Recent Adventures

 Songkran

 Songkran, the Thai new year, was nationally celebrated from April 12th - April 18th. However, some parts of the country ignore the calendar and continue the partying for a couple more weeks. The most common form of celebration is the throwing of (sometimes ice-cold) water on whomever may cross your path - especially people who are driving. Of course they also have fireworks and party until ridiculous hours of the night, but the buckets full of water was the original aspect. The roots go back to a Buddhist tradition of worshiping the god of water so that the rains would come for harvesting. Interesting how holidays remain but the meanings fade. I went out 3 times to enjoy being drenched. First, Naree and I  went out late with a few of her friends in the back of a pickup truck. As soon as we reached the super highway, I saw two wrecks, one of which was fatal. The downside of partying is the irresponsible behavior of under-the-influence drivers. Last year over 300 died and some 3,000 vehicle accidents were reported. I think the numbers were down this year. Praise God!  Quite the morbid way to start out the holiday, but I still enjoyed partaking of the Thai custom. I also joined Media Light one evening. We took two trucks full of eager young adults. We bought large blocks of ice to put in our barrels. Even I hated us for being so cruel, but it was fully watching backs straighten from cold water. Jintana took me on her moped. I was soaked before we reached her friend. Apparently, defenseless white girls on the back of a bike are extra points.  In fact, being a foreigner was quite exciting for many natives. I learned learned the phrase, "Pa lao" which means "Enough!" 

Waterfall/ White Temple

On April 18th, Pat took me and a few of the kids on a fun outing. First stop, the waterfall. The incline trek was a 1200m hike, so not too horrible, but it was SO BEYOND WORTH IT! The water was icy refreshing! One of my favorite God moments was standing at the base of the waterfall and looking up. I cannot quite explain what I was feeling at that moment. All I know is I felt so small, yet comforted in knowing that I am loved beyond measure by the Creator. "But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:14-15

After some splashing, we piled back in the truck to head to the White Temple, but not before eating some DELICIOUS lunch. I love Thai food. The temple was simply odd. Unique in its monochromatic scheme compared to its rich, colorful neighboring temples, the white masterpiece was designed as a tourist attraction. When crossing the bridge, statues of hands from those hell-ridden reach up in desperation. Inside (sorry no cameras were allowed) a mural wrapped around the room. It was the most... well odd mural ever. Within the painting was Super Man, Spider Man, characters from Star Wars and Harry Potter along with thousands of automatic weapons. We were homebound after a snack (coffee for me and Pat and icecream for the kids) and a little gift shopping :) 

April Birthdays

Last night was the party for the April birthdays: David, May, P'Kloy, and Pon. A past helper, Yu Pean, came to help cook and brought some delicious desserts with her! The feasting was amazing, and I probably gained 10 lbs in one night. We had fried chicken, sticky rice, pepper dip, pig intestines filled with mixed up rice, noodles, and meat (MY FAVORITE!), rice balls with a red filling, fried crepe looking things that were green, pineapple, and papaya salad. They all enjoyed their gifts, and I loved watching their excitement in opening them. It's never a dull day here at River of Life (and always a tasty one!)

  

 

I'm only here for 2 more weeks. Please continue to pray for me!