15: missions accomplished

When Laura was in Bangkok, she became friends with a girl named Carter, who introduced her to two ministries: Second Chance Bangkok and Antique Cafe. I had never been, although Claire and Laura were big proponents of both. Today, Steph and I decided to try to find both of these locations and simultaneously knock out some Christmas shopping!

I wish I could take credit for our accomplished missions of the day... however, they would have been a complete failure without the many Thais who stopped to help, walk, talk and escort us around (sometimes in circles!) but eventually to where we needed to be. A big thank you to the lovely nationals, all 17+ of them, who helped us find these places.

Mission #1: Second Chance Bangkok- a ministry in the Klong Toey slums

Today was a comedy of poor directions. First there was our taxi driver who got us to the general vicinity of Second Chance, but said the address we had was for a region rather than a place. He gave up trying and dropped us off at this lovely green building, instead. The bright side? He gave us a discount on our taxi fare because he couldn't get us to the right location.

Inside the building (it seemed to be like a Thai-DMV), a team of no less than 5 green-shirted employees looked at our map, called numbers, and tried (with no success) to help us get to Second Chance. Finally, one of the men drew a map and started talking in Thai to the women. I couldn't understand much, but he did say "not correct" three times... which of course, didn't inspire any confidence on my part. After that, two employees took us down to the street, (and, after talking with two women on the street) loaded Steph and I on the back of a moto (yes, all three of us on one moto) and off we went. He had to stop approximately three times to get directions... and eventually dropped us off in front of a building in Klong Toey that was not Second Chance and drove off. 

The two guards there tried to help us, too. By God's provision, one of the guards mentioned "Helping Hands" which is the parent ministry of Second Chance and name-dropped Poo (short for "Chompoo"), who works for HH in her ministry, "Cooking with Poo". After lots of nodding and "yes yes-ing", the guard walked us to her place. There, we explained our mission, as well as our twisted tail of failed attempts to the souvenir shop at Second Chance. 

[Cooking with Poo's Culinary School in the heart of the Klong Toey slums]

[Can you read the sign on the left? Gotta love a good pun!]

Poo was incredibly sweet and friendly. Her English was also excellent. She led us through the meandering slums back to the main street, flagged us two motos, and sent us on our way to Second Chance. I'm so thankful that God placed her there, and that she was willing to help us!!

[Poo leading the way!]

Once we arrived to Second Chance, it took a couple more tries to get upstairs to the souvenir shop. However, the employees were very gracious and allowed us to go shopping, even though it was past closing time (our trip there ended up taking 3.5 hours... whoops).

I don't want to post any big spoiler pictures of my purchases, as Christmas is coming and some of my readers will be receiving gifts from there... but I will share one picture. Below (left) is a Christmas card made out of recycled fabric and paper. The employees of Second Chance up-cycle donated items and resell them. Cute, right?

If you are in the Bangkok area and want to go gift shopping, they will be selling items at the Sirikit Convention Center on Dec 11th.

Mission #2: Antique Cafe

I won't bore you with more details of our lost cabbie, confused moto drivers and random valet who eventually helped us find the Cafe... (Although I am going to include directions for future sojourners!) While we did find it, it had, unfortunately, closed an hour before we arrived. Perhaps I'll try this one another time!

[Ride the BTS to Phrom Phong, take Exit 5 and continue down the street (in the direction it pops you out) for about a 5-7 minute walk]

[When you see Au Bon Pain, on your right-side, turn right.]

[When you see this sign on your left-hand-side, turn left]

[Antique Cafe will be on your left. Warning: They close early, and aren't open on the weekends!]

vlog: rahab

I really don't know where to start with how much I love all the ladies at Rahab. Needless to say, the decision to buy some gifts from them was easy. Not only are friends back home getting wonderful jewelry, but they are simultaneously supporting a ministry which provides a livelihood for women who want to get out of the bar-scene.

[I've blurred their faces for protection & privacy purposes]

Quite a few women from the States have had their wedding and bridesmaids' jewelry made through Rahab. What a fabulous idea! Pry, one of the girls, is a fantastic designer. She works with the bride to come up with the exact design/style and then the girls make it. So all you engaged people out there... keep Rahab in mind!

[Me sporting my new necklace... with it's creator!]

Today there was a missions team from Michigan (quite a large and international group!) who came to Rahab and provided us all with a tasty pizza lunch... They also coaxed the girls into teaching them the Thai-version of the "chicken dance." It's not an interview or anything spiritual, but it does give you a glimpse into how fun they are!!

vlog: moni

This week I've been taking advantage of having time off from teaching to prepare for my visit home... (read: gift shopping!) After a week of brainstorming and bargaining I'm happy to report I'm half-way finished. Shopping is hard work. Thankfully, though, there are some special places and people who have become close to my heart who have businesses here. I love when gifts are not just gifts, but are also meaningful. For a few posts leading up to my return, I'd like to highlight a couple of the people and ministries where I purchased your gifts! (Also, if you have any specific gift requests, make sure you send 'em soon!)

This post, you're in for a special treat. My scarf/soap selling friend Moni at MBK Mall graciously allowed me to interview her so that you can put a face with a name... and a face with your gift! I have mentioned her previously in my blog here and here. I wanted for you to hear, from her, one of the struggles of being a Thai Christian, and also how you can be praying for Thai believers. As soon as you watch the video, you'll know why I love her so much!

Before we parted, Moni insisted on giving me a bag filled with scarves leftover from her scarf inventory. She told me that she wants to be able to bless some of you who have so sacrificially supported and sent me. I think a large portion of my bag is home will just be soap and scarves... I can only imagine what the customs folks will be thinking!

If you are one of the people who receives a scarf or soap, please remember to pray for Moni. Pray for her life to continue to be a light here to bring hope to her people.

scarves.

There we were, perusing a rack of skirts when Claire's ears perked up. "Do you hear that?" she asks. Amidst all the chatter of the mall and the music and Thai voices, I couldn't figure out what sound she was referring to. I stopped for a moment, then I heard music and the name "Jesus." Turning around we looked to see where it was coming from. Right across from us was a little scarf/hat/purse shop with a t.v. playing contemporary worship songs! We stared at it, and each other... It felt a little surreal. Were we really watching a worship music video in the middle of the MBK mall in the heart of Buddhist-Bangkok? 

We told the woman who worked there we loved the song. And, she asked if we were Christians... She spoke wonderful English and we told her we were, and she shared that she was also! We asked her about the church she goes to, and she asked us why we were in Thailand, and for how long, etc. Every time things like this happen, I am blown away. I am halfway around the world... but whenever I meet another believer, we have an instant connection.

She told us she'd give us a good deal on anything we wanted to buy because, "we're family." Which, she did. She was very generous and gave us a great discount on some awesome scarves... so I had to buy a few!

Her name is Moni, and I don't know much about her, but I am already excited for the next time I go to the mall and can visit her and talk with her more. Also, I told her when the team comes I'll bring the girls to her booth to do some gift-shopping! Her items were 50% less than all the other places I looked in the mall and they were "narak mak ka" (so cute!). And, it's supporting a sister in Christ, so win-win.