We arrived to the welcome of our team at the airport late last Monday night. They helped us with all of our suitcases, which arrived with no problem. We were able to check into a guest house where we'll stay until we find something more stable- 4 people living in a one room guest house is really not too fun, the walls tend to close in on you fast. However, we are really happy to be here where God has called us.
The kids are enrolled in an international school, which is a huge blessing for us as they are able to have much more of a schedule and both my wife and I are able to be involved in ministry together. And, the administrators gave the kids scholarships to attend, so that means we only have to pay $1000 per year per child, rather than $12,000 for Kev and 16,000 for Leigha. We do have to pay for transportation too, but it is worth every penny in this large city! God is good and provides all the time.
I started teaching English, as much of my team has, at a local student center on a voluntary basis. They are providing me with a work visa so that I can stay along with my family for one year without leaving the country. I teach 3 nights per week, and it is really fun- the Thai students, mostly college age, really like to laugh and have fun, and are enthusiastic to learn English. I am hoping to build relationships through the classes I teach and share the truth of Jesus to any who are interested.
Some observations I have made since moving to Bangkok:
- It is a city full of sin- several "red light" districts, which have many bars full of young scantily clad Thai girls offering themselves to white tourists, are what Bangkok is known for. Since I am an American man, many times I am looked upon as one who would frequent these establishments. Many men, aged 45-60 go to these bars for companionship and other things. When I look at them, I feel disgusted, but also sad for the men as well as the women- what an empty life they are both leading, not only emotionally and physically but spiritually empty.
- Walking in the early morning after dropping the kids off at the bus stop, the night life is just winding down, the night markets are cleaning up and some of the local businesses are just opening. Many Buddhist monks are walking around at this early time and the local Thais offer them food in return for blessings. They bow in prayer to the monks- another very sad and empty attempt at finding peace.
- Observing people in general, everybody wears some kind of good luck charm or amulet around their neck, on their wrist or on their fingers, or even all of the above! The more good luck charms the better. They post them over the door posts of their businesses and homes and fill their dwellings with idols of Buddha and even Hindu gods to receive good fortune and karma.
- Riding the mass transit system- everyone on the subway or elevated train system completely disconnects from any type of relationship or friendly conversation while riding to and from wherever they are going. They are all reading texts, watching videos on the train or listening to music. There is nothing relational about using the mass transit around here- no way to connect to anyone due to the intentionality of disconnecting from reality to avoid relationships.
