In Thai, "Bai Tiaw" means going on a vacation. Ying, one of my roommates, has invited me to visit her family with her and then go to Koh Chang, elephant island! Its an honor to be invited to someone's home. When Thais want to hang out with you here, its not usually at their house. Usually, you meet in a common place. Due to social classes and honor values, they would rather not devalue you or feel lower themselves. However, when you are invited over, you must bring a gift. The gifts can be pomegranates, cookies, etc...
While all my roommates work with our team in Bangkok, they all live in very contrasting areas to this big city of street dogs and traffic. Ying's family is planting a church to the East about 4 hours by bus...I think its near the water, because I'm expected to eat lots of fish. My week should include some fishing with her dad and herself...lots of their food comes that way. Then Ying and I take off for a few days on our own to an island to enjoy the beach.
Please pray for my week. May I be humble, encouraging, a servant, gracious, patient with my language abilities, and communicate clearly. Happy New Year!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
A Sweet Christmas
I just got off the phone with my family. Though I wasn't present for the unwrapping, I got to hear it happen. I talked to God about today a lot. After reminding myself that He knows my heart, I just upfront said today was going to be hard. But I don't want to wish this holiday away due to the difficulty. I don't want to busy myself to indifference. I don't want to cry the whole time either. The Lord met me there.
Wierdly enough, He encouraged me with reading about the Israelites in the wilderness. I always learn a lot thinking about that. They complained about where they were. They complained about what they had to eat. They were in fear about all the things God promised he'd do because they just couldn't believe He'd do it.
I'm here, and its because God purposely took me out of my home to use me here, like He took the Israelites out of Egypt. Though home looks more appealing at times, and I have to depend on God's provisions that I don't understand here and I don't get very much control of, He's over this. Just like how the Israelites left camp when God's cloud led them out and set up camp when God's cloud stopped over an area....I must just see how God moves....and right now, it's be being here. So, I'll use my time to pray for Thailand. One day, may the Thais celebrate Christmas, not go to school or work, and sing about Jesus on this day! And may I remember all the great things God's doing here. Just look at all the posts so far!
Wierdly enough, He encouraged me with reading about the Israelites in the wilderness. I always learn a lot thinking about that. They complained about where they were. They complained about what they had to eat. They were in fear about all the things God promised he'd do because they just couldn't believe He'd do it.
I'm here, and its because God purposely took me out of my home to use me here, like He took the Israelites out of Egypt. Though home looks more appealing at times, and I have to depend on God's provisions that I don't understand here and I don't get very much control of, He's over this. Just like how the Israelites left camp when God's cloud led them out and set up camp when God's cloud stopped over an area....I must just see how God moves....and right now, it's be being here. So, I'll use my time to pray for Thailand. One day, may the Thais celebrate Christmas, not go to school or work, and sing about Jesus on this day! And may I remember all the great things God's doing here. Just look at all the posts so far!
A Laugh for You
In what country do people neither win or lose?
TIE-LAND!
Merry Christmas,
Thai Melanie
TIE-LAND!
Merry Christmas,
Thai Melanie
Monday, December 24, 2007
Caroling to Bangkok
The merchants sat on the counters at the market cheering after we finished our round of "Joy to the World." Possibly ten aisles of fish vendors, fried pork sellers, and other food assortments were serenaded Saturday night by our team as we caroled our neighborhood. We sang on the corner to two noodle shops. On to the slum community, we caroled to those surprised by our coming, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" (Raw Khwaamsuk Wan Christmas).
The motorcycle taxi drivers, all fifteen of them at their normal part of the market, etch in my mind the most. The angels of the Lord chose to sing of Jesus's coming to the shepherds in the field. I'd say this motley crew of motorcycle taxi drivers would be an excellent modern day comparison in our Bangkok neighborhood. Hanging out all day, sipping on whiskey, waiting to cart people from their bus stops to their homes, these guys worked. As we sang to them, I was excited to think how we are here now also singing of Jesus's coming to these guys. May all those people one day understand the reason.
Today is Christmas Eve. I'm celebrating at my team leader's house with their family. And as I bought fruit at the stand, vegetables at the market, and got on the bus and motorcycle taxi to their house, I desired so much to awaken all these Thais to what tomorrow is! Keep on praying for all of Thailand!
The motorcycle taxi drivers, all fifteen of them at their normal part of the market, etch in my mind the most. The angels of the Lord chose to sing of Jesus's coming to the shepherds in the field. I'd say this motley crew of motorcycle taxi drivers would be an excellent modern day comparison in our Bangkok neighborhood. Hanging out all day, sipping on whiskey, waiting to cart people from their bus stops to their homes, these guys worked. As we sang to them, I was excited to think how we are here now also singing of Jesus's coming to these guys. May all those people one day understand the reason.
Today is Christmas Eve. I'm celebrating at my team leader's house with their family. And as I bought fruit at the stand, vegetables at the market, and got on the bus and motorcycle taxi to their house, I desired so much to awaken all these Thais to what tomorrow is! Keep on praying for all of Thailand!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thinking Back
At the age of 17, I met this woman named Vanessa on a mission trip to Mexico who was a three year missionary. She taught me the language, shared with me her stories about ministry, and shared with me her heart for ministry. On the flight back to America, I decided I wanted to be a missionary.
Today I sat at the end of a long table of our Thailand ministry team and realized I WAS HERE. Though sad and homesick some, I'M HERE. In Thailand, telling people about Jesus, experiencing life across the world, and all that comes with that. So, here's a moment, ten years after that day on the flight back from Mexico, where I thank God.
Merry Christmas to you all, around the world, between here and home.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Conversations about Life with a Monk
A couple days ago I stood by the skytrain tracks, talking with my friend, Jian Di about the Christmas program happening at my church that evening. Jian Di, if you havne't kept up, is my Taiwanese monk friend in my language class. He understood the basic idea of Christian Christmas. He said, "So, you believe Jesus is coming back?" You know, I read the Bible, and hear it at church, but its an enlightening experience to be able to say, "Yes, I do." I know its a crazy idea, but I believe it! We talked about what He'll look like and how many have distorted his words and promises.
He asked about Jesus's disciples too, if they will go to heaven as Gods. I believe this question came from some Buddhist thoughts that when you study enough and do enough good work, you reach a "state of enlightenment" and reach heaven as a "god." Pardon my lack of understanding, that's why God's given me this friend. Jian Di helps me understand Buddhism. I explained that in Christianity, we can't ever become "gods" or be good enough. It was an excellent conversation motivated by Jian Di's personal questions....yet, surprising to us both, the skytrain was at his stop and he had to go.
I'm blessed with that friendship. I'm blessed to understand Jian Di's life, his perceptions, his religions, his pursuits. May I be an encouragement to him. May I continue this conversation or at least somehow he may learn about Jesus. Jesus came to die for us because we can't ever do enough or study enough to reach heaven alone. What a blessing it is to discuss these things with people, making my beliefs more real to myself.
He asked about Jesus's disciples too, if they will go to heaven as Gods. I believe this question came from some Buddhist thoughts that when you study enough and do enough good work, you reach a "state of enlightenment" and reach heaven as a "god." Pardon my lack of understanding, that's why God's given me this friend. Jian Di helps me understand Buddhism. I explained that in Christianity, we can't ever become "gods" or be good enough. It was an excellent conversation motivated by Jian Di's personal questions....yet, surprising to us both, the skytrain was at his stop and he had to go.
I'm blessed with that friendship. I'm blessed to understand Jian Di's life, his perceptions, his religions, his pursuits. May I be an encouragement to him. May I continue this conversation or at least somehow he may learn about Jesus. Jesus came to die for us because we can't ever do enough or study enough to reach heaven alone. What a blessing it is to discuss these things with people, making my beliefs more real to myself.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
The King's Birthday
This past December 5th was the Thai king's 80th birthday! With fireworks, huge flower festivals at the King's Park, and lots of yellow shirts, we had a great holiday together.
The Mahathai community and our team celebrating the community leader's birthday and the King's birthday together. What a happy night. The king spoke over a small tv pulled out for all of us to watch. We lit candles, sang the King song, and prayed that the King would continue to live a healthy life.
Me and my new friend, Mai. I met Mai as she sat by herself at this big dinner. I was told her parents have died and she's been sent to be cared for by the community leader here. She kept talking to me in Thai even though I didn't understand a word. She asked me if she could talk with her mouth full and why were there so many foreigners here? (translated by my Thai roommie for me) Quickly becoming friends, she's participating in the kid's programs at our church.
The altar for the King's Birthday. He seems to very revered, being the Thai leader over the Buddhist religion and protection of all religions. Altars to him were seen all over town.
Yum, Yum, fried chicken, fried pork, papaya salad, spicy soup. Good food, though my nose does sniffle from the spices. I'm still amazed and thankful to be liking the spicy food here.
The Mahathai community and our team celebrating the community leader's birthday and the King's birthday together. What a happy night. The king spoke over a small tv pulled out for all of us to watch. We lit candles, sang the King song, and prayed that the King would continue to live a healthy life.
Me and my new friend, Mai. I met Mai as she sat by herself at this big dinner. I was told her parents have died and she's been sent to be cared for by the community leader here. She kept talking to me in Thai even though I didn't understand a word. She asked me if she could talk with her mouth full and why were there so many foreigners here? (translated by my Thai roommie for me) Quickly becoming friends, she's participating in the kid's programs at our church.
The altar for the King's Birthday. He seems to very revered, being the Thai leader over the Buddhist religion and protection of all religions. Altars to him were seen all over town.
Yum, Yum, fried chicken, fried pork, papaya salad, spicy soup. Good food, though my nose does sniffle from the spices. I'm still amazed and thankful to be liking the spicy food here.
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