I am so blessed to have a fellow teacher that is more like a sister then anything else. Not sure what I would do without Dani, my favorite Aussie living in Thailand!
I have been so blessed to have a good friend, role model and accountability partner here in Thailand. Dani (Danielle or “Daniel” as some of the Thai’s call her!) is amazing. From late night tea dates, to chats about what God’s teaching us, swimming dates, fellowship and tasty meals and even skyping each other at 2am because neither of us can sleep… We have had some crazy and interesting times together! It is amazing the ease our friendship has and the similarities between us. We both feel that the other one is here just to motivate us (well, I’m sure there are other things too!), but boy, I don’t know what I would do without Dani around. I know I’ve talked about her often to friends and family, but she is a blessing. We just click, and it’s not often that you find a friend like that. From sense of humor to our space to habits, etc. God definitely has us both in Thailand for a reason, but again, he also put us here together for a good reason!
Things have been more difficult for me lately, I will not try to hide the fact that I have felt more homesick lately, less motivated and overall a little unsure about things. I keep trying to remind myself that if I wasn’t feeling these feelings, then I’d need to be worried, and that these are very normal when going through culture shock. But still, it has been harder on more days then one. However, to counter act the enemy and those feelings I have done several exciting things this past week:
1. started a strict diet & workouts have been regular–loved my hour run on Friday!
2. enjoyed leading a workout at a local university Tuesday night to some kids a group of friends and myself were sharing the gospel with!
3. decided on Friday to travel to Ayutthaya on Saturday for a day trip (the old capital of Thailand, have great photos!) Also renting a bike and traveling around the city all day 9a-4p & not getting lost! So proud of myself for planning a little day trip.
4. Finally found a church to call home in Bangkok! After much prayer and searching I’ve started attending Christ Church, a local English speaking Anglican church
5. meeting a new friend & kindred spirit Sally from Mexico, eating knock-off Thai Mexican food with her, talking about our life adventures and seriously laughing as we watched “Zoo Keeper” at the big fancy mall with free mini bags of popcorn.
6. Game night & pizza Saturday with friends from Mexico, Australia, Idaho, Thailand, South Africa & Bolivia! Sequence, Wii, Speed & much more. I even brought Thai desserts from a food vendor that spoke amazing English.
7. Trying to look on the bright side after getting lost TWICE this week. One time I was even thinking through scenario’s of how to knock the motorcycle man out because I thought he was taking me down an dark alley… Fortunately I realized that I gave him the wrong directions. We communicated with “hand gestures” (he spoke no English and my Thai had already led me down the wrong path once–12 and 20 sound oddly alike in my brain…) but he kindly took me to the real place I was supposed to go without charging me again. He was very kind (but mind you I WAS prepared for the worst)
8. Sitting at a coffee shop Sunday after noon and reading up on my Thai news (enjoying three newspapers with my coffee!)
9. Thai lessons with my wonderful teacher Suwanee
10. One of my students calling me up Saturday and asking me to go see a movie
I could say many more things, God is always giving me great opportunities. I am constantly reminded to look at the good, although it is still difficult with adjustment and culture shock. But God is good and he provides constantly. I am so grateful to have found a new church and community to refresh myself on Sundays!
roselovesthailand 
Hey, sounds like you’re doing well. Culture shock hits a couple months in – yep 🙂 And the shock is often you don’t know you’re going through it! So excited about the provisions of Father and all you’re learning. Come visit when can 🙂
Thanks Amanda! I am looking forward to visiting you soon. Must talk Holiday plans with you 🙂
It’s interesting, in all my travels I’ve never really felt extreme culture shock and I’ve never been homesick. I think different personalities respond to these sorts of things differently. I also truly believe that life shouldn’t be hard… that if something is difficult or doesn’t feel right, that is providence’s way of telling us to change our circumstances. I know you have made a commitment to be in Thailand for a certain amount of time, but remember that once your commitment is complete, you can move on to a new place and a new experience. You will find your niche, eventually, the place where you feel restful, peaceful and “at home.” Of course I hope your niche is near me! 😉 Loving you and sending warm thoughts your way! xoxo
Ah thanks so much for the encouragement, you’re so right! I think I just get a bit lonely here. I don’t know if it’s the school I’m teaching at, if I would be happier somewhere else, or if it’s the country. All the changes from college busy life to teaching, etc. Who knows. But some days are great, and then other days I get lonely. I am already getting excited about the future and looking at what is the next step for me though. I love you so much though sister, you always have great advice, and I hope I get to live around you too one day!