His name is Marcus

I wish I could say it was just because I was tired. It didn’t help, but I just have a hard time with names, they just don’t come to me. Anyway, his name isn’t Mitch, it’s Marcus. Of course, this evening, he called me Liz, so I say we’re even…

Church this morning was held outside. We were in the shade, but it was still warm. Dean preached to a group of just over 20 people. Of course, 13 of us were from the States, but it was still exciting to be singing worship songs with fellow believers in Thailand. There were a couple of Thais, I’m not sure if they were believers yet, but they were there. Will have to check with Dean. Pastor Paul’s back had bothered him so much during our arrival that Dean offered to preach this morning.

Afterwards, we went to lunch at the BEACH!! Oh…my…goodness! Saying it is beautiful doesn’t do it justice. Today, as with last couple of days, the food was fabulous. Pastor Paul said we would probably lose weight on this trip with all the heat. I just don’t see it yet. A couple of us were talking and we don’t think we have yet to feel empty stomachs since we left San Francisco… Pastor Paul said we still had two weeks and not to worry. I’ll keep you posted.

The water is warm here in the Indian Ocean. The beach is covered in shells. There are no tourists. We had the beach to ourselves, other than a couple of missionary families in the area. I stared out at the water, amazed at its beauty, wondering what it must have been like to have watched the water recede, that day in December, and then see the wall of water coming at us. Looking away from the ocean to the beach side restaurants and the houses, I was also amazed at the dense foliage that had already taken hold. The large trees that survived the tsunami still showed their scars with broken limbs and marred trunks, but the foliage that has sprung up has filled in and covered the devastation. Not all of the people came back to rebuild. Many have moved up the hill, away from the memories. Those who came back have rebuilt and gotten on with life.

Several missionaries and their families who live and work in this area get together once a week to fellowship and play basketball or volleyball, and recreate in general. They normally get together on Saturdays, but to honor our arrival, they waited until Sunday to get together and we joined in the activities. It was a day of rest and recreation, acknowledging the beauty of God’s creation, and preparing for our first day of English camp.

Tomorrow, we go to an island and teach children from grades 1-6. Am I nervous? Yes. Do I have any idea what I’m doing? No. We’re good to go then. I am weak that He might be strong… I want to do well. I want to connect with the children. I want to stop sweating. Connecting with the children will probably be easier. Will let you know how we do. God is good!