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!