“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:12-13

The longer I am in Thailand, the more the truth of this verse resonates within my soul. Please continue to pray for this nation. Although Thailand is known as "The Land of Smiles," there is a lot of darkness, pain and emptiness behind those smiles. I'll admit there are days when discouragement creeps in when I think of the magnitude of spiritual and physical needs, but I'm choosing to put on the full armor of God. Pray that the Thai church will continue to do the same. These wonderful believers are passionate about sharing their faith, but they face many obstacles. Thankfully, God is bigger.

Dem Bones, Dem Bones, Dem Dry Bones

When my time in Thailand comes to an end and I look back at who I was when I first stepped off the plane in Bangkok, I'm sure I'll identify many ways in which God has changed me. With the Lord's help, I hope I'll be less self-focused, more confident in my faith and more obedient to the Holy Spirit.

Of course, I've already changed in some ways since arriving here. On Christmas Night I was especially struck by a lifestyle change that may shock some of my family members...

As seen in the photo of the remains of my Kai Yung Christmas dinner, I now eat (and often enjoy) meat straight from the bone.

Although I've never really been a picky eater, for as long as I can remember, I've been very selective (okay, picky) about the meat I eat. Unless I was trying to be polite in someone's home, I generally stayed far away from anything that had touched the bone, was dark in color, came anywhere near a vein, included anything resembling fat...I could go on, but I'll spare you a further glimpse into my OCD tendencies.

So on Christmas night, as I ravenously pulled chicken from bone and ate beyond the point of full, I realized I was a changed woman. And I knew my family would probably need photo evidence to believe such a change was possible.

** However, if you're reading this and plan on inviting me to dinner after I return to the States, you may still want to avoid serving meat on the bone. I have a feeling my new carnivorous habits may not last. This affinity for meat is likely fleeting and completely the result of my current country of residence. Like the man who looks in the mirror and immediately after turning away, forgets what he looks like...one flight out of Thailand and I'll be craving tofu and legumes. But until then, pass the chicken!

Sawatdii Pii May!

Happy New Year from me and my newest Thai friend.