Busy, Busy Life...

Hello everyone,

I am sorry I haven't been able to write more... My life is busy, and I do not get very many chances to use the internet.

Life in Thailand has been great! I've done a lot of different ministries with the homeless, children in the slums, just hanging out, making friends, and eating dinner with them in their homes in the slums, campus ministry etc.

I have gotten to know many of the people here at Baan Jai Diaow, including a lot of Ram 2 student who are dorming here as well.

I have also established relationships with some of the young men working in Boy's Town, at Bunny Massage. This past Saturday was the last time I got to see them, since I will be busy until I leave Bangkok on Monday. :( It was hard to say goodbye, but I was able to pass on contact information to my friend Kashmera, who actually lives near the neighborhood and has been called to outreach to the boys selling their bodies in Bangkok. It is very encouraging to know that they will not be forgotten. :) They are sweethearts, and I love them very much...



As Christmas approaches, Baan Jai Diaow (our dormitory) becomes more and more lively and decorated. Apart from our fake christmas tree and christmas lights, we went to the slums today to chop down a bunch of bamboo reeds to line the poles, and flowers and vines to create a beautiful indoor Christmas jungle.It's even more special because Thailand doesn't really celebrate Christmas, it is basically only the Christians who do.

This morning we had a "white elephant" gift exchange with all of our Thai friends. It was really fun! I got a Hello Kitty alarm clock, which was perfect, since I have been needing a new one.

We have been shopping and decorating all day for our official Baan Jai Diaow Christmas party this evening. We have invited many of our friends from the slums, on campus, and I even invited some of the guys from Bunny Massage, but I'm not sure if they can get off work... :(


On Christmas, our DTS will be performing at an elementary school. I am very excited because we will be able to share the real story of Christmas to a bunch of Thai children who may have never heard it! (But Santa will also be there!)

From there we will be saying goodbye to our friends at Baan Jai Diaow (tear...), and heading out to a fancy team dinner (and gifts!), and then to a hotel for three days to debrief before leaving Thailand and going elsewhere.



The Christmas seasons hasn't been nearly as hard as I thought it would being away from home. I do miss the snow, all the decorations, family and traditions, but I really consider where I am home, and who I am with my family. This is such a special time of year, and I am very excited to be able to spend it here, in the beautiful land of Thailand.


This is probably my last time I will be able to be on the internet until I return to San Francisco in late january. I will not have access to the internet for the next month. Please keep me and my team in your prayers. God is doing great things!



Have a very happy Christmas, and an incredibly beautiful New Year!
Hannah Elizabeth
1 John