Home Again, Home Again

Well, I made it.

It cost me 285 USD to leave--apparently I overstayed my visa.

I thought someone stole my computer in LA.

My last plane was delayed 30 minutes so they could replace a part.

And one of my bags didn't make the last flight.

But I got home! And so did my bag, a few days later. That's all that matters I suppose.

I expected so much for everything to be very different, but what I've found is that everything feels much the same, very much. It feels like I was only away for a weekend. Which is really kind of weird. And not weird at the same time.

The adjustment issues probably will kick in once I've moved to school Thursday. I don't think I want to start that boring routine again, but I suppose having a university degree will be worth it.

Point of this story: I'm home safe, and it's good to be home. Not that I was any too eager to return, but it's good to be able to see everyone again. It was a stressful trip, but I survived. Who knows, maybe I'll be making it again this time next year...

Leaving On a Jet Plane, Don't Know When I'll Be Back Again

Well, everyone, this is it. I made the rounds, said the goodbyes, packed my bags, and leave for Suvarnabumi Airport (pronounce 'suwanapum') in an hour and a half.

It's gonna be a long trip.

27 hours.

But I'll be back in Salem by Sunday morning. As you could tell in my (perhaps overly dramatic) last post, I am sad to leave, but I think I've had some time to prepare myself and returning will be great too. I'm excited to see everyone again!

This summer has been so much more than I ever could have asked for. I have been able to hear about and even witness God doing some great things in Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia. I have met some truly amazing people--both Thai and American. I have grown to love, even more, the excitement and uniqueness of this city.

I really hoped that God would give me a clear call or direction in regards to my future contact with Thailand, but, honestly, that didn't come. I still have no idea what God has in store for me, my life, missions, etc. I do feel like I will come back to Thailand for some length of time, and I hope, at minimum, it will be next summer. I hope some of you will join me! I'm not kidding :)

I honestly cannot think of a single major negative experience. Sure, there was awkwardness at times (that is normal for me), but nothing that really dampened my spirit or caused me to rethink my decision to come. If anything, it was constantly reinforced.

Thank you all for reading and commenting about my experiences as related through this blog. It has been a blast to share it with you and to hear from you. And thank you most of all for your prayers; they were often felt and greatly appreciated! You may never know just how much of a blessing you have been.

Please continue to pray for:

-Me as I readjust to life on the other, other side of the world, start school and work again, etc.

-God to continue to move in the hearts of Thai people, to save them

-My friends: Joe, Jack, Mart, and Chuan (and many others)

-The prison ministry and the men and women in Thai prisons

-The other various ministries in Bangkok such as the Baptist Student Center

-The International Mission Board as it is restructured, and the IMB missionaries as they continue to work, many in new capacities

-A movement of authentic, indigenous Thai Christianity

Thanks again for reading! I hope this won't be the end, so keep checking for new posts. They may not be as exciting, but my readjustment could offer some funny stories!--I'll try not to drive on the left side of the road...

In Christ,

Timothy

Beautiful Goodbye

So this is the worst part. The part that hurts the most. The bitter-sweet part. The part that's labeled "goodbye."

Or, hopefully, "So long." "Until then." "See ya later."

This week, since teaching school, has been really relaxed, really free. Sometimes this was great, and others I felt a little lazy. I haven't had many responsibilities, which means I got to hang out with people and do a lot of English Corners.

Saturday I took the new Journey girls to JJ weekend market. It was cool to use some of my experience to help them adjust to life in Bangkok. They will live here for three months before they move to Chiang Rai, a town in the north, to do agriculture and water projects. It was a lot of fun hanging out with them.

Sunday was my last service at New Vision Baptist Church. I haven't been there since Chiang Mai, so it was great to get to experience that one last time before leaving.

Monday I think about all I did was the English Corner in the evening from 4-7.

Tuesday I went to see Chang Noi (Little Elephant) Ministries. It was through Chang Noi that we taught in schools last week. They have a nursery school for pre-K children and we got to see that place--called the Abba House. Lee Davis, the director of Chang Noi Ministries is seen below. She also showed us some of the slum in the surrounding area.

Wednesday I went shopping/hung out with some MKs (missionary kids). They were a lot of fun and so helpful! They know their way around and speak a good deal of Thai. It's great to see not just this country but the world through their eyes. Plus, many vendors give a better price to anyone who speaks Thai! They just got a new Dairy Queen in one of the malls here, and they give free refills! This is a big deal here; I've heard a lot of talk. So we had lunch there. The whole day was just a lot of fun. (Caleb was there too, but he was sitting by me, so not in the picture.)

Today I went to the English Corner again and had some great conversations with people. Afterwards I met my Thai friends and we all went to supper together one last time. I thought it was just going to be the three guys, but it ended up that just about everyone was there! Joe, Jack, and Mart (my three best friends); Cherry; AK, Opal, and Joe (from Prathunam); and all four moms! (Ote, Add, Eet, and Elle)! I was so happy to see them as I haven't seen them since Chiang Mai. I couldn't believe it; it was so amazing of them to all get together to see me off one last time. I'm really going to miss them. I wish I would have had even more opportunities to get to know them. Mom Ote got a little teary-eyed, and I wasn't far myself. She even gave me a hug and a kiss (which is a big deal to this culture--and because they know that we do that). As I was walking toward the SkyTrain, they kept waving and waving until I literally was out of sight. Everyone else is planning on meeting me at the airport.

So my goodbyes really began in Chiang Mai. I had to give them to people I just met a few days before, but felt so close to, and grew to love and love their ministries. Shortly after Chiang Mai, I met a couple in Bangkok on their way to the south and told them goodbye. They have been so wonderful to me. I (along with many of the Journeymen) call them grandma and grandpa. The last thing grandpa said to me was "Love Jesus." That is the most important thing. I must try to remember that.

This week I have been making rounds doing the same. Monday I told the Journey girls, Heather and Anna, goodbye as they are moving back to the Northeast. They have been so kind and helpful and I've loved hanging out with them. I'm glad I got to hang out with them some again. Today I told Becky goodbye and told her to tell David (her husband) goodbye for me. (He's who teaches the class at Prathunam Center.) I also told Jennie goodbye. She is the one who organized the conference in Chiang Mai, whom I worked under while I was there. We had a good little chat and she said she hoped this was more of a so long. I hope so too.

Of course goodbyes are always difficult, but I really do feel like these are not goodbyes. I really feel like I might come back--and that is exciting! I have no idea what God has in store at this point, but I feel like another trip to Thailand is a definite possibility. I hope this will be the case. If not, then aren't all Christian "goodbyes" merely "farewells"? Praise God for that.

Well, here I am, two days left, and I'm not sure exactly how much this has sunk in. I guess all I can do is make the most of it. Praise God ever for his goodness and mercy which will follow you always. He knows what he's doing, and it's perfect. Even his timing. See you soon :)

What Does a Farang Feel Like?

Here is a delayed picture from Chiang Mai. Just the view from my hotel room, but maybe you can see the mountains in the background.

After the few orientation days for Craig and Sarah, I've been involved in a new project. Three days this week and next I have been / will be teaching English in public schools. So far this has been a blast! I have to leave very early in the morning and as I was walking, I saw a monk collecting his alms. Every morning the monks go out and collect food and other necessities from people. The people then earn merit, or basically points that help them in their future lives. Women are not allowed to touch monks so they must either put their alms in his collection bowl or hand it to a man who then hands it to the monk. (When I was at the airport and they were checking tickets, the monk handed his to a man who handed to the lady and then back again.)

The school where we are teaching (a team of six: Carrie-the pastor's wife at Calvary Church, Kameron-a short term volunteer like me, and Rachel and her daughters Rebecca and Chelsie who are here for about three weeks) is in a poorer area further out from the city. We were told that this may be the first time some of these children have ever seen a farang (foreigner). They were all told to shake our hands so every time they have opportunity they come up and want to shake our hands! It's funny. There are 1,000 kids, grades K-9. Over the three days, they each will have been taught by us for an hour period. It's been a great time. I will let the pictures do the talking.

Every morning begins with a flag raising ceremony, exercises, and Buddhist prayers, followed by meditation.

We mostly taught colors and numbers, but some of the older kids learned more conversational English.

And of course every student takes his/her shoes off before entering the classroom.

We finished for lunch time, but then got to hang out for recess. That is when the hand shaking was most popular!

Teachers like to have their pictures taken too! Here are Kameron and me with the kindergarten teacher (center) and two others.

Ninth grade may have been the most fun even if at first it was most intimidating. Since some of them spoke a decent amount of English, it was easier to communicate. I'm really glad I had this opportunity.

We had an extra period today, so we had an assembly for the older grades and taught them some songs. Then they did a performance of some traditional Thai dancing. I love it when they do that!

Not Home Yet

Hello again, Bangkok! It's good to be back. Don't get me wrong; Chiang Mai is beautiful. The sun rising over the mountains wrapped in the mist was incredible. The slower paced, small town feel was a welcomed change (even though Chiang Mai has a population of over one million). Thai hospitality certainly wasn't lacking, and smiling faces were likewise ubiquitous. The noticeably cooler weather was wonderful. Chiang Mai sits comfortably in a valley surrounded by gentle, forest-covered mountains. The whole area was simply beautiful.

I rode a tuk tuk for the first time. This is a little three wheeled cart with a seat in the back and drives kind of like a motorcycle (or motosai as it sounds in Thai). There are many in Bangkok, but I just then took the opportunity to ride one. Tuk tuk drivers have a bad reputation (probably warranted) for overcharging, but I don't think I over payed for my short little trip. In the mountains in the North of Thailand, near Chiang Mai, there are many smaller people groups collectively called Hill Tribes. They have their own languages and to a large degree their own culture. They also have some crafts and goods that are unique and (hopefully) will make great gifts!

I was in Chiang Mai for eleven days to help with a conference. I got to meet and work with some incredible people and got to hear some amazing stories which I can't wait to share with you all (or ya'll as I'm getting used to saying thanks to the SOUTHERN Baptist Convention). It's amazing to hear stories from those serving in countries that are very closed and require great security and caution. These stories include miracles and healings that we in our comfortable, logical, rational American minds so easily explain away or ignore.

But now I'm back in Bangkok, and it's good to be surrounded not by mountains but by the familiar. It's amazing that I can classify Bangkok, Thailand as 'familiar.' I just realized that Bangkok is the first real city I've lived in. I've lived near St. Louis for two years now, but this is the first time I've actually lived in a city for a real period of time. I think everyone needs a city they can claim. Not necessarily a city to live in (I love the country just as much), but a city for which they have a special affinity. Maybe Bangkok will be mine.

I got back around 9:30pm Wednesday and met two people at the airport. Craig and Sarah are hear from the States for nine days to work at a ministry called The Well. They will be teaching English in the afternoon and doing some outreach at night. Yesterday was orientation day and it was great to be able to lead some people around the city and teach them about this beautiful culture I have come to love so much. They are great, and I'm looking forward to working with them. Craig just finished his second year of seminary at Southern, in Louisville, KY. They came for several reasons, but one is to see if missions is something they might be interested in later. I'm praying it will be!

The Well is a ministry in Bangkok that works with "bar girls," i.e. prostitutes. They have two centers and a few houses where girls come out of the bars to live. They teach them to make things like jewelry or greeting cards, have Bible studies, and especially help them work through the serious emotional and psychological scarring that many of them face. Some of the girls are as young as 13. Most often either these young girl's parents push them into that life because its easy and they need the money. A few of the girls are highly educated and for whatever reason, devalued themselves enough to choose that life for the money. But when they come to the well, they are exposed to the gracious value given only by Jesus Christ. Pray for this ministry and the many women at the well.

Two weeks from tomorrow I will be boarding the plane for my 30 hour return home. I have mixed emotions about this. It will be great to see everyone at home again, to tell my stories and share more pictures. But at the same time, this summer has been amazing. I have met some great friends here that I also will miss. I will miss the bustle of the city, the smell of the street food, and the smiling faces. But let's not go there now, I have two more weeks to enjoy!

Finally!!

Well, this has been the biggest gap in postings, and for that I apologize. I will try my best to bring you up to date.

My last week in Bangkok (don't worry, I'll be back for 2 more) was not too busy, really. I did prison ministry on Monday and Thursday and English at Prathunam the other days and all went as usual. I will really miss seeing those guys on Mondays.

I finally went up in Baiyoke Tower, the tallest building in Bangkok (there are pictures in older posts). It was fun to go there after having been here for a while because I could identify some familiar places from a different view. It was pretty cool even if it did cost 200 baht (6 USD). I also went to the flower market again. I will try to get pictures later. It is busiest at night, and I went in the afternoon. But there still was a lot going on. I still haven't been to ChinaTown, but maybe that will happen soon.

Last Saturday (the 4th) I flew to Chiang Mai where I have been for the last week. Chiang Mai is the 2nd largest city in Thailand. I could tell as soon as I got off the plane, however, how different it is than Bangkok. I'm not sure I could really identify the ways, but it's just different, a lot smaller of course. And it's really beautiful. It's quite a bit cooler, which is very much appreciated! And there are mountains basically surrounding the entire city.

I've been able to get away and see the Night Bazaar, but hopefully I'll be able to go see some more of Chiang Mai later. There is a wat on one of the mountains (there not really tall mountains, by the way); that would be great to see. Most of my time here has been spent preparing for and helping with a conference. Pray that everyone here will have renewal and leave refreshed and ready to serve. Also pray for a smooth transition for this new reorganization.

So, that's about it really. As busy as I've been, I've had a lot of fun and met a lot of new people. Thanks for reading even if there have been no updates for quite a while. Sorry there are no pictures, but hopefully I'll have some soon.

Coming Soon...

I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I know it's been forever. I didn't update for a while in Bangkok, and now I've just gotten internet in Chiang Mai. I will get an update up as soon as I can. They're keeping me busy up here!!

-Timothy