Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Okay, I FINALLY got Blogger to work for me, so I am going to try to enter all of my journal entries from the last few days. I got so busy that I didn't get to write everyday, but I tried to cover everything in my last entry. Here it goes!
6/6/03
So much has been going on the last few days- intense orientation mainly. Yesterday we got a crash course in Thai culture and language. Since I've been studying with Lowell for 2 months prior, I have a leg up on some of the team. However, I'm sure that will change as the summer continues. Today was a full schedule. First, we went on a prayer walk early this morning, at the time that the Buddhist monks (young novices- most under the age of 20) come down in droves to receive food from those who want to receive merit for their families. The people give food to the monk and the monk chants a blessing in Bali, their ancient language. At the same time people were coming together at a gold statue to pray to the image. It is of a monk whom they believe achieved nirvana. They bring lotus flowers, flower wreaths, incense, and gold flecks to place on the statue. What really broke my heart was realizing that I could imagine those people crying out to Buddha or monks, hoping for an answer or for true peace. I had to stop myself from crying.
We also went on a scavenger hunt all over the city. We had to figure out how to get around on the song taows (red pickup trucks with cab covers with built in seats and windows to look out.. they are everywhere). We bargained on the Wararot Market (Tal-aht), went and talked to the head priest a the Wat (Temple) Phra Sing (he was 92 years old and had instructed over 70 other monks), and went to the Tai-pei Wall. We got to practice a lot of Thai (and Thainglish) :). It was really cool. Tonight was ate at Quintin and Kim's house (the couple we are working with here in Thailand). We talked to one student whose name is Kim. He is learning about Christianity and is considering becoming a Believer, but said that it would take some time to believe. We also heard from an Ah-jahng (Professor) about her experience and conversion to Christianity. It really gave us a first-hand look at how difficult it is for a Thai to become a Christian.
Today I was praying and asking God for a renewal of understanding of why we are here and why it is so important for us to share our faith with our Thai friends. I ran across Hebrews 2:17-18: "Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted."
6/7/03
We are about to leave for the Bai Im Jai house- the children's home for orphans due to AIDS. We're gonna have some games and face painting. I will also be able to borrow a guitar for the summer. Will update later. We're also going to get a massage (2 hours!) and tonight we are going to the night bazaar. Peace out.
6/10/03
Wow, so much has happened the last few days. Jet lag is over (a blessing), but now I'm so tired at night that I fall asleep writing. The Bai Im Jai was great.. the kids were so sweet and eager to climb into our laps, hug us, and to play with us. We led some games and did face paint. They loved it. When we first arrived their music class performed for us with traditional Thai instruments; it was extremely impressive. Then, the children sang a few songs about God while two other children played guitars. I was so moved that I started crying, though I didn't let the children see. The staff there are really great. Of course, they are Christian and teaching the children to pray and learn bible stories. I wish more people in the states knew about the Im Jai House. They need financial support, and it's a great ministry and need for Thailand.
Let's see, what else has happened? ...Oh, Saturday night after we left Im Jai House we went to the night bazaar to buy some stuff and barter. It was a really neat experience. But what was even better was that when we arrived Quintin told us that the Thai student we met the night before talked to a Christian group after he hung out with us and decided to become a Christian! He went with us the next day to a Thai church (it was all in Thai.. I felt like I was back home with mom when we used to go to Korean churches.. didn't really know what was going on completely). We got to witness Kim's first communion. Wow. I think it was a true blessing to see something like that while we were here. Thank You, Jesus. Strengthen our new brother in Christ in his new faith, and surround him with support.
Going back a little, the Thai church was a real encouragement. Buddha and Buddhist elements are everywhere here. To see a small body of Believers (about 30 or so) worshipping God, raising their hands to God in praise, and being excited about the gospel was incredible. I hope to see more of that before we leave.
Yesterday the team separated to our different universities: Chaing Mai University (Maw Chaw), Far Eastern University, and North Chaing Mai College- that's where I am. It's going to be tough here.. the students are very hesitant to talk to us, and the farang (foreigners in general, especially westerners/Americans) we are working with is not a Christian (Note: he informed us our second day there that he was actually Athiest). They know that we are Christians, so that may lead to some interesting conversations. We are serving under Quintin's organization "Campus to Campus International," which is a service to provide volunteers to come help with conversational English, as well as learn the language and culture.
Father, as we begin our first day, please pour Your Spirit over us, and cover us with Your grace. Give us patience with each other and everyone else, and peace with a joy that no one can ignore. We give ourselves to You today. Amen.
6/6/03
So much has been going on the last few days- intense orientation mainly. Yesterday we got a crash course in Thai culture and language. Since I've been studying with Lowell for 2 months prior, I have a leg up on some of the team. However, I'm sure that will change as the summer continues. Today was a full schedule. First, we went on a prayer walk early this morning, at the time that the Buddhist monks (young novices- most under the age of 20) come down in droves to receive food from those who want to receive merit for their families. The people give food to the monk and the monk chants a blessing in Bali, their ancient language. At the same time people were coming together at a gold statue to pray to the image. It is of a monk whom they believe achieved nirvana. They bring lotus flowers, flower wreaths, incense, and gold flecks to place on the statue. What really broke my heart was realizing that I could imagine those people crying out to Buddha or monks, hoping for an answer or for true peace. I had to stop myself from crying.
We also went on a scavenger hunt all over the city. We had to figure out how to get around on the song taows (red pickup trucks with cab covers with built in seats and windows to look out.. they are everywhere). We bargained on the Wararot Market (Tal-aht), went and talked to the head priest a the Wat (Temple) Phra Sing (he was 92 years old and had instructed over 70 other monks), and went to the Tai-pei Wall. We got to practice a lot of Thai (and Thainglish) :). It was really cool. Tonight was ate at Quintin and Kim's house (the couple we are working with here in Thailand). We talked to one student whose name is Kim. He is learning about Christianity and is considering becoming a Believer, but said that it would take some time to believe. We also heard from an Ah-jahng (Professor) about her experience and conversion to Christianity. It really gave us a first-hand look at how difficult it is for a Thai to become a Christian.
Today I was praying and asking God for a renewal of understanding of why we are here and why it is so important for us to share our faith with our Thai friends. I ran across Hebrews 2:17-18: "Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted."
6/7/03
We are about to leave for the Bai Im Jai house- the children's home for orphans due to AIDS. We're gonna have some games and face painting. I will also be able to borrow a guitar for the summer. Will update later. We're also going to get a massage (2 hours!) and tonight we are going to the night bazaar. Peace out.
6/10/03
Wow, so much has happened the last few days. Jet lag is over (a blessing), but now I'm so tired at night that I fall asleep writing. The Bai Im Jai was great.. the kids were so sweet and eager to climb into our laps, hug us, and to play with us. We led some games and did face paint. They loved it. When we first arrived their music class performed for us with traditional Thai instruments; it was extremely impressive. Then, the children sang a few songs about God while two other children played guitars. I was so moved that I started crying, though I didn't let the children see. The staff there are really great. Of course, they are Christian and teaching the children to pray and learn bible stories. I wish more people in the states knew about the Im Jai House. They need financial support, and it's a great ministry and need for Thailand.
Let's see, what else has happened? ...Oh, Saturday night after we left Im Jai House we went to the night bazaar to buy some stuff and barter. It was a really neat experience. But what was even better was that when we arrived Quintin told us that the Thai student we met the night before talked to a Christian group after he hung out with us and decided to become a Christian! He went with us the next day to a Thai church (it was all in Thai.. I felt like I was back home with mom when we used to go to Korean churches.. didn't really know what was going on completely). We got to witness Kim's first communion. Wow. I think it was a true blessing to see something like that while we were here. Thank You, Jesus. Strengthen our new brother in Christ in his new faith, and surround him with support.
Going back a little, the Thai church was a real encouragement. Buddha and Buddhist elements are everywhere here. To see a small body of Believers (about 30 or so) worshipping God, raising their hands to God in praise, and being excited about the gospel was incredible. I hope to see more of that before we leave.
Yesterday the team separated to our different universities: Chaing Mai University (Maw Chaw), Far Eastern University, and North Chaing Mai College- that's where I am. It's going to be tough here.. the students are very hesitant to talk to us, and the farang (foreigners in general, especially westerners/Americans) we are working with is not a Christian (Note: he informed us our second day there that he was actually Athiest). They know that we are Christians, so that may lead to some interesting conversations. We are serving under Quintin's organization "Campus to Campus International," which is a service to provide volunteers to come help with conversational English, as well as learn the language and culture.
Father, as we begin our first day, please pour Your Spirit over us, and cover us with Your grace. Give us patience with each other and everyone else, and peace with a joy that no one can ignore. We give ourselves to You today. Amen.
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