We home taught a sister who likes spaghetti. It was her birthday so we took her some. While we were talking with her and her mother on their porch, an older sister walked up, and in a not very nice voice asked the mother if "those foreigners" were “praying." The mother said “no", we were only visiting. The sister then said all types of mean things about us coming to their house. This is the same lady who months ago demanded to know why we could say a prayer in their home (after a home teaching visit) when they don’t send Buddhist monks to pray in our church? The mother apologized for her daughter, saying she has been sick (mentally) for 3 years. It was an uncomfortable situation.

Saturday, we held a music recital featuring Joan's piano students. Each played one or two songs. Joan taught them proper recital ettiquette and had them announce their songs and bow after playing. It was fun to watch them perform. Less than a year ago they could not read music or play any instrument. They get a half hour lesson once a week. The only time they can practice is at the church since they have no piano or keyboard at home. Cake (that’s her nickname) is the only non-member young woman taking lessons. Her parents were the only parents who came, though all were invited.

Sunday went better than expected –
all three speakers showed up and took their full time. Also three sisters, all recent converts, sang “I’m Trying to be Like Jesus”. They did great especially since they had to learn the song, and had never sung in front of a group before. No one has choir in high school. 

The 4 young missionaries came to our house Sunday night for our traditional before-transfers dinner. We made Mexican food. We had bought tortillas at a store in Bangkok a week ago. We were afraid the Matta’s sauce we have (thanks Kristy) would not still be good since we opened it a month ago, but it was still good and hot. The Laotian elder really loved it - hot. We were really full after the meal – great food.

We taught English at a school this week. This was our third attempt to teach these 4th graders. We had prepared to make it fun and at their level. Some things worked but one match the opposite terms (like up-down) game became very chaotic. Some students do great but most don’t read English very well and don’t listen – even when I explain in Thai. Joan is not sure we should even go back again. I want to try to get it right once.

We visited Brother Waay, the young man that was in the big accident. He was in very good spirits and would shake my hand every few minutes – much like giving a Hi-Five. His mother said he was never very outgoing or friendly before the accident. He is now. He still has a long way to go to regain full use of his left leg and arm (and mind).

Now for the weather report: it has cooled down some because it rains or acts like it will rain every day. The clouds keep the temperatures down. I have asked if we are in the monsoon season yet and most say no. It sure seems like it. Our A/C bill for this past month just came. It is a little over $100. Not bad you say, but we only air condition the bedroom and once in a while the front room. We have an instant hot water heater only on the shower, no hot water elsewhere. It is very high for Thai standards – but they don’t have A/C. We are very grateful to have it.

This is transfer week and we were all thinking that E. Crump would go as he has been here the longest. But just learned that E. Martin and Ngawsuwan are going. I think everyone is surprised – never try to outguess the mission president.