Language Classes Have Started

It was Josiah’s 13th birthday this month. I told him he wasn’t allowed to turn 13 but he told me it’s not his fault it’s God’s fault.

So, you will be happy to know (at least, we’re happy to know) that the temperature is usually in the 90s now instead of over 100°. Much appreciated. However, I have learned an (unfortunate?) trick about the weather, instead of looking at the temperature, I now look at the “feels like” temperature. It was in the upper 90s the other day so we couldn’t figure out why we were still so hot – the “feels like” temperature was 108° – ok then. Also, my brain is confused that I feel like its not very hot now when it’s 95°.

Our language classes have started and our brains are exploding (or mush) depending on which day (or minute) you talk to us. However, you will be happy to know that, along with other things, I can say, “My name is Ruth. What is your name? What is your child’s name? What is your husband’s name? Nice to meet you. And you.” We have not yet learned, “The cat is on the table. The cat is over the table. The cat is under the table. The cat is beside the table.” but I’m sure that will come soon. Our classes were delayed a few more times after my last post but now we are going at full steam. We’re still working on a schedule at home that is conducive to class, study and homeschool, but things are slowly getting sorted out. Meanwhile, please pray for the renewal of our visa. Students have to renew every 3 months, but since the American consulate is closed except for emergencies (births, deaths, and passport expirations), we can’t get the requisite seal needed by the Thai government for renewal. We’re not sure what’s going to happen now, but thankfully the school is trying to figure it out for us.

We continue to serve at the missionary guest house doing a worship service on Thursday nights. Besides being a blessing to them, I think we are more blessed to have the opportunity. Singing refreshes me like nothing else, and getting out of the house and having the opportunity to fellowship with others refreshes all of us.

If you’re interested in the COVID situation here, many things are starting to get back to normal, after a fashion. All the areas in the stores are open and nothing roped off anymore, but before you enter any store you have to scan a QR code with your phone to check in and then again when you leave to check out. Your temperature is still checked and obligatory hand sanitizer given. You can eat in at restaurants now, but when Lance asked at one, he was told if he brought his whole family in we’d each have to sit at a different table. Since we would’ve all come in the same car, we’re not sure what that would accomplish, but clearly, not all of these things always make sense.

We have banana and coconut trees in our yard and apparently it was time to harvest them this month. Since we’re from Pennsylvania, this was pretty exciting.

– Ruth, for the Baker family.

Banana

Coconut

Banana