Thankful.

"He is the water of life,

Jesus is the river of life."

"Is this true?" asked our friend, Phii Ko, after hearing these words in a Thai worship song.

We were gathered outside with our neighbors, grilling pork and squid over the clay grill. We had gathered on our street for a birthday party and were invited to choose the music for the group. As the conversation with Phii Ko progressed, we shared more about what it means to follow Jesus and to find your life in Him. He told us that he has been a Buddhist his whole life, but feels like it never worked for him. 

"I want to know more about this Jesus."

Please join us in praying that the Holy Spirit would continue to work in his heart, bring him to a knowledge of the truth of the gospel, and grant him repentance! Pray for wisdom and discernment for us as we continue to share about Jesus and the truth of scripture with him. We praise God for this opportunity, and see the developing relationship with Phii Ko and our other neighbors as a gift from God.

Another highlight of November for us was a trip with our classmates to a "holy mountain" near Lopburi. There is so much to be learned about the worldview and religion in Thailand, and experiences like these give us a deeper glimpse into them. Thailand does not purely adhere to Buddhism, but is a mix of Buddhism, animism, and ancestor worship. We explored the mountain, coming upon several different shrines, golden images, and idols to worship. It is evident that all humans have a deep need to put their hope and direct their worship to something outside of themselves. We so long to see this hope and worship set on the only worthy One!

It still seems surreal to live here. Thailand is beautiful. Villages and cities tucked away in the middle of luscious, tropical mountain ranges.

Another opportunity for cultural observation this month was the Loy Kratong festival! On this day every year, the Thai people make "kratongs" or little boats made out of banana leaves and other natural elements to send off in the river. This is an attempt to ask forgiveness from the river goddess for the wrongs committed against the river throughout the year.

We were able to take a weekend getaway to Hua Hin, a beach town a few hours from Lopburi! It was such a refreshing and relaxing time. We were thankful for the short reprieve from language learning before we returned to Lopburi and jumped into studying reading and writing Thai!

This is pressed and dried seashells, squid, and fish paste. This is the traditional food of Hua Hin, served with spicy shredded papaya. It is always interesting to try new foods and experience the culture through their food, although we are sometimes pushed out of our comfort zone!

A snapshot of homework recently. Thai script is beautiful and complex. Definitely a challenge to learn, but God is faithful and we are enjoying the process!

PRAISES & PRAYER REQUESTS:

- pray for growing relationships with Thai contacts. Pray for the Holy Spirit's work in their hearts and faithfulness on our part to share the gospel clearly.

- praise for the work God is already doing in drawing souls to Himself and building His kingdom in Thailand!

- pray for wisdom and clarity on life after language school. Where God would have us live, what opportunities He would have us pursue, and how He would have us specifically engage in the harvest.

Thankful for all of you! Our family, friends, and supporters are in our prayers often and we cherish the prayers you offer on our behalf as well! Sending our love.

"God, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours." (David Livingstone)