With a heavy heart

Yesterday marked one of the best and worst days I have had in Thailand thus far. I found a church that felt like coming home to me, and I also received news that Phillip Lutzenkirchen passed away. I am beyond relieved to have found a place of worship that is as inspiring and energetic as Nan Christian Church is, but I am burdened with a heavy heart over the loss of Phillip and for the grieving of the Lutzenkirchen family. I am struggling to understand how two such extreme experiences can exist within the same day. There is nothing more I want at this moment then to put my arms around my family. Even though, it is easy to get fixated on the sadness in moments like this, I know that moving forward is the only choice anyone ever has. I know God has put me in this place for a reason, and finding a church that allows me to share my faith is comforting. I thank God for a new church home, and I thank God for the impact Phillip Lutzenkirchen left on this world. Heaven gained one amazing angel. 

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 38-39

 Nan Christian Church, Thailand 

Phillip Lutzenkirchen 1991-2014

Meet and Greet

This post is dedicated to my students here in Thailand. Like I have mentioned previously, I only see a majority of my classes once a week, and I have a total of 19 classes. That's a total of approximately 450 students I see in one week, compared to a typical 150-200 students an American teacher has per year. So, I have a ton of students. Minus the typical handful of problem students, these kids are beyond awesome. Here are a few of the highlights of my one and half month of teaching these rascals so far:

• Their nick names. Obviously the full Thai names are just too outrageous and impossible to pronounce, therefore, every Thai student has a "nick name". I am still unsure of where their nick names come from. I have heard that they is given to them by their parents when they are young, but some of these names are so cruel/hilarious to be given by a parent. So the verdict is still out on the origins of the nick names. The nick names are typically just random English words with a few random traditional Thai sounds mixed in. Here are the best names from my group of students: Cake, Poo, Pee, Big Boss, Upgrade, Beer, Arm, Champ, Bootzii, Chomper, Captain, Not, Stang, Ask, F, Q.....you get the picture. These are the names I get to call my students without any chance of  repercussions for my actions. And that's awesome.
• I hear at least once a day "Ohhhh, Teachaa beautiful", which will always put a smile on your face. These kids are the best at complimenting. BUT the intended meaning of some compliments often get lost in translation. For example, I have also had a student say straight to my face, in a completely excited and genuine tone, "Teachaa tall, like Godzilla!". So yeah, there's a lot of miss communication going on.
• Wai Kru Day (Teacher appreciation Day) was an awesome experience. It's a day where the students show their appreciation to the teachers by creating these elaborate flower arrangements and presenting them on stage to each individual teacher. It is unlike anything that takes place in the United States. It is a real testament to how highly Thai people view the teaching profession. 
•  PICTURES. These kids, not unlike American kids, are obsessed with pictures. If there is any downtime in class or between classes there are pictures being taken. It actually works out well for me, because it seems I love pictures just as much! haha. I have captured some unbelievably beautiful moments with these kids so far. Here are a few of my favorite student shots I've taken at school...
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Needless to say, my students are the bomb, and I'm enjoying getting to work with them everyday. It is definitely a challenge dealing with the communication barrier, but it is turning me into such a better teacher already. I am excited to see what the rest of my time with these crazies will bring. Good vibes are flowing out here for sure! Until next time..

The 1 Month Mark

I have officially been in Thailand for 1 month and 3 days. So much has happened in the past month, it has honestly been a whirlwind. I have explored the cities of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Nan, and Chiang Mai. I have ridden an elephant and floated down a tropical river on a float made of only bamboo. I have stood in front of a class of 40 students that, to put it bluntly, have no freakin idea what I am saying. I have taken a motorbike ride to explore rain forest caves, and see breathtaking views that made me feel like I was in a movie. I have experienced my first rookie motorbike accident (it was not my fault) and I live to tell the tale with only two bruises to show for it. I have experienced a Thai massage, and do not let the word “massage” fool you, Thai massages are like a deep tissue massage mixed with a forced yoga session. They basically twist you into the most bizarre positions and rub forcefully on your body. I have met some of the most generous and sweet people in the world, and I have built amazing new friendships with the three girls who I live and work with- Hannah, Tricia, and Aubrea. If all of this was only the first month, I cannot wait to see what the next 9 months have in store for Teachaa Jessica :). 

I have also been able to explore Nan, and take some amazing pictures of the surrounding landscapes. Take a look! (yeah those are cows, cute right?!)