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.