I thought I would title my next entry by my favorite new bird call I have discovered….the Gao Wao Bird, appropriately named by its distinctive, extremely loud, and unfortunately annoying call. Because our neighborhood is in front of an undeveloped swampey plot, there are some birds that perch in the few trees in this swamp, as well as one tree that hangs over our bedroom and roof of our 2-story townhome. The Gao Wao bird has made himself at home in both trees, and some mornings wakes us up around 5 a.m. – his idea of the day beginning, I guess. I have newly learned the thai word for “slingshot” and “rock” just in case I might need to buy one in the near future. Anyone know the Thai word for “B-B gun”? Or “shotgun”? I kid, I kid (kind of).
Besides waking up at 5 a.m. to the call of the Gao Wao, Andrew & I are newly attacking this new year with added responsibilities and quite a busy schedule. Andrew has taken over the English school from another team member whose wife is now on bedrest (with her third child!) and needs to be at home more. (All team members’ blogs are listed on my Links on the sidebar if you’re interested in checking up on other team members observations). He also has, in the last 2 weeks, transitioned into the team treasurer/financial leadership role, which has been quite a complex and time-consuming affair. We are both still teaching English, signing up new students during a 2-week registration period, and heading the internship program. Currently, we have one 11-month intern, Dana, and just welcomed two 5-month interns, Fred & Jean Depp. Our first week-long trip to serve Gennesaret Church in Nong Khai will be in a week and a half. In theory, we are still studying Thai, but much less frequently – these days – as we get busier.
We are also trying to start a small-group bible study in our home or out of the office, as well as teach some free English classes through Bible stories, and finding a direction for my previous study with the Narnia books group. So we have much to pray for as this year gets off to a bang and seeking wisdom in all these areas. Please pray with us for these things!
I also found this funny picture from our Christmas play at the office- James Veldhorst as the angel Gabriel and me as Mary, just having found out I would be mother to baby Jesus as I cleaned my humble abode. Below, my family’s New Year’s celebration in South Texas. Sad I couldn’t join them!
Not much else to report but just request for prayer as we make some decisions about ministry in these next couple of weeks, and attempt to make an English class schedule with the 5 teachers we have been blessed with as well as the students who have come in to sign up. And of course, that the Gao Wao Bird might have mercy on us……
