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!