A Bunch of Burts

Today was the first full day of our month without Greg.

Yesterday Greg left to begin his term at CDM (Church Development and Missions), a bible school in Maesariang, about 4.5 hours from Chiang Mai. This is a chance for him to gain a new level of conversational Thai, build relationships with Thai Christians, learn the high language used for Scripture and teaching about the Lord, to sit under the teaching of two very good teachers and go through the main stories of the Old Testament, from Creation to Christ.

The kids and I will follow in a month, after the school year is done at Grace. That seems like a long time. At least for me.

I know that military and government wives are often separated from their husbands for very long periods of time. But I have been spoiled over these last few years, and have grown accustomed to having my dear husband around every day. It is one of the perks of being a missionary team, we see each other all the time and work together.

So for this spoiled wife, a month sounds awfully long. To date, in our marriage of 15 years, we have only spent 2 weeks at the most apart. (When Greg first came out to Thailand while we were still in training with NTM).

I just got off the phone with him as he was getting into bed. He gave me the rundown on what his days will look like at bible school. Very long. Starts at 5:30 and ends between 10 and 11 each night.

And this will be all in Thai. He will be the only English speaker until we arrive in June. Immersion, the best way to learn language, right? That is our plan.

So if you think of us, please pray for Greg. That he would be able to understand as much as possible, retain the new words he will be learning and recall them for use when appropriate. When he grows frustrated or discouraged, that he would lean on the Lord, and not rely on his own strength and understanding. Also, that this time would be one of blessing for him and that he would be a blessing to the other students there.

And for us too? I rely on Greg for so many things, ferrying kids back and forth from school and activities, paying bills (remember, no check to mail here, all is done in person.) and of course taking out the trash. Please pray that we will diligently finish our studies here in Chiang Mai before heading out to join Greg, and to take care of all that needs to done to leave the city for a few months.

Thanks!

Staying up late because I do not like to go bed alone,
Tina

Update. Yes, already. I am hearing all sorts of creeping and crawling noises that I usually do not hear. We have had a HUGE amount of rain these last few days and I am thinking it has washed creatures out of their lairs and they are looking for a dry place to ‘hang out’.
So far we have not had any snakes or other beasts in the house, beyond the normal little lizards, cockroaches and ants, but are we taking bets that now that Greg is gone I will have the pleasure of their company? eek.

Ema and I have been taking a Thai dance workshop every Tuesday afterschool for a month now.
It was a class offered to the students, but I showed up on the first day and asked if parents could come too.

Have you ever seen any Thai dance? Ever seen the King and I? It may look slow and simple, but it is much harder than it looks! And my hands and wrists are sore after each week.

We have been learning at a fairly quick pace. I find I must put away my former dance teacher mind and just try to keep up with the new moves, terminology and music. The music is difficult for me, as I cannot find a meter like I can with ‘western’ music, counting off my beats in sets of 8 or 4. There does not seem to be a steady underlying rythm, but it is probably just my untrained ear to Thai music.

Ema and I missed a week. Oops.

When we came back, I was told that in my absence, the teachers decided that I would be doing a solo of the Mahnora dance for the teacher inservice in May.

Ummm, I had not planned on participating with the girls for any recital. This is a student class after all.

The plan was for the kids to do the dances for the teacher development session in May, which deals with cultural awareness for the staff and teachers at Grace. Inservices of this kind are required by the Department of Education. I am all for them, but not sure I am all for yours truly doing a solo.

Apparently, there is only one costume for the Mahnora dance.
A bird costume.

I looked for a picture on the web, but could not find one. I will decide after the fact if I will post one after my performance. (we will see not only what it looks like, but what I look like in it! )

My previous Thai teacher has done some performances at language school, and her outfits have always been gorgeous. However, they have also been for small little bodies. I am not, cough cough, Thai-sized.

No, I will not be holding a lit candle while I am dancing. Let’s not get crazy. Besides, I would probably set my wings on fire.

Looks like a good time to get back on “The Eating Plan”. Nothing like being on display for motivation, right?

I am eager to see Ema all dressed and pressed for her Thai dance though. And I admit, I have really enjoyed Thai dance class. And even though I am nervous and not very confident about my upcoming debut, I don’t truly mind. The experience already has helped me build some relationships with the Thai teachers at Grace and practice my Thai too! Perhaps I can encourage others to do the same and step out beyond those comfort zones.

My old teacher, Khwaan is in the white. Aren’t those dresses beautiful?

Today, I have been married to my sweet husband for 15 years. That sounds like a long time, and yet, it does not seem that long ago that we began our life together.

No, he did not shove the cake in my face

We have been through many many things, some so wonderful, and others so painful. But for all of them, Greg, I am so glad you have been by my side.
I thank God for you, for the man you are now, and for the man He is making you into.
Thank you for loving me each day, even when I am not so loveable. You are my love and my favorite companion. I am blessed to be able to work with you every day and share our whole lives together in ways I had not thought possible or practical.

Life has been an adventure in common and uncommon ways and I so look forward to the next chapter of our lives. You are deeply loved by me!
I pray that our girls would find husbands like you, a man who loves the Lord, his wife and his family, who makes them laugh and holds them when they cry.
Thank you Lord for this man you have given me!

There’s a party going on, a Blog Party! Get to know us and some other blogs by moms, women, wives, homeschooling moms, small business ladies, and whatever other hats they find themselves wearing. 5 Minutes for Mom is hosting this great party, and it includes over 150 giveaways too!

And if this is your first time to visit us, welcome!

We are a Bunch of Burts.

An ordinary family living our first term overseas with a mission organization in Chiang Mai , Thailand.

Our blog is a place to share our adventures, discoveries, photos and things God is doing in us as we seek to serve Him and share the Good News of the Gospel of Christ.

Life overseas is a blessing, being allowed to participate with God in His work of reaching people who have never heard His name or know Him.
Life overseas is difficult, dealing with language and cultural barriers every day, and standing out as a foreigner in every situation.
Life overseas is a grand adventure, taking each day and trusting the LORD for His grace and strength as we learn language and develop relationships with people we meet.
Life overseas is no different than one’s home country, God asks the same of each of us. To love Him, trust Him, and look to Him each day, faithfully living out the Life of Christ to those around us.

I am fairly new to blogging, but please, browse around, and let me know what else you would like to see us talk about. Some topics are best ‘discussed’ in a private email rather than a public blog, but we are happy to answer nearly any question you have for us.

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again soon!

Don’t forget to stop by here and check out some new blogs and perchance win a prize!

My husband just told me this morning that any blogging I want to do this Saturday must wait. He says he needs the computer for studying Thai.
He clarified that it is not that I cannot blog today, I will just have to wait until he has put in his study hours.

Greg modeling one of the 7 ways to say holding in Thai for our language file.

Hmmmph. I guess I know where his priorities are.

I suppose I will have to make some other use of my time, like laundry, or other house cleaning chores. I mean we do not have a gargage to enter into Scotts Tour of Scary Garages, but we do have a laundry/storage room that gets at least startling, if not scary.

But right now my sweet hubby is making breakfast, while I am, (don’t tell) sneaking in this short blog. Time to go eat!

P.S. Greg just informed me that posting a blog about studying does not count as studying and he still wants the computer.