisuk to train for the upcoming month of English classes and visiting different cities where there are extensions of the English school outside of Bangkapi. As a full team, there was a day to enjoy some popular tourist sites such as jumping--literally--into a water taxi to visit the Grand Palace grounds, then having a nice lunch by the river, and later visiting a temple where the team was able to see a reclining statue of Buddha. All had gone well at each location, and each team member built up a nice sweat from the humidity, so the ride back to the hotel was a great way to relax after walking all day. 

As the trip continues, prayers for good health have been consistent. Bev has had to be off her feet to rest her knee, Heidi and Paul are recovering from flu symptoms; while the heat here in Thailand has brought up the challenge of who can drink the most water each day to stay properly hydrated. The Lord is amazing and has plans in order for this country. As the team begins to see the church here in Bangkok, there is great evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work. In each culture, the Lord will do marvelous deeds within traditions and the unique attributes of the country in order for the people to praise the Heavenly Father and exalt His name.  Hopefully, as the month goes by, each moment can be used to teach the students English and the Gospel in each section of the Ministry that is Santisuk.  (Santisuk means peace and is a ministry of Peace Fellowship Church . Converge missionaries work here.)