Reminiscing

Well I guess its officially the holidays. With only 10 days til Christmas I am just not in my normal Christmas spirit. Of course I have been playing the Christmas music since way before Thanksgiving, and yes there are many decorations at the malls and restaurants. So why do I feel like I am "playing" Christmas?! Maybe its the weather? Maybe its being far away from home? Or is it my attitude? Christmas is definately the time to spend with your family; catching up on everything you have missed from the rest of the year. And I miss my family! But I am loving my new family that I have here in Thailand.

On Saturday evening Ashley, Maria, Tatiana I went for a stroll in Queen's Park. It's a very metopolitan park with unique statues, many lushing fountains and courts for sports playing. Its a very romantic park to just sit on a wooden bench and relax to the cool breeze and nature surrounding you. The park, however it may sound, is a very busy place! There are people running, kids skateboarding, and many others gathered on the lawn to take a rest or have a picnic with friends. This weekend was the final round of a jazz competition so we just strolled and was seronaded by the smooth playing of the bass, piano and drums. It was a nice evening to relax in the park.

We then made our way to Emporium Mall where we all enjoyed walking around and looking at the fun things to buy with all the Christmas decorations around. Christmas to me is not about the gifts.. Really! I just love the feeling of sitting at home with our decorations on the mantle place sitting with one another and drinking hot cocoa. While I do miss the cold weather at home and being in my big hoodie and sweat pants, it has been quite comfortable here in the evenings, bringing just the right low 70 degree weather. Sounds crazy right?! But I truly think that Christmas is where the home is. While I am enjoying the new holiday culture of Thailand, I will still be "Home for Christmas.. If only in my dreams."

A break through!

Yesterday I was once again.. not.. looking forward to class. But God does have a sense of humor because through my complaining I had a great time in class. For the first time I was able to share with my students about my religion and what SDA's believe. I mean there were some looks towards me that was as if I was the weirdest girl in the world. But I was so exicted to tell about what I belived and why we as SDA's go to church on Satuday, how we know when we see if it will be Him, and why we do the things we do or not eat the things we don't. It was So exciting! you know you always hear of these moments and wonder.. "Will I be ready to stand up for what I believe in and tell others about Jesus?" Well last night with my 6pm class I know that I have sparked some interest in our religion! and I even invited them to come to church with me. Im just praying that they will continue to ask questions and that God will guide and direct me and our conversations. And you know that funny thing is? It took only 15 minutes of my time out of the 24 hour day to spark and deliver an interest to lead and teach about my Jesus!! God is amazing. Pray for me with the spark being started in my students to hopefully grow into fire for Him!