MeaganClem.com

Hey guys! I just sent out an email update, but for those of you whose address I don’t have, here’s some of it:

The first semester is coming to an end, and finals are starting next week.  It’s really hard to believe that I am half way through with my trip!  We had the last Grapejam of the semester last night and will be starting up again with a big costume party after the October break.  Everyone is busy studying for finals, but attendance is still going well at Grapejam and Café English.  Music at Grapejam has been tons of fun. Last night our friend Yim played guitar and sang, and the American students sang “My Life is in You, Lord” in Thai and the Thai students sang it in English.  We usually have atleast one song from our Thai friends in addition to the songs that Andy (a team member) sings.  It was so much fun! We recently had a talent show full of singing, dancing, and some funny skits. It lasted so long, and even our first timers joined in on the fun. The Grapevine recently took a 1-day trip to Rayong, a nearby beach as well. It was gorgeous, and everyone had a great time.

With the month long break coming up, everyone has been making vacation plans. We are taking a 12-hour sleeper train to Ko Samui, an island in the Gulf of Thailand for a few nights and then Stephanie and I are going to Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia for 4 days. After that we all have separate plans. Some of us are heading to Roi Et in eastern Thailand with Muang Thai Church to teach English, and others are taking the train up north to Mae Hong Son or Chiang Mai for a volunteer construction trip with a club from school. I’ll be going to Chiang Mai for 11 days with my classmate, White, and maybe 50 other Thammasat University students. The trip sounds like it will be wonderful, with every other day being construction work on a multipurpose room for the village. When we aren’t doing construction, we will be doing other cultural activities. Last year’s group made baskets, picked rice, and helped make silk. It’s going to be an amazing experience and a great chance to make new friends and practice speaking Thai!

God recently taught us a very funny lesson about humility that I think you’ll enjoy. This whole semester we have had one group at the SIIT picnic tables and another group at the Student Center for Fun On Campus. Until yesterday, we have only had 1 Thai student join us at the SC building, and that was Beau, a regular at Grapevine. Even though we had card games and passed out brownies around the area, no one would be our friends.  Greg decided to make a sign in Thai that said “Do not be afraid! We are kind hearted farang and we have had our vaccinations. Come play games with us!” Yes, it looked desperate, but after a semester of people just looking at us, what did we have to lose? At first we just got some laughs as people passed by, but then this one guy came over and asked if he could play a game too. His name was Sea, and as soon as he sat down, 6 of his friends came running over and sat down too! It was the coolest thing ever! They were all freshmen in Accounting and Commerce. At one point it was Greg, Michal Ruth and I with 11 Thai students, all playing Skip Bo and eating brownies. It was the greatest “God is so amazing” moment ever. It just goes to show what can happen when we get over our pride (we had this idea about a month ago but we thought it’d be embarrassing) and listen to God.

I have posted lots of new pictures on my Flickr page and you should definitely check them out! Here are a few I think you’ll enjoy.

Yes, that’s right! Pictures have been posted on my Flickr site for all of you to see. Here are a few of my favorites to give you an idea of what’s been going on.

Beach Trip to Rayong!

I just wanted to let ya’ll know that I really appreciate the letters and emails that you send me. It always brightens my day to know that you haven’t forgotten all about me.

It’s Tuesday! We have Grapejam tonight and the theme is Under the Sea. I’m about to head over to the Grapevine to help Idin and Pat decorate the room. We had a lot of first timers at Grapejam last week. They even participated in our Talent Show. Lots of people sang songs, danced, or did other funny talents. It was great and lasted all evening.

Yesterday at Fun on Campus was amazing! This whole semester we have had one group at the SIIT picnic tables and another group at the Student Center. Until yesterday, we have only had 1 Thai student join us at the SC building, and that was Beau, a regular at Grapevine. Even though we had card games and passed out brownies around the area, no one would be our friends… until yesterday! Greg decided to make a sign in Thai that said “Do not be afraid! We are kind hearted farang and we have had our vaccinations. Come play games with us!” Yes, it looked desperate, but after a semester of people just looking at us, what did we have to lose? At first we just got some laughs as people passed by, but then this one guy came over and asked if he could play a game too. His name was Sea, and as soon as he sat down, 6 of his friends came running over and sat down too! It was the coolest thing ever! They were all freshmen in Accounting and Commerce. At one point it was Greg, Michal Ruth and I with 11 Thai students, all playing Skip Bo and eating brownies. It was the greatest “God is awesome” moment ever. It just goes to show what can happen when we get over our pride (we had this idea about a month ago but we thought it’d be embarrassing).

And now… If I were at home…
I would not be thankful for a cold shower.
I would not be drinking my favorite tea ever - Lipton Highlands Tea.
I would not be eating really, really good meals for less than a dollar.
I would not think that a lizard in my room in perfectly fine.
I would not have made it a goal to read the entire New Testament. (half way through so far!)
I would not be riding in 15 passenger vans holding 20 people without a seatbelt.
I would not be riding a bike down the side of the highway.
I would certainly not be riding sidesaddle on a motorcycle taxi down the wrong side of the highway going 60 kmph (whatever that is) at oncoming traffic without a helmet, risking my life all for the cost of a quarter. Sorry Mom and Dad.