In thinking about the trip this far the best word I can come up with to describe the point of view I have about the experience has been the word: Submersion. Since getting off the plane in December I have been thrown into this country in a way I never could have predicted. While the adjustment took a lot longer then I personally thought for myself, and my reaction to the difference in lifestyle and culture really did make such an impact.
Now that I'm more relaxed I can sense things about myself returning that got suppressed in the adjustment. I have enjoyed the modern part of Bangkok quite a bit, and finding my way around the Movie Theatre, crossing the street, deciding where to eat have proven to be less stressful- because I have been able to focus and not feel so overwhelmed here. While I could not imagine living here full time, and I have such respect for Tiffany and the teachers she works with--I can see how giving the transition time, you could get accustomed to the different way of life.
Since returning to Bangkok from the Island, we have said goodbye to Mark and started the long list of things we wanted to do and places we wanted to see. On Saturday we went to the JJ Market, which is this ENORMOUS market full of EVERYTHING. I found some great silk scarves (I CAN'T WAIT to wear them in the cooler weather at home!), some jewelry, a funny tshirt, kitchen things, etc...we spent a good half day there and BC is already suggesting we return there on Sunday (it's a weekend Market only).
After the Market we met up with Ve (Tiffany's Thai friend whom we've quickly adopted as our new BFF), and went to "Newsong". It was a contemporary Christian worship service and I really enjoyed it. The worship was led in English, and they included classic songs like "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever", etc... The message was translated in Thai along side of the English presentation and while that was an adjustment to hear both, it provided a resting place after each thought so that the message could really sink in. I ended up writing first reactions and thoughts in my journal in the breaking moment, which was really neat because you don't always get that first reaction POV when the preacher keeps rolling. His message was apropos for BC and I in its direction towards "What's Next, 2008?" As BC prepares to graduate Law School and take the Bar (and PASS we pray)- and I continue to contemplate what the Lord would have for my future post property staff...its true What is Next. His encouragement to go with the flow, and allow God's best work to be done when we jump in and ride and not control was really important for me to hear. I felt like the past months have been such a beautiful example of being able to let God lead me in my travels, in who I visit- how I have been encouragement to those friends and family and have likewise fine tuned my dreams, seen what the future can hold, and have allowed such growth. Surely I can find peace in seeing that ability to go with it, now I just have to continue to seek Christ.
On Sunday we hung out and got moved out of Nichada (we were staying at Tiff's friends townhouse while they were in the States for the Holiday's). We moved into her school and have been here since. That evening BC, Ve, and I figured we would go do shopping, and see a movie- and grab Pizza Hut for dinner! The movie was Across the Universe, and we loved it.
Monday was DAY ONE of exploring Bangkok without Tiffany, and we did well. We grabbed the Water Taxi and headed towards the Grand Palace, The Emerald Buddha, and The Reclining Buddha. I have lots of thoughts on each of those stops- but the 2 main ones are:
1) Beautiful. The architecture and detail were astounding. The time and energy put into the Temples is reflected in the excellence.
2) Sadness. While sitting inside the Emerald Buddha I tried to absorb the images I saw on the inside (you can't take photos inside), and I would just stare at the walls and each feature of the room. But then my attention shifted to the people inside praying to the Buddha and my heart as sad. I was sad that I know Christ and they don't. And while their devotion is exceptional to their belief system, I wanted to tell each and every one of them that they are missing the Truth...and that made me sad. The idols, the donations, the devotion to a green little Buddha isn't going to secure them anything...and I left wanting to save the Nation of Buddhist believers.
Tuesday we went to Vimanek Mansion which is the largest Teak Wood Home, and it was AMAZING. Probably my favorite stop so far. The houses surrounding the Mansion were filled with Royal Artifacts, and I loved loved looking at the silks, textiles, photos from the King's private collection, etc...I loved this place. And would tell anyone to go. BC and I both left with such an appreciation for the Thai Royal Family! In the evening we went to a posh restaurant with Ve and Tiffany and LOVED LOVED it. Probably one of the best meals I have ever had, the best ambiance, it was just fantastic!
Wednesday we traveled a distance to to the National Museum which was not much to write home about. Reading the history of Thailand was interesting, but the Museum could improve the presentation of the art a bit. We went to Siam Paragon (the fancy mall) for a late lunch, grabbed a movie (National Treasure: yay America), and then headed back to Tiffany's.
Today is a quiet day which is wonderful. Slept in this morning, going to lunch at Tiffany's favorite place- and then maybe get a manicure. We've been pushing ourselves really hard so this slower day is a welcome change.
Hope you are all well- happy, safe, and healthy!
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