Hooroo to Chiang Rai residency

Well, ladies and gents, this is THE LAST POST YOU WILL READ FROM ME IN CHIANG RAI. 

Packing Christmas gifts for the audiences!

Sorry, the caps lock key got stuck.

Haha, actually, I'm really excited about moving to Mae Sai, TOMORROW, in case you couldn't tell.  I know it can be hard to tell what I'm excited about, especially when I only talk about upcoming events perhaps 20 million times a day.

Anywho, given the auspicious event that is very nearly about to take place, I think I should give some final love to Chiang Rai, a beautiful city by many standards (except for the dogs, but I am slowly reconciling myself to them).

Yesterday was my last day with CRCSC.  We celebrated with a lunch at a local resort, called the Rimkok Hotel.  I'm sure they're relieved to see the back of me, that crazy Aussie girl who either mangles their mother tongue, or speaks a strange version of the English language at them. 

The school students

OK, OK, I say that in jest, because I know this won't be the last of my mingling with these gorgeous Thais.  They're all coming with me to Mae Sai!  Not to live, just to clarify, but to help me move.  (I was surprised when they announced they were all coming along for the 1-hour drive north - I was only expecting P. Yu to come with me)

The week that has just passed saw the CRCSC crew running 4 separate Christmas outreach programs - in a local school, in a drug rehabilitation centre, in a youth detention centre, and in the women's section of a jail.  The staff were able to show the Nativity story on DVD to 3 of the 4 audiences, which we all thanked God for.  Unfortunately there were some problems at the jail, and our time was cut short, so that we couldn't show the DVD.  But, regardless, we were still able to sing songs, pray, and encourage the inmates there.

Christmas carols in Thai (I didn't know the words, I
just held them up)

This I am thoroughly enjoying about Christmas in Thailand - the Christians here see Christmas as the best time of year to evangelise, and get the message of truth about God out there.  We would do well to get onboard with their enthusiasm for outreach, I reckon.

On a slightly different tangent, but still related to my time spent in Chiang Rai, thank God with me for this time He's given me to adjust to the language and culture in Thailand.  Somebody told me before I left Australia that the first 3 months would be the hardest.  I also knew they would be a fairly good indicator for me, personally, if I should stick around for the entire 15 months - because if I couldn't cope with 3 months, how was I going to cope with the year to come?

Yes, I dressed up as Santa. Don't laugh.

But I am convinced that this is God's will for me to be here at this time.  Whilst I am no expert on the language (wow, there's still so many words to master before I can resume filling my daily 10,000 words quota my dad reckons I use), and there are still so many silly mistakes I make (culturally, fashionably, relationally), I feel ready to go.  I feel like I'm somewhat able to consider myself as having entered the world of being bi-lingual.  Now I don't take any credit of this for myself!  God has given me the ability, the opportunities and the motivation (although this often lacks, because I snuff it out with my laziness) to desire to communicate in Thai.

It's also your friendship, cheering me on, and your practical help, that keeps me here.  You guys are gems, how you stick by me and send me encouraging notes!  I am so grateful for you all.

I see potentials and opportunities in Mae Sai, to get involved in people's lives, and hear their stories, and to share the love of God with them. 

There is no greater truth than the fact that we were created by a God who wants us to be best mates with Him, so that He can free us from all the crap and pain in this world.

 [Here endeth the sermon!]  Love you all, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A fun game to play with baby powder...

CRCSC

The gang! (Plus Nerissa, from Baptist World Aid) L-R:
Kowaa, P Yu, Beer, Char, Achan Sritong.

I feel the need!  The need to explain to you what precisely it is that Chiang Rai Christian Service Centre does.  Having spent 2 and a half months volunteering with these guys, I can now write more comprehensively on this inspiring group of people.

CRCSC was initially dreamt up in 1998 by a group of Christians in the Chiang Rai area, who felt that one of the largest problems, HIV/AIDs, needed to be more adequately addressed.  Guidance was sought from God, and through His blessing, an Australian missionary and a local Thai set out to facilitate change.  Their primary focus was to aim at the most dire consequence of the HIV/AIDs epidemic - orphaned children.  Seeking a better alternative to the traditional orphanage, or children's home - which only help a few children, at great expense - they determined to find ways of keeping orphaned children in their communities, with their extended families, so that these children can have a normal, community up-bringing where they will always belong.

A group of men from the local jail.

As a result, some 12 years later, CRCSC now gives both practical help and encouragement to 25 families affected by HIV/AIDs.  On top of this, they also run education programs in schools, jails, and individual communities - to train as many people as possible in making good choices in their health, and especially in their sexual relationships (i.e. waiting until marriage, considering the consequences of sleeping around).

But the best part about CRCSC is their full-on commitment to serving Christ through all that they do.  Their purpose is always to share the love of God with those they come into contact with - and to share it not just verbally, but also practically.  

Afore-mentioned group of 15-yr-olds at the youth detention

I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I've spent with everyone - Achan Sritong, P. Yu, Kowaa, Beer and Char.  They're a fun bunch, and despite our language barriers and regular misunderstandings, we still get along and have a good time.  (I won't hold the various embarassing situations they've put me in - such as standing in front of a group of 15-year-old boys - against them)

I am impressed and inspired by these people - all Thai nationals, working with dedication to serve God, and to serve their neighbours.  I can't wait to see what the Lord does through them next!

Pictures: top left, with women from the local jail; top right, at a local school; bottom left, students brainstorming ways to prevent HIV/AIDs; bottom right, well, it's clear they know what situations lead to the spread of AIDs!

One of the many homes CRCSC has provided funds and labour to help repair.

Cultural STRESS!



A beautiful country, for sure.

Be prepared to be entertained (a big claim to make.  No responsibility is taken for any unenjoyment.)

I have a few stories to tell about cultural stress that I have been fortunate to experience during the last 2 months of my time here in Thailand.  [And I say fortunate because I feel privileged to spend so much time with Thai friends, despite the difficulties that arise from language barriers]

#   Lost In Translation
Ever tried to explain the concept of something as simple as what a 'subject' is?  Example in action:  I wanted to ask some university students what subjects they were currently studying in this semester of university.  When the term 'subject' drew blank expressions, I turned to my trusty English-Thai dictionary - only to find that the word was not there.  Despite my best attempts to explain the term, using my extremely limited Thai vocabularly and even more stunted English vocabularly (the most useful words vanish when you actually need them), we failed to achieve a consensus on the definition of the word, and were forced to change topics.

Another example in action (oh, I have TONNES of these!): How does one say, 'keep it a secret?' in Thai?  I learnt the phrase, and used it happily in social company one evening.  Present at the table were some young Thai schoolgirls, who were practising their translating skills from Thai into English.  One girl turns to me confidently with her interpretation of the phrase: 'Stop your mouth'.  Perhaps not the best translation for polite company.

Evidence, surely! Of my love for Thai food - I've even
learnt to cook a few recipes.

#   Assumed Preferences
It seems that, no matter how many times you tell people what your preferences are (for example, liking very spicy food), their preconceived ideas of what 'your people' (foreigners) prefer will always deafen any vocal requests you make.  Which is OK; it just means you need to keep politely insisting, and quietly demonstrating, your preferences until they finally believe you.  (Even though every fibre of their being wants to resist believing the truth of your alternative style.)

#   Unwanted Friendships
Sometimes my desire to practice the language overrides my 'stranger danger' radar.  Before I know it, the conversation will have taken a turn towards more personal details - like who I live with, my phone number, my home address.  Usually, by the time the conversation gets to this point, it seems unfair and unbelievable to play stupid, but truly, if it comes down to saving face or saving privacy, I am going to opt for the latter option (this is very un-Thai of me, I know.  Which is why I'm Australian).  My understanding of their conversation then rapidly degenerates into big smiles and confused expressions, acccompanied by deliberate steps backwards.

#   Arranged Marriages

P Yu, one of my good friends.  She likes to set me up
with her young, unmarried relatives.  I like to set her
up with photos of male Australian friends.

When classed as single and young, you will also often be classed as partner-potential. 

'Do you have a boyfriend?'  Is usually one of the first questions shot your way, so as to ascertain your availability.  Initially, I was honest in reply - which then led to me being introduced to every young (or otherwise!), single, man in the local area.

[I have now learnt to respond with a laugh, and the reply of: 'Oh, I have MANY boyfriends!'  This normally diffuses the situation.]

Eventually, the awkwardness of it all subsides, and you start to realise it's a bit of a joke.  Just like their 'you're so fat' (for Westerners) or 'you're so dark' (for Thais) jokes - a roundabout way of expressing their acception of you. 

At least, I hope that's the case.  Because otherwise, I'm getting married on Sunday, hurrah!  And you're all invited to the ceremony.  Afterwards, the evening meal of dog and fern leaves will be served, followed by corn and pumpkin for dessert.  My husbands and I will live merrily in the countryside for the rest of our lives.

(Note jest.  I actually do enjoy the separate flavours of dog, corn and pumpkin.)

#   Transport solutions that feed your prayer life
Sometimes, there is no alternative option for one to get around the area, than to take one's life into one's own hands, and pray to God that you won't die.



Unrelated to transport, here's cool photo of us advocating
World AIDs Day on a bridge in Chiang Rai city



For example, the helmet law is rather negotiable here.  As in, if you're not where the police are on patrol, you don't need to wear a helmet.  Even if you are flying down the super highway at 100kms/h on the back of someone's motorbike.  Suddenly, you realise just how little there is between you and the bitumen.

Or in another example, some people drive with alarming nonchalance.  Cyclists and motorbike riders are considered fair game, and if they're in the way, you've every right to push past them.  (I really don't think this is sanctioned law, but more a general consensus amongst the citizens)  Many a time, as I peddle madly to my intended destination, I find myself wondering just how close a car thinks can get to me before they clip me.  Or if they've even noticed me on my little grey bike, shooting them glares of... Christian love?

Well, in amongst all of these hilarious episodes, God has given me a sense of humour and helped me to deepen relationships with people around me.  So I am grateful!  Still mostly confused, still feeling a bit like a deer caught in the headlights, but grateful.  Thanks God, for that.

Dogs

A cute puppy.  OR a spiteful beast out to get me.

An interesting subject for a blog, yes?  I figured it was worthy of a post, gathering how regularly I find myself cursing these blights on the population.

Now, I'm an animal lover as much as the next person.  Truly.  From age 10 until 15, I was convinced I would grow up to be a vet.  (However, after discovering a lack of desire to study science, and an unfortunate week of work experience in grade 10, I was turned off the idea permanently.)  And I've always doted lovingly on all the creatures my parents house on their farm - cat, ducklings, chickens, cows, even the two pet dogs (Macbeth and Banjo).  I'm not adverse to God's creations in any way, shape or form.

However.



These are crickets, not dog, just to clarify.

Having been chased, growled at, accosted by, threatened with bared teeth, sniffed - and even, once, wilfully attacked (albeit by a chihuahua) - by an uncountable number of canines, I have been forced to declare a personal war against these beasts.

(As in, I will continue to gripe about their existence, as I've always done)

My methods of revenge are limited, though, as the animal-lover within me won't allow me to inflict genuine harm upon them.  But I am all for eating dog, or advocating eradication programs (actually, there are none in practice in Thailand at the moment), or supporting sterilisation programs (this Thailand has - to some extent). 

Cookin' freshly caught fish over a campfire. 
This is how it should be done!

What has sparked this renewed determination to spout dislike for dogs? 

Well, this morning, as I was out appreciating the beauty of the early light, I decided to climb the staircase up a local bridge to get a better view of the river.  Happily, I did so, and having finished admiring the better view, I descended the stairs - only to see a pair of dogs (one a fluffy rat, the other equivalent to a German Shepherd) rushing over to harass a couple of elderly women.  Their owner was fast behind them, and placated the dogs before things got out of hand.  Not keen to attract further trouble, I figured I would climb the stairs again and stay at the top of the bridge until the dogs and said-owner had moved on.

Yummy-looking, yeah?

After waiting a few moments, all seemed safe, so I descended the stairs once again.  But just as I rounded a corner in the staircase, BAM!  That ferocious little hound and his bigger, more-intimidating body guard, were coming up the stairs.  I was blocked in; there was no escape.  With them barking and growling, and my legs feeling especially vunerable, I put my shoe up to the mouth of the bigger dog. 

"Better the shoe than my leg," I reasoned.

Not quite sure what this all would have looked like to the owner as he came up behind them: me with my foot on his beloved's snout, ready to boot him into next year. 

With his arrival, the dogs calmed down, and he moved them on.  I got off those stairs as quickly as possible, muttering rage about unleashed dogs, and thanking God for protecting me, simultaneously.

Which makes me think I should keep my trust in God, not men, not dogs.  But I also realise that it's not a sign of a godly spirit, if I'm busy writing hate blogs about dogs.  So instead, I ask God to help me love and forgive all people and creatures, no matter what they do to me.

That said, I might have dog for dinner tonight.

Loy Krathong and a YWAM Conference

In a moment of distraction from my language study (which I can be totally uncommitted to at times), I thought I'd write about two fun events that happened this week.

First up - Loy Krathong!  Some of you may be aware of what happened to me at this event last year.  Namely my friend Rosy and myself being kidnapped and stuck on top of a float...
But, this year's experience was a lot tamer (thank God!)  I managed to avoid any public events, instead opting for a quiet stroll along the local river boardwalk.  From my inconspicuous vantage point, I watched people celebrating this event, and reflected on the year past.

To explain, Loy Krathong is a Buddhist celebration that is celebrated every November, when the moon is full.

It stems from a traditional religious practice that seeks to both honour the Buddha, and worship the river goddess Phra Mae Khongkha.

Krathong

The practice consists of various different symbolic acts.  The primary one is to make or buy yourself a krathong (which is a small float usually made of banana leaves or bread), light the candle and incense stuck in the krathong, say a prayer and gently place it on the water so that it floats away, down the river.  (If it sinks, bad luck, try again!)  It is regarded as an act of floating your sins away.

Komloi

The second practice is to light a komloi to float your sins away into the night sky.  A komloi is a big paper lantern that has a ring of multi-layered wax paper wired into the centre of the bottom of the lantern.  Once lit, you hold the lantern up and let the smoke from the ring of wax paper fill the lantern.  Once it's fully inflated, you let it go, and it floats away.  Like a small hot air balloon.

 And then there's illegal firecrackers from Burma and China in the hands of 8-year-old boys, young Thai girls competing in beauty pagents, and people selling over-priced turtles and fish for you to re-release back into the river as another act of worship to the river goddess.
It certainly is a beautiful celebration, especially watching hundreds of komloi floating up into the balmy night sky.  I appreciate it for its gentle simplicity.  But, as a person saved from her sins by the grace of God, I know that a banana leaf floating down a river won't save me from myself.  It makes me long to see all of Thailand - ah, who am I kidding?  The whole WORLD - understand the reality of our sinfulness, and come before God to ask Him (He's the only one qualified to do so) to help us.

Speaking of this awesome God brings me to the other event I attended this week: the Northern Regional YWAM Conference.  A fantastic 3-day affair of worship, prayer, healing and listening to the wisdom of God (either from Himself, or through others' sermons).  My understanding of this organisation of Christians (otherwise known as Youth With A Mission) has been expanded.  But more importantly, I witnessed many people humbling themselves before God and before each other, asking forgiveness for past hurts, and being restored and re-enthused for serving God.

This was a wonderful time for me, especially, to be able to find encouragement from other Christian workers, and to have the Lord speak to me about the purpose He has for me.

And do you know, I reckon that same purpose He whispered to me applies to all of us:

I was so concerned with where I was, what I was doing, who I was working with, how I was serving God.  But on Saturday morning, during worship, He stopped me and said, 'It doesn't matter where you are or what you are doing.  I have called you to love Me.  Love Me, and My love will guide you to serve me anywhere.  My love will flow through your fingertips.'

Let Him speak to you, too.

Aung San Suu Kyi FREED, huzzah!

In other breaking news (although it's a few days old now), Aung San Suu Kyi, the recognised leader of the people of Burma (not the military junta), has been released (again) from her housearrest, after spending the 15 of the past 21 years jailed in her own home. Praise God!

This is such a pivotal moment in Burma's history - the country could swing either way.  Further into chaos, or upwards into democracy.  Especially, I think of my friends from Burma who would love nothing more than to be able to return to their homes.  I, myself, desire to see God's hand touch the hearts of this nation and draw these people to Himself, so that they won't go to a Godless eternity of suffering.

Please be praying, during this time of political upheaval, that:
-- Aung San Suu Kyi will be able to reunite her people, and negotiate a democracy with the military junta
-- The fighting and bloodshed will cease between the Burma Army and the rebel state armies
-- The villagers will be freed from persecution, slavery and fear
-- The love of God would be known, and would prevail

Doing or Being?

Which is more important? This is the question that plagues me often.  According to my Western mindset, 'doing' is.
I must do, do, do, or I ain't worth 2 cents!
However, whether by divine ordination or mere circumstance (and we all know I'm not a believer in the latter option), I have found myself forced to simply 'be' for the past week.
With things having quietened down at the office a bit (i.e. no English/Thai classes or visits), boredom quickly overcame me.  And with this bordem, came a sense of worthlessness and lack of purpose.  All within 2 days.  Sad, right?  I know!
Yet admist this perceived 'boredom' - which, really, I should have straightaway justified as more time to really focus on my language learning - God reminded me of a few important truths:
1) Our value is not determined by how busy we are.  Yep, being busy might make us feel important (and I'm paraphrasing from a website here; see below) - but what is actually important is that, no matter our circumstances, we continue to let God do what He wants with us (our lives, our characters, everything).  That's obedience.  Obedience is better than sacrifice
2) No matter how much I love to be busy, He has given me this period of 'stillness' to make new friends, learn some of the language, and adjust to life in Thailand.  I should be shakin' in my boots, to be so brazenly complaining about spare time.
3) It's good to let God discipline me into a new pattern of living - in this case, primarily studying.  Another instance in learning to live in the will of God, not in the will of Jacki.

 Here endeth the sermon.  Kazam!

Here's the website for anyone interested: http://odb.org/2010/10/04/keeping-busy/

What to do with language learning?

Let's face it: the majority of my time at the moment is spent having a grand old time, learning to speak Thai in exchange for an endless stream of English lessons.

My workmates, concentrating hard in the office.
[This is an old photo from last year; the lady at the far right
no longer works here.]

Which I'm not complaining about at all!  I'm really enjoying having a chance to adjust to my new life in an Asian country.  And the people the Lord has surrounded me with are just gorgeous - generous, patient and easy to have a laugh with.
But there are some stresses associated with 'starting from scratch' in a new culture. 
For example, how do you communicate to your landlady that your hot water system is actually electrocuting you each time you take a shower?  What do you say when you realise you've been severely misinterpretated, and have probably so deeply offended the other person that they're likely to be planning your funeral whilst you creep guiltily away?  When you have the vocabulary of a 12-month old (and even that's being generous), how do you make friends?
Praise God, because it really isn't so disastrous as it sounds.  With a good dose of humour, a few blessed souls who have a reasonable command of the basics of the English language, and an already well-used Thai-English dictionary, God has helped me to fumble through each day.

How to cheat death in a small room?

# Having been thoroughly coached by my office workmates (the team at CRCSC), I approached my landlady and explained (in two sentences) about my shower dilemma.  Result? The following evening, my old shower was taken away, and replaced with a new one. Hurrah!


My friend, Jam, who had me over for a
sleepover after Bible study.



# After attending a small group Bible study on Tuesday night, I was faced with a very cold motorbike ride back to Chiang Rai city (I don't have a motorbike yet; a friend was going to give me a lift).  One of the young university girls, Jam, kindly offered for me to spend the night at her house.  So we bunked in her room, and talked well into the night!  Iceblock worries resolved, and some great bonding time to boot.

# Most Thai people are very forgiving and will write you off as a 'crazy farang' [crazy foreigner] if you say something stupid.  It just means I go very red in the face, 'kor tort' [apologise] my way out the situation, and write the experience down as another lesson learnt about what not to say.

 

Just for fun... :P

On an exciting note, it's less than 2 months until I can move and join with my YWAM team!  I'm loving it here in Chiang Rai, but there is this sense of purpose attached to next year's project that compels me to greatly anticipate what God's going to do there.

This Thursday, I'll go and visit the YWAM team for a few days.  A good opportunity to suss out what my life will be like next year, and a lovely break from the chaos of Chiang Rai, too!

Loving it all the same, and loving you guys, as well!  Just want to say how much I appreciate all these little 'snippets of home news' you're all emailling me.  Keep 'em coming; they really make my day.

Two weeks off the radar

Coming to you from the other hemisphere... the last two weeks have been somewhat of an adventure for me.

Not long after arriving in Chiang Rai, I found out that my YWAM team (who I join up with in January) were planning a 'bonding and sightseeing' time away together.  After a quick schedule reshuffle, and a few stuttered Thai sentences explaining to my landlady that I was going away, I hopped into the ute with everyone else and was whisked away.

The stairs to Doi Suthep, a large
mountain overlooking Chiang Mai.
It has a Buddhist temple at the very
top. And 700 stairs.

Over the week that passed, we travelled to Chiang Mai, Pai, and the Mae Hong Son area.  Mostly we were just getting to know each other - I now have a fairly good feel for the people I'll be working alongside next year - and seeing more of Thailand.  Some of the more unfortunate ones (me  included) spent a great deal of time getting thrown about and soaked by malicious rainclouds in the back of the ute as we travelled from one location to the next.  It's all good experience, right?  That's what I keep telling my poor, bruised bones, anyway.

After that week, I returned to my home base in Chiang Rai for a grand total of one evening, before catching a bus the very next day out to Naan, to visit my old roommate from Townsville, Hannah.  I enjoyed my time with her, and Jan and Larry and Anna, SO much that I stayed until Saturday.  We biked around her village of Baan Luang, visited some of Jan's patients (children with disabilities), had a language lesson with Hannah's teacher, and generally just caused trouble. 

I almost slaughtered Larry and myself one morning as we went out for a run together - I thought he was setting the pace, and he thought I was setting the pace.  Result being that we set an extremely good pace between us and were exhausted by the end of the 6kms!
These two weeks also served good purpose in helping me to feel more comfortable and settled in Thailand - nearly all of the language I learnt last year (and subsequently forgot during my time back in Oz) has been refreshed, and, thanks to God, I'm picking up more new words every day.
I've also discovered my mean side - yes, yes, I know no one else believes it exists, but she's there, I tell you, and she's harsh! 
But she only comes out when it's time to start bargaining with someone.
To further illustrate: yesterday I needed to catch a songtaew (see illustration) from the bus terminal at Chiang Rai, to my house in the centre of town.  I approached a driver and asked him how much it would be.  '150 baht', he said.  The blood drained from my face, I'm sure, because I'd been envisaging a figure closer to 50 baht!

Thai transport - a songtaew (back) and a tuktuk (front).
Songtaews are cheaper, but tuktuks are dangerously
fun!

'No way,' I said, and the hardheaded Jac took over, '70 baht.'
'Mai chai! [No!]], he protested,'120.'
'Uh-uh.  80 baht.'
'Mai chai!'
'90 baht?'
He shook his head. 
I picked up my bag with a 'mai pen rai [don't worry, then],' and walked away.
'Miss,' he called, '100 baht.'
Grizzling, I consented.  As he showed me to my seat, I quickly gave my local friend and expat, Lyndal, a buzz - just to make sure I wasn't being had.
'Out of interest,' I asked her, 'how much should a songtaew ride into the city cost?'
'Oh, anywhere between 100-200 baht.  It's a long drive into town.'

'Ah, I see, cheers.'

I didn't know I could be such a bully.

 Resolution to the story: I tipped the driver an extra 20 baht ontop of the 100baht fare at the end of the ride, hoping that he'd forgive me!

The temple atop Doi Suthep.  You ring the bells to make merit, according to Buddhist belief.

Thai friends and a peek at my daily habits...

Thai friends dancing the night away!

What a party!



Last night, I was invited to attend a housewarming party with some of my Thai friends. Imagine a true Aussie bushdance, but replace Slim Dusty with karaoke to Thai pop music, mung into sticky rice and curry instead of a sausage sizzle, and swap your XXXX for some good ol' moonshine.

I abstained from the latter, just to clarify.

The biggest difference? The Thais are waay more into dancing than us Aussies. [Although I, being the token 'farang' (foreigner), had to comply with the renditions of 3 Beatles songs and endless shakin' of my booty to their Thai music.]

On another topic (because I'm sure the mental image of me moving in an uncoordinated fashion to uber-loud music disturbs you as much as it disturbed me), let me give you a glimpse into my current daily life!

At the moment, I'm volunteering at Chiang Rai Christian Services Centre (or CRC for short). 


Char and Kowaa, both new fathers

 

The super-serious Adjarn Seeton



On  Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I spend most of the day with the fun people at the office - in the afternoons, I exchange English lessons for Thai lessons.  My colleagues are Beer, Yu, Kowaa, and Char.   My 'boss' is Adjarn Seeton ('Adjarn' is a respectful term for an older man).  I really enjoy spending time with these guys - on days when I'm free, and they're doing a special program out in the community, they invite me to come along.  For example, last Tuesday (12 Oct), we went to the local prison and did a morning of songs and health education for the inmates there.  

Char and Beer

  

 On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I can choose from a range of activities - hanging with the CRC mob, catching up with my YWAM teammates (who I'll join up with in January), visiting Thai friends in their various occupations, or chilling in a coffee shop and preparing lessons, practising my Thai, and keeping you guys informed!

The weekend just gone, I spent out in Beer and Yu's villages - one night in each, although they are very close together.  It's a surreal feeling, being surrounded by jungle, chickens and many people who don't speak a bar of English. 

Ah, the immersion method of learning a language.  It bites at the time, but I reckon it's helping me out heaps.
 Despite the language difficulties, general confusion and constant uncertainty of what to do/what not to do, I praise God for the cultural insights I'm being blessed with at the moment.  Please pray with me that He will guide me to get involved in what He wants me to do.  Thank God with me that He's given me these 3 months to adjust and learn to communicate!

Ok, yep, that's enough from me.  Check out  my pikkies to get an idea of where I'm living, and some of the people I'm hanging out with at the moment.

My love to you all!



The main road near my house - do not be fooled!
It is rarely this serene!



  

 

The road I live on - pronounced 'Soi Gong Yao'







Euphoria! and utter dread.

Thought I'd start off on a bright note. YES, I've arrived, safe and sound, in beautiful Chiang Rai!

But before anything else, I must describe to you the hazardous journey that brought me to my current city of residence.

I knew before leaving Australia that I would have a 14-hour stopover in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia. I planned on bunking down in the International Airport (KLIA), which is about the same size of Singapore's International (for those of you who've been there). Now, I had heard that I could catch a 'SkyBus' to KLIA from the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) (which is where AirAsia delivers its passengers to).

Upon arrival in KL, I hunted around to find a 'SkyBus' that would take me to KLIA. When I asked a bus driver (whose vehicle had 'SkyBus' written on the side) if he went to KLIA, to the International Airport, he nodded profusely and waved me on board.

Fair enough. But halfway through the bus ride, as I was chatting to another Aussie girl sitting next to me, I thought to ask her if the bus actually went to KLIA.

'No, this bus goes to the city centre!' She told me. Ah. Whoops.

No worries; I decided to just find a hotel in the city and bunk there for a few hours, until my 7am flight the next day.

After fluffing around for awhile in a shopping complex (KL Central), I managed to get fairly clear directions to a hotel close to the bus station (where my bus back to LCCT would depart at 4am the next morning).
However, the first two hotels recommended to me were fully booked out. At a bit of a loss, I tried a third, as near to the bus station as possible.
'Hotel Mexicos', it was called - after sussing out the room, and finding out it was only $30 a night, I settled on this as my best (if only) choice.

Later that night, after a lovely cheap dinner (a grand total of $4!), I hit the sack early, knowing I'd have to be up at 3am to get to the bus station in time.

Fighting a slight premonition of impending doom, I asked God to keep me safe and help me to rest up a bit. Then, I finally fell asleep.

12.30am - BANG BANG BANG BANG! 'Open your door! We need to talk with you!' BANG BANG BANG BANG! 'Please open your door!'

Oh, Father, what's going on?! Bleary-eyed, and with my heart pounding louder than a thousand marathon runners on a wooden bridge, I threw on some decent clothes and ventured to look through the door's peephole.

There were at least 4 uniformed police officers wandering around the corridor! Thankfully, I could also see that they were banging on the door next to mine. So they weren't after me, it seems. (I know I'm a shady character, but seriously!)

After a few more prayers for courage, and contemplating the potential hazards associated with taking this action, I pushed the door slightly ajar and asked what was going on.

'Oh, we're sorry, Miss. Please take your rest.' How exactly am I supposed to do that?

Anywho, end of the story is, I didn't get much sleep that night after all, and I still don't know if the room next to me contained a murderer or drug-smuggler, or if the police were just mates with him and wanted to see how he was going. At midnight.

AND now I'm safely in Thailand. I've settled in well, bought a few of the essentials (like a blue kettle, $4, score!)

But I don't have any pictures yet, because I'm still trying to figure out my camera phone (I had to get a new one because my old one wouldn't work here). And I've been a bit lazy in the photo department. Ok, I hate taking photos. This I need to work on.

This post is definitely long enough. My love to you all, I'll write again next week!
xoxo Jacki

Welcome! ...A false-start

In my enthusiasm, I sent out my first newsletter, along with the address for this blog.

In an unforeseen error, I neglected to actually put a post up on my blog.

Whoopsies!

So this is a rather uneventful blog. I haven't even left the country yet. I'm still at my parents' house, and plan to head to Brisbane tomorrow afternoon, or maybe Monday morning. Whenever I feel like it, I guess.

I thank God for the lovely time I've had in Murgon, visiting friends and family. It's also been good to try and get all those 'last-minute' things (like paperwork, storage, washing my car...) done in the isolated environment of the farm. Mm, isolation. I can almost feel the silence burning my ears.

Anyway, until next Sunday, when I actually arrive in said-location, keep yourselves out of trouble, and I'll try to do the same.

(Pray that I'll get to Thailand safely. And hopefully not offend any security guards or customs officials on the way.)