Fiona writes from East Asia:

Mar 2008

'Last Sunday at the centre was good - I had to introduce myself as one 
of the 'new people' - there were quite a few of us. Met some new people 
too - lots of Americans there! Went to 'the bridge' in the afternoon - 
the student returnee group. There was a talk from the book in the local language!
and then discussion groups. I was really encouraged by what we looked at 
- it was the second book - first few chapters - although I couldn't 
follow the talk, I read it in English, and really related to the main 
character - he was feeling weak, and couldn't speak, but was given the 
strength to do it! It was good to meet the local people there.

I may have an opportunity to help out with a group for 'International 
students'  - like I did in Bath last year - with some people from the team. I'm going to one of their planning meetings to discuss some ideas for events this term - 
as they heard I was involved with student stuff last year, so 
thought I may have some good input!

Last night the team met in the afternoon for our first 'training 
session' which we will do every Thursday, on cross-cultural stuff. It 
was really good, and helped me to think about how English and local 
cultures, are different, in particular, our world-views, and how best to 
relate to local friends here, and share my life with them. We then 
went out for a meal, followed by book-reading and thinking time.

Things with Y are still going really well. She's a great flat-mate - we 
try to have breakfast and meals together as much as poss, and often end 
up chatting quite late! I've also been able to help her with her 
English, even just from the fact that she has to always to talk to me in 
English! We're hoping we will also be able to read the book together, at 
least once a week.

She leads a girls group on Tuesday evenings at our house, and they spoke 
in English this time. It was great to meet her friends, and be able 
to chat to some of them about the things we have in common. Some of the 
girls in the group are sisters, some are very young, and some 
are seeking - is so exciting - Y seems to naturally bring people to know 
her dad, but she is also amazing at wanting to care for and nurture each 
of the girls, and see them grow up and mature, and is taking time in her 
week to meet up with them and encourage them. It has so inspired me, 
and I am learning lots from her love towards others.

The first day of teaching went really well!! Better than expected! I 
enjoyed meeting the students - their English is quite good (not 
excellent, but good enough) so they seemed to understand me. I also 
started actually teaching some maths! I love teaching maths, though I 
realised they are quite good! Father was truly amazing and gave me such 
peace in the days leading up to, and during the classes - and gave me 
strength to teach four lessons in a row without much break! Also, a 
bonus, is that I managed to keep to time - quite an achievement for me!'

The second lessons went well, and she was able to have lunch with a 
couple of the girls and talk to others afterwards. She found out that 
all of her students want to study in England. and some already have 
places in universities there. Most of them want to study business 
management or finance, and some media. Their abilities vary a lot, so it 
is hard to know what level to teach at. Their biggest need is for 
English, and preparation for uni and life in England.

'At the moment, most of my spare time is taken up planning my lessons! 
but as this gets less, I hope I can do other things too. I am 
realising, and being told by quite a few people, that the biggest need 
here is for people to look after young sheep - as the community is 
growing at a very fast rate, but not many mature ones (a distinct lack 
of leaders and older ones). New ones can't grow v easily without the 
care of someone 'older'...and so it is easy for them to drift away. I 
hope I can find one or two that I can spend time with and invest in and 
help them to flourish, to trust in their father, and then to be able to 
help others themselves.'

Things to think about:
- Give thanks to father for his grace and love in all that has 
happened so far!
- For help with teaching preparation, so that I have plenty of 'free' 
time
- For continued help with teaching. I'm learning as I go, and the
need to be very flexible for the different abilities in the class. 
Important skills which come with experience!
- That I will know how best to spend my time when not 
teaching........
- And know which 'young sheep' to meet with, and how best to 
encourage them during the time I'm here
- For wisdom to do all that is possible, but keeping within the limits 
of what is allowable.

Thank you all for your support. Please keep praying!

Feb 2008:

"I'm here!! Our train journey was very long (39 hours!) It was quite fun though - four of us were travelling back together, and sleeping on bunk beds on the train for two nights.

It was so good in K…... The weather was mainly freezing cold, but it got better near the end, and our last full day was so nice that we were able to go rock-climbing. I'm so glad I decided to join them all in K….., as it was a nice holiday - both relaxing and active at the same time. They're all really nice, and being on holiday together meant I got to know them in a shorter space of time than I could have done here. Father is so kind and generous, and I am continually thankful for him helping me find these friends so soon.

I met my new flatmate, Y, today! A's apartment is just across the road from ours, and on the floor below A's flat is J & M's flat (who were both in Thailand). It's really sunny outside, and surprisingly warm (around 9 degrees - which is v warm for here!) - apparently today is especially warm, and up till now it has been freezing.

Mine & Y's flat is really cute - I have a nice room which Y has decorated, and lots of people have given us their spare things, which is so kind. I was prepared to go out and buy some things, but it has all been provided for! We have fruit and veg stalls in the street right next to our flat, cafes/shops round the corner, and the university opposite! 
- so convenient, and we can get a bus or taxi to other places very easily too :)

It is has been such a nice day so far, and I am feeling quite excited, though obviously there is all this new stuff too! I think it helps that the others were all really looking forward to coming back, and see it as their home - so that helped me to know that it's possible to get used to living here, even though it's so different to England.

Please give thanks for:

-Really great time in Thailand and K….., getting to know the team and making new friends.

-Arriving safely in here, meeting Y and being well looked after already :)

Please think of:

-Settling in, and adjusting to my new home:)

-Being able to get around, find places, and learn simple language to buy things from shops/ use taxis etc 

-Meeting W (probably Friday) to find out about teaching - I really hope I can find out what I will be doing, and have an actual syllabus, or at least know which books I could get to use. I have been warned that people can be very last minute and let you know plans/timetables very late. I know that father wants me here, and will help me have all 
the skills and knowledge that I need to do my job.

Also coming up:

Thursday - Meeting in the evening to read the book, and chat together.
Sunday - First time at the international centre on Sunday morning - I 
can go with others in the team, as Y obviously cannot come too - she 
goes to a different place just for local people, at someone's home.
Next week - preparing for teaching which I think starts on the following 
Monday (tbc)

Fi.