My head is spinning...

I feel like I have definitely hit the ground running. Scheduling can be a real challenge working in Thailand. There are no "real" set times that you work and last minute requests are always being dropped into your lap to consider. After my first Jazz Improv class on Monday, two of the drummers came up to me to ask about lessons on mallet keyboard instruments (marimba, vibes, etc.). I think that they are scheduled on Mondays at 11:00 after I teach one of the professors some mallet lessons at 10:00. After today's improv class (Wednesday), two graduate students asked about some private improv lessons. I realized then that I needed to let them know when my hours would be and on what days I would be at the school. I think that I will work with them at 1:00 on Wednesdays.

Today the dean said, by the way, there is a teacher appreciation day on Thursday where the students pay tribute and honor the teachers. He also said that on Friday there would be a dinner with all of the freshman music students. That sounds interesting because it's a time where the teachers can have some good one on one with the students and answer questions that they might have. I was talking to some of the Ajarns (Professors) today about how refreshing it is to be respected so much by the students and how they really have good questions and listen so well and try so hard. A lot of the teachers here are telling me that for a certain time the students will be that way with a new Ajarn but when the "novelty" wears off there might be some real similarities to the states. Let's hope the "novelty" lasts for about 10 weeks.

The teachers in Thailand are very devoted and work very hard and very long hours. I found out that it is not unusual for a Thai Ajarn to make maybe 12,000 baht per month in salary. That's not much more than about $350 dollars per month. I don't know how they do it. But they do it very willingly. Many of the falang (foreign) Ajarns are here on missionary support from the US and they are able to survive much better here. It really gives me a lot to think about considering that Kalya is here with me, too, and I want to be able to provide for her and be considerate of her needs.

I do love the students. They are so kind, respectful and soft spoken. That is the Thai culture and I really respect that.

Friday, I am told, is when I will meet the president of Payap University to "put a bug" in his ear about maybe adding me to the faculty at some point. We will all have a lot to think about given all that I have discovered today. I want to follow the Lord's leading and I want to hear from the Lord about His leading and do what honors Him and takes care of my wife and me. It's so different entering into this journey at this stage of my life and wanting to be sure that I am doing the right thing. I am taking it one day at a time and trying to find that moment in each day where I make a connection with someone here at Payap where something really clicks and helps. I have been experiencing that and I am very grateful.

Blessings,

Bryan