Yes, I speak Thai...

I got lost today.

Well, kind of. This morning I was going to Prathunam Center for English class as usual. Since now I'm staying at the Guest House, I rode the canal boat with David. This was pretty easy. And very packed. But it was cool. Here's a picture of the boat coming.

The canal boats are cheaper than they SkyTrain, closer to the Guest House, and closer to Prathunam Center, so really way to get there. We got to Prathunam and began this term in the same way that class always goes. The two ladies that took me sight seeing last Tuesday are there again. They said that something we ate then made them sick. Whatever it was, it didn't bother me. Funny how that works, huh? Apparently my street food prayers are working! After class I went to eat at Big C and David went back to the Guest House. After I had finished eating, I decided to be brave once in my life and just try the canal boat by myself. I had never ridden it back to the Guest House so I wasn't exactly sure how that would go, but I figured I might recognize the buildings in the area or if I missed the stop I could just get off at the next one.

Or, as it happened, many, many stops later. They don't stop at every stop unless someone is prepared to get on or off. Plus there is a plastic sheeting up on the sides to prevent the water from splashing you. So it's hard to see exactly where you are. Anyway, I finally got off (after a turn in the canal, just enough to really throw off my sense of direction) and just started walking. I really had no idea where I was and for good reason, because I don't think I've ever been in that part of the city. Eventually I found my way to a main road and then one that looked even bigger. My plan was to walk until I found Sukhumvit (the main road near where I'm staying) or until I got tired, then I'd just get a taxi. This main road ended up being more like an highway really, and was super busy. I walked for a quite while and then I got to a place where I couldn't really walk any further due to sidewalk construction so I decided (as I was literally dripping sweat) to get a taxi.

"Bai Sukhumvit Soi sip-sam?" I asked. (That's right! I asked if he could take me there all in Thai!) Which brings me to another point. It really was the providence of God that I knew how to say that. I'm sure I've heard it before, but I was thinking this morning on the way to Prathunam about how I couldn't remember how to say 'thirteen' in Thai. I could remember three, but not thirteen. When David was talking to the students in Thai I hear him say "sip sam" and remembered that that was it. So God reminded me within hours of when I would need to use that. The taxi driver nodded, so off we went. Which brings me to yet another point. It started raining within about two minutes of me getting in the taxi. God has perfect timing.

It was a good little ride back, about 25 minutes I'd guess. But I got back, finally. That was enough adventure for one day, so I've spent the afternoon working on an excel document that will be used at a meeting in July. So, no worries, everyone! If I get lost, there's always a taxi driver who can interpret my broken Thai and get me home.

A recap of my weekend goes like this: Friday I didn't do much, got a little work done (a PowerPoint I'm working on for someone) and then hung out, I guess.

Saturday, I went to the weekend market (JJ Market) by myself because I wanted to make sure I could get there and have some idea how to lead some folks around when they come to Bangkok in July. And it looks like I'm going to get to do some more of this 'research.' As part of my preparation for them, I need to make sure I can get them into the tallest building in Thailand and around China Town. I think I can handle this 'work.'

Sunday I went to New Vision Church again and hung out with some Thai friends that afternoon until we went to JJ Market again. This was fun. There was a guy at church from Denmark. He is here on vacation for two weeks and just found the church online. I think he is the first Dane I have ever met. His name is Ole (sounds kinda like Spanish 'hola') and he's a new Christian. Pray that he would grow in his faith. It think he had a good time; I certainly did. We also went to the flower market again and has supper on the street. It was really good though! We rode a taxi back. 'We' as in, all six of us. Doesn't take long to get to know people...

So things have been interesting, but are still going really well. Sorry there aren't more pictures, and maybe more story than you ever cared to know, but I hope you enjoy reading!