Friday, November 30, 2012

loi krathong.

One of the things that is fun and frustrating about cross-cultural missions is that, the culture. Sometimes I wish I could just pop into a Thai's head for a day and figure out everything that doesn't make apparent sense to my westernized mind. But, it doesn't work like that. It's a slow process, and there is a lot to learn. The good news is, that we foreigners do have opportunities to observe Thai holidays and traditions, which are a big part of Thai culture.

Most recently, that holiday was Loi Krathong. The short version is that it is a festival to thank and pay respects to the water spirits... and to apologize for polluting it throughout the year. It takes place any and everywhere there is water on the first full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar (Nov 28th this year).

I tagged along with Meleah, one of the IMB Journeymen here, and some of her Thai friends to see what it was all about. After short ride on the BTS and a longer ride on the back of a motorcycle taxi, we arrived at Chula University. While there, we bought some "fai yen" (sparklers) and had some fun lighting them up... after all, what is a celebration without a little fire?



Each department (which, they call "faculties") made a decorative krathong for the festival. Here are a couple pictures of the more elaborate ones... made from fresh flowers and plants, so they're all bio-degradeable. That didn't matter as much for these as they didn't make it to the water, but usually it does. No one fishes the krathongs out of the water the next morning, so they need to be able to decompose quickly and naturally. Else polluting the river as an act of apology becomes counter-productive I suppose.



On the one hand, it was a fun and beautiful festival. There was lots of live music, food stands everywhere, people laughing, taking pictures, lighting sparklers and playing games. But on the other hand, it was so sad. The holiday is also a way for Thais to "release" their bad emotions (thoughts, anger, sin) by symbolically putting them on their krathong and let them float away. Their hope is that they can reduce their suffering by placing their sins on these small flower-like boats. So as they pushed the krathongs, lit with candles, out into the water, it clearly illuminated the number of people whose faith was in something other than Christ. 



Please continue to pray for the Thais, that their hope would not be placed in a krathong or a ritual, but in the person of Jesus Christ.
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" John 8:12

Sunday, November 25, 2012

family.

Well, the Lifepoint Thanksgiving was a huge success!! Over 20 people were packed into the VanDykes' home, each person bringing a special Thanksgiving dish to share, complete with...surprise! A real turkey! Steve VanDyke also managed to record the Macy's Day Parade and one of the football games that aired this year... (the Lions game, or the Tigers, or Bears... oh my!) Because what would Thanksgiving be without some floats and football in the background?



Over and over I kept feeling so grateful and thankful for the family that God has given me here. He didn't just send Claire and I to Bangkok to live and work in isolation, He has connected us with a wonderful church and a real spiritual family as well. In some ways it feels like we have many families here... there is the guest-house family that changes frequently as teams come and go and as long-term volunteers and employees filter in and out. There is our BSC family, made up of the teachers and volunteers we work with on a daily basis. There is our LifePoint family. And there is our Spotswood family, who, even though they lag 12 time zones behind us, still manage to consistently encourage and bless us. And, of course, there is my real family also... who sends me treats from home, includes me via skype in family events and consistently supports, loves and prays for me.

I am so blessed.

So when I saw this "thankfulness tree" at LifePoint this morning, there was no question in my mind what I should write on my slip. I am thankful that God puts us in families. I am thankful that we're not left to struggle through our faith and our life alone. I'm thankful that even though The Church is spread throughout the world, we are all the same family, with the same Father. I am thankful that God gives us a place to belong.


Thursday, November 22, 2012

happy thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving started this morning at 5:30 am, with a quick 3 mile run at the park. This was followed by showering and heading to Thai school to arrive promptly at 8:00 am. Classes went until 12:00 pm, after which I hopped on the BTS to Arie station to visit an International grocery store (Villa) to buy supplies for the Saturday-Thanksgiving-Feast with our LifePoint family. The store had 1 of my 12 items needed, so I proceeded to go back to the BTS and head home, stopping on the way at my usual grocery store. This is Thailand, so I had to make some on-the-fly recipe changes based on availability. Despite having to google the difference between active dry yeast and instant yeast and look up pictures of oatmeal to have a clerk help me locate it, I was able to find all but one ingredient I needed. Backpack loaded, I walked home, unloaded and started some laundry. It is currently 2:00 pm, and I have 3 hours to prep for class and make an apple crisp before tonight's class at 5:00 pm. After my two classes, it will be 8:30 pm, and I will have to fold my laundry, finish my Thai homework, make 2 more apple crisps and go to bed. 

Whew. Not my typical turkey/football/Bondathon Thanksgiving!

But, despite it being a crazy-hectic couple of days, God has given me some funny moments this week to smile about. Even when things are not as idyllic as I would like, there is still plenty to be thankful for...

Like friends who make you laugh and coin words like "purse jerky". (Credit for that one goes to Claire, who saw me sneaking a piece of jerky from my purse during church... but it was after the half-marathon and I was hungry!) Or embarrassing teaching moments. Like when Dani called one of our students by the nickname we gave him (that he doesn't know about) instead of his real name. Multiple times. Whoops.

What else am I thankful for?

I'm thankful that God woke me up in time to get to class every day this week, even after I slept through my alarms.

I'm thankful that I've been able to make some friends at Thai class... so it's not like high school lunch all over again.

I'm thankful for being invited to spend time with women I respect.

I'm thankful I can go see a movie and get popcorn for under $5!

I'm thankful to have plans to celebrate Thanksgiving (albeit on Saturday, but still!)

I'm thankful for unexpected messages from old friends.

I'm thankful to the Half-Marathon folks for giving me a free shirt, free bag and free tiger-balm strips after the race (I love me some free stuff)!

I'm thankful for the app LINE, so that my family and I can text for free internationally.

& I'm thankful for thoughtful friends who leave gifts like this on my doorknob:


So... To all my American friends: Hope you and your family have a wonderful day! I am so thankful to have each of you in my life. Much love coming your way!
We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thess 5:14-18

Monday, November 19, 2012

finished.

[A newsletter will be sent out before the end of 11/20 with details on how folks who pledged can make their donation through YouCaring.]

After months of training, three days of carb-loading and hydrating, November 18th arrived. Race-day. I was nervous, excited, and really hoping and praying that I could finish before the clean-up crew started breaking down the course... 

Crystal, one of the women from our church, came to support and encourage us! She and Claire ran the last 10K of my half-marathon with me. Crystal and her husband, Brandon, have been some of our biggest fans here in Thailand. Who else but a stud would wake up at 2:00 am to help support two girls from her church... and then run with them?! 


[2:30 am... ready to head to the race!]

We arrived around 3:30 am, and the half-marathon line-up didn't begin until 4:30 am, so we had some time to kill and take some pictures...

[Crystal & Claire]
[Claire & I]
[Crystal & I]
Before the race, I had to make a little trip to the ladies' room... I feel like using the toilets in Thailand are always a burden. First you have to find them, then you usually have to supply your own tissue, and your own soap... what a hassle. So after some bad directions and lots of "hong naam, you-tee nigh?" (where's the bathroom?) I finally saw some signs and arrows. It was still dark, but I had my eyes peeled for some porta-potties. Nowhere. I'd walked so far from the race, I knew I must have missed them. Stopping a police officer I asked again, "hong naam, you-tee nigh?" He proceeded to walk me to a what looked like a charter bus. Yes, a bus. It would seem they don't use porta-potties for races, they use giant buses. I walk up the steps, and sure enough, they've compartmentalized the bus and each "stall" has a squatty potty. It is at this point that I remember I didn't bring any toilet paper... So, back to the street I go and I start looking around. Before too long, I spot a girl holding a roll. I approach her, "Khaw tote kha. Oww nit-noy maay kha?" (Excuse me, can I have a little bit?) Lucky for me, she was either feeling generous enough to spare a square, or too caught off guard to say no. I won't go into details about the lack of cleanliness or the fact that it was a squatty potty... But... That's one experience I wouldn't mind not repeating. After that little adventure, it was time to start stretching and lining up for the race.

[Folks warming up... They were so intimidating with their fancy stretches, salt packs and fanny pack pockets]
[Ready, ready! Lecrae's "Gravity" album all queued up for the race]
[Everyone in front of me, I was right in the middle, which I loved!]
[My last view of Claire and Crystal before our reunion at the 7-mile marker!]
I've never been in a race before, but everything people say is true. There really is such a supportive and fun atmosphere at a race. Everyone is cheering everyone else on; it really is neat to be a part of! 

If I had been a spectator, I would have taken a lot more pictures... pictures of Thai people holding up signs they made that were poorly translated. My favorite one just said in huge letters "I DIED." Haha, that was a sign I didn't want over me during the race! I also would have taken a picture of the random spectator giving out high-fives, or the guy who stopped running to hand out prunes to people (I don't know, it's Thailand...). I would have photographed the runners' smiles when they got to a checkpoint and were rewarded with cold water, sponges and watermelon wedges, and the people like me trying to balance all those with my phone and personal water bottle, all while still running, ha! 

But even though my pictures are limited, there were plenty of photographers. Every time I felt like slowing down or being bored (because, let's face it, 3 hours is a long time), there were the paparazzi! It was enough to get the spring back in my step and put a smile on my face. I don't want to think about how many Thai folks now have pictures of my sweaty face!

[This was taken, while running, at my 1/3 point. I was on a bridge and the sun was just beginning to rise.]
[Claire ran her 10K with me, for the last leg of my half-marathon to help spur me on and set a good pace with her fresh legs. This photo was taken after the race, but it was a joy to see her and Crystal's face at the 7 mile marker!]
[After the race! They provided us with free tiger balm patches, which I promptly applied to my sore knees.]
I can't tell you how much you all were an encouragement to me while I ran... and really, this has been such a joy to be a part of, albeit a bit surreal. In fact, if it weren't for needing to slather my body with tiger balm today, I might think it didn't happen! I have been so blessed throughout this whole process. Claire and I started off by wanting to do something to help a dear family, the Kelley's, with their adoption. And, while we were able to do that ($610 was pledged!!), I feel like I have grown and been so uplifted through this process as well. There is something really neat about being able to help rally people for not just for a cause, but for a child. Your contribution, whether through encouraging us, praying for the Kelley's or giving financially is going to make a tangible impact on a child and their family.

Here is my encouragement to you... If God has grabbed your heart about something, run with it. See where He takes you and see how He changes you in that process. It's worth it!

[For Claire's post on the race, click here!]

Thursday, November 15, 2012

half-marathon.

Here's the short version... (for the full story, click here)

On November 18th, I will be running a half-marathon to help raise money for the Kelley's adoption of a child from Azerbaijan (read their blog for the details on their story!).

I am asking you to consider giving towards this cause, $1/km ($21 total) or a flat donation. I am hoping to help them raise at least $500 towards their adoption.

If you would like to sponsor my run:
1. Email me: lizswauger@gmail.com with the amount (either $/km or the flat donation amount) you would like to pledge.
2. Before the race, you will receive an email with an update on my progress.
3. After the race (11/18), you will be emailed a second update which will include directions on how to make your contribution through YouCaring
Amount pledged as of:
10/10- $105.00
10/11- $155.00
10/12- $205.00
10/15- $300.00
11/01- $500.00
11/16- $535.00
11/18- $560.00
12/02- $610.00

The $500 goal has been met! But there's still time to donate. All the money will be going to help the Kelley's Adoption-- So keep the pledges coming!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

[month five]

Today is a big day for a lot of reasons...

- Today is the 5 month anniversary of when Claire and I left Fredericksburg for Thailand. When I say that the time here is flying, I do mean flying! It's hard to believe that we've been here for 5 months already... and yes, I know I'll probably say that every month until I leave.

- Today, the "D.C. Three" (as Lorena fondly called us) was disbanded, as there are only two now. Laura left us today to return to America. I greatly dislike all these goodbyes; it seems like there is always someone leaving! But I am grateful for the time I did get with Laura, and the opportunity to get to know her better... and to know her, is to love her. I have been very blessed by her. It is evident that in only 3 months, she has already made a big impact here. She has also been an iron-sharpening-block for me and I have benefited greatly from her wisdom and relationship with God. She has helped me process all-things-Thailand, provided comic relief, and been a thoughtful friend. It was hard to say goodbye to her today, but it helps knowing all that God is calling her to once she returns. She has been well-stocked with hugs from me, so if you see her, feel free to request one of them!

[LaLa, as we have nicknamed her, and our last night at the guest house. We treated her to a farewell evening on the town! Complete with French desserts and a night-view of the city]
- Today marks the one-week mark until the BKK Half-Marathon! With only 7 days left, there is still time to pledge. All of the money raised will go to help the Kelley family in their adoption process... and the giving is done online through YouCaring, so no hassle! If you want more information, click here.

- Tonight I had the opportunity to help lead the Sunday Bible Class. John Lapos was giving his doctoral dissertation in Malaysia and was unable to teach, so he asked me to lead the group in his stead. The first part was for new believers and John asked me to talk with them about how to share their testimony. Two of the people who attended the class were not believers, so when it came time for them to write down their testimonies, I asked them to write, instead, what they knew about God. When it was time to share, one of these two, Mr. Wiichai, proceeded to share the Gospel with me. He is so close to accepting Christ. He reads through the book of John on his own, and says that he does have a desire to know Christ. Tonight he said that he hopes that soon he will be ready to become a Christian. He is someone that a lot of people have invested in and had conversations with. When the Spotswood short term team was here, Ryan spent a couple hours with Mr. Wiichai answering his questions and talking to him about the Gospel. Repeated interactions like that have led him to have a pretty extensive knowledge of the Bible... and it seems like his heart is being softened into accepting what his mind already knows. Please be praying for him!

Other news and updates...

- November 19th I will start a new session of Thai school! Please pray for me. I am very excited about being intentional in learning more Thai, but 20 hours/week in class leaves my head feeling pretty mushy.

- Term 6 has begun! I finished my first week of Term 6... and I'm so excited!! I have 7 classes, and 3 tutees this term. My classes all have such awesome and unique dynamics. I think that this term will be my favorite so far. I think part of it is because I am becoming more familiar with the curriculum and in the classroom, but a lot of it has to do with my students also. I have taught some of them previously, so we have a rapport. I'm more of a known quantity, now. And, all my classes seem to have a great sense of humor and think I'm funny also. A double-win.

- Claire and I were adopted for Thanksgiving! We will be having a home-made feast with the LifePoint staff at Tiffany and Steve's home. I'm sure this will get its own post when it happens, but needless to say, we are thrilled we won't be homeless for the holiday!

That's all for now! Thank you so much for following along on my time here and for your faithful prayers. Sending lots of love and humid weather your way... :)

Thursday, November 1, 2012

sandy.

I was heading out of the BSC today when P'Wii (one of the BSC drivers) stopped me. He seemed quite intent on talking to me, which surprised me as his English is not very good and my Thai is about the same. I understood a couple words and pieced together that he wanted to know something about my family. He kept repeating "doraaadoe". I asked him if it was Thai or English, and he responded English. If you've ever played Mad-Gab, it felt like that. I kept repeating "doraaadoe" hoping that at some point it would click. It did not. So he told me to wait and he rushed off. Meanwhile, I'm still muttering to myself trying to figure out what a "doraaadoe" is.

I see him approaching with a Thai newspaper. Which, as I don't read Thai, is of no help to me. Family... newspaper... "doraaadoe"... then I get it. Tornado! He arrives and points to the front page, with a picture of flooding on the front. He was asking about my family, and if they made it through Hurricane Sandy!

I was so touched. Laughing and smiling, I told him that I understood and that yes, they were fine. (Which, praise God, is a wonderful thing to be able to share, as I know it could have been much worse!) He then asked about Dr. Drew and Doug and Spotswood and if they were well, also. I told them that everyone was fine. There is a huge language barrier between us, and yet, it was so sweet to see how much he cared and the effort he was willing to go through to communicate his concern.

Sometimes, on the homefront, it must feel like you are doing a lot of caring and praying and loving for people who (in this life) you may never know. But Church, be encouraged. Even though you have not been to Thailand, there are Thai people who know and care about you. You are connected to the people here; they are blessed by your investment in our lives, as well as through your prayers. Thank you for your faithfulness.