Here we go...

School officially starts Thursday...kind of a scary thought. But I've accomplished a lot over the last week. I've gotten organized, decorated my classroom, gathered my books, asked a zillion questions, made plans, played with the computer system, outwitted the printer and copier, and did cultural activities as well. How is it that I can be more ready than ever and still feel like I'm not?

Cultural orientation is finished. We went to the floating market at Amphawa on Friday, and that was fun. I watched a woman help me make a fish out of palm leaves, and we all joined in the process of making sticky rice with bananas. We also ate pad thai down by the river, which was an interesting experience to say the least. I really liked getting somewhat out of Bangkok; I like rural Thailand a little better, probably from my time in Cambodia. Spent a lot of time in the classroom this weekend, and then I got some help shopping for things for my apartment from my new friends Jes and Lissa. Spending money, especially overseas, is a struggle for me, but I really do like that my apartment is looking a tad more like a home instead of vacant space.

Today, whole staff orientation started, so we all had to introduce ourselves, and it was good to see old friends again. I also got to talk some with the girls' soccer coach, which was nice. Then, I got a lot of help from Jonathan, Robin, and Win as I continued to set up camp.

But this week was hard for me in other ways. I learned that a good friend of mine went home to be with Jesus after a year's battle with breast cancer. At first, it was shocking, but then, not so much. I watched the flood of encouragement pour in for her family, and all anyone could talk about was her passion, her love for Jesus, and how she was an inspiration. It's the kind of thing that really makes you examine your own life. She will be missed, but I know she's a lot happier now than she could ever be here.

Keep praying, guys. Here we go...