All in a day's lesson...beyond the words!

Meet our two good friends-Kipp and Anna. The little fella in the pouch is Levi. Kip is a Mhong American. That means his parents are from the Mhong tribe but he's lived most of his life in America. Anna is a MK. She was raised in Thailand and is back doing what her parents did...loving tribal people. They are currently teaching English at ARDA until the Lord opens up other things for them.

The other funny looking boy with his shirt off...he's parents are also trying to love Lao people. In fact, this little boy's parents organised this picnic on the river to get to know his English students better. They had a great day and got closer to the students. It was fun but trying. His parents had a long week and they've not been well. But they decided to press on and keep their picnic date. They were pooped when the got home and slept part of Sunday. But they pray that their efforts will be fruitful and meaningful relationships will be built up with their students. There's a lot of things to do when you teach beyond the words...

The students like to play songs, drink beer (the boys), laugh, joke and eat lots of good tucker...so that's what we did. We cooked bamboo soup, ate sticky rice, bbq fish and lots of other veggie, good for ya stuff with lots of chili.

The wife of the tribal boy with his shirt off is grating up carrot for the 'papaya salad'...

The blue insect and the red boy are sunning themselves on a hot rock, all part of the river's edge setting....

'Bo sai Phadek'!!!

Cecilia and the three girls- On, Noy and Iew are making the bamboo soup and other goodies....there is the 'paste' called 'Phadek'. It is made of rotting fish (stinking) and some of the first words Ian managed to say in Lao were 'bo sai Phadek'- Dont' add Phadek! 15 years ago Ian also said Durian smelt like stinking fish...so there is hope that one day, in the not too immediate future, Ian will eat Phadek like he eats durian...with great delight!!!

journal entry Oct

Journal entry..this is a new thing for me. I won't be divulging all of me, but i thought i'd share some things I've been thinking about

I’ve been thinking a lot about starting up a refrigeration business here in Lao. I feel excited when I think about going ‘back on the tools’. The idea of ‘fixing’ fridges and air conditioners gets me excited. I must admit it scares me a little because I’ve not done worked with fridges and aircons for 20 years! The equipment has changed, although the basics are the same. Relearning, or upgrading doesn’t phase me, I’m feel ready to learn something.

Teaching English is a good job. It can and does open doors and hearts. I can build relationships through teaching English. I am doing just that. But my 'heart' isn't totally in the teaching side of it. I struggle with the motivation to teach English. I wonder if God's getting me ready to teach or doing something else. God has given me a lot of compassion that I'm not putting to 'good' use. I'm just thinking out aloud....but if I do a business with an apprentice or two, then they are with me the whole day, I could be discipling these guys all the time. That’s my passion, to win people to Christ and then disciple them to be fully devoted followers of Jesus. That’s why I’m here for. That’s what the good Lord’s called me to do.

I’ve a few questions:

Is fixing fridges and Airconditioners really what God wants me to do, or is it just exciting because it’ll get me out of teaching English?

1. Is this enthusiasm and renewed interest from the Lord, is the Lord directing me and Cecilia down this road?
2. How does this ‘affect’ my calling into ‘full-time’ ministry? Doing refrigeration/doing business in Lao- is this stepping away from what God’s called me to do- which is to teach and pastor people into faith?

Wed 10^th Sarah

Spent some good time with Sarah yesterday…we skipped together then played cricket. We just had a good time talking about who’s she’s sitting with in school- how yukkie boys are and some school yard goss. Her love language is talking. Sarah’s friend Mona is a very good influence on her. Mona loves to talk too but when she works she ‘gets really serious’.

I caught up with Sarah’s teacher the other day. Her name is 'Shelia'. She said glowing things about Sarah’s attitude, friendliness and her social skills. She did say that she’ll be moving Sarah from Joey’s table because she talks too much with him. Joe is a ‘different’ boy. He’s no threat to the ‘girls’. Sarah said he ‘can talk to all the girls’ and they know he’s not ‘hitting’ on them. It’s amazing how some guys can do that. So now my little princess is sitting with her 'arch-enemy’ Polo- whom she calls ‘Bratthead’. That's after the Bratt Dollars- who have big heads!

Seth
Tuesdays are also my day with Seth…we looked a fridge problem last week. That was fun and we’ll prob do that on Fri of this week- im’ so excited to do mechanics with my son. Today I helped him type his ‘Lao’ assignment on my laptop. He grumbled all the way…but he did finish. He is a good student. Teacher Shalini said he’s diligent and helps other students if he can. He’s me mate. I gotta keep close and spend the time. He’ll make a good ‘mechanic’ or ‘doctor’…

Shanae was very precious this morning…she kept coming back to see if I was alright. I’ve not been well. I really appreciated her effort and sincerity.