I Love Thailand
One of my favorite countries thus far is Thailand, something I determined in just the first few days I was here. Why, you may ask? Simple – beautiful scenery, green hills, lush jungle, wonderful waterfalls, mysterious culture, fantastic people, nice beaches, awesome islands, and plenty to do (as you can see) plus some.
So we arrived in Bangkok, Thailand April 24th after a late, sleepless flight (as usual it seems), and were met by my Thai YWAM friend Ja Jaa. We did our DTS together in 2008 and she has been kind enough to connect and travel with us here. What a blessing she has been! It is quite a fun reunion, and you really have to know her personally to understand what I mean by “fun”, considering she may be a definition of the word, ha. Anyway, we spent our first two days in Bangkok, and here were my first impressions (I tend to compare to India): more laid back than India, more developed, less horns (thank God above), less crazy traffic/drivers (take your pick), more “hip” and western, less crowded (usually), not nearly as many people living on the streets, has a good feel, lots of internationals, more sanitary, less trash, and lots of good street food (like mango with sticky rice and coconut milk, amazing)! There were also lots of soldiers around due to the recent protesting. Nonetheless, it is safe in most parts of Bangkok despite what you may hear. I’m honestly more worried about the extremely high percentage of homosexuals (Ja quoted 50%, but I can’t bring myself to believe it).
A special event we were able to witness in Bangkok was a big prayer meeting that included Christians representing churches from all over the city (there are around 200). There was barely enough room for the 700 people that attended! Different pastors spoke, and we all prayed and interceded for the country, conflict, people, government, etc. It really touched my heart to look around at all the believers and witness them worshiping with all their hearts, praying with all their might, and crying out to God for their country, their people, and their peace. What a powerful event! It makes me so excited to see individuals gather together for a righteous cause with passion and love.
On the 26th we left for our first destination outside the big city, Chantibury, where we met up with a pastor Ekachai, a friendly happy go lucky sort of man with an honest smile plastered on his face at all times; a genuinely awesome dude. I must go on to say that Chantibury was a beautiful place with so many beautiful people, and I feel like I got a true cultural experience. Our first day there they took us around to meet some families from the church and see their work of growing and harvesting fruit in the hills. Then we spent the afternoon at Namtokphlue National Park. Beautiful! We hiked up the mountain a bit, following the stream, jumping from rock to rock, wading through water, cooling down in swimming holes, sitting under mini water falls, ducking branches, almost falling multiple times, dodging thorns, trying to find our way… what a time! (I and Devon’s next “hike” did not go so well due to wet slippery flip flops, thick brush, and multiple leeches.) It’s a jungle out there. Days like these are special to me – visiting families, seeing the work and lifestyle, praying for them, witnessing their culture, and just being somewhere away from tourists and other backpackers. It makes me feel excited and alive. There’s something about hiking waterfalls, piling four on a motor bike, eating exotic fruit, being surrounded by jungle, lush green vegetation, and tree covered hills.
While we were there we had the privilege of teaching English (or at least attempting) to a bunch of kids attending an annual English Camp at local school, meeting up with a World Race team of 13 (a Christian ministry taking groups to 11 countries in 11 months), checking out local scenery, going to the beach, attended the popular fruit festival/fair, etc. The English camp was three days with a younger and older group, both fantastic groups of kids. The first day three of us (Ja, Devon and I) were on our own, and it went surprisingly well. The last two days we had help from the other team so our job got much easier. We played lots of games and did our best to make it interesting, hoping they would learn and retain along the way. It was a super fun time and we were really able to connect with the kids on many different levels. Teaching English was certainly a first time experience! And I honestly enjoyed it. It also didn’t hurt that the school fed us extremely well and even put us up in a small lodge (with a beautiful view I might add) in the National Park for a night. Holla!
May 2nd we left for out next location down south, a combined 16 hour bus ride from Chantibury. We said our goodbyes to the pastor and his family, church members and our new friends from the World Race team. Our time there was fantastic and really made me fall in love with Thailand and its people. After our night bus we arrived in an area known as the Phuket region (a very well known area to tourists), and connected with a pastor Jum in a small town called Khok Khoi. From the 3rd to the 5th we were able to assist with a summer camp for Burmese children that pastor Jum runs a school for. Many Burmese families live in this area because of the close proximity to Burma. They come here for a new life, but since some of them are here illegally the children cannot receive public education. It is for this reason that the Jum started a school specifically to educate some of these children, which I think is such a wonderful ministry. During the summer camp the children participated in worship, teachings, crafts, games, and lots of beach time! They are so beautiful and fun, and very energetic! We helped out however we could (despite the language barrier) and really enjoyed doing so. These kids are being exposed to the gospel at all times and are in an environment where they can learn and grow in the Lord. We had such a good time with them and hope to be spending some more time with them this upcoming week at the school where we will be teaching some more English. Here we go again! During the camp, we also had the privilege of meeting some Burmese pastors from this area who minister to some of the locals. It’s so encouraging to witness what God is doing in these small pockets throughout Thailand. Pray for more!
After the camp we knew we’d have a couple of days off, so we’ve been sort of “touristy” as of late. We went in to Phuket town our first day to check it out and see a movie. There are white people everywhere, and while the place is somewhat nice it is such a tourist trap (just to be honest). All the prices are jacked up and everything is catered to westerners. It’s definitely where everyone goes to vacation around here. We had a good day there though, and topped it off with a beautiful view of the coast at sunset followed by a Thai buffet, which was definitely a first time experience. All the raw food you want to be cooked right at your table on a charcoal grille of sorts. It was fantastic!
Then what a day we had on our second day off! Devon and I set out early to check out Phi Phi Island, a popular group of islands about 1 ½ hours off the coast of Phuket by boat. After our multiple means of transportation from Khok Khoi, we arrived at the beautiful area of islands standing straight up out of the water, like they just shot up from the bottom of the ocean one day. We quickly signed up for a day of boating, snorkeling and swimming. It was beautiful! Crystal clear water, exotic fish, splendid ocean floor, amazing views, clear blue sky, and a nice sunburn to finish it off. I couldn’t have asked for more! I felt so blessed to be in a place so beautiful, and it made me appreciate the gifts of creation my Father has so lovingly given us. I’ve never been to a place quite like Phi Phi Island, and I doubt I will be again any time soon. It’s just what you’d expect for a “tropical island” experience. Recommended! I must admit, it’s does feel good to be a tourist sometimes.
Our third day of fun was yet another beautiful day at another beautiful location. We went to Khao Lak town and National Park. The quaint town is in a very nice location, but at the moment is very quiet due to the tourist off season. After a short time in the town we went to the NP, it was hot and we were ready to swim! The 1.5km hike and well worth it. The beach was amazing! We arrived at a small inlet which created the only beach area around, with sand, lush vegetation, and scattered rocks and boulders. The rest of the shore was lined completely with rocks and boulders all along the water, creating wonderful picturesque scenery and beach. It was a time of swimming, hopping and climbing around boulders, relaxation, prayer and music. The water was crystal clear and warm, making for a near perfect time. God loves me for sure.
There’s something attractive about Thailand. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I can feel it in the air. I like it here. And this is only part 1.
Now just a quite update on our upcoming plans. I (Nielsen) have extended my ticket a month to spend extra time in Australia to volunteer at a YWAM base as well as to add an extra week to NZ, making it a month there. This means I will be home beginning of August. I thought and prayed about it, and felt like I wanted to make the most of my time at these locations, now knowing when or if I will ever get to go back. Devon is planning on keeping schedule, so we will be splitting off the beginning of June when he goes to NZ and I stay in Australia, which we both feel a peace about. Keep these plans in your prayers.
Stay tuned for more folks. Thanks to those who are doing their best to keep up with us, I appreciate your time of reading and prayers. God’s still been teaching me lots as time goes on and still sometimes I am not sure what to do with it all. Abiding is something that has been placed on my heart since India (read John 15). Sometimes we focus too much on doing, and if we do so without abiding, we are left feeling empty, loveless, and useless. We cannot minister effectively to others unless we minister first and foremost to our Father in Heaven. I want everything I do for anyone to come out of a place of intimacy with Christ and I discovered that there were times on this trip that I was probably just going through the motions, neglecting to seek the face of God to sustain me. Nothing can take the place of our secret place in the shadow of the Almighty. Not doing, not serving, not ministering, not helping… nothing. How can I love if I’m not daily experiencing the love of Christ in my own personal relationship? I know this is all (supposed) elementary Christianity, but I think it’s something we all need to be constantly reminded of. The result of neglecting this necessity is a bunch of (supposed) Christians that aren’t living at all like sons and daughters of God. Even I (a “born and raised lifelong Christian traveling around the world for Jesus”) am still just discovering my secret place in the shadow of His wings.
Be blessed.
Nielsen
P.S. I just put up a bunch of new photos: facebook.com/negreiner
