First ~ Happy Easter Sunday!
"But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." Mark 16:4-6
One of the great joys of Easter is that Jesus not only gave His life for us in dying on the cross, but that He is resurrected - sin had no hold over Him - He conquered sin & death completely and sits enthroned in heaven.
Celebrating this holiday here in Thailand makes it even more personal bec
ause it is in such sharp contrast with the culture. Buddhism is represented everywhere around me, from the Buddha statues, wats (series of religious buildings in an enclosed courtyard - over 30,000 in the country) and shrines inside & outside of most buildings. Buddhism believes in making merit to earn your way to nirvana. It's unlike believing in and following Christ who tells us that we can do nothing to earn salvation from our own actions but that it's a gift (Ephesians 2:8).
ause it is in such sharp contrast with the culture. Buddhism is represented everywhere around me, from the Buddha statues, wats (series of religious buildings in an enclosed courtyard - over 30,000 in the country) and shrines inside & outside of most buildings. Buddhism believes in making merit to earn your way to nirvana. It's unlike believing in and following Christ who tells us that we can do nothing to earn salvation from our own actions but that it's a gift (Ephesians 2:8).Kristi & I celebrated Easter at Chiang Mai Community Church (recommended by a friend) this afternoon. I couldn't help but look around the room of about 250 people and wonder about each person's story of how and why they were in Chiang Mai. Just as it was unique that we were there today, so I'm sure each story has twists and turns of how God has been at work in their lives, taking them on a journey that's specifically theirs.
Chiang Mai
To back up a couple of days, Kristi & I arrived to Chiang Mai on Friday afternoon. At the airport there were loads of people to greet our flight - we were given flowers & parasols and there was a young troup of dancers performing some Thai dances. Tears came to my eyes as we were so amazingly embraced; I feel so fortunate to be here and to have this Thailand experience.
To back up a couple of days, Kristi & I arrived to Chiang Mai on Friday afternoon. At the airport there were loads of people to greet our flight - we were given flowers & parasols and there was a young troup of dancers performing some Thai dances. Tears came to my eyes as we were so amazingly embraced; I feel so fortunate to be here and to have this Thailand experience.
This show of welcome & other special things are happening around the city because of the Songkran Festival (which began today). We are here at the perfect time! We've been warned by numerous people - other foreigners as well as Thais - that we need to be prepared for a full soaking of water. For more info, go to: http://www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com/songkran_in_chiangma.htmlchiangrai.com/songkran_in_chiangma.htmlchiangrai.com/songkran_in_chiangma.html
It has been SO MUCH FUN! I wish you were here - especially folks from EUTS (my Colorado Springs Bible study) - as you would really enjoy all the playing in water that we've done. Super-soakers, buckets of water and hoses are EVERYWHERE. Small children are the best - their excitement and sometimes timidness to surprise a Thai or a foreigner (farang) with a bowl of water is precious. Teens, adults, yound & old - everyone - is in on the fun, lining the 
streets & corners, ready to drench anyone walking or driving
streets & corners, ready to drench anyone walking or driving by. Especially mischevious people add large blocks of ice to their trash can size buckets of water so the soaking is extra COLD & shocking.
Here are some other highlights of what I'm seeing each day (specifically in Bangkok, but typical throughout the journey so far):
- 4 people on a motorcyle (but rarely only one)
- small shrines/altars outside the entrace of each building or home (even gas stations)
- lush gardens, beautiful & sweet smelling flowering trees, ponds with lilypads
- portraits of the King & Queen everywhere, including outside, along roads and highways
- fruit and food streetside stands - even in the midst of conjested intersections
- new construction & delapitated buildings next to each other
- lots of stray dogs (and just a few stray cats here & there)
- friendly, smiling faces admist lots and lots of people
- endless supply of taxi & tuk-tuk (three wheeled transport vehicle) drivers looking to earn some baht
- advertisements everywhere with intriguing Thai script
I'm going to try to load some photo albums to the blog so you can see more than just a few photos. Thinkin' of you with love!
How are you taking pictures in the middle of a water festival? Aren't you afraid of your camera getting damaged?
ReplyDeletelove ya, Craig
Happy Easter, Becky! I miss you already, but I'm so excited to share this adventure with you through pictures. Stay dry! :)
ReplyDeletecraig, my camera is nicely protected in a little waterproof hello kitty purse around my neck. getting the camera wet is a concern though - i'm taking great care so i can continue the photo journey through thailand!
ReplyDeleteI posted almost all my photos so far to this blogsite but haven't found how to link it back to the blog itself...hmm, my little project!
hooray!!! you're experiencing Songkran!!! people have a time understanding it - until you've had buckets of water thrown on you by random people -- so fun! so glad you're loving it in Thailand. Praying for you!!
ReplyDeleteBecky,
ReplyDeleteThe Amazing Race featured Phuket and Bangkok the last two weeks. It was fun to "see" a little of Thailand! They had these hilarious karaoke party mini-van taxis in Bangkok. You should do that while you're there! :)
Love you, friend!
Rebecca
Of course you would love the water fight:) This is a good update. I can tell you are really experiencing all that you can. Love you and miss you! Glad you had a good Easter.
ReplyDelete