Christmas Day!

It's Christmas!!! haha. I can't believe it's christmas...it's so surreal to me. It doesn't feel like it being thousands of miles away but it helps that I have amazing friends here. We all woke us this morning at the marriot early. Maybe its just a thing about christmas you automatically wake up early, I don't know but we did. After a wonderful breakfast buffet, we all headed to Pratunam to shop. Even though we are in a primarlily buddhist country christmas is still very much around. Decorations and many different types of christmas trees were everywhere around the city. Ones made of coke cans and another made of CD's. So even though I was away from home, it was comforting to see the christmas spirit around town. After shopping we watch the movie 'Australia'. It was such a good movie, but it made me cry so much. It was quite a long movie, so after we decided we should find a place to eat. We decided that christmas night would be our chance to go to the Hard Rock Cafe.
It felt good being in a familiar restaurant and not to mention the food was so good! Outside the restaurant stood a giant pink christmas tree with giant presents all around. We took the opportunity and took some holiday photos with each other.

I honestly thought that christmas here wouldn't be a big deal, and even though we spontaneously went through the day it ended up being a great day!!

Experiencing Kanchanaburi

Today me, Stephani, Ashley, and Erin left for kanchanaburi for our mini holiday vacation. more than anything it was our getaway from the city life. after a long and expensive taxi ride we had made it to the bus terminal. as we were making our way to buy a ticket, a bus pulls up and the attendant swings open the door and yells out, "kanchanaburi?" and we were like YEAH! as we loaded the bus, we agreed how easy that was. the bus ride would have been nice except for the fact that i had to pee since the moment i boarded the bus. it was horrible, cause the bus was taking forever. finally three hours had passed, and we arrived to our desintation. all i could think was, THANK GOD!!! i rushed passed a mob of tuk tuk drivers with on mission to pee!!

After checking in to our guesthouse, we decided to explore the city. After a trial run with renting motorbikes, we decided to be more logical and got bicycles. We had a blast riding around town. We biked down to River Kwai Bridge, and after taking a million pictures decided to go back to guest house. The next day we took a tour to the tiger temple, where we got to get up close to tigers.
The only part that I could have done without, was a tiger peeing on me! We had the chance to walk with a monk and a tiger, but as the tiger walks it marks it's territory. Unfortunately his aim was a little off, and it got on me. It was disgusting!

Everyone told us, we couldn't leave Kanchanaburi without visiting the Erawan waterfall. So the following day we booked a tour to spend half a day there. I have never seen a water like this before; it was absolutely breathtaking!
The erawan waterfall consists of seven tiers and it was such a hike to get to the top. After climbing down we decided to take a swim at tier 3. The water was cold but refreshing and there were a ton of fish nibbling on my feet. They didn't hurt, but it felt really strange. After we went down to tier 2 and there we were met by wild monkeys. Before we started the day the tour guide told us to beware of the monkeys because they often tend to steal peoples belongings. At this tier we decided to swim underneath the waterfall...it was so much fun!!



After our trip to the waterfall we visited the 'death railway' and took train down it. It was really nice to see the countryside. Even though this trip was only four days, it was four days away from Bangkok's busyness and polluation!

'Backpackers Alley'

The highlight of being back in the city has definitely been that I get spend time with my fellow missionary friends. The first day back, they took us to Khoasan Road also known as 'backpackers alley.' We went by river taxi, a form of transportation I've only experience once before. It was good to refresh myself with Bangkok's variety of transportation. Khoasan Road delievered in its reputation of cheap shopping. It also was a total foreginer spot. As me and the other girls were bargining for some clothes it hit; it's not fair. These venders just think of us as just another tourist. But in reality we've been here for five months. We aren't just passing through. We're actually living and working in thailand...living off the thai baht. What seems cheap to the tourist is a weeks worth of meals for us. But I guess it's all part of the experience. 

Back in the big city...

Well I'm back in Bangkok! And let me say, first of all I don't miss it. Although it's nice to come and visit our fellow missionary friends, I don't miss the craziness of the city. Just this morning I was on an overnight train from Ubon. All through night I would wake up scared...the train would be going so fast and then coming to quick halt. It was very unpleasant. And then making our way from the train to the taxi stand was another battle. Tuk Tuk drivers trying  to persuade us to give them our business. But I knew what I wanted: a metered taxi! And I made sure they knew it!! They kept saying, "Taxi in Thailand!" All I could think was, ' duh! we're in Thailand, I've been here for five months, leave me alone!' When Erin and I finally got a taxi we got on our way. The taxi driver seemed to know where we wanted to go, and only ended up getting a little bit lost. But it was okay we made it. Despite his crazy driving maneuvers. I'm just glad to be here and done with traveling. I can't wait to start our holiday adventure!

Concluding Part 1

So I always knew that the time would fly by...but I'm still surprised that it's already Christmas time. At the beginning of every month I think....'wow I can't believe it's already a new month' and then before I know it, the month is over! Sometimes it's really incomprehensible. 

In a few days, Erin and I will be leaving for Bangkok to begin our Christmas vacation. We've been counting down this date since the beginning of December and now that it's actually here I'm even more anxious. For many reasons, one being we get to hang out with our fellow missionary friends; we always have blast together. hehe ;] Second, Erin's family will be visiting. A little piece of home in Thailand, even if it's just for a week is super. And finally embarking on this vacation means we are half way. I'm excited for the chance to begin our second half of living here and at the same time excited that after a few months home will be in sight. So many things to look forward to, I can hardly contain myself. 

Elementary Teacher? I think not...

The experience in Thailand so far has been amazing, even though half the time I have no idea what I'm doing. At times teaching is challenging, especially teaching ESL. But for the most part I enjoy it. But I will say teaching children is not my thing. I've always wanted be a teacher and I've always wanted to be a high school English teacher. With my situation here, I've been teaching all different ages. This term I acquired a children's beginners class. For the first week, things were great. But lately I feel like I don't have any control. Part of the problem is their ages. My class consists of two eleven year olds, a seven year old, a four year old, and a three year old. I don't really have any problems with the two older ones, but the younger kids are a different story. Especially the three year old, he is just too young to be in a classroom setting; therefore he distracts the others kids which leads to my mental breakdown of frustration. It's a one day at a time kind of thing, I go into the classroom with that mindset. I want the majority of the children to learn all that they can, and I pray that I can handle the frustration.   

Two guys from Belgium...

The day started with Erin and I participating in a speech and spelling bee contest and ended with me spitting up coffee and us rushing out of a restaurant. By the end of day...my only thought was "what a day!" 

After leaving the school where had just judged a multi-school English competition, we headed to a near by restaurant to get lunch. We had just ordered when I see two foreign guys with major 'back-packing' back packs. They looked lost, and what do you know, they were. They saw us in the restaurant and walk over to us to ask if we knew of any guest houses near by. You would think living in Ubon for almost four months we would somewhat know where things are, but the thing is we don't. I remembered that at the apartment we had a map of Ubon and it lists hotels and accommodations. Since we weren't far, I told them I would run home and get it for them. When I said run, I meant literally. Now it was a good idea in theory, except for the fact I'm totally out a shape, and after running a block I had to stop. lol. I got back and give the map to them and showed them the different places that I knew of. Apparently they were just passing through Ubon coming from Lao and heading to Singapore. I felt good knowing I had helped them out. They then got up to leave, and were about to pay for their waters, when they realized they didn't have any small bills; so we offered to pay. They said they would pay us back if they ever ran into us again (quite unlikely). After lunch Erin and I walked back home, feeling good that we had helped them out. We both agreed that we didn't want to run into them again, to avoid an awkward situation. And since they were only staying a night, it was most unlikely. 

But you know, life is really funny sometimes. Later tonight Erin and I walk to the moon river, some kind of Buddhist festival was going on; we wanted to see what it was all about. We remembered that we had mentioned the festival to the two guys, and I hoped we wouldn't run into them there. While we were walking along the river; marveled at the fireworks being lit up over the river, we stopped along the railing. I was taking a picture of a group of people lighting a 'fire balloon'  when I look to my right, and sitting right there were the two guys from Belgium. Erin had just noticed them too! I quietly took Erin by the arm and walked away. We hoped they hadn't seen us...and after a little bit, we decided to head back. As we were about to leave the night market near the river, we ran into our Thai nurse friends. We ended up catching up with them for awhile and then we finally headed back in the direction of home. We decided that dinner hadn't filled us up and we stopped in this really cute restaurant/bakery. We took the table by the window and began to browse the menu...when, guess who? the guys walked by! I couldn't believe it. This time there was no chance to even try and avoid the encounter. They spotted us and came inside. I tried my best to control my facial expression...okay that's a lie; anyone who knows me, knows that my face says exactly what I'm thinking! They told us they wanted to pay us back by buying us a drink and we told them that they didn't have to; but they insisted. They told us they were going to go back to their hotel and then would return. So there we were, debating what to do. I suggested we run right then and there and avoid this situation all together. But we thought, what if we ran into them on the way....so we stayed. I ordered some coffee, and half-way through it we decided that we should just leave. Something funny was said while I was in mid-sip and I couldn't hold it in. lol. It was a mess...I'm sure the people around thought we were crazy! But we asked for the check....and rushed out of there; full-heartedly hoping we wouldn't cross paths with the guys. Thankfully we didn't, and I have no idea if they ever showed up to pay us back. I don't even care...the whole situation was weird and awkward. Something that started as us helping two lost travelers ended with us running away in avoidance. Our adventures are never dull, thats for sure ;]

Fire Balloons

Tonight in light of a Buddhist festival taking place in Ubon, one of Erin's students bought these paper balloons that are to be lit on fire and placed in the sky. So after class today we went with the students to the near by park and they helped us light the balloons and set them up to fly! It was really cool to see our balloons lit up in the sky, as they went higher and higher! They believe this brings good luck and you're suppose to pray before you do it. We both said a little prayer to God not buddha! It was a really cool experience!

Who let the evil dogs out?!?

Tonight Erin and I went out spontaneously to eat Italian food. After a delicious meal of soup and salad, we left content and happy. On our usual walk home we were chatting about something random, when suddenly a brown dog leaped out us; barking. We both screamed and jumped back, thankfully the dog was tied to the fence. Still startled we continued on, when again we hear dogs barking. Coming up were three dogs behind a fence, but what we didn't realize right away was that the fence was open! So the dogs precede to bark and are coming at us...at this point we were so scared! Thankfully the street had no cars because if it had, we probably would have run out in front of traffic. Once the dogs realized we weren't invading their territory anymore they backed off. All the way home, we tried to regain our breath. All I can stay is THANK GOD the dogs didn't come after us!! We were lucky, and I'm definitely going to think twice about walking down that street at after dark. 

I Serve an Amazing God...

I was just thinking about how God is so amazing and half the time we don't even realize it. Recently I relived my Lao trip as I was blogging about it. And, yes that trip was not one of the best experiences; but everything turned out okay. Every step of the way and with every obstacle that stood in our way; I said a little prayer. It wasn't until after the fact did I realize that all my prayers had been answered. We got into Lao safely, we got to our hotel safely, we were issued our 1-year visa; the list could go on. The point is all through out the trip I panicked; thinking about all the horrible situations we could find ourselves in. But after my human instincts subsided and I quietly prayed for peace. PEACE came. God is just so wonderful like that. 

What?! I'm Going to Lao Now?

That's an accurate reaction of myself this last Monday morning. With my Thai visa expiration date fast approaching I knew that I would have to travel to Lao eventually to apply for my missionary visa. What I didn't expect was on Monday after waking up and barely starting my day; I got a call informing me that Erin and I would be traveling on a bus in about an hour. I really hate finding things out last minute and this was definitely one of those situations. Maybe the way the trip started should have been an inclination of how the rest of it would unfold, but I had no idea that it would turn out so bad. Summing it all it up in a couple of words would be: horrible, confusing, frustrating and never-ending. 

After yet another long bus (we just got back from very long Chiang Mai trip) we finally made it to the city of Udon Thani. We waited there for what seemed forever for the 'international Thai/Lao bus.' It finally came and we boarded thinking, "finally, we'll be there soon!" While we were on the bus, the bus attendant asked us if we had a 'Lao visa' which we didn't. Apparently that posed another problem. We went through immigration at the Thai border and the officer told us that we probably weren't going to be able to obtained a visa this late at night, but he stamped our departure from Thailand anyways, and told that he would let us try. The bus took us over the 'friendship bridge' and stopped at the Lao border. Where we stood in yet another long line and then were told we were standing in the wrong line. By then all the people from the bus has gone through, and the bus attendant told us the bus would not wait for us to try and get a visa. So we got our stuff and bus left us. All I could think was, "great...we're potentially stranded." We finally found the right 'line' and applied for our Lao visa, which didn't take very long to process and we finally entered the country! Now posed the problem of getting to our hotel. Usually there are a ton of tuk tuk's around vying for your business, but it was so late at night we didn't see anyone. But then by the grace God a two men came up to us and said, "tuk tuk?" I've never been so happy to hear those words before...usually I'm quite annoyed with the drivers who never stop asking if you want a ride. Anyways we told him where we wanted to go and then asked him 'how much' and he said 250baht. Now in any other situation this would have been a major rip off, but given the situation and how much we didn't want to deal anything else other then a hot shower and comfortable bed; we said 'fine.' Not an ounce of me wanted haggle or even try all I wanted was to be inside in an hotel room.

I got my wish, and the tuk tuk man took us to the hotel we has requested. We quickly paid for a room and that was that. The night was finally over!! Thankfully we were able to meet up with three other missionaries from Bangkok. We were pleased to be reunited with our friends again! But that's about the only thing that made the trip bearable. 

The next day all five of us made our way to the Thai Embassy. We planned ahead got there early to avoid the lines. But unfortunately every other foreigner trying to obtain a Thai visa had the same idea. We waited in the hot sun for what seemed like forever just to get inside the embassy gate, and then we preceded to wait in another line for our papers could be processed. But wait, it didn't end there, then we had to go into a separate building; the room being quite small and yet filled with a ton of people. And there, we just sat and waited for our name to be called super quietly and in broken English. After sitting in that room for awhile, trying to make out what names were being called; the situation became quite comical. It might have been the lack of food and especially the lack of coffee in my system that give the situation that effect; I'm not really sure. But there we were, thirty or more foreigners sitting and waiting; every now and then being told 'to be quiet' by a very angry Thai man. Who later had a fit cause the door kept being shut. At that point, I just wanted to be back in Thailand!

The system there at the Thai Embassy is so messed up, it turns out we were all just waiting around for our receipt. And our visas wouldn't be issued until the next day. Unfortunately we had to spend another day, waiting for our visas to be processed. That left us with nothing to do, the rest of the day consisted of snacking and lying around in the hotel. The capital city of Lao; Vientiane was a complete and utter disappointment. I'll be fine if I never visit again. 

The moment we had all been waiting for finally came, when we picked up our passports and there inside was our newly issued Thai visa. We could finally leave! We didn't waste any time, thinking ahead we packed everything and brought it with us to the embassy and as soon as we could we caught a tuk tuk to the border! After a tuk tuk ride, then a bus ride, then another taxi and yet another bus we arrived in Udon Thani; where Erin and I would get our respective bus and the our friends from Bangkok could get theirs. Unfortunately for us, only part of that plan happened. Five minutes after we arrived in Udon Thani, the other SM's bought their bus tickets home, and were about to board. While we had to stay another night, because there were no buses leaving for Ubon until morning. The only thought going through my head was, "will the trip ever end!!" 

Thankfully we were able to get a hotel right next to the bus station and we planned on catching the first bus out at 5:40am. We were comforted in the hotel when we found English speaking channels, including "MTV"! It made the inconvenience a little bit more bearable. At last, morning came and we were finally homeward bound!! It would be an understatement to say I had missed my 'home' in Thailand; I was ecstatic to be back! Finally not in a bus, a hotel; but my own bed at last!

Chiang Mai

No words can fully describe the feeling I felt when I awoke from sleeping on the bus, and out my window I actually saw mountains. But not any mountains; lush, green mountains. I had arrived, I was in Chiang Mai.

It was technically my first vacation. The school term had just ended, and I was grateful to get a week off. Erin and I decided to travel up north and tour Chiang Mai. It all worked out, and we were able to meet up with the other SM's from Bangkok. Being reunited with them once again felt so good. It was as if no time had past, and yet we had so much to catch each other up on. It was great!

One of the many joys that Chiang Mai reunited us with, was 'western' food! That includes: Mexican, Italian and good old burgers. It would be an understatement to say I had been missing those options on the menu recently. Ubon doesn't give me many choices when it comes to food. So being somewhere, where any craving wasn't out of reach felt amazing! The first night, there was no disagreement; we had to have Mexican. "Miguels" was a Godsend. Finally being able to enjoy a simple bean&cheese burrito felt like heaven. Now, ordering Mexican food in Thailand had me half expecting a disappointment waiting to happen, but "Miguels" didn't let us down. It's Mexican food was definitely up to par. I was very sad to leave it behind.


Another relatively random find in Chiang Mai was used bookstores. Not just one or two, but many; on every street. I know I might sound weird when I say this, but this too made me feel as if I was in heaven. I love to read, and just the week before; Erin and I had been wishing for a library or something where we could access English books. Little did we know that our wish was just a couple of hundred miles northwest of Ubon. Believe me, we took advantage. A couple of nights before we left town, we dedicated one night to hitting up the bookstores. It sounds like a funny thing to do while on vacation, but I had a blast. Even in the U.S. I love to browse through old bookstores. You never know what you can find. I spent a good 600baht just on books alone. In the U.S. that only about twenty dollars, but in Thai money that could go a long ways; so it was a little bit of a splurge. But I'm still reaping the rewards, enjoying every single page of the books I purchased.

We were lucky, and we had a free place to stay while up in Chiang Mai. The local SDA church allowed us to stay there. It was definitely not a Ritz Carlton, but it had beds and a roof. Granted we had a few unexpected guests, a.k.a rats or maybe mice; I'm not sure. Anyways, they gave a few scares, but nothing too bad. I figure, it's free can't be too picky. Besides saving all the money I can is key; allows for more when traveling.




While on this trip we had the opportunities to do some really cool things. One of the main attractions was ziplining through the Thai jungle! There are really no words to describe how cool that was. It was probably one of the most exhilarating things I've ever done. I was a little nervous at first, because of how high we were going to be. But after the first course, that fear disappeared and I was just excited!! The last course we did, wasn't a zipline it was sort of 'bungee drop'. Which involves the guide lowering you to the ground. But in some cases, as in mine, they just dropped the line really fast. It was scary but at the same time so much fun! 

The next day we took a tour of Southern Chiang Mai. The day included visiting two different villages; Meo and Karen. Then we hiked to the Maewang waterfall. After we went to an elephant camp and got to ride them. It was so much fun. The elephant slowly made it's way through the jungle. Erin and I enjoyed the beautiful scenery while our guide sang a Thai song. It was quite comical. Several times our elephant would sneeze or something and we would get sprayed. I think it was angry cause I had run out of bananas ;] After the elephant riding we went bamboo rafting. I didn't really know what to expect, but it was really fun. Unfortunately I couldn't take my camera and I don't have any pictures to show for it. But believe me, it was fun. There was three to a raft and and one guide. The raft consisted of several bamboo sticks tied together at both ends. We stood up on the raft and attempting to balance ourselves down river. We didn't stay dry for long. It was great way to end the day!!

By far, Chiang Mai has been my favorite place in Thailand. There's so much culture and yet a bit of home (the food, hehe.) I'm so thankful I had the chance to visit and experience it all!

It's War!

I hate ants! It's official! Today, like every morning I took a shower. But this today as I was drying off with my towel, I was swarmed with ants. I didn't realize that my towel as ton of ants on it (I have no idea why!!!) But yeah, it was not a good feeling. I got a ton of bites, and it was impossible to scratch them all!! It was horrible. If I find anymore ants I'm coming at them with no mercy! It's war!

Sometimes I wonder...

how Erin and I get into the situations that we experience. Yesterday we decided to go out exploring. Nothing too special, but fun none-the-less. On the way back, while riding the song tao we met a man from the States. Side note: If you're a older white male, living in Thailand; you are part of a stereotype. It's just a fact. I have seen countless middle-aged Caucasian men with a very young Asian woman on their arm. It's usually a 'two-way' road he's using her for certain things, and of course she's using him as well, usually for money. Well anyways, yesterday we found ourselves in the weirdest most awkward conversation with....yes, 'a white man in Thailand.' 

He didn't hold back. He told us very casually exactly why he was living in Thailand: the 'ladies' (as he puts his hand on his Thai girlfriend.) I knew that was the answer, even without his explanation. I was just so shocked that he was being so open with us, as if it were something to be proud of. I couldn't wait to jump off the song tao and say exactly was on my mind to Erin (who was thinking the exact same thing.) But seriously, it's nothing to be proud of. I actually feel sorry for that man, because it won't be long until that girlfriend will swindle him too. 

What!? Typhoon??

That's the explanation my students gave me for the severe rain outside the classroom today. Now I've seen some pretty bad rain storms here, but tonight it was really bad. It just so happens that tonight Erin and I had plans with Amanda (the other SM here) to eat Italian food. We had our stomachs and hearts set on it. So even with the freak rain storm outside we (all three of us) jumped on her motorbike. It was definitely an experience driving in the rain, and all I could think was, "how do Thai people do this!" It's true, rain or shine nothing ever stops them from going somewhere. So what, we got a little wet, but it was worth it. The food was absolutely wonderful! Yay for pizza in Thailand!

the mystery of the dancing shrimp...

Actually there's no mystery, it's fact. Somewhere in Thailand; once a year fresh water shrimp migrate to another river. Now how do I know this, well I went and saw them dance ;] I'm not too sure if I would technically call it dancing but they were out of the water moving all in one direction. Sometimes I wonder how I get into these strange situations revolving around the most random things. lol. 

Anyways, it was Saturday afternoon and Erin and I were relaxing after church, when we get a call from Pnee (the secretary of the school) inviting us to travel, "somewhere, dancing shrimp, waterfall, near Laos." That's how she described it. I know that doesn't give much of where were going, but I said yes right away. 

So once we finally got on the road, it was darkfall and I was wondering how in the world are we going to see these shrimp dance?! I was so confused, but I swallowed my confusion. I was just happy to be out exploring something new. It was a plus, cause Erin and I got to hang out with the other Student Missionary here Ubon; Amanda. It was taking forever to get there and people had to us the bathroom. But where we were, there was no such thing. Only nature. haha. So, yes we all pulled over and certain people relieved themselves out in the dark wilderness. From that point on, we weren't that far from the 'place'. All I could think was "about time!" We were greeted by these park rangers, who then led us by flashlight down stone steps. I could here rushing water, but I couldn't see a thing. I really want to go back to where ever I was and visit in the daylight. But anyways, back to the shrimp; they were there. But not what I expected. haha. They were these tiny little things on rocks, nothing too special. 

The trip wasn't a total waste of time though. We did humor the rangers and any other local for that matter, by taking pictures with them when they asked. lol. And that's always fun! The day was something different, I can't complain; I'm in Thailand!!! 

Dog Rescue!

So while walking past the park today, Erin and I noticed a dog in the moat around the park. Now this isn't really unusual; dogs often take a swim or try and catch the fish. But this dog didn't look like it was doing either. It was paddling so hard, trying to climb up the steep incline. But each time it failed. We couldn't just walk away now, we had to do something. So we entered the park's gate and went over to where the dog was. We usually draw attention for just being foreigners, but this time people were wondering what the heck we were doing around the moat. So a few Thai men came over and realized what were looking at. The next thing we know, they return with a ladder. We were so happy they were willing to help. I was scared the dog wasn't going to last much longer, it looked to be giving up. But luckily the men were able to rescue the dog. The ladder was useless though, they ended up having to join hands and lean in and physically grab the dog out of the water. You could tell the dog was very happy to be out of there, and hopefully it will think twice before venturing into the park's moat. 

Evil BEE

So today after yet another weekly shopping trip to Thailand's 'Walmart' a.k.a. Tesco, Erin and I jumped on the Song Tao to get home. We were only a few blocks from home, when I felt something bite me on my shoulder. I freaked out, and reached beneath my sleeve to get whatever it was, out. It turns out, it was a bee! My shoulder was hurting really bad. I haven't been stung in a couple of years, and I've forgotten what a bee sting feels like: not good! Anyways, Erin pulled out the stinger, but it was still very painful. I was so mad at the bee! Oh, yeah this was all happening in front of a Thai man sitting across from us on the Song Tao. But I didn't care. I used my previously used 'Dairy Queen' spoon and scooped up the bee. Erin laughed out me, because apparently the man was looking at me very weirdly. I just sat there, holding my arm and staring at the bee while it was dying. I later took it back and asked Uncle Fred (the grounds keeper at the school/church) if I was going to die. He laughed and said no. The bee I was holding was a honey bee, apparently harmless. All I can stay, Thank God I wasn't allergic!

Ubon's Simple Life

Now, living in Ubon is definitely a change from busy Bangkok. The lifestyles and the pace of the people are considerably different. Last Saturday, I had the chance to visit a community here in Ubon that I had never seen before. While handing out fliers, my group walked down by the Moon River. I had no idea the river was even there until that day. lol. But anyways, the community we visited was very interesting and eye-openingg. I decided that I would have to come back and show Erin this other world of Ubon. 

So today we decided to abandon our usual plan of jogging in the park and walk down by the river and through the village community. It was a beautiful day, the sun was out and the clouds were absolutely breath

-taking (I have this thing for clouds...lol.) We made our way down to the village, but to our surprise the recent rain, flooded the stairs. So we ventured out onto this man-made bamboo bridge. It was very scary. I thought it was going to break, but we made it. I'm pretty sure the locals that saw us, thought we were weird. 




After surviving the bamboo bridge, we wandered around this small community of simple houses. It was very dirty and animals were everywhere. We even had to stop for a man pulling his cows. Which made me happy (I love seeing cows!) As we wandered around, there wasn't a person who didn't take a second glance at us. I can't imagine they get many foreigners wandering around their streets. Some even said "hello" in their broken English. This little adventure are the types of things I love to see. It gave us a chance to see how the locals live. It felt like another world, and we were only a couple blocks from home.

Beautiful God

Shawn McDonald's song titled "Beautiful"

As I look into the stars
Pondering how far away they are
How You hold them in Your hands
And still You know this man
You know my inner most being, oh
Even better than I know, than I know myself
What a beautiful God
What a beautiful God
And what am I, that I might be called Your child
What am I, what am I
That You might know me, my King
What am I, what am I, what am I
As I look off into the distance
Watching the sun roll on by
Beautiful colors all around me, oh
Painted all over the sky
The same hands that created all of this
They created you and I
What a beautiful God
What a beautiful God
And what am I, that I might be called Your child
What am I, what am I
That You might know me, my King
What am I, what am I
That You might die, that I might live
What am I, what am I, what am I, what am I

I absolutely love this song. I think it's so beautiful, and it has such moving words.

Baby Eden

Meet Eden. This is the pastor's daughter. She's one and half years old. And she absolutely the cutest baby I've ever seen!

English Camp Day 3+one

So it was our last day conducting English camp at this school, and once again Erin and I started planning the morning of. As much as I love the kids at this school, this camp session was not our best. Being tired doesn't help, and to add to that, the kid's noise level was extra high. Nothing was getting done, and after only 30 minutes of leading out, my voice was dying. It seemed to an never ending day. When we finally got through the morning portion, I was so relieved. When the kids returned from lunch, the day went a lot more smoothly.

I felt that I really connected with the kids there! They taught me a game similar to 'jacks' called mak lek, well at least I think that's what it's called. lol. At first I wasn't that good at it, you know me and hand-eye coordination aren't that close; but after a little bit of practice I got the hang of it. Through out the day there was also this one boy who kept asking me for a kiss on the cheek, I kept telling him "mai chai" which is no in Thai. At first it was cute, but he didn't stop; and then it got annoying. I'm not going to lie, when the day was over I was happy to leave. 

But unexpectedly, the head teacher asked Erin and I to return and tutor two of her students for a speech competition. That night we wrote the speeches, and then the next day we returned to help them prepare. It was a lot more laid back, than the previous day with English Camp. We got to enjoy the children's company without any of the stress. That day, they were all dressed in their scout outfits. They're so cute! I absolutely love the uniforms! Especially the boys with their 'cowboy' hats. It reminded me of my pathfinder days...good times. 

Working with the students, preparing for the speech competition went really well. They are extremely hard-working, always putting 100% of their efforts into making it perfect. I really hope they win!
At lunch time we went out into the small surrounding village and ate lunch. Walking to the lunch spot, I got a chance to get close to a cow! It was really cute! The area near the school is very primanative. The people live in raised houses. It's seems to be a very simple life. Coming from the city life, and seeing this community allows me to see another world of Ubon.