Day One

I'm in Bangkok! What a crazy trip here...although I was exhausted from not sleeping much the night before I left, it turned out to be a good plan for sleeping on the planes. I slept most of the way, but I was still able to find the humor around me in my seat-mates: the alcoholic, the woman who chewed on a stick, and the Vietnamese nun from Louisiana who's teaching at a Catholic international school in Bangkok. Apparently, we play her school in sports, so I might actually see her again someday. She was hilarious.

In Tokyo, I met a couple of the other new ICS teachers, and I helped one of them get through the airport in Bangkok when we landed. Mostly, traveling was uneventful. I found some familiar faces in Bangkok, and everyone was really glad to see me. That was nice. And I had so much sleep on the planes that I was able to stay up till 2:30 a.m. Bangkok time to Skype people back home.

Today, day one, I got unpacked and went over to the school to get my ID, see my classroom, and get my keys. I missed the van over to the mall because I took everybody literally who said that they weren't doing anything at any set time. So, I grabbed a taxi, did my shopping, and got a taxi back, thankful that I could remember just enough to Thai to get that far on my own. Of course, I did accidentally answer one of my drivers in Khmer first. Oops. I'm sure that won't be the last time. I met another new teacher when I got back, so that means there are still about 5 I haven't met. All in good time.

Days like today, when I miss the group, make me thankful that I've been here before, have connections, and can get around on my own without it being a big deal. So, that's my big praise for the day...that, and looking forward to seeing some of my friends from last year. As far as prayer requests, please be praying that I'll be able to get my room and lessons prepared in the next couple of weeks without missing out too much on the social activities and that I'll be able to start with confidence. Please also be praying for me spiritually, that my relationship with Christ will grow again and be refreshed while I'm here. I'm sure the spiritual dryness hasn't helped my settling in process.

Well, that's the scoop for now. Thanks again for following me on this journey:)