who is your king?

I love going to the movies in Thailand. I just love the comfortable seats, the opera-like setup of the hallways, the funny Thai previews and of course the King's Anthem. Before every movie, they play the King's Anthem, and show pictures of the King. Everyone stands up to show their respect. Just before the song comes on, a sign comes on the screen in English and Thai to let you know that the Anthem is going to start next. It says (in English at least) Please Stand for the King, the Pride and Inspiration of all Thai People.

Last Saturday I went to see a movie with one of my friends. There were only a few other people in the theater (it wasn't a great movie). When it came time for the King's Anthem, the people a couple seats down from us did not stand up! I was mortified! Not standing up can land you in prison! They take the respect to the King very seriously! When the King's Anthem is played, the world stops. No one moves until it is done being played. I could not believe that they did not stand up! It bothered me all week.

But then I started thinking, the Thai king is not my king. I have another. But do I pay him the same honor and respect? Do I say the He is the pride and inspiration of me? Or do I make him worth less than what he is? All those people had to do was stand to show the King respect. It is so simple....but it meant they had to actually stand. I know what I should do for my King, but do I just not do it because of the inconvenience it is to me to "just stand?" Just wanted to share with you some thoughts this morning.

School is going good! Less than 3 weeks until the semester ends and we get 2 weeks off!

 I am having some issues with a student. He is my lowest student, in both English and Thai so I know that means there is something else going on there. His father runs with gangs throughout Nonthaburi (my town) and my student has been bringing in weapons into school (don't worry mom they are just plastic right now) but he draws disturbing pictures on all his papers and he only takes out books about war and weapons (which I will be putting a stop to!). He is also my student who for masquerade day dressed up in a full army and gas mask outfit. He is also disrespectful to the other classmates, lazy, and unmotivated. In other words, he is every teacher's dream! :) I have to have a meeting with him and the headmaster. I have been trying all year to have a meeting with his parents but they have been unresponsive. Please pray for me as I deal with this student, and for my student and his heart as well. His name is Folk.