Feeling Happy

You know that feeling you have when everything just seems right? Well, that is the feeling I have had today as I survey my surroundings. I can't read any of the signs or understand the language that is spoken to me, but I just know that this is where God wants me. I know that this is just the beginning stage of culture shock...but I am enjoying it anyway. I was up at 6am this morning, so I decided to take a walk to 7-11 to get some breakfast...my very first outing by myself!! It was nice to just take in my surroundings and enjoy the sights of people going off to work or just arrive to open up their shops and stands. I even had the pleasure of "talking" with a very nice Thai man who tried to tell me where other food places are. Amazing how we can communicate with others by using hand motions :-).

There where two big outings today. One was to Big C for my first true grocery shopping trip. It is amazing how long it can take to grocery shop when you can't read the language and have to search every inch of packages for clues as to what it is or any bit of English you can find (which is not always helpful). I ended up buying the Thai version of Ramen noodles, muffins, and watermelon. We learned how to say "no spice" (mai pet) so we asked if the packages we had were "mai pet". The worker said they were the non-spicy kind....oh my goodness!! If that was the non-spicy kind, I can't imagine what spicy tastes like! Let's just say that I will be sure to limit the amount of the seasoning I use next time.

The second outing was our first into Bangkok. We went to a part of the city that is popular for backpackers. To get to this place, we had to do a lot of walking, a river taxi, and then a lot more walking. We ended up eating at a Middle Eastern place, that was quite tasty and well worth the travel:-).

I am thankful for new friends/roommates Laura and Justina!! :-) I am also so very thankful to have my bestie here as well!! Love that girl!! I am sure that it will be an exciting year. Hopefully we will have our apartment feeling a little more "homey" and more inviting within the next month.

Prayer requests:
*School starting - the 13th
*going through culture shock
*not getting too overwhelmed and stressed by the new culture