Thailand Letter
October 12, 1997
Bangkok, Thailand
Dearest Family,
I usually write on Sunday after church so I will write to day even though I know you have all been gone this weekend and I haven't heard from you.
One of our teachers called and said she wanted to take us to a mall yesterday. We decided to go so we could be with her because part of our calling is to "build relationships". WELL - the mall she took us to is just as good as the one at Crossroads' Plaza in Salt Lake. Virginia and I just stood and looked at each other - we couldn't believe it!!! The strangest thing is that it is much closer than any of the other stores we have been going to. We still can't find a lot of the things we would like - there are NO English educational things so I am truly, truly grateful for the things Julianna sent - BUT they do have some of Stephen Covey's books here - isn't that strange???
We went to a grocery store and they have many of the things we have in America and for the first time we were able to find cheddar cheese - it is from New Zealand but it is quite good. We even found frozen pizzas. I am beginning to feel like I am in civilization!!! We also found a "Sizzler", "Mrs. Field's Cookies", "MacDonald's" and of course "KFC".
Church this morning was good. President Goodman and his family visited the branch and he spoke - he does a good job!!!
We start teaching our workshops in the morning and I am quite worried. I still have a lot of visual aids to make tonight - I am going to make a "Bingo Game" to use as a vocabulary thing. I put 32 pictures on poster board last night to use as a matching game - it just takes a lot of time.
I want SO much for you to come but I want it to be good for you. This is the cool and rainy season - it rained on us as we left church this morning and it flooded the streets but it hadn't even rained when we got to Sai Mai. They tell us the hottest time is in March, April and May - I don't how it could be much hotter than it is now and it is SO humid!!! They don't celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas but since they are such big celebrations for all of you I think you should plan it after they are over.
They are planning a trip for all the American Teachers on Dec. 1st to go to Chaing Mai, I believe for 4 days. It is in the northern part of Thailand and they say it is much cooler and less humid - we'll see!!!
Bob - I made copies of all the conference talks you sent to me and gave them to the Halls and also President Goodman - they were SO thrilled to have them. Thank you so very, very much. Would you like me to send you a map of Bangkok?
I love you all so very, very much and I MISS YOU. BE CAREFUL. Grandma B