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

Elephants and Tigers and Coconuts? Oh My!

I think I'm getting worse at keeping up with this, not better.

Friday was English class as usual, but after class Saturday we went out to eat and then for a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River! It was fun even if it did rain in the end. You can see some beautiful buildings from the river. I still love Thai architecture!

You also can see some not so great architecture. There are many little houses built like this right over the water. Someone saw these pictures on my camera and asked why I wanted them. I'm sure he didn't want me showing a bad view of Thailand. I said, "Because people live in there!" Those houses matter because the people who live in them matter. And those people probably have no one among them who can tell them the gospel...

Here's me again with Mom Ote who continues to take great care of me! It was her idea to take me out on the river taxi.

We walked to a wat basically out in the jungle...okay, maybe not quite, but I did have to walk on a raised boardwalk through a banana grove.

And there were some stalls outside where we got some food. I had been wanting to try these coconuts and Jack just happened to buy me one! It wasn't very good though. Kind of a disappointment. Oh well.

There also was a baby elephant we got to feed. Now don't tell me that happens everyday in Southern Illinois!

Then, on our way back, we ran into these tigers! Or maybe that was when we went to the zoo after church Sunday. Right, while it was no STL Zoo, it wasn't bad. I had a good time.

The weekly schedule still continues mostly the same. Monday I went to prison as usual. This week the guys had a lot of questions about things they've been reading in the Bible and so forth. It is getting even greater to see them every week. Continue to pray for God's guidance in their lives and that he would continue to provide strength and encouragement to them.

Monday I also moved out of the Guest House and into the home of a missionary family. They have been great and it's nice to have some people around. I'll be here until I go to Chiang Mai July 4.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I went to Prathunam for English classes. That is still going well. I found out today that one of the students became a Christian just seven weeks ago. Please pray for her as she grows in her faith. Wanda, the lady who teaches the English class on Thursdays and Fridays said, "It's so great to see someone so excited about reading their Bible."

In the afternoons I've been working on several excel documents for the upcoming conference, but I think I will be finished tomorrow which is such a relief! Then next week I'll be preparing for the couple coming at the end of July. So pray for me as that happens. It should be a lot of fun though.

Sorry there are no great stories to tell, but I hope you enjoyed the pictures. Everything is still beyond great, and thank you for your continued prayers!

Once Upon a Time, In a Magical Land of Cabbages...

Sunday we went site-seeing again after church! We went to a place called Suan Pakkad..."the Cabbage Garden." It's actually a palace assembled by a prince. He collected several traditional Thai structures in this central place (which had been a cabbage garden) and then turned it into a museum. Here we all are outside/under one of the buildings:

It's interesting to see these traditional structures surrounded by tropical gardens, and then notice all the modern skyscrapers in the background. This particular building happens to be the 84-story Baiyoke Tower, the tallest building in Bangkok.

After we toured Suan Pakkad (admission to which costs more for farangs than Thais. I did get a free fan though, and Mart asked why I got one and I said, "I guess that's why I had to pay more.") we went out to eat. I had KFC. There are more KFCs in Bangkok than I ever see in the States in one place! Anyway, a farang is a foreigner (depending on the way it's used, it can be a simple fact or a derogatory title). It's also the word for guava. So there are lots of jokes about eating farang. And here we are again. They are better at taking pictures than I am! They always say, "Go stand there, I'll take a picture." So I do...

Monday I went to prison again. Keep praying for the guys there. Here are some names, if that helps: Jesse (the American), Stephen, Judge, Prince, Godfrey, Patrick, and the others. There is a guy here, Rick, from Arizona for three weeks helping with the prison ministry. He came with a group from his church in February and decided to come back (where have I heard this story before?). So he's here for three weeks. I got to hear a little of his testimony which is pretty cool.

He has been in prison several times. He escaped twice and once from a county jail. He was even on America's Most Wanted. When he escaped from the county jail (in Hays County, KS--I've been there!), it was in the middle of one of the biggest blizzards in Kansas history. He said he shouldn't have survived. He prayed that God would just let him die. Then he woke up two days later in a hospital in a tub of ice water. They were going to amputate his feet, but he wouldn't let them. He said he realized that for him and for many God is only an option when nothing else is. He sees himself coming back to Thailand frequently.

Tuesday and Wednesday I went to English class at Prathunam Center. This week is the last of the term, so there are no English Corners at the BSC. I did have some homework to do for the vocational English class we're teaching on Thursdays: Get a massage so I know what English is needed for that job. This sounded fine to me! So Wednesday afternoon that's what I did. I may not have mentioned this (I hate to rub it in that I got an hour long traditional Thai massage for less than $13), but one thing really struck me. The first thing they did was wash my feet. Since this doesn't happen to me everyday (well, I wash my own feet of course...), I couldn't help but think of Jesus washing the disciples' feet and how humbling that really is. Especially in this culture. In Thailand, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. You never touch someone on the head, not even children. And the feet are considered the lowest. So you never touch anyone or anything with your feet; you don't step over anyone, and you don't show the sole of your foot to anyone. Someone here recently reminded me that Jesus was from an Asian culture, so it could have been just the same for him. That just amazes me now more than it ever has. And God never ceases to amaze me.

Unfortunately, after the massage, I got a migraine and spent the rest of the evening asleep. Please pray that that doesn't happen again.

Today, I went with Mark and Nilda to the ladies prison for the vocational English class. Mark said that there was going to be a special teacher appreciation ceremony today which is common in schools across Thailand. There were about 200 ladies assembled and various teachers were there to participate. The ceremony included some Buddhist chants and prayers, the lighting of incense before a Buddha image, and the presentation of flowers to the image and then to the teachers. So, it ended up that we didn't teach a class at all, but it was cool to see that ceremony. Buddhism isn't like Christianity or other religions in that there is no 'holy day.' They don't go to a wat (temple) on a certain day, and there's really no services. So this ceremony was kind of a unique insight into Buddhist practice.

Things are still great as always. I'm not tired of Thai food yet either! That is definitely a good thing. I can't believe my trip is almost half way over. That doesn't seem possible, but I guess it just means I'm half way to getting to tell you all the stories in person! Thanks for reading, and even more for your prayers.

My Name's Timothy, But You Can Call Me 'Chirp Chirp'

Well, things have been much the same. I'll walk you through, though, since it's been a while.

After getting lost Tuesday (again, only kind of), I took the rest of the day pretty easy. I worked some on the computer that afternoon and then hung out the rest of the evening.

Wednesday I had English class at Prathunam Center in the morning, worked in the afternoon, and then went to the English Corner that evening. The monk was there again, so I helped him with the book he was reading. Meeting a monk was always one of those I-hope-I'll-get-to-do-that type of things, and I'm finding that more and more of these are coming true! This works well for me. Here we are:

Thursday I went to a women's prison where I'm now helping with a vocational English class. It was pretty fun. Mark went, but the lady that teaches it, Nelda, is from the Philippines. That means she's teaching a second language of her own. I assume she speaks at least three languages (Tagalog, English, and Thai). She does a great job, and it was a good time. That evening I went to the English Corner for a while before going to the last Alpha Class of the term. Be praying for those taking Alpha Classes. Some of them are new Christians, but many of them are just seekers, or want to know more about Christianity. Pray that they would find what they need.

Friday morning I went to the English class again, then to Friday Night Life, the English program at the BSC. There is a group of college students here from AR for two months who were there and I think will be helping frequently. Pray for their ministry here. They're helping with a new church and with university students mostly.

Today, I went to the English class again. I rode the boat there with David, but I think I'm done riding it back, at least by myself! Several of the students and I went out for lunch afterward. Mom Ote was there again and she gave me a nickname: "Gook Gook." That's the sound that a little chick makes. (Yes, animals don't make the same sound in every language!) I don't know why she picked that, but I guess I'll take it. Every Thai takes a nickname. Usually one syllable, they are sometimes Thai words (Lek means 'little'), sometimes English names or words.

I took the afternoon to catch up on my journal, then went out to eat with some friends, the same group from Sunday afternoons. We went to a Korean Bar-B-Que. It works like this: First, you get your raw meat, vegetables, and noodles:

Then you cook them in these bowls things over hot coals: (This is Lek, Joe, Ole, and Pae (whom I once thought was pronounced 'Bet'...oops...in my defense, 'p' and 'b' sound a lot alike in Thai!))

Then you take it out when it's done. Thai meals are very communal. It's very common for them just to put food on your plate so you can try it. There aren't often serving spoons, so you just use your own. Even for sauces. The most common silverware is a large spoon and a fork. You hold the spoon in the right hand and use the fork to push food onto the spoon. You don't usually put the fork in your mouth. But sometimes--for noodles (or nooden as it sounds, because no Thai word ends in 'l' so they often substitute an 'n') or in this case, Korean food--you use chopsticks. I'm not very good at this. But I'm learning quickly out of necessity! They do laugh at me though! This is octopus, which is better than jellyfish, but not as good as squid; take my word for it:

This is Jack and Meow (animal sounds must be common nicknames actually...):

And this is me and Sommart (also once thought to be Mon...Mart, Mon, they sound similar...right?):

I'm really having a great time getting to know all of them. They're so nice and so helpful and they're helping me learn Thai! I'm finally not so overwhelmed by the adjustment that I'm able to remember a little of what I hear. Pae even asked, "How long have you been here?" "Four weeks," I said. "Your Thai is very good." Now that is some good encouragement! Thai is a tonal language (like Chinese), so you must not only remember the letters or sounds, but the tone of the word too. If you get it wrong, they either don't understand, or you've said something other than what you meant to say (for instance 'dog' instead of 'doctor'). Good to know that I'm actually learning some!

Things are still going really well. I can't believe it's almost been a month! That doesn't seem possible. Thanks for reading, and more, thanks for your prayers.

Yes, I speak Thai...

I got lost today.

Well, kind of. This morning I was going to Prathunam Center for English class as usual. Since now I'm staying at the Guest House, I rode the canal boat with David. This was pretty easy. And very packed. But it was cool. Here's a picture of the boat coming.

The canal boats are cheaper than they SkyTrain, closer to the Guest House, and closer to Prathunam Center, so really way to get there. We got to Prathunam and began this term in the same way that class always goes. The two ladies that took me sight seeing last Tuesday are there again. They said that something we ate then made them sick. Whatever it was, it didn't bother me. Funny how that works, huh? Apparently my street food prayers are working! After class I went to eat at Big C and David went back to the Guest House. After I had finished eating, I decided to be brave once in my life and just try the canal boat by myself. I had never ridden it back to the Guest House so I wasn't exactly sure how that would go, but I figured I might recognize the buildings in the area or if I missed the stop I could just get off at the next one.

Or, as it happened, many, many stops later. They don't stop at every stop unless someone is prepared to get on or off. Plus there is a plastic sheeting up on the sides to prevent the water from splashing you. So it's hard to see exactly where you are. Anyway, I finally got off (after a turn in the canal, just enough to really throw off my sense of direction) and just started walking. I really had no idea where I was and for good reason, because I don't think I've ever been in that part of the city. Eventually I found my way to a main road and then one that looked even bigger. My plan was to walk until I found Sukhumvit (the main road near where I'm staying) or until I got tired, then I'd just get a taxi. This main road ended up being more like an highway really, and was super busy. I walked for a quite while and then I got to a place where I couldn't really walk any further due to sidewalk construction so I decided (as I was literally dripping sweat) to get a taxi.

"Bai Sukhumvit Soi sip-sam?" I asked. (That's right! I asked if he could take me there all in Thai!) Which brings me to another point. It really was the providence of God that I knew how to say that. I'm sure I've heard it before, but I was thinking this morning on the way to Prathunam about how I couldn't remember how to say 'thirteen' in Thai. I could remember three, but not thirteen. When David was talking to the students in Thai I hear him say "sip sam" and remembered that that was it. So God reminded me within hours of when I would need to use that. The taxi driver nodded, so off we went. Which brings me to yet another point. It started raining within about two minutes of me getting in the taxi. God has perfect timing.

It was a good little ride back, about 25 minutes I'd guess. But I got back, finally. That was enough adventure for one day, so I've spent the afternoon working on an excel document that will be used at a meeting in July. So, no worries, everyone! If I get lost, there's always a taxi driver who can interpret my broken Thai and get me home.

A recap of my weekend goes like this: Friday I didn't do much, got a little work done (a PowerPoint I'm working on for someone) and then hung out, I guess.

Saturday, I went to the weekend market (JJ Market) by myself because I wanted to make sure I could get there and have some idea how to lead some folks around when they come to Bangkok in July. And it looks like I'm going to get to do some more of this 'research.' As part of my preparation for them, I need to make sure I can get them into the tallest building in Thailand and around China Town. I think I can handle this 'work.'

Sunday I went to New Vision Church again and hung out with some Thai friends that afternoon until we went to JJ Market again. This was fun. There was a guy at church from Denmark. He is here on vacation for two weeks and just found the church online. I think he is the first Dane I have ever met. His name is Ole (sounds kinda like Spanish 'hola') and he's a new Christian. Pray that he would grow in his faith. It think he had a good time; I certainly did. We also went to the flower market again and has supper on the street. It was really good though! We rode a taxi back. 'We' as in, all six of us. Doesn't take long to get to know people...

So things have been interesting, but are still going really well. Sorry there aren't more pictures, and maybe more story than you ever cared to know, but I hope you enjoy reading!

Four Wats, Three Friends and a Flower Market

Hmm...this title is strikingly similar to the last one.  Perhaps I am even more formulaic than even I analyzed.  Anyway, It's been forever!  And because of that, there will be A LOT of pictures!  In a lot of ways a lot has happened, and in many others, nothing has.  I'll get to the details though.

Sunday night I got a call from Mark, the guy who does the prison ministry.  He said that Henry, the guy who teaches the Bible study I go to on Monday morning, was sick and could I prepare a lesson in case he's not any better by tomorrow.  So I agreed to do it.  He said, "this is front line mission work," referring to the phone call the night before.  Henry was worse in the morning so I did my thing.  It went really well.  The guys asked a lot of questions and there was some good discussion.  I'm not glad Henry got sick, but I'm glad I got that opportunity.  Please continue to pray for the men who come; many of them are trying to work out some important decisions.

Tuesday was amazing!  Itim, one of the students from the weekday English class at Prathunam took me with two of her friends (one of which is also a student at the weekday class) to do some site-seeing.  We started at the Golden Mountain.  It's basically this big pile of earth that was built up centuries ago by one of the kings.  There's a shrine or temple at the top.  Here's the whole thing looking up.  First is was a mound of earth, then one king added teak braces, then one finally built the concrete wall around it.

There's all these giant bells at several places all the way up.  It's supposed to be good luck to ring every one...so I did.

This is the golden chedi at the top (a chedi is basically that tower thing).  And Itim is the one standing in front of it.

This is me, Itim, and her friend that came with us and a view of the city from the top.  Umm...I'm pretty tall here.

You have to take your shoes off any time you go into a wat (temple).  See:

There were a lot of Buddha images set up inside.  There was also this thing where you take a cup that has sticks in it.  Each stick has a different number on it and you shake the cup gently until one falls out.  Then you get the fortune with the corresponding number.  Here's mine; not bad:

These are the three ladies who so kindly guided me around the city!  Yet another display of the infinite Thai hospitality!

Next we went to the King Rama VII Museum (the current king is Rama IX, he is Rama VII's grandnephew, I think).  Anyways, of course to me it was pretty cool, but I'll only share one picture.  It's the royal Thai china...not to be confused with the royal Chinese tie...

Next we went to a wat (I don't know the name).  This is a good example of traditional Thai architecture.  Most of the wats are in this style, but not all.

There are a lot of Buddha images there.  The whole interior of the outermost wall is lined with them.

Then we went to a medical/forensics museum.  We're talking human bones, preserved limbs, mummified bodies, the whole nine yards...no pictures though.  After that, we rode the ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun.  It's ginormous, but we climbed it too.

On the ferry ride back across the river, it poured!  For quite a while.  That's why they call this rainy season.  But eventually it stopped, so we went to Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.  It is the oldest wat in Bangkok and the largest.  The main Buddha image is 46 metres (about 150 feet) long and 14 metres (about 45 feet) high.  It's in one long room, but you can barely see it all at one time.

Here's the whole thing but the feet.

Then we went to the Siam Museum, a museum of the history of the Thai people and was really interesting.  They made me dress up in these old costumes, so I made Itim join me.

It was a great day.  I was definitely tired by the end, but it was well worth it.  At the end of the day we walked through the flower market.  There are just stalls and stalls of different kinds of flowers.  It smells wonderful.  I saw a bundle of about 50 small roses for 40 baht (that's about $1.10).  We had street food for supper which made me a little nervous, but my stomach handled it fine.  Praise God for that!  I was definitely pray the whole time, "O Jesus, let this not make me sick."  And it didn't.

Wednesday I spent all day at the office and then moved to the Guest House from Joe and Jeanie's.  That really was it...nothing exciting...except that I went to the movies again.  There are two girls here with the Journeyman Program.  It's a two year program for college graduates.  Their assignment is "out in the boonies" as they say, but they're here in Bangkok for a couple of weeks.  It was good to get to hang out with them.

Thursday I went to prison in the morning then the BSC in the evening.  At the English Corner I got to talk to a Buddhist monk.  Well, it was mostly language practice, not much conversation, but he was reading a book about the Pali Cannon (the Buddhist scripture of sorts) so I was helping him with the English and got to learn a bit myself.  He even gave me some tea and cookies as thanks!

Well, that was another long one, but things have been pretty busy!  Thanks for reading everyone!

Four Moms, Two Friends, and Fish at a Floating Market

Woah...it's been a while.  But now that you know my schedule (maybe...I go to prison MR and to English class at Prathunam TWFS).  I think I'll abandon a rigid replay of the day by day, but I'll definitely keep you up with the highlights!  This also may mean that I actually think of titles for these posts...maybe...

So, Thursday I went to a different prison with Mark and Charlotte.  This art class is only about 6 students but they've been taking the class for a few years now and are oil painting.  Then they sell the paintings.  Most if not all of them are Christians.  I got to talk to the leader of the group, Boy (a pretty common nickname actually), just about random stuff.  He's getting out in a few months, so they're talking about that transition and what it will mean for the other guys.  

Update:  The class Charlotte teaches on Monday and Friday mornings in the maximum security prison is made up of the big dogs, the drug lords with long sentences.  I think they said there are about 33 of them in the building, so I don't how many take the class, but since this Friday was the last class, they did an invitation and 19 of them responded!  How amazing is that?!  Definitely be praying for them.

Friday evening I went to the Friday Night Life program and was the only native English speaker in the group.  It was a lot of fun though.  Afterward, this older lady told me I did a very good job and that she had a gift for me.  She gave me a coin that was made to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the king's ascension to the throne.  That was really great!  I told you these people are nice!  After that a few of us went out to eat and that was a lot of fun too.

Saturday was one of the best days so far!  After the morning English class, six of the students took me out to eat!  Here's the class:

We went to the floating market, but I didn't actually get to see any of the market wah wah....but maybe another time.  We rode the bus to get there.  And this lady, Ote, said that they all would be my moms while I'm here :)  So I call her Mom Ote, she is so nice and we all had so much fun.

We ate this whole roasted fish and several other dishes.  They wouldn't let me pay....again, they are so nice!  They ask if I like Thai food and I say yes.  Then they ask if I like spicy food and I say, "a little spicy."  Then they tell me which sauces are spicy.  I went to try one any way and someone stopped me and said, "You cannot eat."...She was probably right.

This is me in front of the market.  The restaurant was on a boat, but the market is not right there next to it.

This is Joe whom I told you about.  Keep praying for him.

Oh, and some random guy behind us I didn't mean to get in the picture, oh well.

Here is me with all my moms! (except Lek, second from left, she's not old enough :)

Here is a stand at the market that sold orchids....lots and lots of orchids...less than 50 cents a bundle!  

Today I went to New Vision Church again and before I went up I saw Chuan, a guy I met the week before at Friday Night Life.  I think he was supposed to have a class or something (the church is on the fifth floor (or really the fourth floor because the ground floor doesn't count) or the BSC), but I said I was going to church upstairs.  So he came with me.  I know he's a Buddhist because he said so and because he always will wai a spirit house when he passes one.  This is common.  The wai is the traditional Thai greeting in which one places his/her hands together in front of the face and bows from the neck.  Usually Buddhist wai the spirit houses or statues as they pass, but anyway, Chuan came to church this morning.  I don't know how long he's been taking classes at the BSC, but this was the first time he's come to church.  Pray for him.

After church they serve lunch, but as one girl said, "It was not delicious."  So I went out to eat with her (I think her name is Bet) and a guy, Mon, both of whom I met today.  I had Pad Thai for the first time since I've been here!  It was really good too.  Then we went to see the new Terminator movie (in English with Thai subtitles).  After the previews a screen comes on that says, "Please pay respect to the king."  So everyone stands and they play a slideshow of pictures from his life.  It was actually really cool.  The Thai people love the king!  It is illegal to say anything bad about the monarchy, but you can still tell the respect is genuine.  They really love him.  Also, because his picture is on all money, you can't step on a coin to stop it from rolling.  Anyway, I had a really good time with them too.  Bet has been a Christian for 10 years now, but Mon is a Buddhist.  Pray for both of them.

Well, that was a long update, but a lot has happened.  Things are going really well.  I'm getting comfortable with everything and beginning to relax!  Thanks for reading!