I really think the Lord had complete grace on me when He sent me to this family. They've all become like my own family. We have similar senses of humor, goofiness, and a love to see the Thai people come to know Jesus.
When I first me Noah and Luke, they were painfully shy. It's just part of their personality, but when you get to know them, they're full of craziness and fun. Early on, I didn't really know how they felt, but they're mom really encouraged me and said it was a good fit for me to be with her boys. So in the beginning, while the boys were shy, I went ahead and just acted like my crazy self, saying crazy things, and doing crazy things to win them over. And the Lord worked it out- the boys took a liking to me...most likely because they probably thought this crazy person needed a friend!! :)
In the early weeks of homeschooling, each day (during the hot season- April and some of May) I would come to their house with a fully loaded water gun- as a homeschool teacher, you never know what you'll need- and I allowed them to drench me once or twice. I think that's a kid's dream- to drench their teacher (especially after all the schoolwork they're given). Not only have we had water fights, but we've created something we call the "sneak attack." Early on when I was trying to win them over, I told them that I was really good at sneak attacks (surprising them when they least expect it). And I've proven it. I even climbed over their gate once to surprise them with the water gun. I can only say that for the first month, their Thai neighbors must have thought I was a crazy foreigner.
Something awesome I found out about my boys is that they're totally into school (most of the time). Once, when the MK's (missionary kids) ate lunch together, my boys were telling the other kids why they should do extra work in school. That's right- perfect posterchildren for homeschooling. I was so proud! As they explained that after doing extra work you could do things outside, such as have water fights, all the rest of the boys' eyes began to glaze over- they weren't buying it. Finally, one of the other boys piped up, "Extra work? That doesn't even make any sense. Extra is just extra." (I laughed so hard!) But my boys didn't seem to mind. I told them they were still the coolest to me because we got to do so many "sneak attacks" and water fights after we did our "extra work".
Not only do my boys do extra work, but they're pretty healthy. They LOVE their fruits and veggies. We have snack time each day around 10:30am, and every day I offer the selection of fruits/veggies, crackers, or cookies. And every day they pick tomatoes with salt or chips, rather than cookies (who wouldn't pick cookies?!? Come on!). Finally, one day Noah (the 8 year old) says, "Why do you always offer cookies as a snack? That's not really a snack food." So, I said, "Well, I offer cookies because I know you guys like them." At which point, Luke (the 6 year old) turns to me and says, "Umm...no. You're the one addicted to cookies, not us!" I totally burst out laughing, and threw my hands in the air, acting as innocent as I could, but I knew I had been properly chastised for my cookie addiction. They're so healthy- their parents have raised them right. :)
I definitely have been blessed with the family I homeschool. They're wonderful, and there are so many other stories and beautiful memories I have from spending time with them. But as wonderful as it has been getting to know them, I also have never felt more inadequate. Every day, I have had to ask the Lord for grace when it comes to helping the boys. I'm not an amazing, do-it-all type of teacher. In fact, I saw several ways that I failed. But every time, the Lord has protected these boys, and kept me going for the next day. God's been so faithful to us all. I will miss them as I leave for the next part of my time in Thailand- churchplanting.
Prayer Requests:
1. For the parents language study in Lopburi- that the Lord would continue to provide smooth language acquisition (they will continue to study until next February)
2. For the Mayer family health- the wife has suffered several times from sickness; please pray for good health for all of them
3. For their next homeschool teacher that is set to come in August- please pray that she would come as soon as possible and that it would be a smooth transition for her and the boys
4. For the Mayers as they will eventually leave Lopburi and head on up to Chiang Mai- that the Lord will bless their obedience and guide them as they serve Him in north Thailand
MAYER FAMILY PHOTO COLLECTION
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| Oliver and Noah |
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| Noah and Luke having a cool fruit drink. |
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| Lounging Mayers' (Noah and Deborah) |
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| This is why I love this family- they can cut a watermelon with a large cleaver, no questions asked! :) |
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| Ninja Mayer (aka Luke) |
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| Selah, Deborah, and Luke |
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| Another reason I love this family- looking for bed sheets is a family affair and requires the careful consideration of every color (even the leopard print)- we're definitely related somehow! |
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| Noah (I often found the boys holding one of these, filled with water, and joyfully waiting to drench me) |
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| Selah Mayer, happy as can be! :) |
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