torn feelings

Last week on wednesday, we decided to have a time of solitutde. We went to a place called the 7 Fountains. When you enter, you are not allowed to talk to anybody. There are many places to go inside of here. There are chapels and fields, gazeebos out on the grass, or a prayer walk. We were spending 3 hours alone, so I brought my bible and journal. I sat at the gazeebo where it was really peaceful. I would recommend everyone to take time to spend in solitude. It helps guide your focus on things above. The time I spent alone was very beneficial. The following Friday, the Thais decided to put on a "goodbye/thank you" retreat. We drove up the mountain on Friday afternoon and set up about 5 tents. We cooked ourselves chicken and such a fun time just spending time with one another. As we went to bed, we were instructed by the Thais that we had to get up at 6 AM on Saturday to start our day of fun and games. Who knew they actually meant 6 AM!! They banged on drums to wake us up, and we got into lines and started doing aerobic excercies with them... at 6 AM! then, we ate breakfast and broke up into teams. They Thais did such a good job at organizing this retreat. The games they created were so unique. One game we had to hike up the mountain, and this was not easy. We came to a waterfall and Bon climbed up to the top and dropped about 50 different colored small balls down the waterfall that we had to catch and throw over to our partners in a different spot. This was just one of many games that took up that day. We ate lunch together, played guitar, fellowshipped, played in the gorgeous waterfalls, and just enjoyed each others company on our last weekend there. We came back and went to Church on Sunday. On Monday we went out to eat with David Allen, the missionary at the other church associated with Payap church. That night all of the girls got together and went out to eat at a nice restraurant, so we all dressed up. We also did kareoke that night together, also a lot of fun. Going to bed that night I did not feel so well. I woke up at 2:30 AM tuesday morning throwing up. I threw up every 30 minutes until 10 am when i went to the hospital. I stayed all day and overnight, coming home wednesday. I had either food poisoning or a virus but i had reacted really violently to it. Its one of the worst feelings i've had, and definitely the least pleasant day, but the hospital took care of me. Wednesday i finished up packing and thursday we left at 1:30 pm for the airport. we had a lot of people come to see us off. they prayed for us at the airport and it was soo hard to leave. i have never felt so heartbroken to leave this place which i have come to love so much, and know that i will no longer be with these thai people whom i have built such deep relationships with. Even as i write this my heart is sad, but that is only normal i guess. Melanie and I flew for the next day until we finally reached or destination of Brisbane, Australia this afternoon. What a wonderful place so far! We are staying with a couple who leads up the church here. We have only been here one afternoon but we had a bonfire tonight (it is winter here, so very cold). I love everyone's accent. I could fit in here until I open my mouth to talk and then they would recognize me as an American. I am excited to see how the next 2 weeks in Australia are going to go. I will keep you updated. I appreciate your prayers as I go through another culture transition!
Katie