Grafted In

2012-01-25T21:43:00.000-08:00

Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

I love this photo that my roommate Grace took before we started our flood clean up. Such an appropriate hidden message to find scribbled on the walls of Grapevine.

2012-01-18T21:19:00.000-08:00

Flood Clean Up

When we returned to Grapevine after almost two months of "floodcation," we had a daunting task ahead of us. Mud and mold covered the floors and walls. Furniture literally fell apart as we tried to pick it up, and mice had destroyed many cords and containers that the water hadn't reached. But with a little elbow grease and sweat, new paint and plenty of shopping trips, we were able to give our old rooms a fresh new look. We've already opened our doors and students are enjoying a new semester and a new place to hang out.

If you would like to help financially with the flood renovations

go to GIVE TO FLOOD RELIEF

2012-01-18T21:15:00.000-08:00

Reasons to Give Thanks

Mid-November typically finds us scurrying around preparing for the opening of second semester. We plan a retreat to the mountains, and fun activities to welcome students back to Thammasat. I never have to conjure up reasons to give thanks at our Thanksgiving dinner because grapevine fills up with wonderful smells and overflows with students. This November Grapevine

overflowed again - with water.

Learning that the flooding in Rangsit would not only postpone the second semester for two months, but also cancel our Thanksgiving party, I felt disappointed. I always love the November activities. And yet, the more we waited through the flood the more I realized the blessing of rest. This year, we had plenty of time to prepare for the second semester and refocus on the importance of what we do. The time has given us the opportunity to get to know our church community better, to reach out to victims of the flood, and get to know student volunteers.

And not only did we get a chance to relax, we came up with a great theme for our second semester Souper Tuesdays - HOLIDAYS! We'll celebrate a different holiday every week, and find out what lessons God can teach us through these celebrations. The good news is there's always a reason to give thanks.

The flood has wrecked our plans, but we thank God that He promises to guide and teach us if we come to Him with willing and grateful hearts.

2011-10-06T00:51:00.000-07:00

Talent Night

Before September 22, I thought grapevine had plenty of talented people. After September 22, I KNOW grapevine has plenty of talented people. We had singers and jugglers, speakers, artists, dancers and musicians. The staff started the evening off with a exciting interpretation of STOMP. Several students sang songs in various languages including Japanese, Thai and Italian. The exchange students performed a thrilling dance routine, and we thought the night was over. But the display of talent continued with impromptu interpretive dancing to Disney songs.

(above) Michael, Mic and Boat performing "Michael Row Your Boat Ashore"

. . . Alleluia

2011-10-06T00:45:00.000-07:00

RATS!

So how do you keep the rats from getting into your lean to style kitchen?

- adopt "Grapevine" the Cat

- purchase rat trap and release the little animal on the other side of the dangerous road every morning

- POISON!

- Just live and let live

We simply don't know what to do. But the rats have certainly moved in and made themselves at home. I guess it's true that grapevine is the place to be!

2011-09-15T01:12:00.000-07:00

Graduation!

Some of the Grapevine family joined BANK (staff and alumni) in celebrating his graduation.

2011-09-15T00:58:00.000-07:00

International Night

On August 25th, Grapevine enjoyed a night filled with delights from around the world.

Guests dressed up in ethnic costumes from various cultures, cooked and ate international foods,and played games that tested their knowledge of different countries. Several nationalities were represented including Germany, Ghana, and Zimbabwe. America had several representatives as well, but Thailand boasted the most students.

2011-08-18T01:20:00.000-07:00

Make New Friends and Keep the Old

A few weeks ago the Grapevine family welcomed in a group of special guests from Michigan. Fourteen young adults from His House Christian Fellowship in Mt. Pleasant stopped by Thammasat after a four week missions trip to Cambodia. The His House friends brought lots of energy to our outreach events on campus (art, games, and advertisement with the rickshaw) and shared their stories with us during Tuesday night Bible Study. Through dance parties and sports on campus our campus ministries were able to connect and bless each other.

THANKS HHCF!

2011-06-30T00:27:00.000-07:00

Love Your Neighbor

New Exchange Students and G-Force Student Leaders take time on their Sunday afternoon to teach basic English to children in the slums. The children enjoy learning through games, songs, stories and crafts.

2011-06-30T00:07:00.000-07:00

What's Up?

- The sky . . .

- Nothing much . . .

- The start of a new school year

We started off the year with 59 students at a great party and Bible study. Here's some pictures of what was up.

(what's up?) a window mural of sticky notes answering that question

(what's up?) students hanging out and playing games before the meal

(what's up?) music, a quick talk from the Bible, and crazy games

2011-04-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

Floods

2011-04-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

I started crying in the middle of the mall the other day. Well, mall isn't actually the best word since for many of us it conjures up pictures of giddy teens hanging out at the food court, while SIAM PARAGON - the most prestigious shopping experience in Bangkok - feels more like a pristine marble palace. Surrounded as I was by high fashion (Gucci,Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton) and fast cars, (BMW, Porche, Ferrari) I felt slightly conspicuous with tears pouring down my cheeks, but I couldn't stop myself. In the very middle of this premier shopping center, I found a gallery displaying photos of the recent flooding in southern Thailand. Pictures showing houses and lives in destruction contrasted oddly and uncomfortably with the wealth so near to me. I cried not just for what they had lost - homes, family, life, businesses - but I cried also for what we had not given. I cried for what I had not given.

As we do campus ministry in Thailand, I find myself, the staff, and students of this ministry dealing with the issue of materialism far too often. The problem isn't just about stuff, but about the self-centeredness that leads to a materialistic attitude. Many American people assume that we don't deal with these issues in "missions," but the need to succeed and make money is a global problem. Students here at Thammasat University know that they've been accepted into one of the top ranking universities in the country, and they know their parents expect them to become doctors, lawyers and engineers so that they can live the high life. A campus community can ignite a passion for selfless surrender, in much the same way that a photo gallery in the middle of a fashion parade can stir a selfish person to tears.

This desire to impact Bangkok through students has always driven our ministry, The Grapevine, since it's founding 8 years ago. We see lives changing as our student leadership grows and our alumni move out into the city. These students, many of whom are not yet Christians, nurture community growth because they have experienced a difference in their own lives, and want others to experience the difference of living for someone other than oneself. The staff often tells them that “the grapevine is about God's love reaching out through us to draw other people in,” and they've taken that responsibility seriously.

It's a modest sort of ministry, because that's what we're seeking to reproduce - modesty and genuine interactions. Parties and Bible studies take place in a simple yet creative storefront, free food and English provide the appeal, and the Bible lays the moral foundation. But it is the "photo gallery" experience and seeing life from God's point of view that makes our student community so important. We hope to give our students a picture of "others," that will compel them to tearful action in the midst of a selfish world.

2011-02-14T01:28:00.000-08:00

Love Your Neighbor
On Sunday afternoons grapevine students participate in a community program that we call LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR. It's a place for children to come and learn English with big brothers and sisters who care about them. At Christmas we have a special party and tell the Story of Jesus birth, which is the most significant example of neighborly love ever shown.

(above) Our Thammasat students volunteered their free time to go love some little kids.

(below) We put on a paperbag puppet show of the Nativity.

(below) Kids really loved the face painting station.

2011-02-14T01:17:00.000-08:00

Oh, Christmas!
Christmas only comes once a year, so we try to have as many Christmas parties as possible. December is filled with makeshift Christmas pageants, Christmas songs, decorating, and making cookies. Students really love the change to celebrate Christmas with foreigners and to learn about our Christmas traditions. And it's the most wonderful opportunity to be able to share the Story of Christ's birth with people who have never before heard it. It's really too bad that Christmas doesn't come more often.

(above) Our worship band sporting Santa hats.

(below) Grab a SPOON! Da brought a waffle loaded with ice cream for the gift exchange.

(above) Fa La laing at Christmas Program at Church.

(below) Presents are not what Christmas is all about. But this game was sure fun!

(Below) Who says we don't have Christmas trees in Thailand?

2011-02-14T01:04:00.000-08:00

Mo' Retreat
Means Mo' Friends, Mo' Fun, Mo' Grapevine

Every year in November Grapevine takes an adventure into the mountains. We go to relax, have fun with our friends, revel in God's creation, and learn how love Him and others more.
This year we explored the idea that God is a mystery, but He has chosen to reveal himself to us in Christ, in nature, and in the fellowship we experience with others. And not only has He shown Himself to us, He also wants to live in us and help us with all the mysteries in our life.

(above) The students insisted the staff race through the obstacle course, too.
We didn't have the fastest time.

(below) One of the several amazing waterfalls that we got to swim in.

(above) The girls in our cabin stop to take picture before getting on the bus.

(below) There's always time for a group shot.

2011-02-14T00:57:00.000-08:00

Time to Give Thanks!
Well, we should really give thanks ALL the time, but on Thanksgiving Day we get to focus on filling our hearts with gratitude. Of course, we usually fill our stomaches with food, too. And good free food usually means that Grapevine is filled with students.

(above and below) Students enjoying American food with their friends.

(below) Buck and Da didn't need to carve the turkey, our delicious smoked chicken just fell off the bone.

2011-02-11T04:04:00.000-08:00

Halloween at Grapevine
October 2010

(above) Our exchange students turned grapevine into a fun spooky place.

(below) A Blackeyed "P" meets Alice in Wonderland.

(above) All dressed up and ready for a photo shoot.

(below) Everyone enjoyed the pumpkin painting station.

2010-11-03T04:34:00.000-07:00

International Flavor

Every semester we have many nationalities represented at Grapevine. Not only do we connect with Thai students, we also meet exchange students from all over the globe places as close as Vietnam and China, and places from further away like South Africa, Germany, and Brazil. This semester we celebrated the beautiful nature of our cultural heritages with an International Night. The event included foods from around the world, games, mixed languages and of course, PEOPLE.

One of my favorite aspects of Globalscope, the International Campus Ministry branch of CMF, is that we all have a passion for reaching out to students throughout the world. As we train up leaders we hope that they too will develop a passion for sharing Christ's love with the nations. In the past two years we've had the opportunity of hosting interns from two other Globalscope ministries. In God's timing, we hope that Grapevine will send out interns and exchange students into this larger community.

Above ( A delicious buffet of International foods)

Below ( students hang up a poster to mark "Where you've been" and "Where you're going")

Below (Intern Glaucia says goodbye to some good friends before returning to Spain)

2010-11-03T04:18:00.000-07:00

Good People

We've been truly blessed this year with some great people at Grapevine. We've had several amazing interns, a great group of exchange students, and a wonderful Thai student leadership group. The core members of grapevine really form the heart of our ministry, and allow it to grow and flourish here in Rangsit. Please keep praying for our core members as we learn to live in community, and as we show the world what it means to love as Jesus loved.

Below (Some of our core members pose for a snapshot in front of Grapevine)

2010-08-26T02:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Grapevine took a trip to the beach. We had 11 students, 4 staff members, 3 exchange students, and 2 interns (but we left the partridge in the pear tree.)

It was a nice getaway after mid-term tests, and a chance to grow into closer relationship with each other.

(above) Some people were up to see the sun rise. I wasn't.

(below) They say getting there is half the fun.

(below) We all stop for a group shot in front of our hostel.

2010-07-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

Wall Mural

Here are a few pics of the not quite finished but still very cool living room mural. I've wanted to paint this wall for a long time, but always lacked the "right idea." Then I decided the best way to decorate a community space was to let the community decorate it. Everyone jumped in and we even convinced non-artistic people to add a squiggle or two.

2010-07-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

Souper Tuesdays

Souper Tuesday happens every Tuesday. And we eat soup. And it's actually pretty super.

Not only do we eat awesome free soup, we also play games, sing and worship, and have a short Bible discussion. On our opening night at grapevine this year, we tried to see how well our students know the minds of the staff by playing "Match Game." We introduced the basic concept of grapevine by studying the passage of John 15:5 - God is the vine and we are the branches. If we stay connected to Him we will produce good fruit.

The staff carefully consider their answers (above)

while a team of students listen to a question (below).

As I try to figure out the rules to a new game, students pose for a picture. (below)

2010-06-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

The First Party

As usual the first party of the school year required every ounce of

energy from our staff, exchange students and Thai student leaders. And as

usual, the effort paid off. We had 37 students both new and old join us for

this event, and everyone left with a smile on their face and a promise to

return.

(above) Michal Ruth and Milk welcome students to a night of fun,

games, and great food.

(below) Some die hard karaoke fans sing until

we close the doors.

(above) Students pose for some cute photos with friends.

(below) Every party requires a great clean up crew.

2010-03-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

"I know God is real because I have a microwave," were not the words that I expected to hear from my student Eak. At first I thought this must be one of those language barrier moments that missionaries speak about so often. But as he continued to tell the story, and I tried to follow his rapid Thai, I realized that I'd heard him right. Let me back up and explain from the beginning.

Two years ago, Eak, a student at Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand, would hardly look foreigners in the eye. His good friend attended our weekly Bible studies at the Grapevine Student Club. She'd tried coaxing him to our free Tuesday meals, but his shy manner prevented him from coming. A year later, though, he decided to join us for a party, and had so much fun that he returned the following week. Soon he became actively involved in the ministry, and eagerly listened as we shared stories about Christ. When we began to talk about the power of prayer, he decided to experience it for himself. That's where the microwave comes in.

At a New Year's work party, Eak's company raffled several items, including two big ticket pieces - a TV and a huge microwave. Looking around the room of over 2,000 people, Eak knew he had a slim chance to win. So he enlisted the help of God. The simple prayer crossed his lips, "God, if you are real, let me win that microwave." And he got it.

2010-03-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in sharing financial with the ministry of the grapevine, please contact me:

michalruth@gmail.com for more information.

To give online go to:

http://cmfi.org/michal-ruth-penwell

2010-03-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

I had a good conversation with God this morning. I often find that the best conversations include His gentle reprimands. Sometimes the better than the best conversations include His not so gentle reprimands.

This particular prayer time was no different. Since learning about my need to raise additional support, my prayer times have contained a large dose of supplication for funding and new givers. Today almost before I'd sat down, I said, "Lord, please help me to raise support." I didn't start out with a cheerful, "It's such a beautiful day, God, thanks for sharing it with me." Nor did I greet Him with a, "Our Father who Art in heaven." I rushed in and just said, "Dad, I need 20 bucks." I found it rather interesting that I could do this with my heavenly Father, but I've never done that with my earthly Dad. It rankles me when kids selfishly demand money in that manner.

I stopped, backtracked, and asked myself, what's the issue here? Unfortunately for me, there are several. God and I tackled worry first. My preacher's kid training automatically took me to Matthew, where I picked up reading under the not too subtle heading "Do Not Worry." It's a passage we're all familiar with, so I won't quote it here (if you want to read it, though, go to Matthew 6 : 25 - 34). Toward the end, the famous exhortation to "seek first His kingdom and righteousness " stood out to me, just as it does every time I read that chapter. (You'd think I'd learn sooner or later)

I pondered the nature of seeking verses the nature of worry. While both can saturate us thoroughly, worry is easy, but seeking is not. Seeking requires action; worry drives us to inactivity, or I should say, worthless activity. Seeking inspires us , but worry drains us.

I chose worry this morning because worrying is easy, and seeking is hard.

After turning these ideas around in my mind, I latched on to the phrase, "His kingdom." I adore this phrase, and love the way that it pops up in the Gospels. I've recently started reading the phrase "His kingdom" with a silent definition tacked on to it. I always think, "His kingdom - any place, situation or opportunity where His will is being done."

Taking a deep breath I waited for this to saturate me. The silence brought me this thought, "Worrying is about my will, while seeking is about His will."

I started to protest (perhaps too much) saying, " It is undoubtedly God's will that I return to Thailand. It's His will that I become team leader. The team needs me there, and the students need me there. The ministry needs me there. I need to be there, and not here. I need to go, not sit around and wait for the money so that I can go."

And then God brought me to the deeper issue, which by the way is always the issue and I don't know why I didn't just jump straight to it. Pride always nestles itself very closely to my heart. My pride tricked me into believing that without me the ministry would have a terrible start at the beginning of the year. Pride deceived me by whispering to me, telling me that if I don't raise the funds no one will do it for me. It's no wonder I worry. If all my success depends on my will then I do not worry enough.

But, the addition of goodness in our lives does not depend on our will, so why worry? Instead seek first His kingdom. Seek His righteousness.

I'm seeking the strength to ask, and seeking people to help in this process of revealing His will to the nations. Seeking people to help usher in His kingdom. I'm trying not to just sit around and worry about how it will happen or if I'll get the funding on time. I'm seeking to swallow my pride and ask for His will to occur even when it forces me off of center stage.

Like I said, it was a good conversation, and you didn't even hear the half of it.

2009-12-03T21:51:00.000-08:00

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

We started December in a festive way with a Girl's Christmas Party. We had dinner, made some Christmas crafts, played some games, and watched "Beauty and the Beast Christmas." Normally we encourage giggling at our girl's nights, but this time we "prohibited" it by making any giggler wear the Santa hat, which actually caused us to giggle even more. As always getting together with the ladies of the grapevine inspires and encourages me, and this festive beginning to the holiday season was no exception.

2009-12-03T21:40:00.000-08:00

Who? What? When? Where? Why? COW?!?

November 21-22 2009

About two weeks, 39 courageous grapevine friends drove off to the mountains for our annual Khao Yai retreat. As always we enjoyed the fellowship of new and old friends, as we climbed rocks, took pictures at the waterfall, performed skits, and sand songs around the campfire. This year we asked our student leader Bank to share his story focusing on the question,

"Is Jesus worth it?"

That's not the only question we asked, the theme for the retreat was FAQ's, so we kept asking, and asking and asking. Finally, we came up with an answer. Most of you who've grown up going to Sunday School already know this, so let's see who can say it first. What's the answer to EVERY question in our lives?

- JESUS!

2009-12-03T21:35:00.000-08:00

Chicken Day?!?

Alright so we didn't have TURKEY on Thanksgiving, but. . .

We had 53 reasons (new and old) to thank God during our 2009 Thanksgiving Dinner. Every year, the dinner draws in plenty of students who want to experience a "real" Thanksgiving holiday with Farang. For many, it's the first time they've eaten mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce and stuffing. Sometimes, the students love the food, and sometimes it's just a little too different for their taste buds. Regardless of our feelings about the food, we all agree that we have so much to be thankful for in a place to love and be loved.

2009-10-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

The School for the Blind.

A couple of weeks ago, 15 grapeviners met up at the School for the Blind in downtown Bangkok.

Although we didn't get to hang out with the kids since they're mid - year break falls at the same time as ours, we did get to help out. Some of us went the garden and playground where we helped to haul sand, cut shoots, and plant them. The rest helped to illustrate books by outlining pictures with puffy paint. I felt encouraged that many of our students would take time out of their break to serve others, and hope that this is only the beginning of our outreach with this organization.

2009-10-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

Girls Night

Some of my favorite memories at Grapevine happen during girls nights.

During our last night we had a "Spa" theme. We scrubbed our hands raw with a homemade

hand treatment, soaked our feet in water ("my water's too cold" or "my water's too hot") and refreshed our tired skin with facials. We ate fruit pizza and watched some America's Next Top Model. We laughed and talked and had a good ol' time.

What did I like the most? - Being with the girls that I love so much.

2009-08-14T02:32:00.000-07:00

Sending in support is easy as 1 -2 -3!

1. Click on this link http://cmfi.org/michal-ruth-penwell

2. Click on "give"

3. Enter your info and send!

You can give one time payments, or set up an automatic monthly payment.

Thank you SOOO soo much for the support that you have all given to me. The CMF office works hard to make the process easy and reliable. I hope to that you are blessed in your giving, and that you experience the truth of the words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." I, too, seek to give with a good pressed down measure, especially in this time of financial stress. You (and the U.S. economic situation) are in my prayers.

2009-07-06T06:11:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been to our website, you should check it out. Here's a link below to a really cool video about Grapevine. Enjoy!

http://www.clubgrapevine.com/The_Grapevine/Who_Are_We.html

2009-07-06T02:37:00.000-07:00

4th of July

grapevine style

We watched some BEAUTIFUL fireworks (above)

and our summer intern taught us some line dances! (below)

It was a great night for celebration

with old friends and new. Here I am with some

alumni Nui, Pat, and Jah.

2009-07-06T02:20:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind! We've started the year off wonderfully with a great kick-off party, and two Souper Tuesday Bible studies. We've had record attendance and have met so many new students I can't remember all their names. You can check out these pictures (and if you've got Facebook, join our group to see TONS more!)

2009-05-23T01:06:00.000-07:00

An Artist's Reflection on an Unguarded Moment in which the Overflow of the Heart Spoke

(Notice the difference between the right and left eyes.)

I do not like to think of myself as a sinful person. I go to great lengths to make my sin seem less sinful. I often use terms like "personality flaw," or "mistake" or "a regret" to describe the vices in my life. I "little white lie" to myself to make my sin appear less intense. To make my sin appear less black I dollop a little white (not my own white) into the pallet. To my eye, and to the world's eye, my sin no longer looks black, but gray. I have succeeded. For just a moment I step back from the portrait of my life to get a better view.

Unbidden the words of my high school art teacher fly into my foremost thoughts, "If you want to make glass sparkle, you must paint the blackest black next to the whitest white."

Contrast. It brings out the twinkles of the eye, and the shimmers of the water. Without a full and rich value scale, a picture always lacks pop. Lack of contrast robs a picture of it's glory.

Upon stepping back from this portrait, I see that I have robbed this canvas of a vital element - contrast. Pride, an evil which God detests, has refused to let black be black. Self-interest, not only in my life but in the entire history of humanity, has stolen the glory of the masterpiece that The Artist wishes to create.

And that is shameful.

I drew this self-portrait as an illustration of this truth. I drew this picture to remind me that humility and vulnerability in my own life, may make me seem wretched, but allows for God to receive His deserved glory for His absolute perfection. Honest confession also primes our hearts to receive His perfect grace, which draws us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. I drew this picture as Augustine wrote his Confessions to, " remind myself of my past foulnesses and carnal corruptions, not because I love them, but so that I may love You, my God. It is from love of your love that I make the act of recollection. the recalling of my wicked ways is bitter in my memory, but I do so that You may be sweet to me, a sweetness touched by no deception, a sweetness serene and content."

*note the difference between the left and right eye is, you guessed it, contrast.

2009-05-01T00:56:00.000-07:00

In March and April we helped out at our church with their annual education camp, which is 4 weeks of extra learning for middle and high school students from the rural part of Thailand called Easan in the province of Roi Et. The grapevine has had lots of great interaction with these students over the years through camps in Bangkok during the summer and camps in Easan during the school year. It's a great way for our college students to reach out to those in need, gain some useful experience, and grow as a community.

This year I was able to teach 9 high school students everyday, and we developed very close bonds. Please pray for these students as they continue to participate in our church's ministry in Roi Et. Pray that the seeds that have been planted during these summer will grow and take root in their hearts, and spread to the lives of their family and friends.

2008-12-23T00:59:00.000-08:00

Intern Raef, Bank, random lady at the tree planting, and Me

Meet Bank, our new brother in Christ. His faith maybe new, but it's growing by leaps and bounds. Even before making his commitment to Christ back in October, Bank has been digging into the Word, and helping out at Grapevine. He has a strong passion for serving the Lord through loving his neighbors. We're so excited to see his faith increase, and are grateful for his participation in our student leadership group. Please keep prayin' for Bank to grow in the knowledge and love of our Lord.

2008-12-23T00:54:00.000-08:00

The Big Cow is back, and it was a HUGE blessing. Our annual retreat to the mountains gave us a chance to slow down the pace of every day life, experience God's awesome creation, and draw nearer to Him and our community. We enjoyed getting to see some alumni, and as always, meet some new students. The camps highlights were a visit to a sunflower field, hanging out at a waterfall, and songs and testimonies around the campfire. We focused our talks and skits this year on the idea of TREASURE, so through a crazy pirate treasure hunt, small groups and discussions, we discovered that we can treasure God because he has treasured us.

2008-12-23T00:35:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day is a time to really give thanks, and a time for us to see the cornucopia of friends we've made this year. Rarely do we get the privilege of seeing so many of our friends at grapevine in one night, but for Thanksgiving they gathered together. Several students we've only met on campus came to join us in celebration of the American holiday, and several others who are often too busy to come to events took time out of their schedules to share with us. We did anticipate a big crowd, and were preparing for it. In fact, Greg jokingly said, "If I don't get full on Thanksgiving Day because we've got too many students here, I'm not going to be too thankful." But after 43 students showed up, he changed his tune. We had enough to eat, and more importantly we experienced the blessing of being together with friends, and with family.

2008-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Our Annual Halloween Party was lots of fun. With bobbing for apples and farang (which is both the word for guava and for european foriegners!) a corn on the cob eating competition and games and candy, and so much more. It was a fun way to welcome students back from their mid year break.

And yes, everyone thought I was adorable and culturally relevent as "'hello kitty"

2008-11-17T23:56:00.000-08:00

Here's more pictures (taken by Andy May) of the English camp. Enjoy!

2008-10-25T01:53:00.000-07:00

English Camp in Bang Sue (October 15th-17th)

This month we had the opportunity of leading a three day English camp in a neighborhood near our church. We've recently started a Sunday afternoon project with the children and as we all had a break from school and regular activities this month, we used our extra time to get to know the kids a little better. We had about 30 kids, ages 5-16 participate.

The students enjoyed hanging out with us all throughout the day, they played games, watched skits, sang songs, and did crafts. They loved playing with P'Andy's camera.

The younger kids really enjoyed coloring!

The week was a blur for us and for them! The teachers (3 staff, 3 exchange students, and 3 Thai students) and the children were all tired by the time Friday's carnival and closing ceremony came around, but we all had fun.

2008-09-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

Here's a recent event as described by my team member Andy May:

“Going Green”.

One of our closest students, Bank, is very serious about the environment. So serious that he single handedly organized a tree planting event on the campus of Thammasat University. Bank eagerly invited The Grapevine to get involved, so we eagerly did. Bank informed us that he had successfully acquired 888 trees to be planted. We were a bit alarmed at that number, but being the go getting, “do it yourself” Americans that we are, we prepared to spend the whole day digging in the dirt. Of course, most Thai people are not as silly as us Americans and would never burden their good friends with the task of planting 888 trees in one day. When we showed up, the grounds crew had already planted all of the trees, our role was to just scrape mulch over the newly planted roots and pose for pictures. Bank had gotten some help in organizing the event and, in spite of the rain that day, it turned into quite a party complete with refreshments, prizes, and about 100 working class Thais. We were the only ones who came prepared to dig holes and plant trees and, as a result, got some interesting “smiles” from everyone else who were dressed for work that day.

This was one of the most exciting things to happen this semester, thanks to our friend Bank. It was also a great culture learning experience for us Americans who usually go into situations thinking, well, just like Americans. We are often taken back, even those of us who have been here for a while, at just how different things really are here. Hanging out with modern, westernized young people sometimes tempts us to forget that we are in a different world. Thank God for Bank, who gave us an opportunity to be reminded that we are guests here and that most people think, and act, very differently than us.

When it comes to our purpose here, it is a challenge to continually work to get our own culture out of the way of the Gospel so that Thais can see more of Jesus and less of our culture. We pray that the Holy Sprit is constantly “translating” our lives into ones that clearly reflect God’s character, even if we look as silly as we did that day. God bless Bank.

-Andy

2008-07-09T21:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of our 4th of July Party at Grapevine. We had lots of fun singing patriotic songs, eating funnel cake, spitting watermelon seeds and, of course, shooting off fireworks. Milk bought these fireworks in Chinatown. And it's totally legal to set these off in residential areas.

2008-07-03T01:07:00.000-07:00

Do you have Facebook?

All of my Thai students have Facebook. They add applications nearly every second, and I can't remember who's a pirate and who's a ninja, who's started a cause to provide food for the hungry or to stop global warming. I've poked them, punched them, thrown sheep at them all summer long. By checking a status I can find out if they've passed their finals, or if they like their summer internship. I know who's dating, single, looking for friendship or "whatever they can get." Each night I can check my Facebook wall to find pictures of events that happened only two hours earlier.

Facebook claims to create community in an online environment, and it does. It helps people to know facts - the facts that people want to make known. Throughout my furlough I "stayed in community" with my friends in Thailand, by knowing lots of stuff about them. And when I got back to Bangkok, and school started, I sent them a message through Facebook, inviting them to join in "Living Facebook" at grapevine.

The theme was trendy, for sure, but still valid. In the midst of "poking" each other, and writing notes on "The Wall," we explored why we need community, online or otherwise. We discovered what the Bible has to say about true community, and how we, as a group of friends, want to model that in our lives. We also looked at God's profile, and learned that He longs for more than a casual relationship with us, He wants to love us, and save us, and drive out our fears.

Yes, as cheesy as it sounds, God wants us to click "Add as Friend."

2007-11-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here's Milk the issuer of my "Thai Passport."
Beau's givin' some cheesy smiles in the background.
I love those guys.

2007-11-08T05:05:00.000-08:00

Pictures for Khao Yai Retreat 2006

Please pray that this year we'd have a great and safe weekend on November 17-18.

2007-11-08T04:46:00.000-08:00

Back in August Grapevine took a group on a service trip to teach in the village schools in Roi Et. It was an awesome opportunity for Bangkok people to experience life in rural Thailand. We taught the students English, but we learned so much about ourselves and each other. Partnering with the Muang Thai Church in their ministry in Roi Et has been incredibly beneficial for us and our students as we learn to share our time and energy with those in need.

We got to join in a local festival while in Roi Et, which included games, food, music and a parade. Here's Patzy showing the boys how to shoot a toy gun. Final score: Patzy 4, both boys 2.

After a difficult morning helping local farmers planting rice, we all gained a greater appreciation for the rice we eat every day!

2007-11-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

Halloween fun at Grapevine! Even though most of the students had exams during the last week of October, the staff couldn't miss the annual Halloween party. Here we are all dressed up. (I'm a CEREAL killer, just in case you couldn't tell.)

Students makin' creepy luminaries to decorate Grapevine.

Yes, even when bobbing for apples I'm a bit dramatic.

2007-11-07T08:12:00.000-08:00

At Grapevine, I'm always putting on wild theatricals. And I'm always looking for someone to perform with me. In the above picture Moses and I put on our meanest faces as we celebrate the success of our pirate skit.

2007-09-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

We designed Fun On Campus to meet new students and hang out with our friends after their classes. We play games and hand out homemade snacks. The students get a chance to practice English and learn about all the fun that happens at our Grapevine events.

2007-09-07T00:44:00.000-07:00

Graduation Day! A very special occassion for some of my favorite people: Jack, Greg, Jaa, Goi, Allison, Zula and Moses

2007-09-07T00:19:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday August 28th we had our Opening Night of the new Grapevine. We celebrated with lots of music, food and singing. And while we still have some moving in to do, we were and are still very excited to see the dream become reality. Thank you so much for your prayers concerning the process. Maybe some of you can even come and visit. It's so much more "sanook" (fun) in person.
___________________________

Here's a picture of Moses in the still unorganized office. Can you find the special Michal Ruth contribution in this picture?

Greg adores the tile (which delights me because it reminds me of chocolate and suede) and the frames for the lights were built by our own Andy May.

Students usually enjoy Allison's amazing Farang (Western) food, unless it has too much cheese in it.

Intern Goi waves goodbye to students at the end of great night

2007-09-06T23:56:00.000-07:00

Below are some pictures of the first steps to the remodeling of our new room.

2007-07-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Look at my pretty blue bike. It took me a long time to replace my stolen bike, and it's taken me a long time to get the picture on here. But finally you can see it. Here's a special thanks to the Vestaburg Church for the special offering to replace it.

2007-05-19T00:07:00.003-07:00

On May 4th- 7th, team leader Greg and I had the chance to attend a youth camp with the students from our church. It was a very intensive time of Thai language study for me. All the events were in Thai, and it was the most Thai I'd ever been exposed to in such a short period of time. But inspite of the headache, the experience proved beneficial. Two of our students from the Grapevine were able to attend with us (Intern Goi and new believer Jah), and both were encouraged by the weekend.

Pictured below: Students stop for a photo shoot on the way home from the retreat

2007-05-18T23:45:00.000-07:00

Jah - "“At Grapevine everyone loves you. They don’t care if you rich... pretty...funny. I became a Christian because I touched the love of God.”

I'm so very excited that "the girl next door" my neighbor, Jah, has decided to open the door to the Christ. She has already told her Buddhist parents about her commitment to Jesus, and they received the news well. She has only been attending Grapevine since November, but has been a regular at all events. She was also able to attend a Christian youth camp this May with our church, and was encouraged to worship and share with other believers. Please keep Jah in your prayers as she begins her new walk with Christ.

2007-04-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

Teacher Pook at the AUA Songkran Festival

I have anticipated the Songkran New Year's Festival ever since I first started studying about Thailand. It is one of the most exciting holidays of the year. The celebrations include many activities including games, visits to the temples, a ceremony with water, and water fights. My first taste of the festivities took place at my language school where my teachers comically recounted the events of a family's Songkran Holiday. Several of my teachers performed Thai dances and even did a show Thai boxing match.

Students at the Festival

Teachers Performing Traditional Thai Dance

Of course, the school festival only began the interesting experiences I had during this year's Songkran. On Friday, one of my students invited me to join her on a trip to visit "The 9 Wats." The Thai believe they will have special luck if they visit all 9 of the most important temples in Bangkok in one day. So we set out to conquer the task, and the heat, crowds, and starvation finally conqured us. We made it to 5 of the 9 before we called it quits. We still had plans to make it to Khao San road for the city wide water fight. Just picture the road so full of people and water and squirt guns that you can hardly move. Imagine your clothes soaked through as the sun starts setting and you actually begin to shiver. Imagine hundreds of people smearing white paste on your face and telling you "Happy New Year!" It's amazing and fun and very exhausting.

2007-04-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you've all gottena chance to know my team, but they're pretty funny. And they constantly support and bless me. I don't know how I would survive without their wisdom, their friendship, or Allison's mashed potatoes.

(On left) Andy our techie/handyman/guitar player and his lovely and funny wife Jen the "on the bubble girl"
(Middle) Greg Coley (the man with the van/team leader extraordinare) and his wife the greatest American cook in Thailand/ great idea first lady Allison, with their children Zula and Moses.
(Then) Me the crazy artsy fartsy theatre girl
(Finally) Kristin the '06-'07 does it all Intern

Many of you have been praying for our very first Thai intern Goi. Here she is, and isn't she cute? She's also my Thai tutor and good friend. We're so excited to see how the intership works out this coming year. Please keep us in your prayers as we adjust to a multicultural team. Also continue to pray for Goi as she raises her support.

2007-04-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

During March and April, 6 Grapevine Students, Greg, and I helped our local church with a summer education camp. About 60 highschool students from Roi Et lived at the church for a month learning English, Math and Science. Every year the church uses this time to increase the kids exposure to the Christian life, and enhance the missions work they do in the village. It is especially encouraging to see the students singing worship songs and participating in services every Sunday and Wednesday. For our students at the Grapevine, the program porvides an opportunity to help in community service while enhancing life skills and deepening relationships.

I think the students were especially fond of "Teacher Mic, " because she was the craziest.

Or maybe because they knew I'd knock 'em silly if they didn't participate.

2007-03-21T02:44:00.000-07:00

Here's some pix from the annual TU - Chula game in Janurary. This is THE (only?!) football game of the year. Players, cheerleaders, students, faculty, reporters, alumni celebrities, and yours truly prepared for months for the event. Yes, even I was prepared months in advance for the game. People waited in lines for HOURS to buy the cheer shirts. (I didn't....I've got connections! Thanks, KJ and Uh-Oh and Beau and Kwang) I did, however, help count the millions of colored squares that make up the above pictures of the King. The game was a tie, which for an American was a TERRIBLE way to end, but the Thai students were happy all around. The most important part of the event (or so I've been told) was the cheerleaders who all looked fabulous in their glitter and heels.

2007-03-01T21:57:00.000-08:00

We are considering moving The Grapevine to a new room a few doors down. The size and shape of the room is much better than our current location and we would have a new office space. If we move, however, we would have to do some construction and painting. Please keep this decision in your prayers.

2007-02-21T22:27:00.000-08:00

This semester at Grapevine we've introduced a monthly girls sleepover called "The Period." Through games and crafts and movies and devotions we've tried to bring the ladies of the Grapevine closer together and closer to God. Our topics have touched on issues especially meaningful to girls such as self-image, encouragement from sisters, and love in relationships. We have played truth or dare and done some dancing had a tea party and cried over silly girl movies. Most of all we've learned to talk through issues and open ourselves up to love and be loved.

2006-11-18T04:16:00.000-08:00

The wai ( traditional Thai greeting) may seem insignificant to those who've not lived in Thailand, but for those of us who have, it's rather important. For Thai, it's not simply a greeting, but also a sign of respect to elders and those of higher social status. It's used as an act of appreciation when receiving a gift. It's also used when saying goodbye. Thai children grow up learning the grace of this action; they don't ever question when or how to perform it. For me, it's been slightly stressful.

I know that it sounds stupid that I've often stressed out about my wai. Do I wai too often? Are my hands too far up, or not far enough? Do my elbows stick out too much? I've frequently chastised myself for waing to students in spur of the moment greetings. On many occasions I've neglected to wai my elders. They've always graciously overlooked my mistakes, but it's embarrassing and frustrating to me. I can assure you that it didn't help my frustration, when one of the Thai ministers at our church mentioned that foreigners always mess up the wai.

I tried harder.
Made many more mistakes.
Felt ridiculous practicing in front of the mirror. (Really, I did!)

On my way to church a few weeks ago I passed by one of the elders. Teaching supplies and my Bible weighed down my arms, but still I greeted him. I raised my hands and carefully placed them to my lips, the tips of my thumbs on my chin. I inclined my head slightly. I smiled and waited.

He beamed.
Actually told me, "Wai suwai," ( beautiful wai)
And returned my greeting with a delightful wai of his own.

For those of you who have never lived in Thailand this simple encounter may seem ridiculously uneventful, but it sent me floating through the rest of my day.

2006-08-30T01:02:00.000-07:00

I'm being held hostage by the rain.

Yes, it seems that the rainy seasons has FINALLY arrived. We've waited and waited for the rain to come, but this past week the floodgates have opened. Yesterday at GrapeJam, we all arrived soaked to the bone, and we left....well, really late. Kristin and I couldn't close up the Grapevine at 11 as usually because we felt cruel to send students out in the storm. So we waited and waited and waited. After several games of spoons, and some crazy pillow tossing match, the rain still hadn't stopped. I suppose we finally locked the doors at ummm...3 o'clock. Campus ministry is fun!

2006-08-23T00:46:00.000-07:00

Cooking Right with Mic and Jen

After our summer interns left I inherited their responsibilities with Cafe English on Wednesday nights. So far I've really enjoyed it. Last week my team mate Jen and I made an instructional cooking video. We baked a one egg cake and mixed our very own creamy frosting. (Note: Jen is not known for her cooking ability, and me...well, have you ever eaten anything I've made?) The video turned out wonderfully, and the students enjoyed taking notes, copying the recipe, and laughing at our attempts. We must have taught well, the student's cake turned out perfectly. (Ours had long since been thrown in the trash.) Oh well, even if we can't bake, we can speak English.

Tonight's theme: The Coffee House

I'm already feeling more competent and confident.

2006-08-01T23:56:00.001-07:00

Chocolate seems to win them over pretty well.

I have developed a small following at the SC building on campus. Each Monday afternoon, the Grapevine has Fun on Campus (F.O.C. for short). We play games and hand out Free Brownies to any students at either the SC building or the SI building. Even though most of the students speak decent English, they hesitate to begin conversation with a native English speaker. A few weeks ago I started taking the tray along with me to meet students, and initiate some friendships. They're still shy, but last Monday, as soon as I picked up the pan and started to walk around, a loud cheer arose from a group three tables away. They'd been waiting for at least 30 minutes for me to get up. Maybe in a few more weeks they'll actually come to our table, but until then, I don't mind the cheering crowds.

2006-08-01T23:56:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my team and I drove to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand to gather with other missionaries from all over Asia. We spent a good deal of time "bonding" as a team, evaluating our personal goals, and enjoying the fellowship of other Christians.
The weekend provided many opportunities to "feel at home." We played Putt-Putt, spoke in English the entire time, and ate at several "Farang" (Westerner) restaurants. It encouraged me to know that my body has adapted well to Thai dishes; my first experience with sickness came the morning after we dined at a charming Italian restaurant. Perhaps Tom Yum, and Khao Pat settle in the missionary stomach better than lasagna.

2006-06-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

Looks like the Back to School fever has run it's course in Thailand and the epidemic may soon end. At the Grapevine, an end to the beginning will soothe our spirits. The last few weeks have challenged us physically and emotionally as we have re-opened for the school year. All our kick-off events have reconnected us with last years students, and the exchange students have already introduced us to many new faces. Now, as the students settle in to their daily routine, we can settle into ours. Fun on Campus (F.O.C.) and Market on Mondays, Grape Jam (Music and Food) on Tuesdays, Cafe English on Wednesdays, Met Angoon (Bible Study) on Thursday, and Orphanage and Frunch (lunch on campus) on Friday. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we build relationships with these students and show Christ's love to them throughout this school year.

2006-06-20T23:36:00.000-07:00

Write me a note or two or TEN!

Sitti Apartments
attn: Michal Ruth Penwell 2201
98 Moo 18
Khlong 1
Khlong Luang
Pathum Thani 12120
THAILAND

michalruth@brokengrasp.com

I would love to hear from you.

And I want to talk to you, too.
Please send your information to me via email
if you haven't been receiving my email or snail mail updates.

2006-05-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

I realized last night as I lugged my baggage toward the exit of the airport,
that Hello is a beautiful word in any language. For the past few days I've been
numb to feelings. This numbness came partly because I'd said goodbye so much.
Goodbye has drained me of emotion.

Yet, walking past a swarm of weary travelers into the excited mass of
greeters at the Bangkok airport, I did begin to feel again. I sympathezied with
Anne of Green Gables who, ". . .felt broken down and green and provincial and
only ten years old." But regardless of what emotions churned inside of me, I
felt. I felt the beginning of green spring, and the broken pieces being
restored. I remembered the dreams of my innocent childhood. For the first time
in a long time, my old dream has become new again.

Behold, He turns all things new. I praise God for His continual redemption.

Somethings you might want to pray for:

That I'll drink plenty of water and not get dehydrated. (Thanks, Mom)

I'll adjust relatively easy to culture and time zone. So far so good, slept
through the night last night and woke up at 6:30 like a morning person!

That I won't get run over on my bike. I like the little bike bell too much to
have it destroyed.

Of course, that my life brings honor to God. I've learned a lot about trusting
His timing and enjoying this journey. I want this high and wide and deep
overwhelming love to spill out onto every person that I meet.

Now, here's a little snippet from a song compliments of the "Go Away, Michal
Ruth," song collection.

"Hello, Hello. I don't know why you say goodbye, I say Hello."

2006-04-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

Only a month left until I head home for Michigan. I feel like I'll have adequate time to say goodbye here in Knoxville, but my days in Vestaburg are short. But Northern Friends, take heart! You can still see me before I leave. Stop by my house any time on May 20th, and enjoy the fun and fellowship of the Penwell household.

Every other day is off limits unless you happen to be my little sister,

or my big brother

or my daddy

or my mum.

2006-03-21T06:16:00.000-08:00

I have a plane ticket! I feel like Charlie Bucket singing "I've got a Golden Ticket!" My eyes twinkle like gold, because a ticket to Thailand outweighs a trip to the Chocolate Factory. After a few months of difficult language study and culture shock, I suppose I'll hum a different tune. As for now I'll whistle my way home on May 13th, and 10 days later (May 23!) I'll sing on over to BKK.
Get out of bed and dance with me, Friends! I'm going to Thailand.

Oh, and by the way, I'm not opposed to chocolate. In fact, I'll sing the praises of anyone who decides that's a nice going away present.

2006-03-08T10:35:00.000-08:00

At the annual Gatlinburg Retreat I met up with my team leaders, Greg and Allison for the afternoon. All six of our 2006 exchange students attended the retreat, and we met for prayer and introductions. In June, we'll graft these students into the Grapevine's ministry for the new semester. We appreciate all the prayers you can send our way as we share Christ's love with the Thai.

" and on the vine were three branches.
As soon as it budded, it blossomed, and it's clusters ripened into grapes."
- Genesis 40:10