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...