Trauma

Last night proved to be a very strange, and eventful evening for me. Me and two of my Thai friends were leaving the Galilee house (a ministry house that is set up here), and as we were coming out of the driveway one of the guys saw a motorbike crash into the ditch. This was roughly around 10pm...we went over to help, and we were the second ones on scene...there were two other foreigners already there.

There were three Thai men all scattered along the ditch, all varying in their injuries, all very drunk. One of them was absolutely fine, another had likely broken his leg, and then the other (whom I assume to be the driver, and who I ended up tending to) had basically lost his lower lip, and had obviously taken the brunt of the fall on his face. I, and the two other foreigners then spent about 20minutes plus trying to convince the Thai people not to move him. I was holding him down and attempting to stabilize him in the best way I knew how, but then I heard crunching coming from his mouth. Not the "i'm-eating-chips-or-crunchy-food" crunching, but more like he realised that his teeth were no longer attached to his mouth and was moving them about with the shards that remained, kind of crunching. At the end of the day, we three "farangs" lost our battle and they not too gently picked him up and stuck him in the back of their truck and drove off to the hospital. Only 2 minutes later the emergency vehicle showed up with no one to pick up. I was mad, and slightly nauseous. There was blood on my hands and the image of this guy's mashed up face in my memory.

So, needless to say, I had a rough time getting to sleep to last night. I got home around 11:30pm, and just needed to talk about this with someone else who could speak English...so I phoned home. I'm doing alright. My mind is on automatic replay, but I'm ok. I just hope "no lip" is too.

Slight Explanation

I feel that I must give some sort of explanation as to why papaya salad is so gross...my disclaimer is that I too love papaya...when it is ripe.

First they put in young (unripe, crunchy, green) papaya, and mix it with fish sauce, dried little shrimpy things, chilies, peanuts, and carrots, and then smush it all in a pestal and mortar. The flavor is similar to that of vomit. It does not retain any sort of "papaya" flavor...merely vomit flavor. I don't know if liking papaya would help you in this instance whatsoever. I guess we'll just have to see when I get home...how about it? Papaya salad tasting date? Who's up for it?

Somtam Salad

Yesterday Byrd, Gaan, and a new friend named Tiana, all went to Phuket for the day. Byrd wanted to watch as many movies as he possibly could. I think in the end, him and Gaan went to two...Tiana and I couldn't sit still that long. We initially went to "Underworld" and I think Tiana and I lasted all of 5 minutes...we left when the werewolves started eating people's faces, and walked into the Thai version of Charlies Angels. Seriously, it was just a rip off...it had the same plot, same characters, just all in Thai with a few Thai things thrown in (like a lady boy, and sniff kissing).

The boys told us to meet them back there later in the evening (because they wanted to see another movie), and we ventured into Phuket Town not knowing where we were going at all!!! Here is where the confusion began...a taxi driver asked us if we needed a ride, and I bartered him down considerably and he then told me he would give me my price if we went to this shop to look around. I made sure that we didn't have to buy anything once we got to this shop, and that we didn't have to buy him his gas or anything, and then agreed to go, still not completely understanding what we were agreeing to. About 5 minutes into the drive he pulls into this parking lot, and about 5 Thai people came and opened our doors and escorted us into this building...there was like a procession for us...the hall was all lined with Thai people bowing to us, and greeting us, and leading us into this giant shop. I felt like we were celebreties, and I felt like we were doing something illegal. As we wandered around awkwardly, we were followed closely by 3 or 4 Thai people each. It was so strange. We really weren't sure what we were to be doing in there!!! We made sure we covered the entire store and walked out the exit and back into our taxi. I still have no idea what the heck all that was about, but our taxi ride was cheap!!!

Later that evening, we met up with the boys again and began our long journey home. We were all starving so we stopped along the rode and Byrd ordered us food. Now, to give you a bit of history, there are 2 kinds of food here that I don't like, but always seem to follow me around wherever I go. One of them is the squishy meat ball (fish, pork, or beef...all gross), and papaya salad (somtam). Well, when my food arrived it was FULL of meat balls. I died a little on the inside. Thankfully Gaan threw in a disclaimer that if we didn't like them we didn't have to eat them. I know these guys well enough to know that they won't be offended if I don't eat something...he was more than happy to eat my share. Then today, Gaan and I went out for lunch and he ordered the food...when it arrived there was my despised papaya salad...now, this one is a little more difficult to reject being as it's the national Thai dish...I think if I rejected the dish, there is a possibility that Thailand would reject me...spit me right out. I don't even know how many times I have eaten Somtam since I came to Thailand. Possibly too many times to count. I'm praying that one day I will truly begin to enjoy this dish...I keep telling myself it's an acquired taste. Anyway, I now know how to make it, so when I come home I can share the wealth with all of you, my dear friends...prepare yourselves, because you WILL eat it!!!

Catching up...

My time in Chon Buri was short and oh-so-sweet. I had some great conversations with the missionaries there and they gave me vision, and much to pray and think about.

Early on Saturday morning, into the wee hours of daylight, I crawled into a van destined for Bangkok. They tend to over air-condition these vehicles, so I shivered for about 2 hours, arriving in the vast city roughly around 6:30am. My friend came and picked me up and took me to her house…this beautiful oasis amidst the confusion that is Bangkok. We ate, I changed and then we headed on our way.

Our first stop was the King’s Palace…this was apparently home for the 5th King of Thailand (and I believe that the current King is the ninth). This place was absolutely massive!!! There was so much more to it than just his palace. There was a temple and funeral houses, and museums. There were an abundance of foreigners all mocking and mimicking the poses of the idols and decorative statues. I was embarrassed to be white.

From there we headed to the river, which joins up with canals that flow all through the city. We decided to take a long tail boat tour. This was such a highlight of my day!! Yui and I had our own boat, with this fantastic and sweet driver (who let me drive the boat a bit myself), and we got to feed an unbelievable amount of fish. There were schools and schools of them all flopping and slipping over each other! Apparently the temple protects these fish, and people are not allowed to catch them or eat them around that area. The unfortunate and stupid fish that finds himself outside the protection of the temple also finds himself on someone’s plate. It seems that the majority of the fish in the canal have claimed “sanctuary” as it were.

That night Yui’s parents took me out for supper to this beautiful restaurant, and ordered obscene amounts of food. All of it (even the scary looking fish) tasted amazing! We wrapped up supper with a little bit of dart throwing. If you could hit 4 balloons you could also win a stuffed animal…if you hit 3, you only get a pen. I think we walked away from there with 6 pens.

There is this incredibly famous road within Bangkok referred to as Khao San Road. If you come to Bangkok, it is kind of a must see…not because it is awesome, or beautiful, or anything of the sort, but plainly because it epitomizes what tourism has done to this country and to the Thai people. This street is rampant with white men with Thai women, copious amounts of alcohol, and an unbelievable amount of disregard for Thai culture...the “everything-is-for-me” attitude is prevalent there in Khao San. It was actually quite disgusting to me. Yui turned to me at one point and said, “I hate this place more and more every time I come”.

So last night I said goodbye to Yui and her family (who were incredibly gracious and took great care of me) and boarded on yet another night bus…this one headed for Khao Lak. There weren’t many people on this bus, so we had loads of room and I think I got a pretty good sleep. I arrived in Khao Lak at 7:00am…my friends Gaan and Byrd there to pick me up!

I can’t even begin to express what I’m seeing. My heart is overjoyed at the change that has taken place. It truly is a transformation! I walked down to the beach and there are huts and resorts starting to take shape. There are people walking along the beach, and there are houses in places where there were no houses before. Khao Lak is being rebuilt! There still remain remnants from last year’s tragedy though, creating a vast contrast to the ever changing landscape. There is much work to be done here, but it has been so encouraging to see the difference!

I am renting a motorcycle (yes, I will be careful, and yes, I will wear a helmet) and will be scooting myself around to different work sites and to see people that I know from last year. This gives me a lot of freedom. I think Gaan and I might head to work tomorrow…we will just play today…volleyball, go for a run, and a nice swim in the ocean.

Anyway, love you guys…I’ve posted more photos on my online album, so click here if you want to check them out!

The Long Arm of the Law

Yesterday I joined up with a team that is here in Chon Buri to go do some ministry at the local Juvenile Hall. This is a place where troubled kids who have been caught stealing, or with possession of drugs go. Honestly, this was such an eye opening experience...there were kids there from 9 years old up to 19. I couldn't believe it!!! Does our system in Canada take children as young as 9 to detention centers for stealing? If they do, I just don't think I realised it!!! Seriously, seeing kids that young was really shocking and really saddening. My heart really went out to them...one of the boys there sang a song for us about how all they want is someone to love them and to take care of them. It's quite possible that alot of them come from broken homes or bad living situations...maybe this was the only option for them.

On an awesome note...I got to hang out with my friends Kyle and Andrea...I know Kyle from the days of Abbotsford and it just so happens that he is only about 15 minutes away. I got this random call this afternoon telling me to come and see him...so I jumped on a song tao, and immediately upon doing so, realised that I had forgotten where he had told me to go. The directions had simply vanished from my mind! Ridiculous!!! I happened to catch my phone at a time when it decided to work (I've been having some serious problems with it) and I called one of the ladies here at the Life Center I have been staying at. She thankfully knew exactly where I needed to be, and gave fantastic directions to a tuk tuk driver to get me to my destination. We spent a fantastic afternoon exploring Sriracha and marveling at the fact that we are in Thailand together! Very cool.

New Location

I am no longer in Lop Buri (the hottest place in the WHOLE WORLD), but have made my journey slightly south and have ended up in Chon Buri.

I left Beth's house this morning (boo hoo...had a great visit with her) in an attempt to head to Bangkok, and before I knew it there was a lady who grabbed my arm (she had quite the grip on me) and stuck me on a bus. I wasn't entirely sure that it was going to Bangkok (where I needed to go), but I went with it anyway. I did end up there, and found my way to the other bus station that I needed to go to (not without getting ripped off by a motorcycle taxi first) and then caught my bus to Chon Buri. In my conversations with the people here, they told me a bit of Thai that I needed to know in order to get where I needed to go, but I don't think it worked. I ended up in some strange part of this giant city, and then I got stuck on this random song tao that basically, in the end took me to where I needed to go. It was quite amazing and quite the adventure!

I am now in BangSaen (near Chon Buri) staying with some MBMSI folk...I have a few days of coffee and supper lined up with them, and just seeing how these folks live and do life here. For those of you that went to Mexico, Tim and Robin are here (he was the worship leader and she shared her testimony). I didn't expect to see them, and I walked in and there they were!!! Really strange, and really cool.

So I am going to be here for a few days, and then I might be in Bangkok for a few days, and then will be heading south to Khao Lak for the remainder of my time here. I can't wait to go back!!! I have heard that there have been some major changes since last year. That will be so neat to see!!! Anyway, I must be going. I am going to take a walk to the beach and maybe get myself some bubble tea. Love you lots and lots. Thanks for your prayer and encouragement.

I guess what you could pray for while I am here is some direction and clarity concerning my future involvement with this organization. I am going to be meeting with someone tonight to pray and talk through some of this stuff.

Monkeys and Famous People

Lop Buri is the city of monkeys. They are everywhere, and I think are quite evil. They stole my friends' sunglasses off her head the other day and decided to use them to skid around on the grass.
















Also, Beth and I were checking out King Narai's old palace and while there we saw these Thai ladies all dressed up in traditional Thai dress. We not only wanted to take photos with them, they wanted to take them with us!!! So, we stood there and posed in every possible way with these ladies while people snapped our photo. The best part about this was I was sitting in a restaurant today eating lunch, when I looked up at the tv and saw that these 3 women were on it! don't know who they were or what they were about, but they were on the television, and I have photos with them!

Anyway, I've put all my other photos on an online album so if you want to see them click here

Uncle Sam Wants YOU!!!

Ok...first off, I just want to thank everyone for your prayers and concern for me. I'm FINALLY SLEEPING!!!!! My time in Lop Buri has been one of much refreshing and rest. Spending time with Beth has been awesome, and she lets me sleep and we even attempted to take a nap yesterday afternoon (but instead we ended up talking, which was really nice). So, I'm doing well and loving being here and seeing how my life could be if God opened up the doors for me to be here.

Yesterday we went to a local Thai church, which was really neat to be a part of. It was their 8th year anniversary, and they said that they had had about 100 people in that time come to know the Lord. Anyway, as we were sitting there listening to the sermon, I looked up and saw this giant grasshopper-esque bug looking down at me from the top of the window. As soon I as I made eye contact with it, it seemingly placed a target on me and dived bombed my chest. It flew all the way across the room!!! I wasn't quite sure whether it had flown down my shirt, so I glanced to see, and there is was, staring back up at me with it's beadie little eyes!!! I immediately began flailing my arms in the air in an attempt to separate this alien bug from my body!!! Somehow, unbenownst to me, I refrained from screaming. I was told later by the row behind me, that it was a bug from the Lord because they were all falling asleep until they saw my frantic movements. I can't say that this was the most graceful I've ever been, but it certainly was funny!!!

Anyway, being in Lop Buri has been somewhat of an eye opener for me. There are loads of missionaries here who have devoted their lives to the country of Thailand and are here learning the language. The only thing is, the majority of them are single women. And I'm not talking 40 year old single women with serious defects, but mid 20 year old, beautiful, funny, talented single women. So my question is where are all the men? Seriously, I went to someone's house last night to play games and there were 8 women, and 7 of them were single. This was mind boggling to me! Now, if there are guys out there who are wanting a quality girl to marry and just aren't finding them, I would seriously advise them to go the mission field. I understand that this is a lame reason to go, but at least we would be getting men out here! Haha. I had considered creating profiles for each of the women in an attempt to find them a life partner (you know, my own personal hook up service), but thought that the responses might not be quite what we are looking for.

"I like eating fried bugs and taking 4 showers a day. I love polluted air, squatty potties, remote places, and not being understood or understanding anybody. If interested please call...."

Sleepless Nites...

So, I did not sleep again! This makes 6 for 6...I have not had a full night sleep since I arrived in Thailand. I took the overnight train from Chiang Mai to Lop Buri last night, and was the unfortunate receiver of a "sitting seat"...the sleeping beds were all full (all the other westerners had booked them in advance). Once again, I was one of two foriegners amongst many, many Thai. They kept the lights on the entire night, and it was incredibly cold, so I attempted to shiver myself to sleep maybe gathering all of 3 hours.

There was a little boy that was sitting across from me that was terrified of me at the very start. But the last 3 hours were spent trying to keep him off of me and out of my stuff. We became good buddies.

Anyway, about my lack of sleep. I believe this is becoming a problem. There are always circumstances that keep me from it that are completely out of my control. Please pray that I will catch up and be able to keep up this pace. My health has been great! I'm eating some of the sketchiest foods, and yet I'm fine!!!

My last day in Chiang Mai was spent hanging out with Mem, wandering through the market and eating lots of food. I arrived in Lop Buri at 10am this morning and my friend, Beth (who was my teacher when I was in Turner Valley), came to pick me up. AHHHHH....it's been so refreshing to be with her and to see how she lives life here (see her blog in my blogging buddies...Squeth). She is currently learning the language and is kicking butt at it...I awkwardly put random words together while the Thai people blankly stare back at me.

Around noon, another friend of mine that I worked with in YWAM Maui passed through Lop Buri where we were able to have lunch and go for coffee, and catch up as best we could in such a short time. That also was incredibly encouraging after having spent so much time with people who did not believe the same as me. So affirming and reassuring!

After my little reunion, Beth and I got ready for a wedding...this consisted of me asking, "Is this appropriate?", and some hums and haws in response, then me changing so as not to give anyone the impression that I am a street walker. (Just to clarify...what I was wearing was NOT bad...no knee high boots or revealing clothing. Things are just different here...we were even concerned about the sequins on my shirt. You know how sequins are though...). So, here I am, sitting upstairs blogging while a wedding reception goes on downstairs. There was a terrible rendition of "I'm your lady, and you are my man" that filled the night air. Brilliant. I have some video of it, so you must ask to see it when I return.

Anyway, I thought that I would upload some photos for you all to see from my journey thus far. I will be here in Lop Buri for a few more days. This is an OMF language training center, which is where I may end up for a year of language study if God opens up the doors for me to be here. Cool for me to see now.

Ok friends...there will be more later. Thanks so much for your prayers and words of encouragement!!!!

I had some problems with the photos, so I will put them back on later...sorry.

My apologies...

I do apologize for not keeping this thing updated. I had plans on writing when I got to Chiang Mai, but as soon as I arrived (5:30am with not much sleep...thank you night bus) I was wisked away to my friend's village where I soon became the only white person, and one of the only English speaking people there.

Quick update on my last day in Bangkok...I had 3 confessions of love (there may still be a chance for me yet!), one man called me mister (that chance may be gone), and when I was in the taxi heading to the bus station we got caught in traffic, so my taxi driver pulled the e-brake, jumped out and peed on the nearest tree. We both kind of laughed awkwardly when he got back in.

So...my sleepless nights have been an ongoing thing for me here...when in the village I was woken up at 4am by the monks chanting over loud speaker...we didn't go back to sleep after that. I haven't eaten any western food since I got here, and I have done much 'choking it down', and also much enjoying the food...I haven't been sick once, which is good, since they don't refrigerate left-overs...rather they put it in a cupboard with mesh on it to keep away the flies. I thought, "hey, that's a bit sketchy", but it's been fine.

I had the opportunity to teach english in the local school (the village is called Ku), and I think I did a terrible job, but I had a lot of fun with the kids. Their personal favorite was "head and shoulders, knees and toes...". They can't say "thirteen". It's brilliant. Also, that night I played soccer with the kids...so fun! We ran on gravel barefoot...I kind of ambled my way along, while they were all sprinting around me.

I haven't had an opportunity to share much with people around me, but I have done much praying. It has been really strange going to the temple with my friend who is Buddhist...she goes to worship, and I stand a watch and pray...i think that part of my trip so far has been difficult. I am no longer a Christian outsider, but I'm a Christian insider, if that makes sense. It's cool though, I was asking God whether there were any believers in this village, and a few hours later I met one! He is a Thai man who has been called to that village and is reaching out to the people. Pray for him...his name is Andew. There are about 10 believers who meet there and worship together...a small number in a village of 1000 people.

I have also had a lot of time to think seeing as how nobody really understands what I'm saying and I can't understand much of what they say, so I had a question...do you think there was sneezing before there was sin? I know, that's likely the most random thought I could have had, but I have to be honest, it ran through my head!

Please be praying for me. I am asking God many questions...how can I reach these friends of mine? I need discernment. They don't want to hear my words, and so I love...

One last story that made me laugh heartily...we were talking to this old lady in the village and she asked where I was from. I told her Canada, and she said (in Thai...this is the english translation) "I have been to Canada before. Most people go by plane, but I don't like that, so I went by bus."

I love you all...thanks for all your encouragement. You are on my mind and so in the silence that I spend my days here, I pray. Maybe that is why I am here...to pray. Love love love...

I will post some photos soon...I am never have my lap top when I'm around the internet. i am in Chiang Mai until tomorrow night and then I head to Lop Buri to spend some time with my friend from Turner Valley...

All Along the Way...

1st Leg...

This trip has been one of adventure and randomness, and I'm only in Seattle!! When we got on the plane in Calgary there were some problems, and so they took about an hour to fix everything. My flight was supposed to leave at 6:30am, but instead I think we left aroun 7:30am. Some people complained about it after, but the truth is, I was asleep the whole time, so I wasn't aware AT ALL of how long we had been sittin there. As far as I knew we were already in Seattle! Not only were there problems with the plane, but it was a tiny propeller plane which totally threw me off!

[ppkkmmmmelody Jessica phuong cuong]....this little bit between the brackets was written by a 5 year old, Vietnamese girl who I've become friends with. She sings me songs and pounds on my computer.

Anyway, somehow I ended up in a long conversation about Jesus with a man who is involved in Wicca. His name is Ocean...he used to be Catholic, was eventually turned off God and the church completely, and liked the idea of turning to something more abstract, and totally away from God. If you think of him, please pray for him.

2nd Leg...

I am now in Korea. Twelve hour of hot, recycled air later, I am in the bright, shining, intergalactic airport of Incheon. Again, this journey only proves to be more of an adventure with every step that I take. I sat beside my new friends Choi and Simon and discovered more personally, the differences between Korean and Canadian cultures. They definitely don't have the same idea of personal space as we do. I think that if you are being pushed and shoved, it should be taken as a sign of affection. Since I had the window seat, Choi would lean over to look out and show things to Simon, pointing with his finger directly in my face. These two guys were awesome!! My name was no longer Jessica, but rather Jesheeka...Choi showed me every photo of his daughter and wife that he had available, and also taught me how to eat the traditional Korean dish, "Bim Im Bop" (excuse the poor spelling). The thing with this particular dish is I don't like it, but every time I fly to Korea I end up sitting by some Koreans and when given the option between western food and Korean, they go silent and wait to see that I choose the right one. I alwasy feel obligated to get it, but I really don't like it. And every time I pretned like I've never had it and that it's my favorite.

Anyway, I'm awake when i should be sleeping while all of you are warm in your beds, with the exception of parents with young babies (I feel your pain!!!). It is 4pm here, and my body says that it's 1am. I really don't know if my scattered minutes of sleep on the plane come together to form a nice, round 8 hours. In fact, I'm positive they don't. I'm delirious and slightly nauseous...either from pure exhaustion, or the bane of my existence "Bim Im Bop". Another 5 hour flight to go, and then I'm home...

I'm Here!!!

I'm officially in Thailand now!!! I arrived at 10pm, Thai time, and then proceeded to exchange my money and catch a taxi. The beautiful thing about this is it went smoother than I would have ever anticipated! The money exchange guy agve me a tip to find cheaper taxis (I think because I spoke some thing to him in Thai), and then I immediately got a taxi that knew where to go and didn't overcharge me! We found the ywam base without a hitch! I must have got in somewhere around midnight.

I was absolutely exhausted!!! I had been travelling for 27 hours, and averaged somewhere around maybe 4 or 5 hours of sleep...needless to say, I fell asleep directly. At 4 in the morning, some people came stomping into the building, talking really loudly and using their heavy feet, and then at 6am there were many people showering and talking in the shower. So my blissful rest was disturbed, but I still feel a whole lot better.

So now I'm all clean and fed, and feel totally at home. The weird thing about this is it doesn't feel weird at all being here. I went out walking this morning to find myself some breakfast (a whole pinneapple and a water...50 cents) and I was the only white person around, and yet it felt so normal. I don't know...it's like I was made for this. Being here has taken any edge off that I was feeling before. I'm no longer nervous, or anxious...just excited.

I head to Chiang Mai tonight on the night bus. Another night of fitful sleep...pray that my health keeps up in all of this. I still don't know what I'm going to be doing once I get there...hopefully I will know sometime this afternoon.

I love you all!!! Thanks for joining me in this journey!

New Years

Why is it that there is so much pressure to do something cool and fun on New Years? I was talking to my friend the other day and she told me that she was going to New York to watch the ball drop...then she asked me what I was doing.

"Uh...well, you know...I might play some games with some friends." (not actually knowing what I was going to do at all).

Silence on the other end of the phone...she had obviously won this battle hands down.

So I quickly throw in, "But I'm going to Thailand a week later, so I don't really want to over do it."
Whew! Embarrassment averted.

Another friend got married the day before New Years Eve...talk about a fantastic celebration of the New Year!

Memories from 2005:

Highlight: Going to Thailand
Lowlight: Watching people have to start their lives over after having lost everyone dear to them.
Big deal: Turned 25 on a plane taking 18 kids down to Mexico. 1/4 of a century old. (Found a grey hair).
Lame Jessica Moment: Falling face first off the houseboat in an attempt to jump off the top...bruises all across my ribcage.
Scariest Moment(s): Cardboard Norm always lurking around every corner (girl's bathroom, my car, my living room...etc.)
Geekiest Moment: Went gaming at the Dick's and actually kind of liked it (don't say anything).
Worst Moment: Going on a nine hour blind date from hell.

So, this has been a year filled with laughter, tears, great memories, and many journeys to far away places. Thanks for contributing!!! And thanks for a great New Years party to those who were there!!!