Bangkok, Day 1

I am writing this from PP House, our haven and resting place in Bangkok; I'm writing now before heading to bed and have my alarm clock set to watch the fireworks and see the new year in! We arrived here late last night after a very long day of traveling, and am so glad to be here. Yesterday we flew from Coolangatta to Kuala Lumpa and enjoyed a 5 hour stop over where I experienced my first glimpse of culture shock. The moment we stepped off the plane in Kuala Lumpa, we instantly melted and became very sticky...we had hit the humidity! During the stop over I met my first drop toilet, which I am yet to use. We then after a short delay boarded our next plane for Bangkok. We arrived late at night and after going through many rounds of customs and immigration, our whole traveling experience had been made worth while when we were welcomed by Chatchai, the Pastor and Eden, a long term missionary of the Sampat Chewit Church.

Today we were blessed with a bit of a sleep in and some group devotional time before a quick rehearsal of a skit that we are performing for when we visit the schools. We also met the new Church building! Chatchai and his wife Sofia had us for lunch at the new building which is commonly now known as the 'centre'. We also had the best Pad Thai! Then we hit Chattachuck markets as a team with Chatchai and Sofia where we spent many afternoon hours roaming the crowded markets and I had my first taste at bartering. I am loving being in Bangkok and learning more and more about the culture and the country. Everybody warned me about the smell, and for good reason but I am really enjoying walking the back streets and wandering the street stalls and really seeing how differently we live and how much we take for granted in Australia....and we're only 1 day in. I am really excited about the upcoming few weeks and discovering what God has planned for us while we are here and the people that we will meet. Thank you to everyone who is praying, after driving from the airport yesterday and in the taxi today prayer is a necessity! Looking forward to keeping you updated on our time here in Bangers!

Annabel

Scrabble was the winning time waster on the trip

Soaking up our first trip to Asia at KL airport

This is how we all felt after many hours of flying and waiting - in KL waiting for our flight to Bangkok.

Our first exploration through the streets this morning on the way to the new Church centre.

Outside the new Centre.

Ellen's funky new hair at Chatachuk markets.

Pastor Chatchai and his wife Sofia - a couple of the nicest people you could meet.