The Center’s opening after a restful summer break is nearly upon us. As mentioned before, we’ve been waiting for our new Global Mission Fellow (GMF) to arrive from Pakistan and arrive he has!

We had somewhat of a panic attack when he was told before leaving Thailand, where he received his Laos work visa, that he would be required to pay $2,000 US to land in Vientiane. Pakistan is one of those countries which has been unfairly earmarked by so many as a terrorist nation. It took us a great deal of paperwork to get him approved for a work visa here. Even with that official stamp in his passport, when I thought all was well and good, obviously it wasn’t

He was required to sign an agreement letter that he was responsible for the $2,000. When he notified me of this, I told him to play dumb upon entering Laos, show him his stamped visa and we’d pray he could get in.

However, I did bring that asked-for wad of cash with me, just in case. I wasn’t about to let our 2-year new teacher be sent back to Pakistan after he was within hugging distance.

As it turned out, Shaloom made it through, my 100 dollar bills stayed in my purse, my office manager Khamxay and I got him settled into his new apartment home and it’s been smooth sailings ever since.(Knock on wood)

Whew!

See the pictures below of our Shaloom alighting in our midst on Saturday, including our preparation of his apartment to make him feel welcome and at home.

First Full Day in Vientiane

Shaloom and I had a get-to-know-the-city with a drive around on the electric motorbike which I purchased several months ago, just for GMF use. In Laos, there is no way to get around except by your own transportation methods. There are no city buses. Taxies are the only way but with our distant church being 35 minutes away, taxies don’t usually go that far. And if they do, they are very expensive.

Shaloom has ridden motorbikes before so this was an easy transition for him, although an electric bike does take some getting used to. It only goes up to 35 mph so when he takes off for church in the coming weeks, he’ll have to leave a lot earlier than I. My Honda Scoopy travels up to 120 mph, if I want it to. (I haven’t been that adventurous — I keep it at 40 mph at the fastest.)

Our stops in his neighborhood included the Center, a noodle lunch and market shopping for simple necessities.

His First Staff Meeting on Monday

Our usual Monday meeting from 10:00 – 12:00 had everyone meeting Shaloom. Afterwards, we enjoyed take-out lunch on me.

And his first duty as a GMF? Helping Khamxay hang advertising signs for our new term!

A Busy Week Ahead

We are now open for registration. With Shaloom’s arrival, in October, we’ll be able to add more classes for more language learners.

During the month of September, Shaloom will join me in the classroom as my teacher assistant. He can learn a few teaching techniques while adjusting to a new country, a new lifestyle, a new language and a new adventure in life: that of serving, and learning from, the Laos people.

Stay tuned for more stories from Vientiane, where Connie’s fame seems to be spreading. Let’s hope this entices more students to enroll and becomes a promising start as we here in Laos exit the rainy season and enter into an exciting school year.

From Connie, here’s wishing you peace and joy for your week!