After the initial encounters and experiences, I'm beginning to dive more deeply into what's going on in Thailand. For this update I'll continue with the play-by-play of my days and get into the color commentary later as my time here wraps up. For those unfamiliar with such terms, for now I'll be reporting on my activities and share later what I've gained through this trip and what's on my heart after visiting Thailand.
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| Me and Paul |
Tuesday morning I had the privilege of attending bible study with Paul, where I met a couple other men. One of the men, David, has a lot of experience in Thailand and he discussed some shameful issues within the Thai church and problems with some service organizations. Unfortunately, amidst much good being accomplished, efforts are tainted by groups that fail to operate with integrity or with any analysis of positive contributions. In other words, many organizations remain active without actually helping anyone.
After the study, I met up with Dean. His primary endeavors involve planting churches, and he seeks to operate strategically and effectively for the kingdom of God. We also spoke of the prevalence of and contributors to sex trafficking. I won't go into too much detail here but please, call on the name of our Father as in Psalm 10:
"Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor...The helpless are crushed, sink down, and fall by his might...Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up Your hand; forget not the afflicted...Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till You find none...O LORD, You hear the desire of the afflicted; You will strengthen their heart; You will incline Your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed..."
v. 1-2,10,12,15,17-18
Wednesday I met up with Ozzie, who I met through Anisha, and went with him to play ultimate Frisbee with a bunch of other students/teachers/others at the university. Lots of fun, and I'm thankful to make great some friends here.
Thursday evening an elderly couple from church hosts a spaghetti dinner at their home, so I went there to enjoy some food and fellowship, connecting with people who are doing a variety of things here in Chiangmai.
Friday I left at 6am to travel to a city a few hours north of Chiangmai called Fang to visit the ECHO seed bank center with Rick and Abram. Abram will take over Rick's role as ECHO Asia Director when Rick returns to the US to work at the ECHO center in Florida next year. Fascinating work is being done as they experiment and continue to develop efficient ways of growing valuable plants and animals to help with community development and self-sufficiency.
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| Rick taking me through the agroforest where they have many plants growing as they would in the wild |
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| At ECHO they also are experimenting with different feed for pigs |
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| A termite mound. It's approximately the size of me curled up in a ball. |
On our way back we drove up into some mountains to see a village where a superb example of an agroforest exists. A variety of plants grow naturally in the forest that are used for food and resources. Driving along the edge of a nearly straight down plummet provided access to some breathtaking scenery.
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| The road up the mountain, coming to the village. |
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| Friday night I spent some time at a lounge at a hotel with some friends I've made here |
Saturday I had the privilege of meeting with Katherine, a medical doctor with many roles in SE Asia. She started an organization called Relentless (http://gorelentless.wordpress.com/), which also happens to be a great way to describe her as an individual. I also connected with one of the missionaries staying at the Juniper Tree who is involved with sex trafficking prevention programs in China, so we chatted a bit at breakfast and she'll be emailing me more information.
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| Dancing on a rooftop at a birthday party Saturday night! |
Sunday I attended a small Thai church service in the morning and CMCC (Chiangmai Community Church, which I misnamed the first time) in the evening.
I also spent some time with a few Thai Christians I met here and listened to their stories of coming to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. A very enjoyable day.
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| Walking street market only set up on Sunday evenings |
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| Umm...what? |
I have meetings scheduled for the next 3 days...praise the Lord (PTL)! I've made some good friends here with some awesome people...PTL! I just watched a lizard devour a smaller lizard in my room...umm..
The following video is not for the squeamish.
A video during the unpaved part of the drive up the mountain:
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