change.

All is well in Bangkok! I enjoyed a nice time with Jessica doing touristy things yesterday.


I am excited for church this morning too! I love worshipping our great God with other believers around the world! God is so amazing! I love him so much! He is the reason I can breath right now and type this blog to you all. I will adore HIM!

Being with these girls is so much fun!

I now have only 2 weeks left here in Thailand. That is just absolutely insane! The time has just flown by! I just finished my schedule for my last 2 weeks...I have so many emotions right now that I am trying to process. [hmm, sounds familar...] Change [in general] for me is always hard. Although I am learning how to work through change, while God reminds me that he never changes and is leading me, it is still hard. I have loved it here in Thailand so much, much more than I ever thought I would. I mean besides Haiti, this is one of the first places I have been outside of the US and it sure has been life changing. I have fallen in love with these kids, the school, the staff, the community, the country, the culture...even though I may get frustrated at times, it is wonderful! BUT then half of me is so excited to get back to Minnesota and see everyone again [but I am not excited to enter back into maddness]. God keeps reminding me of everything he has helped me through in the past and I am assured that I can do anything with him. That doesn't mean it all of sudden gets easy. It is tough. I do still have 2 weeks here and will be soaking in all that I can! And you never know what God has planned in the future...maybe I will be back...maybe not. It's up to Him.

Me in front of the Grand Palace


Something else that I have been processing in the past few days has been...Haiti. [Shocker] What is really crazy though is that I am really not sure why all this has been coming up in my path lately. (It's been more than usual) Let me explain. As most of you know, God has really placed Haiti on my heart [although, lately I think he hasn't just placed Haiti on my heart, but all the poor and lost people in the world, but that's another topic!]Anyway, Haiti, but more specifically, Anaika. She is my little girl (who I wish so much I could just adopt now, but God is saying no) She is my joy. I have been thinking about her recently, so much. I know she is always in the back of my mind, but lately she has been more in my head than usual. I can't help but miss her. In chapel yesterday we talked about adoption and how when we ask God to come into our lives and take control, he adopts us into his family. One teacher shared a story about how her sister adopted 2 children from Africa and about how when you adopt a child it is not about you, but about that child. You do it, not because they can give you anything in return, you do it out of love and sacrifice. WOW! I don't know why this hit me so hard, but I was sitting on the floor trying to keep my self well-managed, since I was with my class. Anaika was pressed hard on my heart, but I knew that God has been telling me no to adopting her because let's face it, I am in no position to adopt a little girl, no matter how much I may want to. I am not sure why this all has been going on, but I just wanted to share it with you and ask you to pray for me as I deal with my emotions and such. Then also, please pray for Anaika, her safety and health, her learning, Jasmine and Greg who take care of not only her, but 44 other children. Remember to pray for Haiti. Do not forget the lost and hurting people!



Thanks so much for you love, prayer and supports as God takes me on adventures with him. And even though this adventure will end, I am excited to see where God leads me next. I just want to be with him, be where HE leads me! I will keep you all updated as I enjoy my last few weeks in Thailand!

Blessings,
Katelyn

purple lighting

Guess what...it is still hot and humid here!!! Yippie! *sarcasim!!* I seriously am looking forward to the end of fall, beginning of winter when I get home!! I am done with sweating! Although, it makes me super happy that my mom sent me apple cider that I can make :) It is kinda fall in my room, if I turn on the air really low...oh, wait my air is broke right now!! lol oh well...mai pen rai (bascially means no worries in Thai)

A few of the funny/fun things I can remember from these past few weeks:
* one of the other 3rd grade classrooms were really good and earned a party. They wanted a snow party...haha, so they ate popsicles, made snow flakes, watched a snow video clip and made snow with a snow machine...just thought it was super funny...
* my kids can now sing 'THIS IS THE DAY' in creole and it makes me really happy!
* the youth pastor from the church I go to...hhahaaha...most of you won't get this...

These past few weeks have been packed full of learning.
Learning how to:
~ manage a classroom full of 8 & 9 year olds who love to talk and talk
~ plan weekly lesson plans
~ teach to EVERY student (super exhausting and trying!!)
~ depend on the Lord for strength and sustainment
~ trust that following the Lord is worth it (even though sacrafice is necessary)

It sure has been a whirlwind. Although, I really have been enjoying it, I am very tired each night. The kids are learning though!! (for the most part) Teaching takes a lot of work, but at least I love doing it. Otherwise, I would probably have given up by now... I have finally experienced some of my "harder" days and man, they were rough, but I sure am thankful for all the love and support I have not only from my friends and family far away, but from people here. They are wonderful! I can't say it enough, but God has truly blessed me. Getting to know everyone has been so much fun and I know I will be sad to leave. God has taught me (even more recently) how it is, again, not about me. It is about what he wants me to do, if he wants me to, I will...period. Although it will be hard, in the end, it is worth it. My cousin is getting married tomorrow...I was suppose to be in the wedding, but God called me to Thailand to pour into these children's lives...it is hard and hard for me to understand at times, but it is worth it to follow where God leads me! (CONGRATS BRIBBY! I LOVE YOU!!!)

I was reading in my devotions this moring this from Oswald Chambers...

"The aim of the missionary is to do God's will, not to be useful, not to win the heathens; he is useful and he does win the heathen, but that is not his aim. His aim is to do the will of his Lord."

This is my 6th week here. I can hardly believe it. I have one month left here. I gotta admit though, I have been getting a little homesick and minnesota-sick. There are certian times when I just miss having reliable internet, air-conditioning, food, etc...There are times when I can hardly believe that I am really in Bangkok, by myself, teaching an entire group of children, by myself...I think back to when I was in 8th grade and people told me that I would never go to college because I wasn't "capable" enough. God sure has done some amazing things with me! Here I am not only in my senior year, student teaching, but doing it overseas! Wow! To God be the glory. Teaching these children is the most amazing feeling in the world. To see them grow and learn...priceless, hard to find words to describe it. That is why when I get frustrated with the little things, it doesn't matter. God wants me here and it is not about me. I think that is why he lets the things happen, to keep me focused on what truly matters. Teaching overseas, at an international school, is waaaay different (more challenging) than teaching in the states. Before I left someone told me that it would be like that...they were right. Mostly, it is because of the language difference. Even though they all speak english (some better than others) more challenges arise...So, this experience is so valuable to me and I am really, REALLY enjoying it...even the challenges! I am not exactly sure why God wants me here. I mean I know one reason is to help these kids...there just needs to be 2 teachers in this classroom, but I am thinking possibly it is also because God wants me to be prepared to teach overseas in the future?!? I don't know, we will see. For now, I just need to focus on graduating! (I am also learning that I can't really look at the big picture...I just take it one step at a time. I can focus on God though and he is pretty big!)

I have extended my Thai vocabulary, which has been fun. I can now say don't worry about it, no spicy (lol, yea..few weeks go..ate a pepper by accident...almost died, not going to lie!), I can count, say hello and good bye, say iced coffee (suuuper important one lol), ask someone how they are and give a response, say coconut (lol) and say thank you. I am learning! It has been fun! Jessica is teaching me...slowly. I have really been able to experience more of who God is. I can see him all around me. Working in not only these children, drawing them to him (they have so many questions), but also in nature all around me. I saw purple lighting for the first time in my life a few nights ago...WOW! AMAZING! God is so much bigger than I even know! He amazes me and it is crazy that he loves me and wants me.

I have one more week of full teaching before I have to start to 'fade out'. Please pray for me in this next week. I am getting sick...I am praying it is just a cold and nothing more. However, it is my last week fully teaching and I want to be able to do it well! I have to admit, being sick in hot weather is very strange...I am not use to it and my air broke a few hours ago...God is in control though. Thank you all, so much for your prayers. God is moving! Pray that the kids keep asking questions and that God will just USE ME (and that I will just keep my eyes focused on that!)

I love you all.

All I am for Him,
Katelyn

one.month.

I can hardly believe that I have been here, in Thailand, for a month now! Time is just flying by! I have really been enjoying life here, a lot. I have been getting out more and been learning how to communicate better with the people. Not only have I been able to connect more with the Thai people, but with the staff at the school and the friends I am making! Leaving will be hard. I still have 5 and 1/2 more weeks here though and look forward to these weeks to come!

Also, God has been teaching me so much. I have been learning how to let go of myself, how to die to myself every day. It is not about my desires, my wants...me, but is about GOD! I haven't got to the point yet where I can fully give God everything, but I think I am getting there. I have to admit though, it is definitely hard to die to myself. I feel like I am on a rollercoaster emtionally a lot of the time... I miss Haiti, yes, but I am here in Thailand and these kids that I am teaching need to know God and need to be loved! And I have the amazing opportunity to love on them and teach them about Jesus and the Gospel!!! I know I will be back in Haiti sometime soon, but even if I am not, I will still praise the Lord and know that HE will lead me exactly where he wants me if HE wants me back Haiti, nothing will stop me from getting there! BUT...
...All I am for the Lord...

Today though was my first day fully teaching and managing the class all by myself! It was absolutely wonderful! I loved it, I love teaching so much!!!! The kids are so great and fun to teach. One of the little boys, David, came up to me at the end of the day and said, "Miss Katelyn, it was your first full day teaching everything!" and I said, "Yes, it was!" Then he asked me, "Did you have fun?" I smiled and replied, "Oh yes! I had so much fun teaching you guys today. I love teaching you!" He is so cute! Overall, it was a good first day and I look forward to the weeks to come as I continue to teach on my own. I am learning and if I just stay organized and on top of everything, I think I can keep my "bad days" at a minimum. I know they will come though, but God will help me through them. Thanks for everyone for all the prayer! God is hearing you :)

Well, Jessica and I are going to drink our coconut/banana smoothies and watch Step Up! I'll write again soon!!

All I am for Him,
Katelyn

GOD IS BIGGER

The end of this school day was a rough one. Here is the list:

Ringworm is going around...

Found out one of my students (who has been out sick for 2 days now) is confirmed to be in the hospital with H1N1.

Robin (one of the other 3rd grade teachers) is in the hospital with influenza a..possibly could be H1N1

The fire alarm went off twice today, unexpectedly and unplanned of course. The first one was, whatever, no big deal, BUT the second time the alarm went off was right after the students has just left the room, heading downstairs to wait for their parents and I had to go to the bathroom so bad, but while I was going the fire alarm goes off, yes in the middle of me going to the bathroom. So, I stop and try to get out as soon as I can. While I am coming down the last step outside, the heel of my shoe gets stuck in the crack/indent (don't know why they have them on all the stairs in the school) and I fall on HARD on my knees, scrapping them up badly and starting up my knee issues again. Not to mention that I fell in front of not only elementary students and teachers, but middle school and highschool students and staff as well as all the parents...talk about embarrassment. Now my knees are super sore and beat up.

Yea.

It was rough end of the day, but once I got back to my room, Jessica brought me dinner (such a sweet girl) and we just relaxed and ate. I was then able to get lots accomplished. God is still good. I was getting really overwhelmed with all of this plus lesson planning, but God really came through for me. Please pray for me though.
(Next week, I am begin teaching fully for 3 weeks!!! :D )

Pray for:

-protection from sickness and ringworm!
-wisdom for lesson planning, so I can effectively teach (and help) every student. They all need so much help and I want to do as much as I can, with God's help and strength of course!
-my knees...strength and healing!
-for God to show up even more and continue to touch my student's hearts. There are so many cool stories I could share right now, but I really need to get to bed. Just keep praying because I am seeing the prayers answered!!! God is moving!!!

I miss you all and love you very much!

God is good,
Katelyn

Your hugs
Your kisses
Your smile
Your laugh
i miss you.

Your little arms
how they hugged me tight
I can't stop thinking about you
not with all my might
i miss you.

No matter what I do
i miss you.

Some nights are hard when I dream of you
and wake up to find you not there
reality hits me...
You are there, I am here.
[the tears fall harder] i miss you.

I think of how you are living,
and all that you've been through
It's hard not to worry
when I am thinking of you
I wish I could hold you
again in my arms
to have you fall asleep
and keep you from harm
To feel your little heart beat
and dry all your tears
To tell you, "it's all gonna be okay
you have nothing to fear".

You may not even remember me
with all the people that come and go
I am not just another one of those people
I love you, I want you to know!
i miss you.

It breaks my heart to be so far away
to see pictures of you as you play
I wish to be with you every single day
but here, here I must stay.
i miss you.

I don't understand God
I can't help but ask why
My heart continues to break
tears fall from my eyes
i miss her.

You I will follow Lord
I just don't understand
I need to trust you
Trust in your loving hand
Your timing is perfect
I know this well
but how come it is so hard now
sometimes I just want to yell
i miss her.

WHEN CAN I GO BACK?
i miss her. i miss them!










Then I hear you say, BE STILL and WAIT.























Although I don't know
what the future holds
I know this one thing
Thy Word, oh Lord, I'll uphold
You are always faithful
til the very end of time
I will continue on my journey
I will continue to climb

You see my heart God
You know all that I desire
I am wholly yours
For you, set me on fire

Give me your eyes
your heart
your desires
May I learn to sacrfice all that I am
all that I want
More of you do I inquire

Help me as I work through these feelings
feelings that you allow me to feel
I work through this for a reason
I know this is real

Even though I miss her
and the rest of them
You have control
They are each your gem
you are with them.





I miss anaika.

So Refreshing!

It is refreshing to be here in Thailand. To be in a country where they not only put their icecream on hotdog buns, but put corn and beans on the icecream as well, it is actually so wonderful! I thank God everyday for this opportunity to serve him here. From the students in my classroom, to the kids on the street running around with no shoes who are dirty from head to toe. Thailand is so interesting in that fact that yes, there are some beautiful, nice, rich parts and places, yet right in the middle of that are the dirty, smelly streets with homeless people who are barely making it through living in shacks (which look a lot the homes in Haiti). This can be seen somewhat in that states, but not nearly as much and to the same degree. It is hard to explain really, but definitely heartbreaking.

In the (almost) 3 week so far that I have been here I have able to observe so much. Although there is much here that you would definitely see in the states, there is also much that you wouldn't see and (the majority of it) is refreshing to me. For instance, today at lunch there was a dessert. Usually once or twice a week they have a dessert out. Now, in Thailand they don't make very good desserts (but the food itself is very tasty). As I was eating my lunch I noticed a very long line forming over near the where the dessert usually is (if there is some). I couldn't really see what the kids were getting though so I leaned over to one of the teachers and asked what the dessert was for the day, she said...jell-o. The kids were so ecstatic about jell-o! It is a huge treat in Thailand. My mind was blown away! In the states, jell-o isn't looked at as a yummy dessert that is raved over, yet here these kids wanted as much as they could get. It is simple things like that have been opening my eyes and keeping me refreshed. Different cultures are so wonderful! Things are just viewed so differently. For example, ESL is viewed so differently and in a good way. In the states I feel like ESL (English as a second language) and ELL (English Language Learners) students are viewed as such a negative thing and the children are treated as if they have a special need when they are ESL or ELL. While here, it is just what it is. Children from all different parts of the world are learning English and don't speak it well. This is because it is an international school, but ESL isn't viewed negatively and therefore I think the students don't get frustrated as much with it and believe more in themselves because they don't feel that they are a burden to the teacher. Coming in I was "preparing" myself to help these ESL students with their self-esteem and self-motivation, but it is so different here, in a good way. My eyes have been open and it has been such a blessing. I thank God so much for allowing me to have a better understanding of ESL and ELL students that I would have never have had if I wouldn't have come overseas to student teach. I am learning also, good strategies for ESL students! Such a plus! Every minute I spend with my students I really am falling more in love with them. I think since they are more adjusted to me and my teaching I can really get to know them and connect with them. It has just been wonderful! I was able to help get them all tested today to find their reading level. It was a great learning experience for me to do the reading assessments! I was so excited to learn how to really do it. My students' reading levels span from a low 1st grade reading level to a fifth grade reading level! Learning how to teach to every student will be a challenge, but I look forward to it! I am going to learn so much! They are such precious children who are hungry to learn and be loved. They have the funniest questions and talk about the cutest things. Each has their own personality.

A few days ago, Harry came into the classroom in the morning and was sitting as at his desk, not doing his morning work, as usual (haha), so I walked over and saw him staring at his hand as he opened and closed it into a fist. I knelt down and asked him what he was doing. He looked at me and sweetly said, "LOOK!" as he pointed to his knuckles while he was still opening and closing his hand. I explained to him that we all have knuckles as I made my hand into a fist as well and that they help us use our hands, otherwise we wouldn't be able to pick things up or grip things. He replied with "God made me cool!" He is not a Christian (to my knowledge), but so hungry for God. He is always asking questions about God and asking things like God made this? or Can I pray to God for this? It is so precious. Many of the students are like this. Harry has a rough homelife, but God has great plans for him, as well as for all my students! Pleae pray for them and their salvation. Pray that the Holy Spirit moves! Also, every Tuesday there is a special club after school called GNC (The Good News Club) and many kids attend to hear about the Gospel. It is kind of like AWANA, only right it is after school on Tuesdays. It is truly a fanastic ministry opportunity. I am helping with the 5th graders. Today was the first day and it was absolutely amazing! I love the kids and look forward to teaching them about the Bible for the next 7 weeks I am here. Like I said, they are all so hungry and open! It makes it so much more fun to teach them about God! Please pray or this as well. This is one of the reasons I know that I am here for. I have the chance to lead these 5th graders right to Christ which is so exciting! I didn't think I would like teaching the older kids, but am super excited now to!

Yes, it is still hot and humid. I have bug bites all over me, all the time. I get really tired from the heat and nasty sweating, but it doesn't matter. This where God wants me and so, I love it here! It's not about me, it's about HIM! Thank you all so much for you love and prayers. It helps me through my hard days to know that I have you all praying me through! I love you all! Another update will come soon!

Working for the Lord, not men,
Katelyn

Sacrifices

Experiencing a culture that is not your own really is fun! I never would have thought 10 or even 2 years ago I would laying on a bed in a distanct country from my home. So far this experience has been extremely eye-opening to see what it is like on the "other side", to be the one in the foreign country instead of seeing foreigners in my home country. I am trying to really look at things from another's point of view. How do the Thai people really view me and the fact that even though a lot of them can't read english almost all the signs in Bangkok are also in English and many stores have English names. How do they feel when they here English songs playing in the all the stores, but can't really understand them? It is very intersting and I really wish for just a few minutes I could understand how they really feel. I would really love to be able to read there minds. For now I just continue to process and enjoy the smiles as I walk down the street or through the mall!

This week just flew by so fast I can hardly believe it is gone. I have done so much lately in the classroom, picking up with teaching more. I've been enjoying it a lot! Working with Claudia is such a blessing and the kids, the kids are all so precious. Watching them play their little hand games, start to understand and get things in class, and to see them start to grow already, it has all been priceless. I am so thankful I have the opportunity to be here. I would not trade this for the world. I have been teaching the Bible and love it because whenever I teach a Bible story they all have their eyes glued to me and are hungry to listen and learn. It is wonderful to see. My first lesson was kind of crazy because the kids were adjusting to having me teach them, but now they are doing well and from what I have been observing and from what Claudia has told me, they are enjoying my teaching! Which is so nice! Today, I taught them the Bible Book Bop song to help them learn the books of the Bible. It is a blast! I look forward even more to next week as I start to teach cursive, spelling and math. I have been less and less overwhelmed which has been nice. I think it is because I am more adjusted and also God has been really helping me keep my eyes focused on Him! I feel like I fit right in here, not only to the school, but the culture as well. Although there are definitely times when I am frustrated that I cannot communicate well when I am out, I get overwhelmed with everything sometimes and the humdity is insanely gross at times, but I do like it here. I pray every morning for God to open my eyes, teach me and use me. Thank you for your prayers as well. Without you all praying me through I don't know if I would be able to do this. I appreciate you all so much!

Something that I really been processing and taking in is how all the students in my class are bilingual. It blows my mind how they can speak fluently in both Thai and English. I can only speak English fluently and EVERYONE wants to speak my language. What is it about English that makes people all over the world want to learn it? The majority of the students are at ICS for that reason. They help translate for the parents when I need to talk to them. Little 8 and 9 year olds translating from English to Thai!?! It reallly does blow your mind. I am falling in love with these kids. God has really placed them on my heart. It will be hard to leave them, but I look forward to helping them grow and learn in the time I do have with them. It does take a lot of energy each day, but it is so worth it! I am learning how to teach to every student in my class. When they don't understand how I am explaining things I am learning how to re-word things and help them understand. I have already begun to be stretched and look forward to being stretched even more in the weeks to come, although it may be tough at times, I am really learning. That is what I am here for right?! I have so many ideas I am excited to try. I am giving it my all. It is such a safe enviornment I am not scared to try things and fail. Plus, I know that with God, I can do all things! :)

Although I do like it here and wouldn't want to be anywhere else doing my student teaching because I am going to learn so much and impact the lives of these kids, I do miss Minnesota. Everyone is moving back into Crown and I am not. I will be missing all the fun of the beginning of the year and all that it brings. I will miss football and the beginning of fall with the beautiful trees. I am not sad in the fact that I am crying, but part of me really misses everthing and everyone. It is the little things that have been adding up. I miss Hayden a lot!!! He is getting so big and I am not there for his 4th birthday. I miss my friends, laughing with them, their hugs, just being with them. I miss Freshwater and the kids there. I miss the Bristol's, Vaughn's and Steph and Brian. I just miss Minnesota and Crown. I am very much excited for when I get to go back, but my time here is short. I am here and will focus on that. I just needed to get that out of my system. I have made many sacrifices in order to be here right now and that is because God told me to go and I did. He is worth it! He knows, he knows my heart and I will continue to obey and follow him. He will not let me down.

Learning to obey the Lord, even if it means making sacrifices, big or small,
Katelyn