Day 29

So, where was I? Pictures and stuff. Here are a couple pictures. Hover you mouse over them to get the captions.

Tomorrow I have another e-day, which actually stands for evangelism day I'm pretty sure now. The odd thing is, we are going to a World Vision-run or -sponsored school and we aren't allowed to evangelize. This really irks me, especially since World Vision is supposed to be a Christian organization right, at least that's what they say in their mission statement? I need to figure out what is up with these schools. The Thai government probably puts these restrictions on them or something. But I didn't come to the other side of the world to tell people to be nice and encourage teamwork, ugh. I have been trying to get opportunities to share the gospel around here and I haven't been feeling too successful. But when somebody says I can't share the gospel that does some extreme reverse psychology to me. I want to say like Peter did to the Sanhedrin: "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." But like I said, I need to understand what the real situation is. It would be unfortunate to undermine years of careful development by World Vision in Thailand, but . . . grrr.

So while I'm sort of on the subject. . . I have been hearing all these wonderful stories from other Douloids of encounters they have had with various people, from monks to street vendors and many of them have been led to Christ. Some people have prayed that God would give them one special conversation that day, or that they could see one person saved at each port and God has faithfully answered them (I know God is particularily fond of such prayers). Of course my heart jumps for joy with these stories but then I think, hmm, I haven't really had any opportunities like that, and come to think of it that sounds like my whole life so far. I figured God put me in the Book Ex department so I could practice me interaction with people. So of course I too have prayed for some opportunities, a bit, but so far nothing major has happened. I do feel like I am growing lots in my job and I'm giving and getting lots of smiles from people and having a few pleasent chats, but nothing that leads anywhere deep. I don't know . . .

In other news, it is my birthday today, and the Queen of Thailand's birthday (national holiday), and also Maurits from the Netherlands' birthday and also Kieren van Roekel whose ancestors are from the Netherlands' birthday. So, as one girl put it, only two years left before my life is over! Everyone has been really nice. I have had "Happy Birthday" sung to me 5 times (breakfast, STEP group meeting, lunch, after work, and dinner with water soaking grand finale) and numerous signs and cards posted in the main stairwells.

Speaking of the Queen of Thailand, the Princess is coming to the ship - as I mentioned before - on Monday. The port area is suddenly getting a paint job, at least in the parts that the Princess is expected to see. Apparently hiding in our cabins is not an option after all. All non-essential personel have to be off the ship. I am non-essential. This visit will undoubtedly raise the profile of the Doulos in Bankok and bring more visitors. We really need to pray for this visit and for the salvation of the Princess (sorry, nobody knows what her actual name is). If she became a Christian it would obviously have a huge impact on the rest of Thailand. This is an amazing opportunity for the Doulos and whoever those essential personel are. Please pray for them.

Prayer requests:

• if you read everything above I think you can figure something out