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.'