Sabaay dii mai kha? (How are you?)

If you walk into the second floor of the New Community Ministry Center between 10-11am, you'll hear many phrases:

"Sabaay dii mai kha?" (How are you?)
"Sabaay dii kha." (I am fine.)
"Yindii thii daay ruh cak kha." (Nice to meet you.)

This last phrase is one that we tried to use a couple of days ago, but couldn't remember when we were playing badminton with some of the Thai students at the university across the street. Everyone got into the act, but Elizabeth and Erica have been our most avid badminton players and are the only ones who have actually won a match (even though Miss Bush is pretty sure the guys let them win). Erica says: "Our new favorite phrase is 'jud hai' (bring it on! or challenge!). It's the hottest thing to do around here because it's in a building with zero airconditioning. We met these three guys and now we see them every day. They're our friends." The rules seem to change with every game we play, but we don't mind - we just enjoy having fun.

Last night we ate dinner at Dave and Jan's house. We took a bus and then motorcycles to get there, which for some has been the highlight of the trip! We had a little "Western" food, played a little Catchphrase, and then headed back...by motorcycle and again by bus! (There are no pictures because I was hanging on for dear life.) "It was totally wicked!" says Katy. "It's been something I've been wishing to do since I came to Thailand," says Elizabeth.



Today we visited the handicraft ministry shop. This is run by a few of the team members and employs 5 local women - 2 full-time and 3 part-time - in making beautiful handbags. The girls were mostly excited to have a place to go shopping, but it was also wonderful to hear the testimonies of the women who work there and also share our own. The handbags they make are beautiful. We'll be able to model some when we get home!

We have finished preparing for English camp, and we leave early tomorrow morning, so this is probably our last update until Monday. We're going about 2 hours away into the mountains to a resort there. Please pray for us as we will be coming into contact with many non-Christians. Pray that the Spirit will give us the words to speak as we have conversations with these people that they may be seasoned with salt and full of the grace of Christ.

Right now we're headed back to campus to go play badminton for awhile, and then we'll have dinner and go to the night market.

Thanks again for your encouragement and comments! God is good!

p.s. Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, I am unable to post any pictures today, but I'll catch you up when we get back from English camp. Have a great weekend!