6 months with a "dumb" phone

I didn’t have a cell phone until I was 16. When I did get it, it was one of those pay-as-you-go ‘track’ phones. Not very fancy and definitely not as cool as my friends’ Motorola “Razrs.” I had that precious little ‘brick’ until right before my sophomore year of college when my dad finally caved and got us on a family plan with Verizon. Somehow my brother convinced my dad to let us have smartphones. I was shocked. Not only did we now have a cell phone plan, but we had SMARTPHONES. It was way more than I ever expected considering my dad’s reluctance to adopt new technology (he really should be Amish, but I digress).

When I first came to Thailand as a student, the program had us get cheap ‘brick’ phones for security purposes. I kept mine and brought it back with me to use this time around as well. It’s been a trusty little phone and I’ve really enjoyed being free from the temptations and pressures having a smartphone brings. I’ve also enjoyed the incredibly long battery life and how inexpensive it’s been for me to have a cell phone.Unfortunately that time has come to an end for me. My trusty little brick doesn’t have the ability to hold more than 3 things in it’s calendar at a time. As I’ve become more involved with work, resulting in more meetings, I felt it was time to invest in a smartphone to help me keep on top of meetings, Thai lessons, time-sensitive tasks, as well as fun/social/personal activities.

Old faithful vs. the smarty 

Even though I have a fancy new phone and data plan, I am fairly determined to keep up with the habits I’ve developed over the last 6 months. Not that I didn’t have any sort of self-control before when I had a smartphone, I just want to remember what it’s like to not have one … I don’t want to be so closely tied to my phone. I don’t want to check it every time it buzzes. I don’t want to have to use the 3G … keeping that use to a minimum and just connecting to WiFi in places I can. I don’t want it to become a crutch when out in public by myself or when waiting for a friend. And I never want to inappropriately use it when I’m spending time with someone.

I think that may be one of the biggest things I’ve noticed since not having a phone … how often people turn and are distracted by their phones, even in the presence of other people. I’m sorry I’m not interesting enough to hold your attention when you get a text message, but at least I am physically right here! I’ve always tried to be sensitive about using my phone in the presences of others/when I’m hanging out with people, but it’s something I want to be even more thoughtful and respectful of now that I have a smartphone again.

Not to bash technology in this post ... I am thankful and excited with the prospect of being able to communicate with people back home via texting apps like What’s App and/or LINE, and I can’t imagine how difficult it was to maintain relationships before improved technologies … I find being a world away makes it hard enough. I just want to make sure that I am also present and invested in where I am physically located.

the Truth

I met the sweetest Thai couple today at the Family Connection Foundation. Another missionary here in town has become good friends and partners in ministry with the couple. Both have been volunteering with a variety of different projects in order to reach out and share the gospel with their own people. Their missionary friend is hoping that FCF can provide a better support, accountability, maybe training to this couple so they don’t feel like they are out in the field by themselves.

I was blown away by their story (and their English)! Both came to Christ about 20 years ago. Before learning about Jesus (and their marriage), the husband had been a Buddhist monk and teacher of Buddhist doctrine. After learning about God and growing in their relationship, they felt called to plant a church in Bangkok and teach other Thai people about Christ. After 10 or so years of leading the church, they felt called to be missionaries. God kept closing doors in Cambodia and Africa, but opened a door for them about 5 years ago to be missionaries in Chiang Mai and near the Burma border.

After we had given an overview of what the Foundation does, as well as some of the projects, the wife spoke up and shared more of her heart for Thai people. I was deeply moved. Their hearts for serving God and spreading his word were evident on their faces. She shared how, at the beginning, she would use tracks or booklets to lead people to Christ. As she found ways to serve and build relationships with other Thais, she found that her relationship opened up better ways to evangelize and then disciple others, so that’s what they’ve been trying to do here in Chiang Mai. She shared that they really want Thai people to know the TRUTH, not just Christian religion, and to be truly transformed by the Truth. Most Thai people, regardless of religion, aren’t transformed by their beliefs but rather just practice the religion. This couple sincerely desires to see lives changed through Christ. It was inspiring to see their passion for being used by God … I just had to share.

Grace and peace!
Hannah

August 12--Wan Mae

Many countries have a "Mother's Day" to honor mothers.  In Thailand, this day (Wan Mae) is extra special because it coincides with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's birthday, as she is also considered to be the mother to all Thai people.  As a result, not only do Thai people honor their mothers, but there are a number of different ceremonies/parades/activities to honor mothers and HR Queen Sirikit. Starting over the weekend, portraits of Queen Sirikit along with flowers, the Thai flag, and the Queen's flag were displayed on street corners, plazas, and in malls (pictured below).

Wan Mae is also a national holiday, so a number of businesses were closed for the day.  Since this year Wan Mae was a Tuesday, Monday was also declared a national holiday.  There were rumors that in giving Thai people an extra long weekend, they'd be more likely to travel/go sightseeing (Thailand's tourist economy has taken quite a hit because of the coup).  Jasmine flowers, usually in a garland, are the typical Mother's Day gift.  A child will typically present this gift to their mother by kneeling before there mother and bowing while offering the flowers.

Jasmine and marigold garlands for sell

I started Wan Mae with Thai lessons (YAY!).  After my Thai lessons, I visited the host family I had when I was a student here.  Unfortunately, Mae Noy and Pa Bounserm weren't home, but were at the farm in Chiang Dao ... the extended family was around though and I got to meet my host sister's new baby!  After a visit with the extended family, I headed to Central Festival (1 of the 5 malls here in CNX).  A benefit concert was being held there, with the proceeds going to projects that the Family Connection Foundation supports.  It was quite an impressive concert ... not only did the kids from the project and local talent perform, but runners-up from The Voice (Thailand) and The Vocie Kids (Thailand) performed!  All in all, it was a fun Mother's Day!

Top: King Pichet from The Voice Thailand
Bottom: Kids supported by FCF projects 

ฉันพูดภาษาไทยน้อย (I speak a little Thai)

Commonly used Thai consonants 

I am taking private Thai lessons with same teacher who initial taught me and 4 other students Thai during my semester here.  He's a brilliant, but intimidating teacher.  I enjoy learning from him because he knows what he taught me before and therefore what I should know.  As a result, we either review and he refreshes my memory, or he re-teaches me and I try my hardest to understand and not forget.  Besides already knowing what I should know, Ajaan P already knows a bit about me and I already understand his somewhat unconventional or different teaching style. And boy did it ever take forever for our class to figure it out!  The downside to being one-on-one with Ajaan P is that it is always only just the 2 of us.  There is no one else to struggling through the lesson beside me. It is just me.  And that is intimidating.  I have to be paying close attention the entire 2 hours of our lesson. I have to do my best to remember vocab and complete my homework (which is usually just practicing pronunciation with whoever I can and also picking up more vocab).  But Ajaan P always blows me away by knowledge and understanding of languages and catches me off-guard with his unique sense of humor.  The following is a conversation we had in Thai (and English because I'm not that good) about my family and what they do...

My dad is professor at Messiah College

Really? Where your brother is a student?

Yeah, that's why I didn't go there for college.

What does he teach?

He teaches psychology.

What does your mom do?

She works in a coffee shop at Messiah College.

REALLY? [chuckles] Is it an extended family business? Messiah College?

Haha, no. Just my immediate family.

Is the coffee shop located in (near) the Psychology department?

No, it is located in the library.

What is the name of the coffee shop?

It is called "Cafe Diem"

Cafe Diem ... Cafe Diem ... oh, like Carpe Diem? Seize the day?

Yes.

[chuckles] Clever word play [chuckles some more] but I don't understand it, it doesn't make sense.

[blank or questioning look]

It's in the library but is telling people to "seize the day?" People in the library should be studying. "Seize the day" means people should not be wasting their time in the library studying, but going out (and doing exciting/interesting/fun things). [chuckles some more] It doesn't make sense.

[now I'm laughing] I've never thought of it that way before! That's so true!

Who named the coffee shop?

I don't know ... students submitted and then voted on the name.


Well, there you have it.  A "typical" conversation with Ajaan P ... and in "typical" I mean, we have maybe one of these conversations a class or he fascinates me with language trivia.

Reflection: Power in the Written Word

While I thoroughly enjoy being able to see and talk to my friends and family via Skype, there is something very powerful about getting an email (the "letter quality" email, not the "when can we skype" email) or letter from them.

The written word is always powerful and there are countless examples as to why.

In switching to tweeting, texting and status updating to keep in touch instead of using letter writing to stay in touch, I think something has been lost.  As a result, receiving a "letter quality" email or actual letter is that much more meaningful to me.

Because of their written nature, these words are more permanent than those spoken in a conversation.  I can look back over the written words and be encouraged once again.  Sometimes I can feel quite lonely, being so far from the communities that I feel really know, love, and support me.  But then I go back and read what people have written to me and I am reminded that I'm not on this journey by myself.  Many people have invested in me throughout my life; many are currently praying for me and my ministry.

And so I feel encouraged once again.

Strengthened to face whatever challenges attack my constitution tomorrow (or in the next few hours).

Inspired to continue my dependence on God.

And supported by a whole host of wonderful people.


Thank you.  Even if it's been a simple email or message, it's meant more than you could imagine. It's always such a joy for me to be able to write back and to write here.

Grace and Peace!
Hannah

Reflection: Immigration

Part of my job is to live well here in Thailand (seriously, it's in my job description).  I am so thankful that this is part of my job because it doesn't make me feel guilty for taking an afternoon off in order to get groceries or a morning off to get my driver's license or the whole day off to get a visa extension.  Working for an organization that allows you this kind of flexibility is pretty great.

The Family Connection Foundation (FCF) is also really fantastic because they strongly believe in keeping things legal.  In a country where many laws aren't followed, especially by foreigners, I'm happy to work for an organization that tries there best to adhere to guidelines and work with the government to model transparency and stay legal.  While this means spending extra money to make sure I have the proper visa, work permit and government documents and also means I have to spend a couple hours in the heat every couple months queuing to get said documents; I really appreciate FCF's dedication to following the vague visa and work permit laws.

A couple weeks back I spent about 3.5 hours at Immigration to get an extension on my visa (after spending the morning waiting at my house to here when I should arrive at Immigration).  Thankfully this was an incredibly easy process for me because of FCF.  There is a wonderful group of Thai staff who's jobs are to help foreigners navigate the visa and work permit system.  They are so incredibly sweet and helpful!  As I was waiting for my number to be called with one of these talented people, I reflected on what a blessing it was to have someone fill all the paperwork out for me and help me through the process.  Yes, it is their job, but it is so nice to be taken care of in this way.  I wasn't nervous for the encounter at all because I had someone walking me through it who had done this countless times before without any issues.

As I thought about how stressful and confusing it would be to try and fill the paperwork by myself, it hit me. I was kind going through the Thai equivalent of the US "green card" process.  It's funny how the tables have turned ... I used to help Nepalese refugees go through the green card process in the states and now I was getting help to go through a similar process.  The paperwork, while time-consuming, was not overly difficult to fill out for the green card process ... I imagine it's the same here.  It is such an incredible blessing to be taken care of in this way, and it was a joy for me to care for refugees in Grand Rapids in that way.

I'd like to challenge you to see if there's a way you could get involved in "welcoming the stranger" and be a blessing in your area.  As most of you reading this are from the GR or Harrisburg area, I can guarantee there are organizations working with refugees in your area (I could even give you the names of a few places) that would welcome assistance in helping refugees settle into life in America.  I'd love to hear from you if you accept this challenge, or have a story to share from having a similar experience.

Grace and Peace!
Hannah

FREEDOM!

Freedom has never felt so sweet. I've owned a motorbike for about 2 months now, but I've only really started riding it around last week due to a number of issues including a bad battery and then a bad fuse. Now that it's running well and I'm feeling comfortable driving it, I've taken it to the streets!

Freedom has never felt so exhilarating! I only wish I could feel the wind whipping through my hair, but my helmet prevents that from happening. There's no way I'd ride without it though ... traffic is so crazy here. I feel like a maverick, the way I'm sometimes forced to weave in and around the other vehicles on the road. It's such a thrill! (sorry mom if this is terrifying you, but I ALWAYS wear a helmet and I am fairly cautious) My dad asked if I'd become a "Harley girl" when I get back. While I'm not 100% sure, I have added biking Route 1 along the Cali coast to my "Bucket List."

Where exactly has this new-found freedom taken me? Besides going to the market and back, my first 'real' road trip took me around the city on the inner and then outer ring roads. I basically circled the city on the major highways, stopping a few places along the way. The second trip took me to Airport Plaza Mall. This was a great experience for me because even though it's fairly close to my house, I happened to go during rush hour .... oh the weaving I did! The heavens opened and rain poured forth then on the way home. But I made it home safe, sound and slightly soaked (fortunately I had enough foresight to put my raincoat on before I left the mall).

My third trip Sunday was an all-day affair ... getting to Chiangmai Christian Fellowship (CCF), then lunch, then Chiang Mai Community Church (CMCC), then back home. Thankfully I have my dad's sense of direction and had no problem traveling through the city on my own. I will say that I decided to take what I think to be the most direct way home from CMCC. This took me up to Tha Pae Gate and around the moat to the Chaing Mai Gate before heading out of the city.

The plaza in front of Tha Pae Gate is one end of the "Walking Street" street market on Sunday nights, big tourist area ... the whole moat is a big tourist area. Anyway, when the coup first launched and there was some protesting at the North Gate, there were rumors that protests would spread to Tha Pae Gate/that there was a high possibility of protests taking place at Tha Pae Gate. Again, there's a really nice plaza area for demonstrators to gather at. As a result of these rumors/possibilities, there is now a strong military presence set up on one end of the plaza. We're talking a fairly strong presence ... probably 4-5 large military trucks and plenty of soldiers to keep the peace. Last week, the Walking Street market was cancelled, but this week I was surprised to see it back on! Sure, there were probably half the vendors in the plaza than there usually are, and the military presence was still strong, but it was business as usual! I think Walking Street's return has something to do with the fact that the curfew is now midnight-4am instead of 10pm-5am ... and I haven't heard of any more protests going on here since the first few days of the coup.

All this to say, life feels easier on a motorbike and I am so thankful for the freedom it allows me.

Also, I'm accepting suggestions for bike names...

Humbled and Amazed

This month has been a difficult one for me.  As you see from this nice little chart, it should be expected because I have been here for 3 months now. (Thank you research for validating my emotions).

Well, I sent out my newsletter detailing some of the things I've been dealing with the past month, as well as included an account of how I am experiencing Thailand now that there is a coup d'etat. (You can check my newsletter out here, or give me your email and I can add you to list so you don't miss another one).  The response I have received has been amazing.

Yes, I know that people have been praying for me this whole time, especially now that there is political unrest in Thailand. But knowing that is different from hearing it afresh in an encouraging email.  In receiving responses from dear friends and mentors I am amazed how simple emails are such a delight and fill my heart with peace and love.  It's humbling that people I love and admire take the time to respond with seeming simple, but meaningful encouragement.

Thank you for you never-ending support, prayers, and faith in what I'm doing.  Know that without you, it would be extremely difficult for me to press on and keep doing what I'm doing.  How I thank God for his many provisions and how he's used so many different people to help me along the way.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father in heaven.

All my love,
Hannah

Tests.

I was talking to some friends the other day who are getting ready to take finals in the next few weeks.  They asked if I missed taking tests.

I laughed.

It seems my life has been one test after another since graduation, and sometimes I seriously question if I'll be able to pass, let alone ace it!  No matter what has happened to prepare me for these tests, there's always that pop quiz that you wish you were better prepared for or question you wish you would have asked at the study session.

This last week was full of tests I feel like I barely passed.

Test #1: Motorcycle Mechanics
I got a motorbike last week, which is really exciting for me!!
Test Grade: F
After a practice run around my neighborhood for a bit, I proceeded to let the battery die.  Not 100% sure how it happened, but think it had something to do with the lights, which I didn't realize were on because it was so bright out while I was driving it around.  I have yet to get it started, though I know how to do so.

Test #2: Economy of Water
We got a letter in our mailbox that was almost all in Thai, other than the words "URGENT! PAY WATER BILL!"  Alarming considering we hadn't seen a water bill in our mailbox all month, even though we'd been looking for it.  Alarming considering it'd be 3 days before we'd be able to have someone translate and help us figure out how to make sure it got paid. Alarming considering we could have to pay a ridiculous amount of money to restart it.
Test Grade: C-
The wonderful Thai staff at the Family Connection Foundation took care of the whole thing for my roommate and I and our water wasn't shut off.  Unfortunately this was the least of our worries for the week.

Test #3: Intro to Transitions
Monday I joined three other wonderful young ladies for a "Transition Workshop."  All of us have moved to Chiang Mai within the last 7 or so months and plan to be here for at least another 6+.  None of us really knew what to expect, but we ended up doing a lot of interesting and different activities to help us think about and process our thoughts and feelings regarding our move, families, friends (both old and developing), faith, and the transition.
Test Grade: A but also D
A because, while the activities could be dubbed "cheesy," I and the others took them seriously, so it turned out to be a good workshop
D because I think I've been only focusing on certain parts of my transition that make me feel like I'm acing this whole transition thing (can I get food? yes. can I get around the city? yes. am I getting to know people? yes, though slowly. do I understand my job? yes-at least so far. do I have the proper paperwork to be here? yes.)  In reality, I don't know that I've done so well in other areas.  This workshop brought those areas to the forefront, and it was a bit much to process in one day.  But considering the following day had another trying test, I dealt with it in several ways: tearing up at the workshop, bawling in the shower, distracting myself  from it with work and a good meal, and crying in front of a dear friend.  Has it been fully dealt with? I wish. But earlier tonight I was looking at recent photos of a friend's family with their newest addition, I started tearing up again ... I guess I'm finally getting around to grieving the loss of how some of my relationships used to be. [It's also the beginning of month 3, apparently one of the first 'hardest months' in cross-cultural transitions.]

Test #4: Basic Electricity
Test Grade: F
I get a call from my housemate on Tuesday afternoon.  Our electricity isn't working, our handyman neighbor is around and it is blazing hot out!  She has other things to do, so I talk to our neighbor in the early evening.  He checks our breaker box, it's good and so checks our meter.  Right below our meter is a slip of paper, in Thai of course, but it's fairly obvious that it says something along the lines of 'you've been cut off.'  When I explained that we hadn't seen an electric bill all month ... and had been looking for it and the water bill in the mailbox all month; he explained that they don't go in the mailbox, but this other little slot opposite from where our mailbox is located.  Sure enough, there was this month's water and electricity bill.

Test #5: Advanced Electricity
Test Grade: C+
Our neighbors were gracious enough to open up their air-conditioned house to us for the sweltering night. After a crazy-busy day, my roommate and I finally had the time and the general idea of how to pay the bill to get back on the grid.  Our electric company has an office on the bottom floor of the nearest mall.  It didn't take too incredibly long for us to find (quite a feat considering where it was located and language abilities), but it did take a while to try and communicate.  It was actually nice because the Thai lady working with us treated us like adults instead of the terrified and confused children I pictured us as.  After writing down the address and my phone number, we were told it would take one hour (yeah right, but I was still surprised we COULD have power by that night). An hour later, no power. 90 minutes later, a call saying there WAS power, but still no power.  I just figured it might take awhile to 'warm-up,' 'get going again,' after being off.  Bed time, still no power-sleepover at the neighbors! 1am and terribly disorienting phone call awakes me and so I respond to the flood of Thai words in the only way I can at 1am ... in English as I fumble to find my keys, not fall down the stairs, and get through the doors and gates that separate me from checking the status of the power in our own house.  Not on.  After being passed to another worker who spoke a tad more English, and now being able to think of Thai vocabulary we got the message across: no power at 186/3 Worldclubland. "Ok, ok, we fix it, we fix it."  Good enough for me ... I was just praying I wouldn't receive another phone call!  7am arrived too quickly, but it came with wonderful news: we had power!

And so life becomes a little more comfortable.  We have electricity and water and we know how to pay those bills.

As far as this week's set of tests, I've already aced Photocopying 101 and Basic Health (aka are you breathing and do you have a pulse? great! here's a piece of paper that says you're healthy!).  I feel like I will pass tomorrow's fairly big test: Driver's Ed, because I'm prepared and since I've decided to postpone the Motorcycle Driver's Ed test until later this week or next week.  As far as my 'Diplomacy Tests' (or meetings) this week ... we'll just have to wait and see if I can push it past 'average.'

Close to Home

In visiting and getting to know P'Witoon and his sustainable agriculture work last week, I also got to know his family.  P'Witoon and his extended family are quite close and share many resources.  While P'Witoon has two 'traditional' bamboo houses in his field, he also lives/shares a house with his parents and sister in the village.  His nephew also lives with the family because his parents are currently working abroad.  One of P'Witoon's childhood friends also lives with them.

His story really hit close to home.  I never got the full story, but Jonathan tried to fill in some details.  Apparently P'Witoon's friend as a serious kidney disease and has for a few years now.  He was originally told that he only live a couple of months, but it's been about 2 years.  His wife left him since he was no longer able to work enough to provide for them ... working as hard as he used to was just too painful.

As a result, P'Witoon took him in.  He helps out around the farm as he is able and in return P'Witoon and his family feed him and help him pay for his many medications.

Still, it's a hard place for him to be.  It seems like he could really use a kidney transplant.  But here in Thailand, organ donations aren't as common because of dominant Buddhists beliefs. In Buddhism, when you die you are reincarnated based on the life you live.  If you lead a good life, your next life will be easier as you continue on your journey towards total enlightenment.  If you don't lead a good life, your next life might be more difficult ... it all depends on the merit or karma you've received in your current situation.  Because of reincarnation, people aren't too keen to give up body parts.

Basically, Witoon's friend is just waiting to die, which was painful to see.  Almost every day he made some sort of comment ... how he was in so much pain, how he wish he could enjoy the spicy food, how he was surprised that he woke up that day, how sad he was that there's just no hope for him.  He wasn't able to go sightseeing with us on Tuesday because he had to filter fluid through his body.  I was amazed that he was able to do it out where we were.  I know that being able to filter makes a quite difference, but after seeing my brother's system, his set up seemed so rudimentary.

I just wish there was something I was able to do to give him hope!  My brother and family have been so blessed through my brother's battle with his kidney disease and we are confident he'll be able to find a kidney match and have a successful transplant ... maybe even as soon as this summer!  The progress my brother made and care he received has been such an encouragement to our family even though it's been a difficult situation to deal with.  P'Witoon's friend doesn't have this encouragement and I wish there was a way he could be encouraged and comforted through the uncertainty each day brings.  I keep thinking, if the roles were reversed, if my brother had renal failure here ... I'd definitely feel hopeless for his situation.  I'm so thankful for the care he is able to receive.

If you're praying for my brother as he's dealing with his kidney disease, please pray for P'Witoon's friend as well ... that he can find hope in God and that he doesn't suffer from too much pain.  To learn more about my brother's kidney disease and how you can sign up to be a potential donor, check out his blog here.


Thanks for your prayers and support
Hannah

Visiting P'Witoon (the details)

Jonathan and I arrived late Saturday afternoon to P'Witoon's village.  We meet P'Naiu (Witoon's wife) and P'Dara (Witoon's sister) at the village house, dropped my stuff off, and headed out into the farm.  At the main farm "house", P'Naiu and P'Dara began to make dinner while Jonathan took me on a short tour of the farm.  Chickens and ducks are fenced in, but have plenty of space to roam as well as a coop for safety at night.  Within the large fence, pigs are also kept in a pen.  Above this fenced in area is another fenced in area where P'Witoon is keeping goats and has a large fish pond.  Over-looking the fish pond is another small 'traditional' bamboo house.  Still farther up is a water retention pond and water tank.  All around this entire area are banana plants (I'm going to share my bio-nerd sidenote again, just to reiterate: banana 'trees' are not actually trees and are instead classified as herbaceous because the trunk is not a woody substance but the base of the leaves-called a sheath-that are tightly packed together... it's also known as a pseudostem).  A little ways down from the main farm house is flatted land for rice fields.  Beside the rice field is an 'integrated farm' ... coffee and passion fruit are planted among mango and lum yai (also known as longan) trees.  Besides the 'integrated farm,' multitudes of banana plants, and main farm house, what I was shown was newly built or expanded within the last 3-4 months.  As P'Witoon said, it's their 6 months of 'rest.'  They have the time to invest in building/expanding/establishing projects before the rainy seasons comes and the 6 months of hard work begins.

Dinner Saturday night was quite delicious: mountain rice (my favorite next to sticky rice), freshly caught freshwater snails, and some other dish I'm forgetting at the moment.  Lahu food tends to be on the spicy side, which I quite appreciated as I haven't been eating as much spicy Thai food as I though I'd be.  As far as the snails go, they were deliciously flavored and seasoned!  I'm not a huge fan of the texture, but if well-prepared like these were, it's easy to overlook and actually enjoy!  Also, in taking seconds and thirds of rice is always appreciated ... it shows that you really do like the food and appreciate the hospitality.

P'Dara and I at the top of Doi Chang

Sunday was a day of rest and sightseeing!  After breakfast of rice and 'pumpkin' at the farm, we dressed for then attend church.  The service was in Lahu, so I didn't understand a single word, but I was able to follow and 'sing' along with the songs because written Lahu uses Roman-based (English) characters (whereas written Thai is Sanscrit-based and written Karen is typically Chinese-based).  After church we all loaded into Jonathan's truck and drove to a large reservoir where we had lunch at restaurant just above the reservoir dam.  Driving a little farther, we visited one of P'Witoon's friends who owns a little coffee shop.  After enjoying a most delicious ice coffee and way too much iced green tea, we headed toward Doi Wawee and Doi Chang along with P'Witoon's friend.  Doi Wawee and Doi Chang are somewhat known for their coffee as they have coffee shops throughout the rest of Thailand (I myself am quite a fan of Wawee Coffee's iced coffee and 'coffee boom').  We drove around/through Doi Wawee on the way to our actual destination: Doi Chang's botanical gardens.  While we drove around most of the gardens, we did get out and walk through a couple different areas.

P'Witoon enjoying Doi Chang's beauty

At one of these stops P'Witoon turned to me and, looking like a kid in a candy store, said, "This is what I dream my village will look like some day ... all green, with trees, and better farming."  The people in the village P'Witoon lives in, along with the surrounding villages, practice slash and burn mono-culture farming.  As a result once jungle-covered mountains are now darkened and smoldering during the dry season; the once fertile soil is striped of nutrients; farmers slip further into debt as they become more and more dependent on fertilizers and chemical pesticides.  Through his own farm, and now his demonstration center, Witoon hopes to help farmers return to more sustainable and less debt-ridden farming techniques. Sightseeing over for the day, we headed home for dinner (I think we had the pumpkin again, along with a chicken and broth dish).

All in a day's work!

Monday was a 'work day.'  After an early breakfast of potatoes and rice, the guys went to begin to build the upper water-retention pond and I was told I'd be making pig food.  While I maybe made a hand-full of pig food, I mostly just watched the pig food making process.  After lunch (leftover potatoes and vegetables), I went with the women to a nearby village where P'Witoon's 2 kids, nephew, parents and grandmother had been attending a Bible camp/VBS.  It looked like it was quite the production ... the whole village was abuzz with activity.  After meeting and visiting with a number of people, we loaded up and headed home, stopping at small market on the way back.  Upon returning to the farm, chaos seemed to break out as the women set to preparing dinner and the kids began playing with their puppies (named Black, Brown, and White ... guess what color each one is).  I decided to trek up to where the guys were digging out the retention pond (of course I ended up making this little trek in my flip-flops, no big deal, I'm a honorary villager now).

I learned a number of things from this village visit ... that there actually are scorpions and king cobra snakes in Thailand (I saw one of each with my own eyes!).  I also learned that having a tokay living 'in' the room you're sleeping in is not enjoyable, but actually terrifying when it suddenly makes it's call and sounds like it is sharing your pillow.  Finally, I learned something at dinner Monday night ... you can actually eat pigs' lungs.  Definitely not my favorite cut of pork, but it beat other parts I've had, and I was still able to have seconds.

Tuesday was another sightseeing day.  After an early breakfast, we loaded up into Jonathan's truck and headed north to MaeSai and the Thai-Burma border (we didn't go into Burma, but 3 villagers rode in the back as they were going to visit people in Burma and we were their ride).  We had lunch beside the border and spent some time walking around the market that was right there. We were also able to climb up a temple that gave us a great view of the Thai-Burma border.  It was hard to tell where one country ended and the other began, but the Burma side seemed to transition much more quickly from an urban to rural landscape.  As we headed back to P'Witoon's village, we made a couple little detour stops.  One at Doi Tung, another botanical garden, and one at the bizarre White Temple in Chaing Rai.  Unfortunately, it the temple closed early and before we arrived, so I was only able to appreciate few of it's many oddities but plan on getting inside the temple at some point before I leave.

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Chiang Rai

We got back just in time for dinner: snails and a whole black-bone chicken in broth.  A whole chicken means that ... a whole chopped chicken ... basically everything is eaten ... including the blood.  In trying to fish out a nice piece of chicken meat out of the bowl, I accidentally fished a nice piece of chicken blood.  I got pretty used to eating chicken blood on my semester, as it was a favorite of my host family, but I'm not a huge fan ... the texture is somewhat similar to tofu, but it tastes metallic (which makes sense because of the high iron content).

Wednesday morning, besides our delicious Lahu breakfast-fare, we also had pancakes with directly from the comb fresh honey ... what a treat!  The guys were actually able to finish digging out the water retention pond before breakfast (though they were a little late), so Jonathan and I began the drive back to Chiang Mai shortly after breakfast wrapped up.

All-in-all it was a wonderful trip.  I got to meet and better get to know an incredible local leader who has such a wonderful vision for what his village could be and how to get there.  Sure it takes a lot of hard work, but to see his face light up when talking about a project or seminar he wants to have to encourage other farmers to practice more sustainable farming practices, you can't help but want to join in!  P'Witoon has given up a lot to serve the village he grew up in.  He has a masters in sustainable agriculture from Chiang Mai University and worked for 7 years as the Project Manager for the agriculture division of the Integrated Tribal Development Program.  According to Thai and Lahu culture, he shouldn't be living in the village he was raised in, but rather in the city using his education to make lots of money, and yet he choose to return to work in village and barely scrape out a living.  His is definitely an inspiring story, which I find so much more inspiring after walking through his village, seeing the surrounding land smoldering, and sitting in the shade of his tall banana plants.

And we get to play a part of this story!  You through your prayers and financial support of me and my administrative work here!  It amazes me how God can use people across the globe to be an encourage each other, as well as the fact our faith in Him can bring us together as we both strive to build His Kingdom here.

"Thai" hospitality (How to be content doing "nothing")

Sometimes it feels like I've given up everything in order to be here -- a steady income, supportive community, special friendships -- but then I have the opportunity to get to know a beautiful "Thai" family that welcomes me with open arms, wide smiles, and incredibly generous hospitality. (I say "Thai" because while they live in Thailand and have for generations, they are ethnically different and slightly culturally different than Thai people)

This last week I was welcomed into P'Witoon's family.  We're not just talking about his wife and kids, but his ENTIRE family -- parents, sister, grandmother, etc.  P'Witoon and his family belong to the Lahu hilltribe group, live in Chiang Rai province (near WinPaPao village), and try to engage with the people in their village to participate in more sustainable agricultural practices.  Most people in his village, and the villages surrounding his, practice mono-culture, slash-and-burn (not swidden) farming.  Corn being the primary 'cash crop,' that has sent villagers spiraling into debt.  P'Witoon encourages and practices planting a variety of different crops that are first used for the family's own consumption and then excess is sold at market.

I was excited to how P'Witoon has changed the landscape of his farm and participate in their daily life.  P'Witoon explained to me that 6 months out of the year they work very hard every day on the farm and for 6 months they relax and have vacation.  We're in the 6 months of relaxation, though they still keep very busy getting ready for the 6 months of hard work.  As a result, of the 5 days I was with them, they only really worked on the farm 2.5-3 days.  The full day of work I was there, the guys worked on creating a water retention pond and the women made pig food.

I was told that I'd help make the pig food.  I was stoked because I have helped make pig food before and I was anxious to fine-tune and practice my pig food making/machete skills.  Pigs eat almost anything, which is great if you have a variety of things to feed them, like P'Witoon does.  A base food for P'Witoon's pigs happens to be the stalk base that supports the banana plant.  (Bio-nerd sidenote: banana 'trees' are not actually trees and are instead classified as herbaceous because the trunk is not a woody substance but the base of the leaves-called a sheath-that are tightly packed together.  It's also known as a pseudostem)  The banana stalk looks somewhat like an onion when sliced, all the leaves layered together. To make pig food, the stalks are somewhat thinly sliced and then chopped up with a machete.  P'Witoon cut down 4 large stalks to be chopped into pig food.  Again, I was stoked.

I was told to sit in a chair in the shade while P'Dara and P'Naiu got set up and started.  I wasn't given a machete to help them.  After a few minutes, P'Naiu got up from chopping to take care of some other things around the farm, so I took her place with the machete ... I had an opportunity to contribute and prove myself as an adequate pig food maker!  Not 5 minutes later P'Naiu returns and tells me that she will do it.  I reluctantly gave up the machete, and moved back over to 'my' chair.

Sure, I was a bit disappointed.  I hardly had an opportunity to work all week, and wanted to be able to 'earn my keep,' to show I was thankful for the room I had at their village house and the food they gave me.  At the same time, I realized that I was a guest and they were probably trying to be hospitable towards me by not allowing to work and help them out.  I could instead sit comfortably in the shade and watch them cut up 4 large stalks.  While I did "nothing" other than watch them make pig food, I tried to think about it from the Lahu perspective.  If I was P'Dara, I wouldn't necessarily want to make the foreign office-worker do stuff for me in the village because they do so much to support the work in the village ... things I would never dream of being able to do.  I would want them to be able to relax in the village, and I wouldn't want them to get hurt while chopping up pig food with a machete.  So I did my best to be a good guest.  I sat there, I smiled, I ate as much as I could (good food=good hospitality) at every meal (even if the meal consisted of things I don't particularly like, but were decently seasoned like snails, fermented vegetables, pork lung, or all chicken parts including the blood) and let these beautiful people serve me.

I also had the opportunity to enjoy P'Witoon's hospitality and care after returning to Chiang Mai.  The day after I returned, P'Witoon brought a truckload of bananas to sell at a market in Chiang Mai.  It is only by the grace of God that we met up at this market. I was thoroughly lost and had my senses assaulted for almost an hour as I walked around, before P'Witoon spotted me on their way out.  I now know exactly where to find them next time.  P'Witoon and his wife took me and paid for a late lunch, they wouldn't let me help pay.  They were then quite concerned because Jonathan was going to pick me up in about 15 minutes, it was hot out, and there wasn't either a nice place for me to wait or anything for me to do while I waited.  According to P'Witoon, I shouldn't be left alone to wait for 15 minutes.  Forget the fact I had just wandered around a market by myself for about an hour, that I'm a 23-year-old living in Chiang Mai, that I'm 'friends' with a homeless man near church, and that I almost always carry a sharp Buck knife on my person.  Between Jonathan and I, we were able to convince P'Witoon that I would be fine and it wouldn't be a problem for me at all ... though he did walk me to the nearest 7-Eleven where I could wait a few minutes in the air-conditioning.

I feel incredibly blessed to be so fully welcomed and cared for by P'Witoon and his family.  Yes, I like my independence and being able to take care of myself, but getting special attention and care (even if it feels excessive or not needed) makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside ... that the sacrifices I've made to be here are recognized and greatly appreciated.  It still feels hard when I'm craving Easter candy, but I know the people I'm serving value my work and want to care for me in return.  And so, I'll continue to try to be content doing "nothing" while experiencing Thai hospitality.

Crossing Cultures

This past Saturday I attended a Seder, or Passover, dinner at Chiangmai Christian Fellowship church.  While a bit difficult to pull off because 1. we're not Jewish and 2. we're in Thailand, I thought it was beautifully done and a great reminder that Easter is coming. Yes, I have committed to practicing Lent this year and deepening my relationship with God, but not hearing sermons regarding this season and the holiday to come has made it easy for it to slip to the back of my mind ... especially as I get caught up in everyday living in Thailand and the curve-balls that come at me each week.

We went through the order (seder literally means order) of blessings, eating, drinking, remembering the sadness and bitterness of the Israelites and how God delivered they from the Egyptians.  It seems to me that very few Christians have been able to participate in a Passover meal, or know what one involves and what the different symbols associated with it represents.  The actual meal we ate was catered by a local Middle Eastern restaurant and featured deliciously flavored chicken, salad, falafel, humus, and pita bread.  Not quite at traditional Passover meal, but at least it was close.

On Monday, I joined Jonathan on a short trip to visit The Life Center.  We took two Hmong American girls with us and dropped them off  at a Karen/Hmong village where they will be volunteering for the next 2 weeks.  While both girls were born in the states, both had extended family living in either Laos or Thailand.

We were greeted in the Karen/Hmong village at lunch time with a splendid spread of Karen food.  Our plates overflowed with rice, perfectly seasoned morning glory and potato yellow curry, savory stir fry beans with pork, fried pork (that tastes like bacon), juicy watermelon, sweet pineapple, and one of my favorite fruits: green mango.  This was probably one of the best meals I've had to date.  And I proved it ... not by simply saying that it was a great meal (even though I did that), but I had generous second and third helpings of rice--proving that their cooking and hospitality was more that satisfactory.  While I wasn't able to interact with any of the Hmong villagers (Jonathan and I had to head over to the Life Center), Jonathan pointed out an interesting difference between Hmong and Karen homes.  Karen homes tend to be elevated and 'built on stilts,' while Hmong homes are built level on the ground.

After a few more hours bumping up, down, and around mountains in Jonathan's truck, we finally arrived at the Life Center.  While pointing out the different buildings and explaining their uses, who should pull up on a motorbike, but the most loving, bubbly, and cheerful Karen woman.  I was immediately wrapped into the biggest hug this tiny woman could give me and welcomed with the warmest smile.  I had finally met Tatumo.

How can you not feel loved, when greeted by this smiling face?

The Life Center itself is wonderfully located outside the village, in a naturally beautiful location.  Tatumo and her husband, Tatupa have put a lot of work into making the place look even more beautiful and welcoming to those looking to break free from the powerful drug and alcohol addictions.  You could really feel God's peace and His desire to restore and heal you throughout this place ... you couldn't escape it by walking up to the 'guys dorm,' or down to the stream, or in the kitchen, or out by Jonathan's rabbits, or by crossing the bridge over the pond.  His presence settled over the entire Center.  Unfortunately, His presence isn't always felt by those who come to the Life Center to break free from addiction ... of the 7 who started this last cycle, only 3 made a concerted effort to turn their lives around and graduated.  A bit disappointing, but when you see the impact the Life Center has made over the years, and the impact the graduated students have made throughout the surrounding mountains, it reminds all of us that God is faithful.  That it is His work in the students' lives and in Northern Thailand ... it's nothing we can do, but everything He can do.

During this short trip, I was also able to visit Tatumo and Tatupa's home in the village, where they live when they don't have students at the Life Center.  A classic Karen design, though only slightly raised ... with the kitchen separate from the rest of the house and mostly made out of bamboo, and a wooden living/sleeping area.  Both the Life Center and their house in the village are surrounding by fruit trees and vegetable gardens, but at the house, Tatumo has 3 pigs!  We had an enjoyable time, walking around the village house, naming different fruits and vegetables in Thai, Karen and English.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to be welcomed into the lives and work of Tatumo and Tatupa.  Their strength and faith is a wonderful encouragement to me and great testimony to the work God is doing through them and the Life Center.

On Saturday I'll join Jonathan on a visit to the sustainable agriculture program, lead by Witoon in Chiang Rai.  While slightly disappointed I'll miss a majority of the Thai New Year/Water Fight/Songkran festivities, I'm excited to experience something brand new! I was able to "play water" while here for the semester, but I didn't go to a Lahu/Akah village and that's where I'll be headed on Saturday.

Thanks for joining this journey with me ... your prayers and financial support me a lot to me, and I love being able to share my experiences with you through this blog and my newsletter updates.

All the best,
Hannah

Is it really April already!?!

April began with a bang for me and I had quite a lot going on this past week ... sure I had some excitement thanks to the hospital trip last week, but that was probably the most exciting thing that happened all week.  I take that back, having lunch with Lana (my transition mentor) at an "actual" 'Rainforest Cafe' was also pretty exciting.

Since it was the first week of the month, the Family Connection Foundation (FCF) had its monthly meeting with all the projects they support on Wednesday.  It's a great time to worship, learn, and eat together, but it makes for a long morning.  I spent Wednesday afternoon learning about what I'll be doing as a FCF staff member (apart from my Project:Restore work) and learning how the system works, well, how it's supposed to work or will eventually work.

Eventually, I'll become the Human Resources department for foreign volunteers ... from the time a potential volunteer first contacts us to the time they land in Chiang Mai, I will be the go-to person for incoming volunteers.  This means briefly going over applications, partnering volunteers with organization placements, making sure all people involved have all necessary information, sending visa packets, confirming arrival dates, passing information between 'everyone,' answering questions (as I'm able), and maintaining the HR database/personnel folders.  Thankfully I didn't start ALL of this on Wednesday, but was merely introduced to it all.  I was given the 'simple' task of making sure that of the potential volunteer documents  FCF has recently received (applications, references, spiritual gifts and Jung personality test results) has made it into the HR/personnel folders, organizing and uploading documents when needed.  Even though there's a bit of a backlog and I received a dump-truck load of information, I was able to muddle through the rest of the afternoon and actually get 'caught up' on Friday afternoon.

Thursday morning I attended a wonderful Bible study with my housemate, then Lana picked us both up to take us to lunch and then shopping for house stuff that is too difficult to get back to our house on my housemate's motorcycle.  Such a blessing and such a fun day.  I finally have a set of sheets that actually fit my bed! (Though, I did have to wash them twice because a bird pooped on it the first time it was out drying ... stupid birds!)

To top off my week, Jonathan was in town for the first time in 2 weeks.  He's been hosting study abroad students in one of the villages, so while we were able to occasionally communicate through emails and phone calls, it was nice to finally be able to catch up and work through some things together.  Jonathan and I are both really excited because one of the students who was just with him in the village decided that he wanted to volunteer with us after the program ended (which happened to end earlier this week).  This student attend Messiah College in the states, happens to be a good friend of mine from back in high school, and will be working with me here in Chiang Mai!

I'm really excited about this next week as Monday--Wednesday I'll be visiting some villages where Project:Restore is working with Jonathan.  Then on Thursday morning I should get my work permit! Look for a blog post towards the end of this week, beginning of next to hear about my time in the village and pray that everything will process smoothly for receiving my work permit!

Grace and Peace!

No syphilis here, I'm normal!

Besides the regular paperwork one has to fill out to get a work permit in Thailand, one also has to have a 'medical exam.'  So this afternoon I took myself to the nearest hospital with a little note written in Thai saying that I needed a work permit exam (including a syphilis test).  Why you have to be tested for syphilis, I don't know, but I was not looking forward to it because it requires a blood sample and I absolutely hate needles of any kind ... we just aren't friends and never will be.

I get to the hospital and am passed from one person to the next (I saw at least 5 or 6 different people). For the 'medical exam' they take my height, weight, and blood pressure, and that was it! Super easy, but then I had to have blood drawn  :P

I was lead into a small examination room that looked like it's sole purpose was to take blood samples.  Directly in front of me was a small pillow on  a desk.  This small pillow was covered with a pillow case that had small blood stains on it ... not what I wanted to see before I and blood taken.  I glanced to my right to see little plastic drawers with labels on them saying things like "syringe" ... also, not what I wanted to see.  I ended up just staring at my lap until a tiny and very cheery Thai man came in to suck a small vial of life out of me.  

Thankfully his English was quite good ... his cheeriness put me at ease, but I still was not ready.  I told him such as he began to prep and I put my head down on the desk so I wouldn't see anything.  He was such a dear soul!  He was doing his very best to be quick about it and distract me from the fact that he was poking and drawing blood from my arm.  Still, I was on the verge of passing out and told him so multiple times, and I actually did for a few seconds.  He was somehow able to help me out of the chair and onto the examination table so I could lay down out until the room stopped spinning and disappearing from view (how this happened, I'm not sure as he was almost half my size and I had very little control of my body).  He continued his cheerful chatter until I felt like I could walk out into the waiting room.  I am such my father's daughter!

I paid for the syphilis test, then waited 30-45 minutes for the results.  A nurse came over with a slip of paper and told me I was normal! Hallelujah, I don't have syphilis!  I was really concerned that I had it (NOT!) ... at least I now know I don't have it and am that much closer to getting my work permit!

Just down the street from the hospital is a Tesco Lotus with a Dairy Queen inside it.  Feeling the need for a little treat after what I'd gone through, I stopped by, but the ice cream machine was broken and they didn't have any ice cream! How is that possible?!? Oh wait, I'm in Thailand ... nevermind. I had to resort to the McDonald's next door to get my fix (and I must say, McD's ice cream was cheaper than I expected it to be).

All in all, a successful afternoon.  Did I mention that this trip to the hospital and tests cost me less than $15 USD? Too bad I didn't have ACL repair surgery here as it might have cost less! (Though I'm still glad I did it in Grand Rapids.)

Still nursing my pinpricked arm, 

Hannah

 

Post-Lao Trip Update

Well, the trip to Laos was quite successful though surreal, but I now have the proper visa and can begin the work permit process. I say the Lao trip was surreal because of the quick turn-around, the fascinating people encountered, and the uncomfortable/crazy van rides. But Sam and I made it there and back in one piece (a slight miracle in itself), and I have proper documentation.

This past week has been slightly less exciting, though I’ve kept myself busy. Monday night I set out for the UN Irish Pub to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish meal and live Irish music. I met some people from a Bible study I attended there and I also saw Pi Tik, one the field instructors from ISDSI. She invited me to come by ISDSI (the semester program I did here) for lunch this week. On Wednesday then, I made the journey out of Worldclubland and into Chiang Mai city.

After having a deliciously spicy Thai lunch (including sticky rice!) and reconnecting with people at ISDSI, I began my trek around the city. My first stop (after getting Thai iced coffee) was at one of the new malls in Chiang Mai. Since I was here 2 years ago, 3 new malls have sprung up. I had been in 2 of the 3, but this last one I visited was the one I was most interested in because I walked past the early stages of construction of it any time I went to ISDSI. It’s a beautiful new mall … but it was a bit empty.

Many people in Chiang Mai wonder if these new malls will be able to stay open as 2 of the 3 new ones don’t get a lot of traffic and there’s not really money in Chiang Mai to support 5 malls, especially the higher end ones. After visiting this new mall, I visited one of the older malls. While it seemed to be a bit busier, I don’t know if it will be able to stay open with the added competition, simply because it’s so old and seems a bit ‘dumpy.’ It will be interesting to see what happens in the next 2 years with all these malls.

My last stop before home was at Tesco Lotus hypermarket, which is basically like a Wal-Mart Supercenter. I had dinner in the food court, picked up a couple grocery items, and paid my internet bill. The nice thing about bills here is that you can pay them at any number of different locations … 7-eleven, BigC (similar to Tesco), Tesco Lotus … you don’t have to send it in. Talk about convenient!

The rest of the week had a couple little highlights … I went to Grace International School’s production of Guys and Dolls with the Wades Friday night and on Saturday went to a movie (Divergent) with some other people … otherwise it was fairly normal and quiet.

This past week was spring break for Messiah College; as a result, my brother spent the week learning how to do dialysis treatment at home. You can read about this week, as well as catch up with this whole journey we’ve been on at http://nateskidneyupdates.blogspot.com (update 12 covering this week will be up soon!)

Thanks for your continued prayers for me and my family as we go through these different things.

Grace and peace!

Hannah

Road TRIP!!!

In a few short hours, Sam and I will load up into a van, with who knows how many other strangers, and take off for Vientiane, Laos!  It's an overnight 10-11 hour van ride. Yippee!

We're using a travel agency, and they will actually provide us with a breakfast before taking us to the actual border where we'll go through Thai immigration, catch a bus that will take us across the Mekong River on the Friendship Bridge, go through Lao immigration, then be picked up by the travel agency and taken to the Thai Embassy in Vientiane.  The goal is to arrive at the Embassy before noon, but we've been told we'll probably arrive there around 9am, maybe 10am.

After submitting my visa application and paperwork, Sam and I will find our hostel, check-in and hangout the rest of the day.  While we are both fairly introverted, we're kind of interested in meeting the random people we are sure we'll run into as we're staying at a 'backpackers' hostel where there could be up to 6 other people in our room. What an adventure!

The following day (Thursday), I'll hopefully pick up my visa in the afternoon and we'll begin the journey back to Chiang Mai, arriving back here early Friday morning (and yes, that does mean another overnight van ride ... I couldn't be more thrilled).

Please pray for this trip.  The past 2 days have been a flurry of activity as Sam and I have prepared to go and details have fallen into place.  Please pray for our long overnight van rides ... that we'll be able to sleep, that the drive will be smooth, that there won't be any accidents.  Please pray for our boarder crossings ... that they'll go smoothly and that we won't have any problems.  Please pray for my visa ... that it will be able to be processed, that I'll get the correct one, that there won't be any complications.  Please pray for Sam and I in general ... that God will keep us safe and healthy through these travels, that the stress of traveling doesn't overwhelm us, and that we'll have a fantastic time together in Vientiane and as we travel.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support.

With love from Laos,
Hannah

I made it!

A little over 2 weeks ago I arrived (very tired from my 22 hours of traveling) in Chiang Mai, Thailand!!  And what a busy 2 weeks these have been!

The house I am renting was not ready right away, so almost a week was spent getting it ready before I was able to move in and begin settling in. I'm not supposed to be totally engaged in working in the office yet, as they want to make sure I have adequate time to figure out what it means to live here ... how to get groceries, how to get around the city, where things are located in the city, how to get clean drinking water, etc.

I've been attending two different churches, Chiangmai Christian Fellowship (CCF) and Chiang Mai Community Church (CMCC), in hopes to begin to plug-in and find my place here. CCF supports the foundation and organization that I work for and CMCC is the church I visited when I was here for my semester.  I've really appreciated being able to be a part of both services, but wish a Sunday school/adult ed service was also held, so I'm looking into finding and joining a Bible study.  If you could pray that I find a good and encouraging Bible study, I'd greatly appreciate it.

I've begun to make some friends here ... even meet up with some old ones!  My neighbors, the Wades work at the foundation with me and at Grace International School. Sam, their daughter, and I have become pretty good friends in these past 2 weeks ... funny thing is she was at Calvin the same time I was, graduated a year before me, and we know a lot of the same people, but we never ran into each other at Calvin.  It's been a joy to get to know her, hang out, share stories, work together (we share an office at the foundation), eat together, work out together, and explore Chiang Mai together.

As for old friends, one of my oldest and best friends, Malcolm is here visiting!  He's been in Nepal with the Mennonite Central Committee.  They had a regional meeting in Bangkok earlier this week, and afterwards, Malcolm decided to use some of his vacation days to visit friends in Chiang Mai!  We had a wonderful time together along with another of our friends who is here with Messiah College for the semester, a new (for me) Thai friend, and a Messiah alum (another new friend for me).

This next week will bring another exciting adventure my way!  In order to get a Thai work permit, I need a different visa than the one I entered on.  In order to get the correct visa I have to leave the country, apply for the correct visa, and then return ... so I'm going to Vientiane, Laos! This isn't my first time to Laos, or even to Vientiane, for that matter, as my semester program took us there and into Laos for a long weekend.  Even though this trip has been difficult to figure out and plan, I'm looking forward to this little trip.

As far as updates on my brother's health goes ... the last I heard was that he's doing better and most of the water weight he gained (almost 40 lbs) has been lost.

Finally, continue to pray for my transition.  In the next few weeks I'll begin to take on more at work and hopefully begin to get into some sort of routine.  Also pray for this trip to Laos ... that all the logistics get worked out, that the traveling goes well (no delays or accidents), that my visa gets processed quickly and without problem, and that the return trip goes smoothly.  Lastly, please pray for my financial situation, while I have enough for a couple months, it'd be great to have enough donations coming in on a monthly basis so that I can be here the full 2 years.

Grace and Peace!

Final Preparations

I'm getting excited!!

Though a lot is going to happen in these final days ...

Recently, I've been chatting with a new friend who is helping prepare for my arrival and will help with my transition to life in Chiang Mai.  She's given me some great advice about what to bring/pack and been a wonderful encouragement for these final days. Besides taking vitamin C and taking good care of myself the next couple of days, she recommending building my RAFT with people by ... 

Reconciling with anyone I need to clear the air with

Affirming people and the significance of my relationship with them

saying Farewell ... be sure to say goodbye to people, places and stuff (and pets) that I will miss, and finally

Thinking destination (because, to quote my new friend, "we are waiting for you and we already love you and can't wait to know you!")

so that's the RAFT and I truly think that it is a constructive way to say goodbye USA, hello Thailand.  I also believe that I have already been trying to do these, without really thinking about it.  My dear friends, I hope I have reached out to you recently to do the first 3 ... if I haven't, I sincerely apologize and time is getting away from me ... please don't hesitate to reach out to me instead.

I love you all so much!!!

10 days and Counting

Well, it's beginning to feel like crunch time for me as in 10 short days I'll be flying towards my new life in Thailand. Part of me just wants to curl up in bed, fall asleep, and then wake up all settled in in Chiang Mai. Unfortunately life doesn't work like that (at least that I'm aware of), so I'll just keep sorting through, organizing, and packing stuff to either take or put in storage.  

I know that this is where God wants me for the next 2 years ... too much has fallen into the right place to write off as just 'coincidence' or 'wishful thinking.' Sure there have been some bumps in the road (my torn acl, my brother's kidney disease, the ongoing struggle to raise financial support ...), but God continues to provide for my needs, and the needs of my family, in His timing. As the butterflies in my stomach try to wreck their havoc today, and in the coming days, I look to God to calm them and me as I make final preparations.

To God be the glory!

A Long Overdue Update

A lot has happened since my last post, so here's a brief run-down of what's been going on.

At the end of November/for Thanksgiving I spent a week with my parents in Pennsylvania. In coming back to Grand Rapids after Thanksgiving, most of my time was spent doing physical therapy, writing/sending a Christmas/fundraising letter, and packing up my life in Grand Rapids. On December 18 I left my beloved Grand Rapids and moved back to my parents' house in Mechanicsburg, PA.  Being home brought another flurry of activities as dear friends from the Netherlands stayed with us December 20--January 4 and then my dad (and I) helped host a group of Dutch university students at Messiah College for most of January. This means I've been to Harrisburg, Lancaster, New York City, Niagara Falls, Hershey twice, Washington DC twice, and Gettysburg three times all in the past month ... on top of Christmas and Christmas parties, New Year's and being sick for about a week. In my "down time" I've been continuing physical therapy exercises at Messiah's athletic facilities (my knee is doing great, though feels sore after a long day of walking/being on my feet), playing with our new puppy CC, attempting to do more fundraising for Thailand, and doing a lot of reading and praying to help prepare for moving to Thailand.

I have a date for leaving!!! February 18th. It's fast approaching and a lot is still happening.

I'm currently in Grand Rapids for the week ... I'm sharing about what I'll be doing in Thailand during both services at the church I've been attending for the past 4 years this Sunday, doing a final round of fundraising here, and trying to sell my car.

Also, in the last week my 20-year-old brother has had some major kidney issues, which has hospitalized him since January 18.  We found out yesterday that he has a rare and aggressive kidney disease called Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis (RPGN).  There are only a handful of cases out there, and not much research, but his nephrologist has been talking and consulting with the top nephrologists in the country to develop a treatment plan for him.  One procedure is plasmaphoresis (plasma transplant), another is a low dose of chemo-p-plasma (chemo therapy).  He's had a partial plasmaphoresis treatment, but developed an allergic reaction, so they're trying a different way and hoping he doesn't react the same way.  He will continue to stay in the hospital for the next couple of days to see how he reacts to daily plasmaphoresis, 3 times a week dialysis and 1-2 low doses of chemo.  While biopsy results showed that some of his kidneys are completely unrecoverable, they are hopeful that they can preserve what he has left to delay eventual kidney transplant.  

The past week has been quite a rollercoster for our family ... the first call from the doctor to get to the hospital ASAP, to being told he had complete kidney failure, to being told his kidneys might actually be working, to being told he could go home, to being told he needed to get back to the hospital ASAP because he has this rare disease ... it's been a bit tiring, but, we are by no means defeated!  We are buoyed by God's presence in this troublesome time and the outpouring of prayers, meals, concern, visits, and encouragement by so many of our friends, family, and brothers/sisters in Christ.  I was just reading today that, "as we participate in sufferings [of Christ, Col 1:24] we experience an intimacy with Him that we don't necessarily experience during seasons of joy."  How true this feels for our family right now as the body of Christ lifts us up in prayer and surrounds us with His love!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support for my preparations for Thailand ... the next 25 days will fly by and I am especially thankful for your prayers for my brother and parents as we're dealing with these other issues.

Untill next time, all my love