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