Finding a Motorbike and a Place to Stay

I looked at many places but I wasn't able to get them all on here. *Sigh* It was so tiring...place after place seemed small, overpriced according to Thai standards, and had a problem with bugs! :( Of course, I wanted to lean towards the nicer Western-style places but always found that they were waaaay out of my budget. (Plus, being alone, I don't need a big, nice, place to myself. It will just make me sad knowing I don't have anyone to share it with :(). For a moment, I contemplated inviting Thai friends to stay with me, which would have been nice, but I wasn't exactly sure how long I would stay in Chiang Mai for (depending on how long I will need to learn Thai and where ministry will take me). I wanted to keep my schedule open and flexible--therefore, I couldn't really get a nice place even if I wanted to since many places require a one year lease or more. So...I ended up staying at the same place I did last year :) Location, location, location --> the 3 things you need to consider in getting a place of your own. I'm right by a department store, restaurants, gas stations, and near Payap University where I hope to be studying Thai soon.

As for the motorbike, well, it's a Honda Click. I have to admit--it's a little bit more on the expensive side but I'm hoping that it will be well worth it's price. If not, I'll exchange it :) (Pastor Bunsoem won't be happy if I do that!). It rides very smooth, easy, saves on gas (or so I've heard), and it's safer for me as a new driver.

*Sigh* Getting settled in a foreign country has been fun and difficult at the same time. I have to learn the vocabulary for everything and at times, it has been lonely. I'm just thankful that the Lord has provided many friends here that help me in so many different ways...truly, I'm in their debt. :) I admit, I truly wanted a nicer place but I'm content with where I am--it's a nice, small studio apartment that has just about everything I need and not too much shock me out of concentrating on more important things. The only problem I have are giant cockroaches every now and then (before, I was getting bitten in the face by mosquitoes and couldn't sleep at night).

"But if we have food and clothing [and shelter], we will be content with these" (1 Tim. 6:8).

Please pray that I will not set my hope on these worldly things (because God knows I need them) but to "do good, be rich in good works, be generous, willing to share, and to store up for myself a good foundation for the age to come so that I may take hold of life that is real" (1 Tim. 6:18-19, change in pronoun).

Going Back to Thai Church

This was my experience going back to my Thai church here in Chiang Mai called, "Light of Sansai Church" (คริสตจักรส่องสว่าง). I only understood bits and pieces...welcome back to Thailand, Mydur! :) Most people don't think it's much of a struggle for a Hmong person such as myself to learn Thai. What they don't know is that I have to learn Thai just like every Westerner...the only thing that gives me an advantage is that the Hmong language contains 8 tones, of which 5 of those are already in the Thai language (praise God!). 


So this is the routine--it's Sunday school with Pastor Bunsoem Sankhamphae (Xibfwb Zaam Nug Yaaj), then it's worship, special songs, offering, communion, prayer for children, sermon, then eating afterwards (my favorite part! [the teaching would be my favorite part if I understood more]). One of the things I miss the most about being in the States is the worship and teaching. At least I would understand just about 100% of that. Seeing that I'm lacking in this area, I would have to spend extra individual devotion time with God (which is always nice, but I have to intentionally make time for it or else it won't happen). *Sigh* The life of a missionary :) God is good.


One thing I've realized by being over here is that my spiritual walk with God can feel dry if I'm not intentionally (and consistently) putting forth effort into our relationship. Usually, I would find inspiration from a book, sermon, someone, or something and it would keep me going for a while--like getting energy from food to keep going everyday. Of course, our daily bread is the Word of God but I also find it quite helpful to see how it is explained and applied in various ways through the different and creative personalities of God's children--ordinary people who use their extraordinary God-given gifts of teaching to edify the Body of Christ. When I read about great people like Billy Graham or Elisabeth Elliott, I can see that they are constantly quoting someone or finding their inspiration from somewhere. Recent things that have sparked my energy are:


Jaeson Ma's speech on prayer at Newsong Irvine Church
Paul David Washer's "Shocking Message" on entering the Kingdom (Matthew 7)
Chip Ingram's "Facing the Future with Confidence" lecture series


Great stuff! If you guys check it out, let me know what you think! ;) 

May God be with you, encourage you, and use you right where you are! 

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength." -Ephesians 1:18,19