Bangkok - What a Difference

Jim and I got into Bangkok yesterday afternoon and got to our hotel which is in the middle of downtown. There's a taste of India here with the new being built right next to the old and all the street vendors. Sadly there is the sex industry here with everyone trying to get you to their shows, especially two men walking down the street. Last night we went to an Italian restaurant and a different tasting lasagna! After class we went about town and took some time along the major river going through the town. Tonight it was a very nice dinner with the Rotary club who sponsored the playground built by Kids Around the World which will be dedicated on Saturday. We have about 35 people at this training which represent 24 different churches and Christian organizations. They are so eager to learn how to teach their kids the Bible. Jim and I are able to teach well together going back and forth utilizing our strengths(though Jim has been taking the lead as it is mainly his materials and flannel graphs we are using. And the people love the flannels; though seemingly to be outdated in our culture, they see them as a great teaching tool.) Throughout our time together, Jim and I have revamped trying to utilize more Bible Storying techniques and find it extremely effective. Imagine having a class without notes and having it be very hands-on. The people love it. The language barrier prohibits a lot of interaction, but what we are able to have you hear how much the people appreciate the training they are receiving. Here too we are finding that the people have to write their own curriculum. It boggles our mind that there is nothing here. That might change as partnerships develop here and things can be posted online. Tomorrow we wrap up our training and for various reasons get moved to the 5 star Marriott hotel. That will be different! I will post more then!