Teachers in Thailand

Today, we received some more instruction about living and working in Thai culture. The man who was speaking to us has been living here for a long time, and has been a long term friend with the Ektrakul family, who started the school. One thing that he was saying that really stuck out to me was the placement of teachers in Thai culture. In their hierarchy, dead ancestors are at the top, followed by former monks and then present-day monks. Just below monks are teachers. They actually place teachers above other professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, etc. While this is difficult to grasp, I am being held to a higher standard here than I am used to. This means the way I dress and the way I conduct myself must be as impeccable as I am capable of, not just because of my profession but also because of my status as a Christian. I have been hearing that most students and parents who come to know Christ through this school do so because they are watching the love of Christ playing out in the lives of their teachers. The responsibility is huge. I honestly am not sure how I will measure up to their expectations, but I'm praying and trusting God to see me through.

In addition to my teaching duties, I am also responsible for leading devotions daily. I decided to do a year long study on the Fruits of the Spirit. Each month, we will look at a different fruit and how it is seen in God's word and what He says He wants us to do in order to grow that fruit within ourselves. I'm a bit worried that I may have bitten off more than I can chew with everything I hope to accomplish this year, but I'll do the best I can and pray that some of what I'm teaching sinks into the minds and hearts of my students. I ask for your prayers that His will will be done in me and in the lives of those I witness to through my actions. May they see Him and His Spirit, because there's no way they'd be led to salvation by watching me with all of my flaws!