Author: Meridith

Somehow he's seen something in me that makes me who I am. Somehow he's taken the broken pieces and made it so it doesn't matter how many pieces I'm broken into. Somehow love seems to be found through the one who paid the ultimate price for me. Somehow I am inspired and pushed each day to give to others because of what he gave for me. Somehow he sees me as beautiful.

love.

Meridith3 Comments

“In my weakness I find that your strength knows no bounds, 
and in my loneliness I find that the everlasting arms surround me.
Even with this fragile heart
I find a place to rest here, safe where you are.

I am falling into grace again
I am running where mercy never ends
Lord I’m learning that your love can cover me
You are teaching me what a child is meant to be”

Over the past couple weeks, I’ve begun writing several blogs, each with only a few sentences.  There’s so much I could say about my experiences here in Thailand on a completely superficial level, but there are always many sides to any experience, and there has been so much God has been speaking to my heart.

I’m learning what it means to love God.. and let him love me.  Seems simple, right?  I thought so as I began this journey, but it’s been difficult.  I want to desire God, and I want to love him, but so much gets in the way each day.  So much competes for my affections and my attention.  But only one, really truly deserves that attention.  

I sing “I surrender”, then I sing “I love you Lord…” but what does it look like?  How do I know when I’ve finally come to the place of learning this lesson and moving onto the next?  Or is that how the journey of a Christian goes?  

I’m a pretty liner thinking person, I think of things in order, and things consists of a beginning and an end.  But the person of God.. has no end and no beginning.. and our journey, with it’s many lessons and dynamics continues throughout our time on earth.  

God pursues us.  Every day he pursues us.  He wants our full devotion, and our full attention so we can hear his voice, and know who he is.  The more I learn about God, the more I realize I don’t know about him.  Can we ever understand this love?  

Human love… falling in love.  Now, I can’t say I know from experience, but when you are interested in someone, you want to know everything about them.  The more you learn about them (hopefully) the more you fall in love with them (although we all know my friends that this isn’t always the case)… BUT, as we learn more about who God is and truly use our minds to engage in this thinking, everyday we can draw closer to him, because we’ve seen more of who he is, and seen more of his heart.

There’s a song that makes me cry nearly ever time I hear it called, “Only Love Remains” by JJ Heller.  Listen to it if you get the chance, it’s an amazing prayer for our lives.

Scenes of you come rushing through you are breaking me down,
so break me into pieces that will grow in the ground.
I know that I deserve to die for the murder in my heart,
so be gentle with me Jesus as you tear me apart.

Please, kill the liar, kill the thief in me,
I know that I am tired of their cruelty.
Breathe into my spirit, breathe into my veins,

Until only love remains.

You burn away the ropes that bind and hold me to the earth,
the fire only leaves behind whatever is of worth.
I begin to see reality for the first time in my life,
I know that I am a shadow but I’m dancing in your light.

Teach me to be humble, call me from the grave,
show me how to walk with you upon the waves.
Breathe into my spirit, breath into my veins,

Until only love remains.

 

That’s all I want.  I want him to take away everything that means nothing in my heart, until all I have is love for him.  Each day, part of loving him is surrendering the things in my heart that I’m holding so tightly too.  I’m such a classic first-born child.  I have dreams, and I have plans.  Sometimes I’m not afraid to let God know that “I’m sorry, but this wasn’t in my plan”.  

Letting go.

Loving him with ALL my heart.. not just part of it.

In 1 John 5:21, the very last verse, it says, “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.” 

This will most likely be continued at a later time, but for now here are a few songs on my playlist “LOVE of GOD”:

“Love Song” by Jason Morant
“Divine Romance” by Phil Wickham
“If I Have Not Love” by Matt Redman
“Saving Grace” by Hillsong United
“Captivated” by Vicky Beeching
“Glance” by Misty Edwards

May you experience his love with each breath he has given you.  May you return to your first love, or maybe for the first time experience his love.  Let him love you.  Let him pursue you.  Let him take the darkness and the heavy loads you hide deep within your heart.  Return.  Love. 

 

it’s wednesday

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Today may appear to be another Wednesday here in Thailand, but actually, it isn’t.  Though it says “Wednesday” on the calendar it’s screaming… “FRIDAY!!!” to all students and teachers.  We have Thursday and Friday off this week, due to a Buddhist holiday (God bless the Buddhists, even though they are going to hell, we get a holiday out of it… was that a little harsh?  I’m sorry.)

So, most of us are very jittery today, all looking forward to 3:40, when that last bell rings.  Tonight myself, my room mate Amanda, and two of our Heidi’s are flying out from BKK to Phuket, a tropical get-away down south.  Never mind that this area is where the tsunami hit four years ago, but the towns have all been rebuilt in that time, and it’s only monsoon season, so hopefully we won’t see any tsunamis (if so, then you might be reading this, and I might be dancing in heaven.. but let’s hope not!).

I can’t wait to get away!  The weekend may be a little pricy, but that’s the whole point of living cheaply while we are here, and then saving up for weekends like this one.  I’m not totally sure what we have planned.. we will have quite an adventure when we get there. 

As far as teaching goes, starting next week all my Art Classes will be taught by another Thai teacher, and I will take over Grade 7 History (two hours per week) and spending the rest of my time preparing and organizing a school choir here at GES.  I’m quite excited about it, but very nervous about where to begin in the process of it all.  I know I will for sure have auditions for all the students, and from there, we’ll see how many are actually interested.  It may be a wide range of ages, Grade 4 through 12.  BUT, I have a feeling most interest will be from Grades 4-9 mostly.  I must say I’m looking forward to having someone else teach those Art classes.. that was very interesting.  

Alright, well there’s much more I could write about, but I am teaching a class in just a few minutes.  God has been so good to me, and I’m so thankful to be here, still.  I can hardly believe it’s been 6 weeks already!  Time has certainly flown by, and I’m just loving it here.  Continue to pray for me, just for patience as I teach, and for guidance with regards to beyond my year at GES.  I’m discovering more passions I never knew I had, and that will certainly have some amount of influence on my future pursuits.  

In HIS love…

just another day in Thailand

Meridith2 Comments

It was a typical Tuesday morning.  Well, I guess every day is quite different here at GES, but this particular Tuesday morning I had woken up earlier than normal since I had taken two naps the day before (after taking a pill for my sinuses that definitely was NOT non-drowsy).  So, I woke up, got dressed and ready, then ate some of my pineapple that I had gotten from the fruit man the evening before.

After our usual Tuesday morning staff meeting, I sauntered over to my classroom to find some enthusiastic Grade 4 students ready to greet me, and of course wanting to come in and enjoy the air con.  

We walked into the room, and they all commented on how much it smelled.. which I discovered the day before.  Lisa joked with me saying “I bet you have some dead animal in your air con!” to which I could only laugh.. not possible.. right??

Seven and several of the other students wanted to see Google Earth, so I showed them my house back home, and they were trying to show me theirs.  In the midst of the excitement of the morning, we heard a noise coming from the air con.. all of us (me included) began to scream; there was definitely something ALIVE in the air con moving around.  I quickly shut off the power, and the noises continued above our heads.  After more screaming, we soon saw a tail hanging, then a claw.  At that moment we all RAN for the door.. some strange creature had had enough of being up in the air con!  Before we knew it, there was definitely a RAT that fell from above, and was obviously quite frightened as it ran in circles around the room.

It found safety in one of the many cupboards with a handful of recorders.  I gathered a couple of my Grade 9 students, and by now there was a large crowd of students gathered at the Music Room door, too afraid to come in.  There was more screaming and drama, but finally we got the rat to come out of the cupboard, and I used my trash can to trap it.

Before I could come up with a plan of how we’d get it outside, one of my girls grabbed it with her bare hands, running out the door to throw it in the near-by bushes.. not to mention it was biting her all the way!  She of course then had to go to the hospital to get a rabies shot, but was present later that day in my Art class.  WOW!  What a brave girl, that’s all I have to say!

It was all the talk all day around campus, but definitely gave me something to laugh about.

Life is pretty funny.. you must admit.

 

So, my room still stinks and I don’t know what to do about it.  The music room is the place for many happenings; I’ve had two students throw up in the middle of class, and one bloody nose.. not to mention that I’m currently breathing toxic poop-air.  I need to find a way to remedy this.  Soon, before I pass out!

Time

Meridith1 Comment

 

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been here for a month already.  Time flies when you’re having fun.. and when you are so busy and have no life!  

This Friday of course is the fourth of July, and will be my second Independence Day in a row that I haven’t been in the States to celebrate.  I do, however, have fond memories of our celebration last year in India.  I won’t forget our all day cooking we did for the extended Dozo family, and singing the National Anthem in for all the kids.  

On Saturday and Sunday a group of us will head over to one of the beaches!  I’m really looking forward to getting away from the city to see the beautiful beaches of Thailand… finally!  The change of pace will be nice.

In two weeks we have a four-day weekend that many of us are beginning to make plans for.  It’s looking like a group of us will take an overnight bus to Cambodia for the time!  I’m SO excited!  Who would have thought I would ever have this kind of opportunity!?  I’m not sure what to expect, all I’ve heard is the climate is the same as Thailand, but everything is also much cheaper there.  One of the “Wonders of the World” is there, Angor.  It’s a beautiful temple located by a village near Siem Reap.  Check it out online, I just did recently!  Anyway, so that will be July 17-20 and we are all looking forward to having a nice break from classes!

Every day I have to pinch myself because first of all, I’m in Thailand, and I seem to forget that easily!  I’ve become so used to many things here!  And second of all, I’m a MUSIC TEACHER… what the heck?  Did I ever actually thing that it was POSSIBLE???  Anyway, I still do find it very hard to believe.  

I will have more stories of the “Adventures in Teaching”… I’m too tired at the moment to go into the stories.. some of my experiences were probably strictly cultural, and others, who knows.. maybe just universal things that kids do.  Whatever it is, I’ll save my raving and ranting for another time.

AH yes, for those who are curious, here is my mailing address, for which I would love to receive letters, money, and any other valuable things :).  JUST KIDDING!  But I would love to get letters!  And if you had it in your heart to send me DARK CHOCOLATE or other things that cost an arm and a leg here, feel free!

Meridith Johnson
Global English School
24/29-32 Pracharat Road Moo 6
Ampur Muang Tumbon Talad Kwan
Nonthaburi, Thailand 11000

(I’m not quite sure if you need all that… but that’s the address I have for the school!)

Also, for those who would like to contact me, feel free to call me (FREE for you!) on Skype… 541.255.2159

One more thing, the link to my pictures.. all of them will be:

http://picasaweb.google.com/meridith.johnson
 (The previous link was for just my “June” album, now this link will show you all pictures that I post in the future).

On a personal note, there are clearly many areas in need of prayer, but here are a few prayer requests:

1. Health; my stomach has been mostly fine here, but I feel I’m coming down with a cold now
2. Patience with my students
3. Understanding of culture and other unknown factors
4. To become a more effective communicator and teacher
5. For more ways to be involved in ministry outside of GES 

Thanks/Praise:
6. For amazing teachers to work with and new friends to share in life with
7. Safety and a quick time of adapting
8. Blessings in MANY areas! 

 

I’ve taken more pictures around, and many of them are posted on my picasa site, but here area few for your viewing pleasure:

 

 

june 24th

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I couldn’t think of a more creative title, so I suppose today’s date will do.  I’m in the process of taking pictures and updating my picasa web album, so hold up… I will have pictures of the campus/my apartment rather soon!

So it’s Tuesday, June 24th.  Officially we are in our second week of teaching, and things seem to be running more smoothly.  I’m in between classes at the moment, and gearing up for my last class of the day, PE for Grade 7.

So, recap on last weekend… Friday came around and we were all pretty excited to have a break from the stress of lesson planning and worrying about problems with our kids, so Friday night we all went downtown to a photo exhibit called “Earth from Above”.  It featured original photography from a world famous photographer with pictures from around the world.  The prints were pretty amazing… there was also a rather large map that you could walk on and there are several photos from that as well that I’m putting up.  After that, we went into the Siam Paragon mall for some ice cream, and sat outside by the fountains.  Then, a group went back to GES, and several of us went down to the Night Market and enjoyed some beverages and live music.

WEST COAST!On our way to the night market

Saturday, my roommate Amanda and myself went to “JJ” market (I can’t say the word in Thai, but it sounds similar to JJ).  You could spend an entire day looking at everything they have there.. but it’s hot, crowded and with the combination, you can easily get very tired.  We bought a few items for our rooms, and I found a few skirts and dresses as well.  Upon returning to GES, we ordered a pizza and didn’t really have the energy for much else that evening. 

For church on Sunday I was somehow talked into playing bass…. :/  It actually went quite well, it was fun to play on a worship team with everyone from GES.  The church we attend is an International church, and most families are on vacation right now so the attendance was rather low this week, and will continue to be through the summer months.

There’s a delicious Mexican place near by the church, so we all ate there, then some went swimming at the nice resort pool, and I enjoyed some Starbucks on the compound.  It’s a nice “ritzy” area with tennis courts and lots to do.  

After our relaxing afternoon, several of us got peticures at a nearby salon for 120 baht.. which is less than four dollars!  What a steal!

Anyway, this week we are back at things once again.  Teaching is going fairly well, I’m just getting into a groove of planning lessons and preparing for classes.  For my music classes, I’m working on motivating my Grade 6 students by dangling recorders over their heads.. they are my most difficult group with NO MOTIVATION and don’t really care much about Music.. Most other classes are going well.  Of course the young Grade 1A and 1B students are quite a handful, but I try and do what I can as a teacher to keep them interested.  

Well, I should get back to lesson planning.  We have a Parent Orientation following classes today and several other “beginning of the year” things to attend to!

I hope all is well on the other side of the world!

❤ Grace and peace to you through our LORD… Meridith

peace and truth

Meridith1 Comment

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about peace and what the elements of it are.  I know, I know, there is a reason that in Phillipians it says that peace from the LORD “surpasses understanding”  (my version says, “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”).  But there is a huge urge within me to really know some of the contributing elements of peace.

So the elements of our lives contain many small portions of our perception of “life”.. for example.. to name just a few… 

 

  • Relationships.. (friendships.. spousal/intimate… acquaintances)
  • Material… (our homes, belongings etc…) (these things are temporary)
  • Surroundings.. (jobs, living situations, circumstances etc…)
  • Passions… (hobbies, interests… the things we LOVE)
  • Religion… 

Anyway, maybe there are more, but those just came as I was brainstorming.

So all of these things make our world view, and our own personal outlook on life.  It shows us what is important to us whether that’s work/making money, relationships in our lives, or our passions.  All of these areas are present in our lives, and they make our realities.  Sometimes, some areas take precedent over other areas.  Maybe we are in a job we don’t enjoy, but we do enjoy the friendships we’ve formed, and on the material side we are able to afford a nice home, and more expensive things.  

Most all decisions we make in life are because of one or more of these categories.  For example, the only thing motivating Hindus to make their yearly journey/ once in a life journey to  the Ganges is for religious purposes.  The same with Muslims who participate in jihad.  Their only motive is for religious purposes.. a “struggle or striving for god”.

This makes me think that one of the biggest struggles of humanity is for each individual to feel peace within themselves.  This is especially true of Americans, since our society is the most individualistic of any.  In some other cultures you also find this individuality, especially rising up in this upcoming generation.  We strive for peace, fulfillment and a reason to live.  

As Christians, we want to “feel” we are in the will of God.  Though many times we know that our lives are dominated by being in “the valley” and searching for God.  In “mystery revelation” theology, we also discover that often times God hides himself from us, and we have to search for him.  We also have a reason to live as Christians, our purpose is stated clearly in Matthew 28.  We are to spread the gospel’s light wherever we go.  BUT, it’s also important to take our passions and loves in life into account.  If I am passionate about surfing and really get along well with surfers, especially on a more spiritual and intimate way, then I clearly would not feel any sense of peace if I was living in Alaska.

Inner satisfaction, confirmation from the LORD, and knowing we are being used in our fullest capacity with all the gifts we have been given from the LORD are some ways that we feel peace here on earth.  But then to look at another angle, we may go through years of our lives not feeling that inner peace that passes understanding, but knowing that we are making a difference and filling in the gaps of OTHERS needs.

In conclusion, I wanted to speak about how peace and truth coincide with on another.  Sometimes, God grants us a season of peace in ONE AREA of our lives.  For me personally, I feel so at peace with being exactly where I should be as far as my job and my passions go.  I’ve also made some wonderful friends here that will be “life friends”.  I’m experiencing so much, and I’m even discovering new passions and new desires in my heart that I truly never knew were there.  

I’ve been disappointed in myself because I’ve felt peace in these areas, but then immediately jumped into other areas of my life that are not as “peaceful” or I have doubts about.  Many of you who I am close with can probably guess what that area is, which I won’t go into at this time, but it was interesting to see myself become discontent in another area.  Perhaps it’s human nature to compartmentalize and want to see every single facet of our lives at peace.  It’s against our human nature to not have things all figured out.  Maybe that’s why Paul talks about peace right after instructing us not to worry about the things we can’t control or don’t understand.  What should we do?  Pray.  Then what?  Many would ask… Pray. “Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done…. THEN YOU WILL EXPERIENCE GOD’S PEACE….”

So what does truth have to do with peace?  Everything.  We must cling to the truth we know about GOD, OURSELVES, and what’s been promised to us even when we don’t feel that peace.  Even when we don’t feel GOD.  Even when…  We should pray.  Thank him.  Take the peace that he gives without questioning other areas.  TRUST THE TRUTH OF GOD’S CHARACTER.  

He is unchanging.

He is peace and truth in our lives.

We will never fully feel at peace on earth, and that’s also another truth we must cling to.  Complete peace will only be experienced once we are face down, before his throne.  And that I believe my friends, is truth.

 

the day before

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Well, tomorrow is the big day for school to begin!  For the past week, all the teachers here at GES have been in orientation not only for practical teach advise, but also for Thai culture/language, how things are run at the school among other topics.  It has been a LOADED WEEK, and we’ve been prepping for lesson plans whenever there have been spare moments.  We’ve been blessed to hear from people who have been here in Bangkok for a long time, and have studied the language and culture for years.  It’s been an encouragement to get to know them and hear their stories as well.  

Along with teaching music for grades 1-6, I will also be teaching Middle School PE, and Middle School Art.  I’m definitely nervous about EVERYTHING, but especially Art since I haven’t even been in the Art room, or have any idea what kind of supplies we have.  So, yes, I will be stretched in many ways here in Thailand.

There’s so much to say about everything here.  I’ve been here for over a week, yet because it’s been so packed with many events, it feels much longer.  I really do love it here in the city, I can’t believe I’ve gone this long in my life without experiencing it.  I always new I was a city girl at heart :).

This weekend, several of the GES teachers and myself decided to enjoy the time away from meetings and planning and went bowling on Friday night, and on Saturday night (last night) they took us to a small church called “Newsong” which was more of an “Emerging Church” coffee house style church.  It was more for the seeker, with pretty general teaching topics, but the worship was really good.  After church a group of us went to this great Indian restaurant called “Bombay Blues” and enjoyed conversation for several hours there.  

At any rate, tomorrow is the big day.  I’m definitely nervous, but Monday and Tuesday are half days, so that will give me more prep time since the days are shorter.  

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.  Things are going so well, and it’s been such a time in my life filled with God’s peace.  This job… ministry.. mission… whatever it is, has happened by no mistake, that is for sure.

I’ve put up pictures on a Picasa web album for easier access.. I’ll update it whenever I take more pictures!  Some of the pictures I’ve posted are from my great photographer friends!  Enjoy!

http://picasaweb.google.com/meridith.johnson/Thailand20082009

Land of Smiles..

Meridith4 Comments

After my long flights… 18 hours total, I finally arrived in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday about midnight (Friday at 10 AM West Coast Time).  I collected my two just-at-fifty-pound-bags then stepped out and was warmly greeted by two of my fellow teachers from GES.  Seamlessly, everything happened during my travel time.  We then traveled the 30-40 minute taxi ride to the school and unloaded at the campus.  

How do I even begin telling you all what it’s like?  To begin, it actually feels like a long lost friend, and the familiarity of their face, smell and everything about them just fits perfectly.  That’s how it felt when I walked outside the Bangkok International Airport two nights ago.  Stepping out in the sticky, hot air felt just like home.. oddly enough.  The air is different than India.  Although it is very hot and humid in both places, the air has a certain smell in Thailand.  It’s a sweet smell, with adventure calling out to me around every corner when I walk the streets.

I can’t explain it, but I was made for this.  Just being here.  On all of my flights here, I just felt myself surrounded by the LORD’s peace.  I was pretty shocked, because knowing myself, I thought I’d be bawling my eyes out, especially upon arriving in my room.  But no tears so far.  I was made to be here in this time of my life.  I’m excited to watch in awe and wonder what the LORD does during these next 10 months.

The jet lag is actually not so bad this time around.  I’m feeling well rested today, and have really enjoyed getting to know my new friends/fellow teachers.

I believe that’s it for now.. blessings to you all.  Thank you for your prayers and love.First day in Thailand.. playing!Lecture in the temple..

 

Thailand Arrival

Please see above link for photos!

Thailand.

Meridith1 Comment

In exactly one month from today I will be boarding several airplanes and heading to Thailand for an adventure of a lifetime.  Let me just disclose the rest of this blog by saying that I NEVER EVER in my right mind thought I’d go overseas for a long period of time.  Some people were just meant to go far away, and you know that when you meet them, but never once did it cross my mind that I’d be a “Missionary” and go to a foreign country for a long period of time.. and if it ever did cross my mind, it was probably in the context of being married.. never EVER alone.

I will go by myself to Nontaburi, Thailand, a suburb of Bangkok from June 2008 to March 2009 as a Music Teacher for Global English School, a Christian school with 95% Buddhist Students.

This is one of those decisions that you make in your life, and you KNOW you will never be the same because of it.  I’m fully aware that the person I am today will still be the person I am when I return, but I honestly believe that there are different things in my future than I ever had planned or thought for myself.  “His ways are higher than our ways, and the plans that you have laid are good and true” as the song “If You Say Go” says.  A song I learned and sang 5 years ago for my worship team audition at Simpson University. Interesting.

In my life, there have been many paths that I could have chosen, or would have like to have chosen that could have been “good”.  I could be married right now.  I could be in Redding right now.  I could have pursued a full-time worship job, but the fact is God guided me and lead me through circumstances to NOW… this place, right now.

This past year has been the hardest year of my life.  I’m not saying this to make anyone feel sorry for me.  I needed this last year to show me the things I was really passionate about and to show me the things that bring me joy in the midst of the tough things that life brings us.  Change requires willingness.  Change isn’t always easy.  Change is the only thing we can count on in life (and the Lord, of course).  

Change is always happening in us, around us, and through us.

Gandhi said…”Be the change you want to see in the world”.

In all the change that is happening we can always cling to Christ… grab onto him with all we have.

“Faith is the desperate clinging to Christ” Bebo Norman once said, and that phrase describes this last year of my life.  “Faith is the ability to be at peace amidst the pain of shattered dreams” is another quote that also really speaks from the depths of who I am.  

But I also know that this trip is much more than just about what I will experience and what I will gain.  God has plans for me to touch lives of the students and teachers in the school.  I’m willing to be used above and beyond just teaching, but also with worship for chapels and churches.  I’m just praying for God to show the right opportunities for that to take place.