Reminiscing

Well I guess its officially the holidays. With only 10 days til Christmas I am just not in my normal Christmas spirit. Of course I have been playing the Christmas music since way before Thanksgiving, and yes there are many decorations at the malls and restaurants. So why do I feel like I am "playing" Christmas?! Maybe its the weather? Maybe its being far away from home? Or is it my attitude? Christmas is definately the time to spend with your family; catching up on everything you have missed from the rest of the year. And I miss my family! But I am loving my new family that I have here in Thailand.

On Saturday evening Ashley, Maria, Tatiana I went for a stroll in Queen's Park. It's a very metopolitan park with unique statues, many lushing fountains and courts for sports playing. Its a very romantic park to just sit on a wooden bench and relax to the cool breeze and nature surrounding you. The park, however it may sound, is a very busy place! There are people running, kids skateboarding, and many others gathered on the lawn to take a rest or have a picnic with friends. This weekend was the final round of a jazz competition so we just strolled and was seronaded by the smooth playing of the bass, piano and drums. It was a nice evening to relax in the park.

We then made our way to Emporium Mall where we all enjoyed walking around and looking at the fun things to buy with all the Christmas decorations around. Christmas to me is not about the gifts.. Really! I just love the feeling of sitting at home with our decorations on the mantle place sitting with one another and drinking hot cocoa. While I do miss the cold weather at home and being in my big hoodie and sweat pants, it has been quite comfortable here in the evenings, bringing just the right low 70 degree weather. Sounds crazy right?! But I truly think that Christmas is where the home is. While I am enjoying the new holiday culture of Thailand, I will still be "Home for Christmas.. If only in my dreams."

A break through!

Yesterday I was once again.. not.. looking forward to class. But God does have a sense of humor because through my complaining I had a great time in class. For the first time I was able to share with my students about my religion and what SDA's believe. I mean there were some looks towards me that was as if I was the weirdest girl in the world. But I was so exicted to tell about what I belived and why we as SDA's go to church on Satuday, how we know when we see if it will be Him, and why we do the things we do or not eat the things we don't. It was So exciting! you know you always hear of these moments and wonder.. "Will I be ready to stand up for what I believe in and tell others about Jesus?" Well last night with my 6pm class I know that I have sparked some interest in our religion! and I even invited them to come to church with me. Im just praying that they will continue to ask questions and that God will guide and direct me and our conversations. And you know that funny thing is? It took only 15 minutes of my time out of the 24 hour day to spark and deliver an interest to lead and teach about my Jesus!! God is amazing. Pray for me with the spark being started in my students to hopefully grow into fire for Him!

Privilaged

Living in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, has its many perks, but sometimes I don't feel like a "missionary"? When you hear of stories from missionaries, you think of people who are out "roughing it" in the middle of a jungle somewhere. They tell of their only source of water coming from a stream that you have to boil in order to drink, they take baths in the river, and sleep on a dirt floor. But, is this kind of story or scene really what it takes in order to be a missionary? I have found out differently. I thought that you needed to be in the middle of nowhere to reach others that have never heard of Jesus. Take a closer look at your neighbor, or boss, or even that old homeless man that walks the streets. Have they heard about Jesus?I have learned to get my facts straight about "mission work". It doesn't take someone to go half way across the world just to tell someone about Jesus. All it takes is one person to stand up for Him.

Here in Bangkok I have running water, a comfortable bed to sleep in, and even though I have no Air-con I have learned that it is a privilage or even a luxury that I have learned to go without. There are many shopping markets, seven-elevens, and cinemas that have made life here as close to home as you can get. But at the end of the day I still have to remember.. Have I shared Jesus with someone today? When someone looks at me do they see something different? Do they see Jesus in me?

Most of my students at my school are Buddhist. It has been quite a challenge trying to tell them about my religion and weasling in my beliefs and sharing my Jesus with them. It seems everyone has one focus.. and that is to learn English. Some are disinterested and some just don't understand. I have often wondered what my purpose is here? Am I doing His Will? Or am I getting lost in the daily to-do lists and latest news stories. I often wonder what it would have been like if I had no internet. Would I be more prone to get involved more? Would I spend the time I spend delving into my bible instead?

God puts trials into a person's life for a purpose. Each trial and tribulation is a character building experience. I begin and end my day with Jesus, asking Him just to reveal my purpose for that day and that He will use me to His Will. I also pray that God will use me as His vessel and just speak through me. Sometimes I feel like Moses and just need someone there to talk for me. Through every class I never feel alone, I just feel that Jesus is guiding my words and speaking through me.

If all is said and done, and no one learns anything from me being here I will still be rejoicing. Cause if anything Jesus has changed my life for the better! I am more comfortable talking about Him out loud and to anyone?! I love to encourage others and tell them about what new verse I have found or what I learned in church that week. Everyday I am growing closer and closer to Jesus. Relying on Him and learning to put all my trust into Him everyday has been a humbling experience. I can see that God still has a lot for me to learn, and I look forward to it everyday. If anything that is what is keeping me going, that fire for Christ.

Chiang Mai Adventure: Part 3

It was a last minute decision... But elephant riding is a must do while in Thailand! So what a better place than in Chiang Mai right in the middle of the jungle. Today was one of the best days during our whole trip a full day of adventures!

The tour took us to an outback village right on the side of a mountain. People were living in these make shift houses and dirt floors. It seemed as though the conditions and surroundings are completely unliveable. But for these Thai villagers it was the simple life that made things good. The village was occupied by many farm animals that roamed the paths and sqeaked and crowed as we continued deeper and deeper into their land. We came to our first clearing and came up on a gushing river that made our path come to a makeshift and very unsteady looking bridge. One wrong step and you would be splashing into the river. On the other side were fields and fields of rice and workers poking their heads up to see who their audience was that came walking up on them.

Our trek took us through the scenery that I was expecting to see in Thailand. The countryside. We walked deep into the rice fields and up a mountain and through thick jungle looking areas. We had to be careful with each step trying not to slip on the thick and slippery mud that made the path difficult to walk on. Our tour guide explained the ways of life of the people and what types of irrigation and set up they used for the rice fields. The Thai people are very knowledgeable with their resources and use everything to their advantage. Our tour guide told us about Teak trees and brought a leaf to us and said that when rubbed it turns to a blood red paint like consistency. She said it was used as war paint during war.

Our trekking led us to a beautiful waterfall that was so refreshing to stand beside as the mist came and cooled our faces from the hot hike. It was amazing to see the amount of water flowing out of what looked like rock emcaving the source of the falls. It was amazing to just sit at the bottom and listen to the roar and watch the water fall crashing to the base. Next we were on our way to the final destination of our trek and it led to another village with a magnificent view! You could see the mountains and rice fields for miles that made heaven look as if it was right in front of us.

After eating lunch it was elephant time!! My first elephant ride was going through the thick jungle of Thailand. Our elephant was tied to the one in front making sure not to get led astray as Ashley guided our ride. With each pounding step I was wondering whether or not I would be able to make it without falling off?! The steps of the beast was not insync as you rocked from side to side with a crashing force to the ground. I felt a little unsteady sloshing through the muddy water below and wondering if the elephant would slide and even make it up the steep incline?! The day was very hot but the experience was so rememberable!

To end the day we were driven to a river where we wen bamboo rafting! The rafts were made of long pieces of wood tied together with about ten all in a row that made a sturdy boat. Staying dry was not an option, cause as soon as I got on the raft the guide splashed us with his long bamboo. From then on it was a constant water fight and trying to see who we could knock off next. We stood on the raft and ducked to dodge the low trees and then standing in a surfing pose just trying to keep your balance in the rushing flow of the river. It was a great ending to the day after getting hot and sweaty on the trek and then dirty and sunburnt on the elephant ride.

Chiang Mai Adventure: Part 2

As I wipe the sleepy from my eyes I get an adrenaline rush as Leah comes in to wake everyone up. It was Monday and that meant ZIPLINING!! Although it was my idea to go in the first place I was scared to death of what was waiting for us in the jungle. After all I am so afraid of heights. I knew this was going to be an interesting day...

The trip up the mountain and to our final destination was not a fun ride. The driver seemed to squeal the tires after every turn going up the steep incline and around the narrow road that is supposedly used for two lanes. The scary part was the fact of the driver laying on his horn going around every turn to let oncoming traffic know that there was someone coming?! As we kept getting higher and higher into the thick lush green I knew that we were going to be smack dab in the middle of Chiang Mai's jungle! I wasn't sure how I was going to react to the first swing of the cables and the anticipation and anxiety was killing me as I waited for my turn to finally get all the necessary gear on that was going to be my only safe guard as we are swinging hundreds of feet in the air from tree to tree.

"Ok just sit and keep your legs up." "What?!" "No, No Im not ready!" My heart was pounding as the guide was about to let go of me on the first cable run. I blinked and off I went! Screaming of course as if that will help me from the beginning of the run all the way to the end. "Whew!" I made it through my first run and only 17 more to go?! We had about 9 people in our group that we had a blast laughing at each other going crazy as the excitement was building after each run. The view from these treetops are so indescrible! You are just amongst the most beautiful trees and lush plants you have ever seen. You get this rush everytime the guide lets go of your harness and then you are "flying" from tree to tree with this freedom of height and nothing to stop you.

The worst part of the tour was when we were desceded and dropped from an upper level tree post to a lower level. It was so thrilling as our guide Sam would play with us and drop you really quick then hold it so you come to a quick stop in the middle of the air?! I quickly got over my fear of heights and began to enjoy the excitement of the ride! On our last cable run I looked ahead and saw the frightful sight of the end. The tallest tree I have ever seen was at the end and the only way down was to be dropped hundreds of feet to the bottom. I was so nervous. I thought by this point I would have defeated my phobia of heights. So like a pro I forgot about my fear and in an instant I sat and was lifted off the platform and was descended to the bottom. "Was that it?" It was over in a flash. I wanted to do it again!

The day was cool being high in the mountains. And afterwards we were fed a delicious lunch and then made our way to the final destination of a waterfall. It was a beautiful sight! The falls were on the side of a mountain and seemed to go on for miles! We hiked all the way to the top of this rushing flow of water. The climb was steep and wet, trying to be careful of every step. But we were all determined to make it to the top! Totally worth it! Thailands landscape and beauty never seems to disappoint.

Chiang Mai Adventure: Part 1

Our journey began last Friday night about 9pm, our train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai was due to leave at 10pm. Mike, Ashley, Tatiana, and I were sitting right in the middle of the crowds waiting anxiously for the call of our train. The hour seemed to go by slowly as the heat of outside was pouring in and every second waiting was like an hour dragging on forever in the heat of the night. Our final boarding call was made and we got into the train looking for the seats that we were about to park on for the next 15 hours. Surprisingly the train is very comfortable and it was nice to be able to stretch out and sleep for the night. The train is very comfortable with the rocking of the cars that act as a cradle rocking a baby to sleep. So I just plugged in my ear plugs, placed a bandana accross my eyes and fell into a nice sleep.... Until I woke a few hours later.... And then a few hours later awoke again... I didn't get much sleep because my window kept falling down and the smells of the bathroom that was right next to us and the exhaust from outisde kept creeping in through the window and up my nose. I awoke in the morning to many insects in my bed that had come in through the night. And then it was pointed out to us on a flyer "Attention foreigners keep windows rolled up when sleeping." Ugh! A little too late...

As we stopped at a station along the way I was just sitting and looking out the window and feeling like I needed a shower at this point. The word grungy was across all of our minds, but I just decided to embrace it. Next thing I know a cute little old man came up my window and asked in his short broken English where I was from. I replied "America!?" And he gave me the nicest little smile he could and said "you are very beautiful. Americans are beautiful." I was surprised and just got a warm heart and thought that that little old man just made my day even through the traveling grimyness of the train.

After getting off the long ride and finally making it into Chiang Mai my anxiety of the trip was tingling through my whole body! I was so excited when we finally made it to our home for the next five days. The pastor of the SDA church had lent his house to the 6 of us for the week. We were reacquainted with our friends who moved to Ubon Erin and Leah and from then on the week was filled with nonstop laughter.

Chiang Mai is much different that Bangkok. First it is surrounded by glorious mountains and lush green trees and plants that make the air smell fresh. The city is smaller and caters to many "farrangs" that come to its dwelling. It has a huge variety of western restaurants and many coffee and food vendors that will meet any craving and meet what your taste buds are wanting.

On Sunday we went to the Doi Suithep Temple which is described as the "temple in the sky." We had to travel up a steep mountain to get to it, then once we got there we had to travel up the couple hundred steps to get to see this famous temple of Chiang Mai. Unfortunately for "farrangs" we had to pay to see this place but in the end it was completely worth it. The view from the top was so beautiful as you look over the edge and onto the majestic scenery. To walk into the main temple one has to wear long pants to go in. Unfortunately I did not remember this nor get the memo so I got to dress up in a Thai skirt (rented for 10 baht) just to see the comotion. Inside there were many gold Buddhas waiting for the people to adorn them with incense, candles and flowers. As I peeked inside one of the temples there was a monk flicking water on the bowing people below and speaking in an unidentifyable language. Then after the prayer of some sort he would strap a white string onto the followers and then they went on there way. After inquiring what these people were all waiting in line for I found out that the monk was blessing them with a lifetime of luck and that you keep the white string band on your arm until it falls off. It was amazing and humbling to see the dedication and the devotion of the people. Every follower has such respect for what they have to do and are very diligent in their ways. It was interesting to see the devotion first hand. It makes me wonder how and if in Christianity we show our diligence to our God? Publicly? Everyday? Something to ponder...

The day was getting hotter and hotter so we made our way back to the city to get ready for the Sunday market shopping! Chiang Mai's Sunday market is filled with all walks of life. People from every different country thousands of handicrafts and of all styles made from all over Thailand. Foods that you have never seen before or experienced all in front of you. The colors and lights blind you and you don't even know where to begin as with every minute the streets are becoming more crowded. It seemed to go on for a couple miles with the many street alleys filled with all te excitement. I am getting pretty good at haggling and batering with the locals. I am able to identify if it is a good sale and then tell them "Mai!?" when it is too expensive. I bat my eyes a little bit and use my gentle charm to soften the expense. The others laugh at me and say that I am so gentle and sweet when I ask. But I just use my incredible wit and charm and ask and tell them how it is in confidence hoping they will buy it?!

We finally made our way back to our beds and awaited until our next adventure that was to begin at 6:45am the next morning...

What's Up in Bangkok

So there are exactly two seasons here... Rainy season and hot season. We are definately in the rainy season. Everyday it seems to begin pouring right in the late afternoon and then in the early evening through the night. A few nights ago I was awakened from my REM cycle from a flash of light then followed by what Ashley and I describe the thunder as Satan's crack of a whip! It is indescribable on how intense the storms are. When you see a bright flash of light you know to run to safety and plug your ears from the immense crack that will make you deaf for the quick moment it happens.

Teaching is becoming a more easier process to handle. Everyday it seems that there is some quick change in schedule and that you will have a new student or a new class that you have to just smile and move on. That's Thai time for you. Anything goes at pretty much anytime without any warning. It was about a week and a half ago that Thursday at noon I got the news that "hey you have to go out of the country like now!" Apparently we were going to become illegal aliens on the Sunday if we did not go to renew our visa. So Ashley and I were told to leave at 430 in the morning to make our day journey to the "no man's land" between Cambodia and Thailand. To say the least, it was a very long day and it ended with a 12 hour sleep beginning at 7 pm that night.

I have truly have come to enjoy Karaoke! It's the new thing to do!

It is one of my favorite things to to here in Thailand. And just to clue you in, Thursday night is the new Saturday night! Just FYI... Thursday night is the main night that we all go out and do something special to end the week. Since we all have class on Sunday, it makes it hard to go out and enjoy the evening.

On Sunday I have two classes: one at 9-11 and then a class from 11-1. I am always a little apprehensive when it comes to Sunday. First I have to put on my "A" game to entertain the 7 young students for two hours where I am fighting for their attention and feedback. Then there's my Adult Bible class. Honestly, I have pray to God everyday before that class that He will just speak through me. It is a challenging class to get points across to the adults because they are all learning English at comepletely different levels. I have one student who is very good and she has to translate to the other 3-4 students of what I am trying to say. Its also a challenge when I am trying to teach them a little English as well as trying to explain God to Buddhists. I mean where do you even begin?!

This past Sunday, God was really working. We first just began with a comment that a person from the US was coming to Thailand to tell about a dream or vision that he had about Ellen White and then from there the conversation just blossomed. There were tears, laughter, and excited faces. One of the ladies who hadn't really said much before just completely opened up to me and the rest of the class. God is really working through her because she is asking alot of questions and wants to just find some peace in her life. I was able to share a little of my testimony and began to explain why things happen the way they do and what to do about it. I showed them two promises in the Bible: Philippians 4:13 and Romans 15:13. The time went by so fast! It seemed that we could have sat and talked and shared all through the night. But after the bell rang I prayed with them and told them to "Let go and Let God" to take a deep breath and continue their day. I could see the appreciation on their faces and burdens lifted off some as they were leaving my classroom.

Then my two students invited me over for lunch that afternoon. So I gathered my things and got Ashley and we went to my student Arriya with my other student Thaew to eat some homemade Khao Pat Gai (Fried Rice with Chicken). It was so nice to have some home cooked food. Then after talking for awhile and watching a short movie. We decided we were ready to do some shopping!

Markets in Bangkok are another indescribable experiences that you just have to be here to believe it. miles and miles of vendors and thousands of people gather and come together onto one street to sell their goods and to find good deals. There are always many Ferrangs (foreigners) that come to the Patunam markets and malls. Being clausterphobic is not an option as you walk through the lines of tents or aisles in the mall with other people pushing their way around you if you happen to stop. Soon you just get in a flow of crowds and you dare not stop or begin to linger and slow down or else you will be trampled by the many shoppers that are wondering why aren't moving. There are so many things to see and by running from clothing, to luggage, and many many accessories! I was in heaven! And was able to buy some good deals!

After the whole afternoon and evening of shopping we were all hot, hungry and running ragged by the end of the excursion. So all five of us hopped in a taxi and made our way back to Soi 37 which is our home street and grab some food at 7/11 then get ready for a good night's sleep.

Finding Refuge

Refugee: meaning a person who flees for refuge, or safety especially to a foreign country as in time of politcal upheaval or war. I had to look this word up in the dictionary to actually put together what these women were talking about. I know the word but you cannot understand it until you have actually been in the position of a refugee or talked to someone who is. And even after talking to someone you still cannot understand the compacity of it.

I was just recently given, once again, another class. I really wasn't looking forward to it becuase I already have alot of other classes that I am still trying to get used to and plan for. I didn't have the right attitude going into the classroom, but as soon as I came around the corner and looked into my glass windows and door I saw two beautiful women wrapped in black and brown beaded embroidered head dress. The smile on their faces greeted me and instantly my attitude became humble towards these two women. Being able to talk to these women made a huge turn around for me.

As I sat there listening to them talk I was just so curious about where they have been, what they have seen, and where they came from. I was told that they were Iraqi refugees and I was so curious to find out their story. We each introduced ourselves but I was the only stranger. Monera and Monel are sisters-in-law that had come over to Thailand about two years ago and are now living here until they can speak English well and then find another country to live. It was like 20 questions as I just kept wondering and curious about their background.

They both came with about 25 members of their family here to Thailand to find refuge from the harsh conditions in Iraq. There nationality is Palestinian but they have lived in Iraq their whole lives. Monera's parents had moved to Iraq in 1948. From there they had both grown up in Iraq and were right in the midst of the war. They said that it was unsafe everywhere they went. They feared for their husbands and children as they go off to school and work. Monera told me almost tearing up that often she would hear bombs going off everywhere and she would just worry all the time about her family members. It seemed as though they were even afraid to go outside for what might happen. They were right in the middle of this chaos and now living in Thailand they fear for the rest of their family back in Iraq.

Monera has an older son who attends a University in Iraq but unfortunately cannot come to Thailand because he will not be able to work. Monera and Monel both are afraid for their families back in Iraq but neither have plans to ever return, at least not for now. They are just looking for a place of peace and somewhere that they can learn English. Unfortunately both Monera and Monel and their husbands are not allowed to work here in Thailand becuase they don't have certificates to be able to work, and something about their immigration. It was all a little hard to understand through their intricate accent but I think that is what they were telling me. I asked them how they are able to support themselves? Basically they have saved up enough money to be able to last them for a while here and also they are given small allotments from the government to be able to survive.

I asked Monel if she would ever come and visit America? or if that was a country that they would eventually settle in? She just replied "I just want to learn English." I think that because of the war and all of the political riots and things they are both aprehensive of ever stepping foot into America.

I have never have had this experience of talking with a refugee. These women have been through alot and you could tell every time I asked a question about Iraq or about their families. Just the sadness and fear that comes to their eyes and expressions on their face. You just know that they have been through and seen alot of things I could not even imagine. I have only heard and seen pictures of the madness that has been going on in the Middle East but I had not idea that it was still going on. Hearing their story touched me and even as Monera was telling me about the bombs I began to tear up as I was just getting a glimpse of the reality.

After the class I felt honored to have met these women and to have them in my class. Hopefully more of their family members will be coming also. I don't know what God has in store for me to teach these women but I hope I will be able to show them compassion and the peace of knowing that they are safe.

Ignorance is Bliss?

Being a missionary has its definite perks. Besides the fact that you are typically surrounded by new atmospheres you will go through a journey like one you have never experienced before. At times, I will think of what I might be doing if I was back in the states and attending school. Then I think about everything that I would be missing if I had not come here to Thailand. All over the world people are moving and doing things that you would never have any clue about until you have finally gotten yourself out there and see it for yourself. So is my title statement correct? Is being one side minded and just staying in one spot because we are comfortable really bliss?

Today I was able to go with Teacher Cherry to a nearby kindergarden school. The children who attend there is so full of life and curious about the new "white" person that they have never seen before. They step all over themselves just trying to get closer to talk to you. Each one is desperately wanting to seek your approval. I read a story to the three classes that we taught for the morning. Having about 20 pairs of eyes watching your every move was a little nerve racking, but every little ear was listening intently as I read each word.

Singing songs with the children brought me back to the times when I worked at a summer camp. Children are so energetic! Its not like I needed to go half way across the world to figure that out, but they yell out the songs at the top of there lungs not having a care in the world of who is listening or even if they will be told to be quiet. These kids have joy whenever you looked into their faces.

We began to pass out pieces of homework paper and trying to help them I get bombarded with questions in Thai. I just kept smiling and nodding my head pretending I knew what they were trying to tell me. I understood most of what they said just by pointing and their body language. Each child was trying to show me if their work was good. They would sit and write the letter "V" and then instantly show me "Teacher teacher!" then I replied "Chai Chai" which is yes. There is a difference in the way children are taught here. I was always taught with encouragement and in my own time. Well not here in Thailand. One of the teachers went around and was erasing the kids work then forcefully taking their pencil with their hand in hers and making them write while throwing the pencil down when she was done. Their work has to be perfect in their eyes. I also saw another teacher "spank" more like a hit a child to get them to straighten up.

The saying "ignorance in bliss" can be a positive to one while having a negative effect on another. While children are ignorant is it bliss when they don't know what they are doing wrong but yet being hit and forced to complete something they are just learning? Is ignorance bliss when you have not been able to experience a different culture? Get out there! God has a meaning in your life and wants to show you the bliss! The blissful experience of seeing a child's face that will brighten your whole day and outlook on life. Today I experienced the bliss of being a child and going back to a time when nothing matters and everything is ok