"Bai Tiaw"

In Thai, "Bai Tiaw" means going on a vacation. Ying, one of my roommates, has invited me to visit her family with her and then go to Koh Chang, elephant island! Its an honor to be invited to someone's home. When Thais want to hang out with you here, its not usually at their house. Usually, you meet in a common place. Due to social classes and honor values, they would rather not devalue you or feel lower themselves. However, when you are invited over, you must bring a gift. The gifts can be pomegranates, cookies, etc...

While all my roommates work with our team in Bangkok, they all live in very contrasting areas to this big city of street dogs and traffic. Ying's family is planting a church to the East about 4 hours by bus...I think its near the water, because I'm expected to eat lots of fish. My week should include some fishing with her dad and herself...lots of their food comes that way. Then Ying and I take off for a few days on our own to an island to enjoy the beach.

Please pray for my week. May I be humble, encouraging, a servant, gracious, patient with my language abilities, and communicate clearly. Happy New Year!