At Noon and Midnight

In just an hour and a half, Thailand will be in 2010 before any of the rest of us. I think I'll drink some sparkling grape juice at noon and midnight today to celebrate both parts of the world! New Year's is a big holiday in Thailand. Though Christmas is not really celebrated, everyone does go home for New Year's. I pray for strength for the young Thai believers as they spend time with their families to explain their faith to them. I pray for the believing families to have good opportunities to share the truth with each other. I pray for my Thai teammates and missionaries, that God would give them a good time of rest and reflection. Thanks for joining with me in celebration all day and prayer.

Suksan Wan Christmas

Merry Christmas everybody, here and on the other side of the world. While you're with your families this holiday, please be praying with me for the missionaries serving the Lord around the world.

Pray that God will...
...comfort those homesick and lonely.
...encourage those that haven't seen much fruit.
...protect those sharing the Gospel in dangerous places.
...show Christmas to them in a unique way where it doesn't feel like Christmas.
...bring many to know Jesus where few do.

Thank God for his unique gift of Jesus Christ for all of us and pray for his quick return!

Sleds, Snow Shovels, and Forts

Unprecedented amounts of snow are still falling in Asheville. I'm so thankful to God for this time of rest and enjoying his creation!
The day started early for Emily, Abby, and I. We sledded down our long, steep driveway, had snowball fights, and loved walking and falling in the knee-deep snow!

We made a fort out of really big snowballs! Our original plan was to make an igloo!

Daniel volunteered to help dig my car out of my driveway. I'm hoping to get it out by Christmas to get back to my family in Charlotte. (Someone was throwing snowballs at us while we were posing! Can you see them?)

It's Still Snowing!

Standing on the front porch of the house I live in, I captured the snow falling.

Three to twelve inches will be here by Sunday. It's amazing to see the snow fall for this long of a duration. Here's a picture of my living room in my basement apartment. I'm glad to be living below a family, to help share the snowy days with. We were just watching a movie together, stopping every few minutes to look outside in amazement, "It's still snowing!"

Sharing with Youth

Standing in front of the crowd of 70 middle schoolers, I decided the sure way to get their attention was to start speaking in Thai.  Otherwise, they would be lost to me when I said hello and start talking with their friends instead.  For a good minute, I said how nice it was to be there and share about Thailand all in another language.  I was then able to have their full attention.

What a privilege to share with the next generation about the sacrifice of Christ, about the power of prayer and the need for us to share this good news with those who don't know.  On Tuesday, I shared with those 70 middle schoolers, also receiving questions about elephant poop and piranhas.  Thankfully, I had a witty comeback by recommending they watch where they step so not to step in it!  On Wednesday, I shared with 150 elementary-age kids too who greatly appreciated my pictures of elephants, lizards, and bugs.  The twenty minute allotment went by so quickly, but I hope that I impact them.  Who knows what will light their flame?  I met missionaries that have impacted me forever at their age. 

The Holy Grail of Thai Food

Yes, I have searched for the Holy Grail of Thai food here in America.  Actually, only reaching 5 restaurants so far, I could do some more searching.  Yet tonight I was invited by some awesome friends, to a hole-in-the-wall that I now like to call the "Holy Grail of Thai Food."  This wonderful restaurant in Hickory has both Laotian and Thai food.  I got so excited to talk with an Asian person, I asked one guy who worked there when he came to America.  His reply: "I was born here."  I felt a little dumb for asking that to him.  But anyway, why I enjoyed it so much was that the food was from the Isaan region of Thailand, near the border of Laos.  While living in Thailand, two of my housemates and my neighbors were from that area.  Their food is the spiciest food of all Thai food!  It is my favorite food.  Tonight, that kind of food was on the menu!  The Thai waitress did enjoy talking with me in Thai some also.  She's heading back to Thailand in June just like I hope to be.  I offered for us to ride back on the same airplane. Yes, that was the second wierd comment I made.  I was just too excited.  I think my next Thai food trip will be to the new restaurant in Brevard in January.

Practice Justice: Book Review

Kevin Blue lives in inner-city Los Angeles. Living where he lives, he passes the homeless everyday on the street and sees the situation of the needy in our society. Kevin recognizes God's call for Christians to seek after justice and care for the needy, "In the Bible orphans and widows, some of the most vulnerable people in ancient society, are representative of people in need. We are counseled to care for those in need who are vulnerable within our society." So he doesn't just pass by these people in his city. He interacts, he befriends, and he gets involved in their lives sacrificing comfort and ease.

Part of what I hope to do while home, along with support-raising, is to take some time for training so I can better serve in the slum communities upon my return to Bangkok. The Lord has called my heart to that ministry, but I am still growing in knowledge. This book encourages me, as it should all of God's church, to be concerned about the squatters among us and with "evangelism and electricity, communion and community transformation, healing and health care, righteousness and land rights." Speaking more particularly about the "literally millions of squatters around the world who live in makeshift housing on land that they do not own in and around large cities" (like where I serve in Mahathai slum), he makes a large statement by saying that "if grouped together, [squatters] could be considered the largest unreached people group in the world"!! He has shown me the problem and I pray that He gives me wisdom, with the church in Thailand, to continue serving there.

Elephant Painting!

Wear Pink- The Thai King is 82!

On December 6, all of Thailand was out (like July 4th here) celebrating together their king's 82nd birthday. Usually, for the occasion, people wear yellow shirts, but this year it was pink. Read below for some interesting cultural info.

Then, watched by millions across the country, the king gave a brief statement in reply - the first time his voice has been heard in public since his illness. The monarch's health is a sensitive topic in Thailand, where strict laws restrict debate about the royal family.

The king has now returned to hospital, but this brief public appearance will have given hope to millions of Thais. They have been hoping for signs that the man often described as the one truly unifying figure in a politically divided country is on the road to recovery. King Bhumibol, the world's longest-serving monarch, is treated with reverent devotion. His portrait hangs in shops, offices and on roadside billboards.

Two years ago, royal astrologers decreed that the colour pink was auspicious for the king's wellbeing.

Copied from BBC News report at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8396678.stm

My Borrowed Tree

Let's get this straight, I own the tree (which I'm pretty sure someone gave away once and I claimed it) but no ornaments except a couple ones of chipmunks holding books that say "#1 Teacher" on them. So, my wonderful friend, Leah, is going to be out-of-town for all of Christmas. She has let me borrow ALL of her decorations, ornaments, etc. So, though its weird to borrow, I'm thankful. Isn't the tree pretty?

Don't you love the pictures that you take yourself by over-extending your arm and trying to smile so people can see you and the other thing in the back at the same time? :)

A Snow Tour

It snowed on Saturday! I got to put on my hat, pull out my camera, and take some pictures!
Right now, I live in beautiful Asheville, surrounded by snow-covered mountains!
I live in the right bottom corner of this lovely house! A family from my church is so gracious to invite me into their family and their basement apartment.
My very own side-door into my basement apartment. You can see beautiful Ellie, my Toyota Camry in the corner. Her windows had to be scraped for the first time because of ice this morning!

Awaiting Snow

I finally gave in and started checking weather.com again to find out today's weather. After one sunny day, one rainy day, and then another sunny day, I had to give in to find out if I needed an umbrella and a coat. Yes, to you it may sound normal to check the weather, but not after the two years I've had.

Where I was, it was always hot. During dry season, no umbrella. During wet season, bring one. That was all I needed to know. No need for the weather channel. Very predictable.

Now I find myself downloading the weather channel desktop so I can check the weather every hour right now. Snow is coming to Asheville! Yes, I gathered with the crowds to get milk and bread before the "snow alert" predicted of 1-3 inches. It's exciting. It's past midnight now, so I hope to wake up to see some of the white stuff. I wish my Thai counterparts were here for this. They have a word for snow but have never experienced it.

Skyping Thailand

This morning, I was able to talk with some friends in Thailand by Skype phone. Catherine, a friend of mine who teaches there, hosts a bible study for her apartment complex. In the last few months, our church has made relationships with some women that really desired to hear the truth of the Gospel. They formed a bible study with some of our staff in the apartment complex for them. Three of the women are now in membership class at our church. Please pray for the fourth who's interested but her husband does not approve. So, after they had their bible study, I spoke to the Thai staff I knew on the phone.

I had to speak only in Thai with two of the guys (because they don't know English) and it felt SO strange. I haven't had that much Thai come out of my mouth in four and a half months. But what a blessing to hear their excitement of what's been happening in the church from them. It's nice to stay connected to my friends there.

Down the School Halls Again

I stopped by the elementary school I taught in today to say hi to everyone. As I walked into the office, I felt like going straight to the mailroom to check my mailbox for any notes. It's been two and a half years since they've seen me. Yet it didn't feel that long to me since I'd been walking down those halls beside the long line of my students coming from lunch back to the classroom. My knees got wobbly walking past each classroom. My classroom had a new teacher in it with different bulletin boards on the walls. Many of my friends are still teachers there. When they saw me, I got big hugs. They told me I would always be family. I felt like I finally connected with the rest of my family I haven't seen in a long time. That school was my life for many years. I told them that if I wasn't being called to the mission field, I would be teaching there. Maybe I'll have time to do some tutoring while home so I can be around a bit. It was a blessing. I'm glad I stopped by.

Hot Off the Presses!

My new prayer cards are have been officially printed. Let me know if you want one!! These cards are used for people to remember to pray for me on the field. A short biography is on the back. The bottom section is detachable, so supporters can return it showing their interest in financially supporting me and receiving my newsletter. Back before I was a missionary, I thought this was the true badge of a missionary, having a prayer card. Now people recognize me at churches because they've looked at me everyday on their fridge. But I wish I had all of your faces on my fridge so I could recognize you!

"The Day to Thank God"

That's what today is called in Thailand at our church. It's really just an American holiday, but we all celebrated at our church plant in Thailand while I was there. It's crazy to remember that day from this location. My first year, I volunteered myself as a su-chef (assistant cook) to one of my teammates. Since I can't cook much alone, I thought I could help others more able. Yet my teammate can still regret accepting my help when I poured the ketchup all over her cookbook she's had since her wedding! Then, after cleaning that up, we sat around the tables all together to celebrate. Good Thai food, American Thanksgiving food (minus the turkey), and a whole lot of people from everywhere that happened to be in town. Missionaries from the North, a short-term team from the Philippines, we missionaries, and the Thai staff. What a good time. I pray that party is getting larger this year as our church grows with believers and seekers. Remember to pray for them as you sit around your tables this Thanksgiving. Pray also for those serving overseas that aren't home to celebrate with family! I thank God for my family that I'm home to celebrate with. Mom and I leave tomorrow for West Virginia to see my granddad whom I haven't seen in like 10 years. Happy Thanksgiving!

New Song about Thailand

I was given this CD by a supporter that heard two missionaries speak about their work in Thailand. The words touch deep into my soul and my yearning for the people of Thailand. I hope you will forgive the length of this post, and enjoy and join in the prayer this man wrote for the Thai people.

Rain falls but the land remains a desert.
The people smile while sadness fills their hearts.
The sun shines as darkness covers the nation.
While freedom rains, captive souls starve.

Lord, I long for them to know your mercy.
And you long for them to receive your love.
For lives that are barren and thirsty,
are only quenched by your waters above.

Rain your love on the people of Thailand.
Pour your Spirit in their hearts.
Shower them with your living water.
Let them see your face, know your grace,
Show them who you are.

Men robed in unrighteousness mock the truth.
While people quote them fear, they search for peace.
Bowing to idols they seek new life,
But their worship only sounds a hopeless plea.

Lord, I long for them to know your goodness.
And you long for them to take your hand.
As the rains fall from your holy heavens,
bringing life to this barren land.

Rain your love on the people of Thailand.
Pour your Spirit in their hearts.
Shower them with your living water.
Let them see your face, know your grace,
Show them who you are.

How can they receive what they never heard?
How can they hear unless we preach?
For your name to be glorified in all the earth,
we must take your living water to the weak.

Rain your love on the Kingdom of Thailand.
Jesus, come and reign in their hearts.
Shower them with your living water.
Let them see your face, know your grace,
show them who you are.

Jesus, come, reign in their hearts.

I am thankful for....

As I travel home tomorrow to begin celebrating Thanksgiving with my extended family, I'm so thankful to be "home." Though life right now is confusing, I need to see what blessings this year at home have given me. Here's a few.

-being home to eat turkey.
-the everyday experience of being with family.
-the fantastic season of Autumn.
-the helpful perspective of the mission field from here.
-being home to celebrate my friends' birthdays.
-the love of my church family here.
-watching my nephew play soccer.
-meeting all my friends' new babies.
-seeing the faces of those who pray for me.
-my grandmothers' quilts
-my car...I missed being able to drive.
-wearing sweaters and socks.
-even more awareness of God's control over all of my days for His glory!

Translating Waitresses

Great presentation tonight. You'll be surprised what sort of information I was able to give out tonight besides sharing about what God's doing in Thailand. After the presentation, one guy came up to me to share about his experience at their local Thai restaurant. He likes to order his Thai food without rice. Each time after he orders that, he hears the waitress telling the cooking staff, "my cow." Not understanding them, the man wasn't sure if they were saying something bad or what. So, he asked me. I was able to reassure him that the waitress is saying "no rice" in the Thai language. She wasn't saying anything bad about his cow or his order. I'm glad to be of service. I think a few of us from that church are all going to go out for Thai food soon.

Aside from that, I love being a missionary for this church. They have always prayed so faithfully for me over the years. They knew my face. They remembered when I came to speak two years ago. They prayed for Thailand when I finished the presentation. I know, without a doubt, they will remember to keep me in their prayers. How blessed am I to have such amazing prayer warriors.

Nong is a Christian!!

Nong is one the left, and Pawn, is on the right.


I'm feeling like the angels in heaven who rejoice when one person believes in Jesus! Our friend, Nong, became a Christian yesterday. Kieow just sent me an email full of the news. Nong just received Christ as her Savior! Nong said one day, "I believe in God but I didn't invite Jesus to come into my heart, I want to know him more then I can trust him and put my life in his hands." Then I gave her a booklet that explained about God and humans and what Jesus had done for us, and how to receive Jesus Christ as Her Savior. Today when we had devotion time together she asked me "If I believe in God can I help my husband and my brother when they want to "Tom boon"(Buddhist thing) for their parents who already pass away. Well, I said "You mean you already received Christ as your Savior? Then she said "Yes, I have." Praise the Lord.!!

Nong is a leader in the Mahathai slum community, a member of our handicraft ministry, and a good friend of mine. I could just share for a whole page about her story. Please do pray for her as she steps out in her new faith. Pray for her as she expresses her faith to her family, her husband and her brother.

Ming had her Baby!

My friend, Ming, in Thailand had her new baby girl a couple months ago. She just sent me pictures! We began as friends when I was her English teacher, but now she says we are sisters. It's an honor to be emailed pictures. I was able to send her some baby clothes, to help celebrate.
Fai is the second of her two daughters, the first named Fan Fan.

Moving Forward

I am often in Thailand in my dreams. This recent image of our neighborhood was taken by a new intern on our Thailand team, Krystle. You can find her blog on this list in the right column. She and another intern, Sarah, have joined the team for the year. Praise God because it came at a great time to keep our English school in operation with teachers.

My team leader wrote me yesterday asking of my anticipated target date to return to the field. I have received 53% of my monthly pledges needed to return. We are optimistic and thankful for God's provision so far. Please pray alongside me for others that are interested in partnering with my ministry there regularly. As I pray in this season of settling-in as well looking forward, God continues to give me clear signs of his calling to keep moving forward. God desires for me to be there, bringing the Gospel to His people that don't know him yet. I would love for you to be there with me, whether working alongside of me or supporting me from here. (I'll get you a picture with an elephant if you go with me!)

Blog Changes

After two years, maybe the blog needs a new look. What do you think? Should I keep fiddlin'?

What NOT to Store for 2 Years

I am still working through my storage from the last two years. Today I pulled out an old hamper with some cute stuffed animals I've collected over the years. I found a little green frog that holds a heart saying "You Are Special." I can't remember where I got that. I pushed the heart to make it sing a song. The song sounded strained and went on for two minutes 'til I shook it to make the pitiful thing stop. That battery is dying. Don't keep old singing stuffed animal frogs, ok?

Highlights on the Road

Hailing from Charlotte today. Last night, I gave a presentation to a small group at the church I grew up in. What a blessing to see the faces of people that have helped raise me since I was in first grade.

My parents were able to come to my presentation last night. What a blessing! My mom said she was able to understand a lot more of what I was doing from that. My dad was so happy to see me present, on the way home he stopped at Wal-Mart to buy me a laser pointer! "Can't have my daughter pointing at a screen with her hand when she could have a laser pointer for only $2!," he said. I have been encouraged to share the tough parts of being a missionary during these presentations too. One of the toughest parts is being away from my family for so long. I got teary-eyed sharing that while my parents were in the room. They did too. But more than anything, that showed them how much it hurts me too to be away from them. I'm so thankful that God provided that opportunity last night.

On a funny note, I received a normal question over church dinner, "Did you enjoy the Thai cuisine while there?" Yet one friend of mine added, "especially the special dish called....CAT!" Everyone likes to ask if Thais eat dog and cat. :)

Left Out Pancake Mix

I have left out my pancake mix for three days now. Open and sitting on the counter. At first, it was because I had no container or closing thingamajig. But then it felt like freedom. No bugs?! No bugs after a minute, after five, after a whole night, after 3 days??? In Thailand, a constant line of ants go from the wall down the floor and to the trash can. If I leave anything on the table, ants are on it in less than a minute.

Remarks on my Age

While visiting churches recently, I've had some interesting reactions.

"Honey, you look ten years old. How do your parents feel about you being a missionary?"

"What are you at this Missions Conference for? Are you a missionary kid?"

In case you are one of the above surprised that I am older than ten years old, I'm celebrating the big 3-0 coming up in February!

Beetles, Lizards, and Squid...

...the three essential parts of any presentation about Thailand to children. What a fun evening! I drove to a Missions Conference in Denver, NC to get acquainted with that church and speak to the children. Here's some comments made by them as I went through my slides...
Melanie: What do you see missing in this picture? I am trying to help them see the kids are in the truck going to church without their parents.
Kids: Seatbelts!


Melanie: This is a type of bug found in Thailand. I'm thinking I know more than them, which is always the wrong assumption.
Kids: That's a rhinocerus beetle! We have those in North Carolina.

Melanie: Last week, this is what my neighborhood looked like. In Thailand, a lot of rain came at once and flooded the streets.
Kids: Thai people must all know how to swim!

Really, I thank God for helping me communicate God's heart for the nations to those kids. It was a blessing to me and them. May they know the power they have to pray for the world and to share with their friends the hope they have in Jesus.

Purses from Thailand

For all of you early Christmas shoppers, there's a high possibility I'll be receiving a big box of purses from Thailand arriving soon. You will LOVE them. They are made by our handicraft ministry providing employment for women from the slum community that we love. Prices range from $4 to $20+. They will be at the One-Stop Christmas Shop at Trinity Church in Asheville on November 21 from 10am-4pm. And if you won't be there but want some, I could put you on my list. If you bought these awesome purses, you would be giving back instead of just getting! And they are made by some of my bestest of friends on the other side of the world. What better reasons to buy these! We also have a small amount of handmade cards and sunglass cloth cases too!

Notice for Future Potlucks...

Let the missionaries not go first in line. I was in line first today with another missionary from France. It was a potato bar with soup and a salad sort. I almost put my soup on my potato! The missionary beside me laughed, and excused me to the group by saying, "It's understandable, they don't have anything like this in Thailand!...." And I added, "Or in France!"

Ok, yes, I should know the difference between the potato bar and soup. But having just got back in the country can make my normally hilarious behavior excusable in some crowds. :)

New Typing Lessons

I have been practicing my new typing skills lately. With just a few buttons, I added a new language to my laptop's keyboard. Now, I can switch between typing in English and Thai. If I have a print-out beside me of which Thai letters go to which keys, I can practice typing. Because there are 44 letters, each key has two letters on it, so the shift key is used a lot. Now I can communicate with all my friends in Thailand who don't speak English very well. Sometimes if I wake up early, I can even catch them on Facebook chat.

News Tidbits from our Thai Church

I enjoy receiving news tidbits from Thailand and passing them on to you. Nat (pictured above) publicly professed her faith in Christ three weeks ago in front of our church there and became a member! Woohoo! She is a college student who lives in the Youth with a Mission dormitory. Nat regularly helps our worship band at church and is part of our Christian club at the neighborhood university. Praise God!

This morning I chatted with Pat, our present intern pastor at our Thai church, on Facebook chat. He is currently also working on his Master of Divinity at the local bible college. He shared with me that our church is growing significantly with many people excited to learn about the Bible. Pat still loves preaching and leading small groups during the week.

Please keep our church in your prayers. (If you pray on Saturday nights, it'll be the time of worship service on Sunday mornings in Thailand.)

Fear of Dogs

While running today, I decided to explore my new neighborhood since I've finally stood still for at least a week and a half. As I ran around a new street, this dog was in his yard and came running toward me. Melanie of two years ago would have kept running, said hi to the dog, and went on her merry way. Melanie of today stopped, stood still, and tried to look not afraid. I have been conditioned.

If you don't remember my stories, Thailand has MANY stray street dogs. You cannot jog down the street. (Even if you did, you would look wierd. Everyone uses the parks.) One day there, I tried to run in my teammates' neighborhood, thinking that would be better. Two dogs saw me as a threat and started running after me barking ferociously and biting at my heels. I had to stop running completely not to be seen as a threat. And quite a few dogs in Mahathai were scary too. So, now I have a healthy fear of dogs. (Ok, maybe a little unhealthy.)

Cultural Insight: For those of you desiring to know, stray dogs exist all over Bangkok on the roads because of the Thai people's belief in Karma. That dog, they believe, used to be person. He did something wrong in his last life and reincarnated as a dog. If the people treat these dogs badly, their bad Karma might make them reincarnate as something worse than a human in their next life. Therefore, the dogs are left on the streets to fend for themselves.

Behind on the Slang

Today I was talking with two different friends when they used a slang word that I didn't know, "cougar." I had to ask what it meant! A cougar is like an older woman going for a guy half her age. I then tried to use it in a sentence and they both looked at me and started laughing. I felt like my mother when she tries to use the word "cool." It just doesn't sound right coming out of her mouth (no offense, Mom). I'm behind on the times having been in Thailand. It's not like the fifth graders using words I didn't know. These are people my age!

Flooding in Thailand!

The intersection a block from my old house. How can the motorcycles even drive??
Gives new meaning for using the bus stop seats while waiting for the next bus.
Transportation was rough. The far right truck is public transportation.
My team loading 100 bags up around my team leader's house to keep back the flooding. The furniture was already on cement blocks.

While I've been absent from blog writing for the last month, a lot has been happening in Thailand. Two to three feet of rain came down on our little neighborhood on the perimeter of Bangkok! Schools were cancelled. Transportation was tough. In the Mahathai community, at least one family moved into the community center because they could no longer live in their home. The rain has stopped, but it left lots of devastation. Please pray for God to be evident through His church at work in the community during this tough time.

Missionaries on the field, Tim Mills and Mary Randolph, are thanked for the photos.

Off for October

Faithful blog readers, I'm off to Michigan for a retreat. As my dad said earlier today, "All you do is retreat. You never go forward!" He was just kidding. This missionary retreat will be good for a retreat so I can then go forward. Please pray for rest and renewal. Talk to you in November.

2 Sadnesses

Usually this blog is full of fun. But its also for the purpose of explaining life as a missionary. So here's one of the tougher sides...

One of the tough things as missionaries is when people pass away while we're on the field. I read a book one time explaining that we grieve twice. We grieve once far away and not able to return. Then when we get home and recognize the hole in our lives, we grieve again though everyone else around us is over it or at least farther along in the process.

While I was in Thailand, through a tragic car accident, my nephew died. It was really hard to handle from Thailand. Last night, for a family celebration, I got to see my aunt, uncle, and cousins again for the first time since I left. It was great to see them, but the words not said were hard. I wanted to apologize for not being home. I wanted to console them. I wanted to say I missed Hunter. But we did give big hugs and start life from here onwards.

What was my present?

Inside my 9month late birthday present was chili beans, beef stew, and face lotion. That would have been fun to receive on the other side of the world. But not here. I have all of that here!

Mail Mistake

Just now, my dad called letting me know the birthday package he sent me 9 months ago just made it back to his office. He mailed it to THAILAND 9 months ago! It's the only mail I never received. How funny and crazy. So, now I get to see my present!

Calls Requests Speaking Engagements

I'm feeling a bit like a concert performer today as I make dates for sharing with people about God's faithfulness in Thailand. (Just look on the right for the latest dates.) It's all very good and exciting. Just wondering if this is at all like the life of Derek Webb or someone as he roams the country. (I just went to his concert last week.) Maybe I should write something on the side of my Toyota Camry so people know its my touring vehicle. Ok, ok, I'm not anything like Derek Webb in singing ability, but I can speak in Thai. Sometimes that leaves mouths gaping. I'm thankful to be home and sharing.

Speaking Blunders

Last week, on the way back from Atlanta, we stopped at a Mexican restaurant to eat. The guy asked, "Tres personas?" I responded with "Chai." Yes, that is Thai for "yes." My brain is so confused.

While speaking to my church two Sundays ago, I referred to "ruling elders" as "rulers." The church really enjoyed that, but I responded to the laughter with "I can't speak English!" :)

All my messages I've left on answering machines lately have made no sense! And today when I answered the phone, my friend thought I was an answering machine!

Tips on my Thai from my Thai waiter friend

I went to Thai Orchid for the THIRD time today. Yep, everyone wants to go downtown to cool Asheville, so I went too. Sam works there, and has lived in America for ten years. He visits his homeland once a year to care for his parents. He bought them a house in Pattaya (about an hour from Bangkok). He says he knew a Christian once "who tried to convert him." Funny use of words but he didn't elaborate much more. He doesn't mind that I am a missionary there. His Thai vocabulary is a little "rusty" from being here so long, but today he gave me tips on my language skills. Sam said I use too strong of fluctuation with my tones and I need to calm them down and "soften" my speaking. It is nice to have a Thai friend here, but I'm still looking for more!

...You Thought We had Rain?

Rainy Season: the flooding due to rain in my neighborhood of Bangkok, Thailand, this week.

Fear of Clouds

In my neighborhood in Thailand, we couldn't see clouds and the sky too much. During my walk from my house to the office (2 blocks), I'd have to remind myself to look up and admire the sky. It was always sunny, so there wasn't much change.

Since coming home, these rain clouds scare me. One drive home from Asheville to Charlotte, I seriously was afraid of the looming really big dark clouds to the left of the highway. I could totally imagine some crazy Twister-movie tornado jumping out of one and coming at me. It's so crazy. I've always loved thunderstorms. But I'm having to adjust back to weather.

Approved!

I was approved! I am a long-term missionary to Thailand. Thanks for your prayers!

Highs and Lows

As I have been learning about support raising, budgets, and communications this week...the speaker mentioned one missionary who wrote a "Weather Report" to their supporters each week(?) telling them their highs and lows of ministry that week. Here goes mine on this evaluation week this week.

Highs:
-Tonight's group fun night at Jillian's: I became completely addicted to this dance arcade game, where you step to the moves of songs. So fun! It made up for my dance deprivation in Thailand.
-Talking with Tom Stewart, the head of MTW Streetchild ministry: He listened well and gave me feedback about my part in the mercy ministry/ slum community work in Thailand.
-New Friends: I love meeting fellow future missionaries at these meetings. What a joy it has been to hear about God's work in India, Cambodia, Ukraine, and Africa.

Lows:
-Losing a racing arcade game: I used to love the racing games the best at arcades. But I couldn't even go straight and the three guys I was playing with were cracking up laughing at me. I was blaming it on the two years I haven't driven in Thailand. Then, I found out my game was broken, it wasn't me! Woohoo!
-Anemic: I was found to be iron anemic when I got back from Thailand. It causes me to feel so drained! I'm taking my supplements three times a day, but pray for me to recover quickly!
-Calling Guidance: I still feel a strong call to mercy ministry to the slum community, Mahathai. I have talked to lots of people at the office and gotten lots to think about as I want more training, resources, and strategic support.
-Interview is tomorrow!

Interview & Orientation Week

This week I'm back in Atlanta to be interviewed one last time and orientated to Mission to the World as a long-term candidate to missions. I arrived here last night after a long drive in the rain! The hotel I'm staying at is starting to feel like home. This is my third time here. It's giving me flashbacks to when I first arrived here for debriefing on my first week home.

Please pray that I would spend quality time with God in prayer this week. Pray that I will be joyful in spirit to encourage the other candidates. Pray that I will be open and honest in my interview. Pray that I will get clarification on this season of my life. Thanks so much!

Last Moments

Kieow, one of my Thai friends, sent me some last pictures she took before I left for America. I hope you enjoy these like I did.
My neighbors next door--they make food from the NE of Thailand. I taught them some English to help them communicate with the new American missionary intern coming to live at my house after I left.
Last Sunday of worship before I left. Some of the kids wanted to take a picture with me.
At my goodbye party, we have a tradition of surrounding the person leaving and praying for them together. It was very special to me to be prayed for by those I love in Thailand.
One of the older ladies in Mahathai. I visited her often while there. We wanted to take one picture together before I left.

Able to Present!

I finished my first presentation for a women's luncheon today at my church. Earlier this week, that idea frightened me. I used to love giving presentations, but my heart wasn't ready to speak about everything yet. Yet the Lord showed me in Proverbs that "Fear is a snare, but those that trust in the Lord are safe." What a blessing! A retired missionary from France was there as well as a missionary's mom to the Philippines. They were full of wisdom. Thank you for your prayers. I loved sharing the joy I have for Thailand today.

The Papaya Salad Dance

This picture just makes me laugh. The youth team from Illinois was leaving the next day. We were having the usual Joy Kids Club on Saturdays in the Mahathai Community Center. The kids said goodbye to them by teaching them the very hilarious papaya salad dance. As you can see, one hand is holding the mortar (the bowl) as another hand is mixing with the pestal (the stick to mix with). Kieow is trying to help them. Isn't it sweet?

Preparing Presentations

I will give what the people demand--to hear about Thailand! Yes, the demand is high. So to the right you will find my latest speaking engagements if you want to come hear about God's faithfulness in Thailand and my two years of service there.

Starting preparations has been tough. Adjusting back here has been full of every emotion in the book. Thankfully as I shared these feelings with the Lord, he has been faithful to give me more peace and joy in the sharing.

As I started my first Powerpoint, I started smiling. Each time I insert a picture, I smile at the people in the picture. God was good to me in Thailand. I pray He is faithful in speaking through me as I begin sharing with you.

The Inevitable Grocery Stop

The inevitable. Everyone told me about it. The grocery store. I did move into my own apartment a couple days ago and finally had to cook for myself. Wow. I walk to the fruit. Woah. So many choices. I just can't look at them all. Fast, make a decision! Ok, grapes! Then to the luncheon meat. Woah, wait, I'm supposed to do price comparison too! I can't handle this. Too many choices. I grabbed one and kept on pushing. Then past the chips aisle to get pretzels. Oh, wait, there's another choice! Wow. I just made fast choices and decided to go back when I have more strength. It was a crazy experience like everyone told me about. One person warned me about the cereal aisle. Another warned me about the chips. But, no, its everything!

Still Can't Handle English

Yesterday, while at the doctor, she tried to spell some medication names for me. Seriously, each letter she said took one minute for me to process it, remember what it was, and then write it down. I apologized and tried to explain how I learning a new language made my English skills not be used so much for a long while.

Then today, while renting a movie, the salesman tries to hook me on some rewards program. He started explaining it to me and I swear he was talking 20 billion words per second. I could only catch like every fifth word. Afterwards, I apologized again and tried to explain myself. He responded well, and while handing me a brochure, he said, "How 'bout a visual?"

I'm beginning to think I can't keep blaming this wierdness on Thailand. Maybe I was this strange before I left? :)

Are you good with chopsticks?

Seeing that I'm back from Asia, everything thinks I should be excellent at using chopsticks. I do feel better at them, but Thai people only use chopsticks with noodle soup "gooey-tee-aw." And that is not an easy feat. Thais actually use spoons and forks to eat everything--a fork in the left hand, a spoon in the right. The spoon is sometimes used for the purposes of cutting to, like a knife. But only what we would call the "big spoon." I forgot all about little spoons 'til we got back. I know I'm supposed to eat my cereal with a small spoon, but I just like to use the big spoons for everything now. Strange, small, and unusual fact.

New Faces

Coming back feels like I've come out of a time warp. Maybe I should watch that movie, Time Traveler's Wife soon. I might identify well with it. Some people look so different--little kids look like whole different people, other people have gray hair! Some people are here that didn't exist before. I can't count how many new babies I have to meet that are actually two years old already!

This realization hit as I started making doctor appointments and routine visits today. Thankfully, my dental hygienist is the same and remembers me! I felt such a strange comfort in that. The chiropractic clinic I go to looks like a whole 'nother office with all different people. I felt out of place. My church has new staff, which in some ways make me feel replaced. But I know that they had to go on without me. I mean, it has been two years! Did I expect everything to stand still?

It must be really crazy for missionaries who leave for longer periods of time. I understand why the US doesn't feel like home to them so quickly. Life passes by...

A Trip to 7/11

As I welcome myself back to America, I welcome myself back to American prices too. The Thais are right when they say we are rich. A dollar bill in Thailand can buy a lot more than it can here. To think about that, let's go on one of my trips to the convenience store, 7/11, found on every corner in Thailand. I loved that store and went there almost everyday for a snack or meal when Thai food was not going to cut it. Here's the menu for you.

A cinnamon roll (10 Baht): about 30 cents
An orange juice (25 Baht): about 60 cents
a milk (10 Baht): about 30 cents
Grilled Ham and Cheese sandwich (22 Baht): about 60 cents
Hot Dog (15 Baht): about 20 cents
Zenya pomegranate green tea (20 Baht): about 60 cents
Potato chips, seaweed flavor (25 Baht): about 60 cents
small Snickers bar (25 Baht): about 60 cents
Pepsi (15 Baht): about 50 cents

Wow...without going on, you can see the prices. A whole meal for about a dollar. So, now the key to living back here is not to convert the prices backwards or I'll get a bit upset. Like the time I was at Verizon the other day. My phone was broken. The guy said I could get it fixed for just 50 dollars. I had to firmly lecture him for a brief moment that nothing can be "just" 50 dollars. 50 dollars is a lot of money!

Not Hot

Today we moved my sister into her new apartment. It's a "hot" August Saturday so everyone is sweating buckets while lifting all the boxes and furniture BUT ME. Near the end of the move, Katie's friend looks at me and says, "Crazy! You're like hardly sweating!" During a break, I even sat down in the shade and put a jacket on! Last week, while assisting my mother at school, I was wearing four shirts to try to stay warm! This temperature adjustment is slow. But I'm headed back to Asheville today and the house I am staying in there has no air conditioning. :)

Being a Teacher Again

I sent this picture to Mission to the World when I first applied to be a missionary. At that time, I was a 5th grade teacher. Today I entered the classroom again for the first day of school as my mom's assistant in her 1st grade classroom. She had shoulder surgery a while ago and hasn't recovered well. With teacher cuts, her school asked her to move from being a literacy facilitator to being a classroom teacher again! God, in his perfect timing, allowed me home right on time to help her start out her year. I've been putting up all the calendars and posters, writing names on everything, etc. Today, the kids came in. This job is still the same- and I was glad to be here to feel it again, like a sweet blessing from the Lord. My heart still goes out for the ADHD kid who just can't sit down and the ESL kids who don't know how to spell "swim." God continues providing opportunities for his name to be made known through his children. While we brainstormed members of our family, one kid said, "God." I thank God for his blessing and his further calling to me today.

Rice Pride

A couple days ago, I was spending time with one of my friends who just had a baby. They ordered Thai food for their family coming over to eat together. Her family is from India, so they naturally began comparing Indian and Thai food with me. I became strangely prideful about Thai rice. I wanted them to understand what sticky rice is in Thailand. They'd say, "Like the kind they make sushi from in Japan?" I really don't know that much about rice. But I have heard Asians are particular about their rices and prideful about their own country's product. Until I know I bit more however, I'll try to be open to all kinds of rice!

Did You Know?

Interesting Trivia on jetlag. People say the number of hours you were on a plane equals how many days you will need to recover from jetlag. So, for me, that was about 30 hours! So, that's like a month! Well, it's been about 5 weeks now. But I'm still seriously sleepy! I asked my doctor and he said I need to stand still more. Ha! That's funny.

My Favorite Gift

During my last days in Thailand, I received lots of sweet farewell gifts. But my favorite one came just a few hours before I left. I was in the shower ready to leave for the airport back to the US in an hour. The doorbell rang and I wondered who it was. Once I got ready and went downstairs, Kieow gave me this monkey. She said Bird had stopped by to give this to me. Bird is one of the teenage boys from Mahathai. I had no idea he thought much of me. I taught his mom English weekly for almost a year and had just recently been invited to their house for dinner. Kieow and I were thankful for that invitation into their lives. Praise God for the way He starts relationships. Anyway, when Bird came to the door, Kieow told him I was busy. So he gave her this monkey to give me. He bought it himself and had sewn "Bird" and "Melanie" on it and a heart. How sweet.

Emailing in Thai

One of the teenagers, Fern, in Thailand has been writing me emails. She lives in Mahathai. It's so special to hear from her. Can you read it? The 5's at the end are like email-lingo. In Thai, you say five as "ha". So, in email, if you write a lot of fives, it means you are laughing.

"hi:melanie
how are you?
ตอนนี้พี่เมลานี่ทำอะไรอยู่ค่ะ
เฟิร์นสบายดี
เด็กๆทุกคนที่มหาดไทยคิดถึงพี่เมลานี่
พี่เมลานี่ต้องกลับมาเมืองไทยนะ
เฟิร์นอธิฐานเผื่อพี่เมลานี่สำหรับการเดินทางกลับมาเมืองไทย
พระเจ้าอวยพรค่ะ
บาย555555555+555555"

Hi Melanie, how are you? Right now, what are you doing? I am well. The kids at Mahathai miss you. You have to come back to Thailand, ok? I am praying for you to return to Thailand. God bless you! Bye! hahahahahahaha.

Sing in Thai!

Karaoke is very popular in Thailand. They have small two-seat rooms and large rooms for big parties. An English class we taught on Saturdays was full of fun women who liked to take us out for karaoke afterwards. I always enjoyed this song because the chorus has English words! So even if I couldn't track all the words well, I could get back in at the chorus. The karaoke words are underneath, so take a listen and sing along! You can tell people you can sing in Thai!

(I'd like to thank Rachel for her post including this video.)

Keeping Up the Pace

I keep telling people that this "Reverse Culture Shock" is not hitting me. One person said I should be a puddle on the ground by now. But I still seem to be in solid form. I read a lot of books on this before arriving and psycho-analyzed myself to death at a Starbucks one night trying to be prepared for arrival. From what those books said and how I'm feeling, right now I'm struggling more with settling into my own place, the pace of life, and dealing with all the logistics!

The pace and laidbackness of Thailand was hard to get used to. I recognized when I had adjusted while helping a newcomer to Thailand. We were walking out of our church office to go somewhere. She asked me, "How are we going to get there?" I replied, "I don't know, we'll figure it out when we get to the end of the street." There we would encounter taxis, buses, two-bench truck taxis, and motorcycle taxis. I got used to the not knowing and being okay with the slowness of life. Maybe it was all the places I went while not understanding anyone else in the car with me.

He Gave His Life

I met Chris Leggett and his family while preparing to go on the mission field to Thailand. He encouraged me to always be reading the Gospels and Acts so I can live each day as Jesus Christ did. While I showed my interest in living among the people to serve them, Chris supported it and shared books to help me along the way. I am reading one now, Bruchko.

On Sunday, my friend at church told me Chris had been killed a couple months ago while on the field by some extremists. He was walking to the office. I stood aghast at the news. I have never known someone that had given his life as a missionary. Please pray for his wife and four kids. Thank God for his life and pray that God receives glory from Chris's sacrifice. This news reminds me yet again that our lives are in God's hands. May we live each day to show God's love to one another, showing the cost of his Son's death on the cross for us.

My Former English Class

As I said, I have so many pictures...I will keep posting them through this year. It'll be good for both of us. You, so you can remember the people in Thailand and pray for them. Me, so I can smile and have fond memories to look back on while preparing to return.
This picture has been my laptop's background for a couple weeks. My Monday night English class went bowling with me as a last "hoorah" before I was leaving. Here they are.

A Different Kind of Fisherman

I am so thankful for God's timeliness in speaking to me through His Word. While on the Parkway (from the previous post), God really met me and my questioning with his words. Returning to America means returning to my teacher friends starting school and helping my mom organize her classroom to be a 1st grade teacher again. My mind questions the reasoning for why I'm not teaching anymore as I encounter my friends and their surprise that I'm returning to Thailand.

As I read the last chapters of John, I identified a lot with the disciples as Jesus returned to them after he was raised from the dead. (Not that I'm Jesus in this story, but try to follow me.) The disciples were afraid after he left and didn't know what to do next. So, some of them returned to their previous occupations as fisherman. While they were fishing, a man from the shoreline instructed them to throw out their net on the opposite side of the boat. As they did, they were overtaken with the number of fish that came in their nets. Last time this same occurance happened, Jesus had met them and called them to be his disciples. So, they immediately realized the man on the shore was Jesus!

Out of fear, they returned to what they knew, fishing. Yet, Jesus had already called them away from that occupation to be fishers of men instead. He showed them again at the shore that they were called from this occupation to a new one. I'm not sure if my words come out right, but it was such an amazing encouragement. I need answers to explain my calling and God continues to provide. He has called me forward to the mission field. I'm so thankful for this new calling and the strength and words he gives me each day to share about it with others here.

A Ride in the Mountains

One of my favorite parts about living in Asheville is the Blue Ridge Parkway! Today, I went driving to find a good spot to sit and read, but I just kept driving. I hadn't seen it in so long. I stopped at the Visitor Center to get a map. Looking out their wide window at the view made me want to cry. It was gorgeous! I rode all the way to the top of Mt. Mitchell, the tallest mountain in North Carolina (I think!). It was 63 degrees at the top and I didn't have a jacket. Then I rode back down, finding an overlook to stop at and then back down the mountains. What a great drive!

A Reunion with my Clothes

Last night, I finally reached the house where most of my things have been in storage the last two years. It was like a reunion. I passed by all my teaching stuff and my quilts. I smiled gently at each one, but ventured deeper. At last, I found my clothes bins. What a reunion! I opened it up and reached it to find my purple pajama pants and my UNCA shirts. Then I found my shoe bin and spotted my awesome red shoes I'd been thinking about while across the world.

Here's a couple thoughts along the way. If you ever want to see how much you can live off of, put away 7/8 of all you have, then move across the world from it for two years. You'll be amazed when you return and find you'd forgotten all about it. Lastly, if you do move across the world, try to store at least clothes for the season you return to in the first spot of your arrival instead of your last. :)

Today I'm wearing my first sleeveless shirt in two years. Modesty means wearing sleeves often where I minister. I feel scandalous!

2nd Thai Restaurant Here

Went out for Thai food again yesterday with my friend, Sarah, in downtown Asheville. Pretty place but always checking to see its authenticity. We ordered Tom Yam soup again and Pineapple Curry. It was Sarah's first time for Thai food. The Tom Yam was good and spicy. The Pineapple Curry was a more sweet than sour. Then for dessert, yummy mango and sticky rice! But it was so fun to be there.

I'm out in search of some Thai friends, so I started talking with the waiter and waitress. They've been in the US for just a couple years. One of them is considering returning to Thailand real soon. After explaining a little about why I was in Thailand, they said they were both Christians! Wow, Thai Christians, I don't run into many of those. I recommended our church plant to the guy when he returned. It was so fun to talk with them. Maybe I'll get a chance to go back and befriend them more.

There are lots of Thai places around, apparently. So, let me know if you want to come with me. I'm charting the Asheville and Charlotte territories for good food and even better, some Thai friends!

Forgetfulness

Though I've lived in Charlotte for a long time growing up and Asheville for like 9 years, I seem to have forgotten so much of my mental road map! It's coming back, but it is embarrassing to ask. I have been making lots of u-turns.

I ran across a tool I had forgotten about in two years, the window ice scraper! That made me laugh.

And though my old Spanish skills were good once, they had been taken over by Thai in my head. But now, I'm slowly remembering some old words again. I can understand people talking to me, but I can only reply in Thai.

I even forgot that I had loaned out my bed to someone before I left town! I thought it was in storage with the rest. My friend told me she had my bed in her guestroom and I was a little shocked! :)

Being Home

"Welcome Home!" is all I heard since I've gotten back to Asheville. Home is a lot of places to me. Home is where I called home for two years in Thailand still. Home is where my parents are and I grew up. Home is here in Asheville amidst the mountains, hippie-ness, and church family. Home is where my heavenly Father is and where I'll join him one day.

It was just such a good feeling receiving all the hugs the last few days and pinches to check to be sure I'm really standing in front of them. It's nice to know that though everyone's changed, home is still here. Even when I move halfway across the world for two years, I can still come back to this. This is a comforting feeling as I continue living in this home, and look at going back to my other home in a year or so. God always gives us a home here and has one ready for us with him.

Thai Food in America

Two of my high school friends and I went out for a Thai evening tonight at a local Thai restaurant. They wanted to hear me speak in Thai and wanted to eat Thai food. I had a great time speaking to the owner.

We ordered some red curry, tom yam soup, pad thai, and somtam (papaya salad). The first three were good and it was nice to eat them again. But the papaya salad, which is such a traditional Thai dish was sad in comparison to my neighbor's in Thailand. It is nice to have some restaurant here that I could go to, speak in Thai, and eat some good food. I'm headed to Asheville tomorrow...so I hope to find a good restaurant there too!

You Know Thailand's Hot When...

I turned on the heat in my car because the temperature outside in America is 74 degrees Fahrenheit.

Food Poisoning...in America?

Yes, though I survived (Praise God!) Thailand with only one food poisoning experience, I have already gotten it after being home for only two weeks. I am walking around like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Not too bad, but I wondered for a while if I was having sympathy pains for my pregnant friend I visited today. No, it was just a turkey sandwich from a good bagel shop here.

Neighborhoods

Yesterday I took a walk around my neighborhood. I've been so amazed lately at the quietness of the neighborhoods here. There's three cars outside of one house but I can't hear a sound or see anybody. Where is everybody? Inside, I guess.

In Thailand (you know, I've said that phrase way too much already, and I'm sure people are tired of it. But I'm processing here, so just try to listen.)...In Thailand, when I opened our front door, the noise could push me back inside. My neighbors were playing Isaan folk music from the NE of Thailand loud while pounding their papaya salad down to get all the juices out. Trucks would drive by full of vegetables with the guy in the front seat screaming in the microphone something about cucumbers. The motorcycle taxi drivers would wizz by looking for someone needing a ride. They'd honk their horns to let people know someone was coming back to get them. Across the street people were sitting and eating fried pork, going in and out of the convenience store, ordering pork balls at the cart passing by, as well as fruit from the fruit stand.

Now you can understand why it seems quiet here.

They've Grown!

I visited the church I've grown up in today, Back Creek ARP in Charlotte, NC. What a crazy feeling to know I've been there since I was in first grade. My parents picked that church for us because our Sunday School teacher gave us gum and the pastor's prayer didn't make us all fall asleep. That's what I remember at least. As I found people to sit with today, I noticed they were all sitting without their kids. The youth were on a mission trip to Mexico. All those kids were first graders when I was a senior in high school. I taught their Sunday School class. That same year, I went on the Mexico mission trip and felt God's calling to return as a missionary. Now those same kids are taking their first international missions trip. Praise God. May he raise up more servants from that trip this week.

Missionary Approval

I spent the week at Readiness Evaluation week with Mission to the World. All career missionary candidates attend this week for the purpose of seeking approval and a confirmation of their calling to missions. Thankfully the Lord has approved my calling through Mission to the World to continue pursuing missions past this two year term. Now I am planning the next steps towards returning to Thailand.

During the week, we spent time with refugees in Clarkston, Georgia as well as doing many simulated activities relating to church-planting on the mission field. It was a strenuous week since I had just returned from Thailand, yet the Lord was faithful. The assessors were able to speak valuable insights into my life that will help me process my time in Thailand as well as grow me spiritually. Thank you for your prayers.

Want a Bot?

Finally got to go to O'Charley's on Saturday night. I had been thinking about that place while in Thailand a lot. After our meal, we were getting out our change to pay the waiter. I have all these Thai coins in my purse. So, I gave one to my waiter thinking he'd like it. He did. His response made me laugh. He looked at it and said, "That's what's up!"

Beauty of the Sea

While in Thailand, visiting the beach, our short-term team found a cute little baby octopus. I love that about Thailand, all the amazing wildlife there.

Going Back on a Pagoda

Part of re-entry supposedly is getting used to people's comments upon your return. I haven't had much experience with that yet, seeing this is my 6th day in America. But while Rachel and I were having breakfast at the Holiday Inn, a nice elderly lady sat down with us at our table. Shortly into the conversation, we told her we were in Atlanta for debriefing as missionaries from Thailand. I explained that I'd be here for an evaluation week as a missionary candidate to go back long term. She replied, "Candidate? What are you going to be doing? Being in a bathing suit competition? If you even want to go to Thailand, they should let you. They should seat you on a pagoda with four oarsmen and take you there!" Hahahaha....

Full Party House!

Here's a cute picture from my goodbye party, where Becky captured me surrounded by my friends. Som-O is sitting on my lap whispering important things in my ear. To my right is Somboon, the community leader from Mahathai. It was a great honor for him to come to my party. Before he left, he made a point to come up to me and thank me for my work in Mahathai. Nicholas, my team leader's son, is sitting on the other side of me. Behind me are a lot of other friends from the Mahathai community. It was an honor for any of my friends to want to come to my party to wish me farewell. I miss them.

Debriefing happened today at the Mission to the World headquarters. It was a good time to think about the past and talk through my two years in Thailand. Now I rest through the weekend to try to get over jetlag and be ready for Monday!

Wrong Side!

While driving to Atlanta today, I stopped by to pick up Rachel in South Carolina. She was an intern in Thailand for a year with me, and is a good friend of mine. We're going to debrief together and spend some days together here in Atlanta. As I pulled out of her neighborhood, I naturally pulled out to the left side of the road. So calmly, Rachel said, "Melanie, you're driving on the wrong side of the road." Aah! First time for everything today. First time to drink American milk today. First time to pay tips at a restaurant again. First time to eat at Chili's again!

Debriefing at the Mission to the World headquarters is tomorrow.

Melanie Sightings

July Schedule
16th: off to Atlanta for a health physical
17th: debriefing in Atlanta with Mission to the World
18th: shopping, I need clothes!
19th: visiting one of the churches that came to Thailand for a short-term trip
20-24: Readiness Evaluation Week with Mission to the World--to see if I can go back to Thailand as a longer-term missionary
25-31: helping my Mom to be a 1st grade teacher in Charlotte
August 1: headed to Asheville

Please pray for my week of evaluation with MTW. Pray for God's wisdom for the assessors, as well as my flexibility and openness during the week. I will know by the end what my future has in store. I'm feeling tired and overwhelmed with all that's happening, so pray for good time with me and God as I transition here.

This morning, I read Psalms 60-63, where David is running out of his home away from his son who took his throne from him. While David had nothing and was quite confused, he wrote some amazing prayers to the Lord. Psalm 62:8 being my favorite. Pour out your hearts to God. He is our refuge!

Home Sweet Home

I'm home safe. The plane ride was fine, just long. My calves got all swollen which reminded me of a bad episode on Grey's Anatomy when they had to cut his legs open while he was still alive. But thankfully I didn't have to do that to myself. I sat beside a Vietnamese-American from my hometown of Charlotte. I had a hard time figuring out what language to speak with her.

First impressions of America:
-a lot of English! I turned my head in the Chicago airport anytime someone screamed something. I looked like a crazy person.
-coldness! I have been so cold inside my parents' house. Even the toilet seats are cold!
-carpet! I love this invention. It's so soft and warm.
-air conditioning! I don't have to turn it on when I go in my bedroom. It's always on. That is so strange.
-driving! I love it and it is easy to remember how. I've only had one incident of almost being run over by a semi, but that was because I was talking on the phone.
-my family! It is just like a dream to see them again, but also normal at the same time. My nephew was so excited, he cried when he saw me coming down the escalator at the airport.
-I miss Thailand.

Please be praying for my aunt. She's in ICU after not recovering well from back surgery. I may have to drive my mom to Raleigh to see her tomorrow.

The Goodbyes

The goodbyes happen tonight at my goodbye party. This morning I walked around to tell everyone at Mahathai I was leaving. The people were so encouraging to my sadness. One lady said, "Don't worry, we won't go anywhere. We'll be here when you get back." And another lady said, "We feel better about you leaving knowing you're being a good daughter going to visit your parents." Just at the points of tears, their words help ease the leaving. Yet I'm sure tonight, the tears will fall. It has been a blessing to be here. The challenges and learning have been an uphill journey, but that must be how we reap the most. Thank you for tracking my blog during my time here. I pray that it has blessed you by seeing God's kingdom across the world as well as seeing life as a missionary. See you on the other side soon!

The Faces I'll Miss

These are the small fruits I leave behind here to change their families' lives with their growing ability to share the Gospel, pray, and sing Christian songs.








I'm faced with two days left for blogging and so many pictures to share. So, I think picture sharing will last long after I leave here.