Winding down in Trang

Less than a week left in Trang with Cross Cultural Solutions! I can’t believe it. I’m not looking forward to saying goodbye, especially to the CCS Trang staff – Khem, Jack, On, Mama T, Cha . They have created my impression of Thai people. They’ve freely given me their time, their help with the culture, re-pronounced the same basic words and answered my never-ending list of questions. Sight-seeing is so different than partnering with people in another country to accomplish a shared goal. Serving together raises questions and situations that allow you to see and experience the norms of another culture while having someone available to help you understand it from their perspective. I’m so grateful for how they’ve come alongside me these last 5 weeks…

For different reasons I feel a connection with each of them: I love Khem’s wisdom in leading the staff and the volunteers as our Program Director. She’s a single woman balancing her career, responsibilities to her parents, she’s active with her friends and she looks toward the future with hopes for that special someone. Jack, our Assistant Director, has planned our cultural activities & group outings. He’s also spent lots of extra time with us in the evenings – going into Trang town & sharing his favorite hang-outs. I think Jesus shines out of him so much – he always has a smile on his face, a laugh and he continually seeks to serve us. It’s the time that Jack spends with us volunteers that makes me feel like we’re not work to him – “his job” – rather, he wants to be with us and he looks forward it. On, our Admin Asst, also loves kitties and cute things. I’ve shown her photos of the miscellaneous kitties I’ve met around Thailand. The day I walked around Trang town I ran into her downtown. As a stranger in town, it was so fun to have her call out my name as I strolled down the unfamiliar sidewalks. Mama T is normally the first person to the Homebase each morning and she greets me with a huge smile while I’m eating breakfast. Because of her I know many more useful Thai sayings. Cha drives me to my placement each day. We know about the same amount of English & Thai comparatively but that hasn’t stopped us from trying to communicate. He’s willingly quizzed me on the Thai names for fruits and colors and instructions that I can use at the Daycare. He’s one of many examples to me that language can be overcome as a barrier.
I’ve really come to love these new friends and I will miss them very much. I picture it like I arrived in Trang with my heart on a platter – ready to dive in and give it all I’ve got. I did & as I prepare to go, some of me will be left behind. I decided to stay in Trang for an extra day so I’ll have a little more time with the staff before I head off to Pattaya.



FUN LITTLE FACES
Here’s some photos of the cute kiddos I enjoy teaching and playing with each day. Heather, a new volunteer, has joined me at the Daycare so last week I started helping Khruu (Teacher) Ja with her group of children. Ja doesn’t speak much English but I have loved working with her because she finds ways to incorporate me into whatever she’s doing. To help her, I bring simple games & activities with written instructions that my CCS staff has translated into Thai. The kids are precious - among my favorites are Kong (cute smile) & Mo (with me).





A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

I have loved having new volunteers join us at the Homebase! Our house is more full & there’s always something happening to be a part of or a conversation going on. It was a blast to head to Koh Lanta this past weekend with four of them – Matt (New York), Evan, Tomas (Argentina) & Heather (Canada).






ANSWERED PRAYERS

I felt some personal breakthroughs lately as I’ve experienced new ways that the Lord is restoring and refreshing my heart and soul. It boils down to some basic things: I’m different because I know Jesus Christ. He’s transformed my heart and what comes out of it. Like 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” There will always be an element of ‘fitting in” to the world that doesn’t happen once we put our faith in Christ’s death on the cross for salvation because He has so deeply changed our hearts. At the same time, though, because Christ was so sacrificial in what He did for me, my heart has become more fully given to the people around me – friends that I want to know Jesus. I want them to have what I have. I long for Him to be glorified and for empty ways to be exposed because they fall so short of all the perks that can only be found in Him. These truths aren’t new to me but the renewal of them has felt critical in the steps that I’m taking forward in life. THANK YOU for your prayers for me!!

Miss you! Love, Becky

~ brief message to you ~

Hello!
Eight new volunteers arrived to CCS Trang last Saturday. It's been a blast getting to know them and spending time with them.
I leave in the morning for the island of Koh Lanta for my last weekend in Trang with 4 of the volunteers.
I hope to send a longer update on Sunday or Monday night since I won't be taking my computer this weekend.
Thinkin' of you! Becky

Settlin' In At The Daycare

The last week has been great! I’m very happy to be at the Daycare, serving the kids and the staff. My role is to look & find needs, providing an extra set of hands to help in all aspects of what the kids are doing. Typical morning begins with a crying fest of the children who are struggling with separation anxiety from their moms…sadly a few of these kiddos cry the whole morning that I’m there…Hai is one example. No matter how much I’ve tried getting him interested in a game, a toy, an activity, he wails unendingly and, if he can, he’ll take my hand and pull me towards the door, pitifully whining “Pai! Pai!) (Go! Go!) The ‘criers’ seem to struggle the most on Monday and get a little more adjusted as each day of the week goes along.

Given their short attention spans, I’ve been picking low commitment activities to do with them to help the staff – counting objects in Thai, telling them colors, playing “Ring Around the Rosie”. The kids are usually divided into either 3 or 4 groups, about 8 to 12 per group, with a staff person responsible for each group. I’ve been helping Khruu (Teacher) Yuun since I’ve been coming. Yuun is in charge of the Daycare and speaks the most English of the teachers. I’m happy to do whatever I can to help ~ this afternoon I raided the kids section of the Lotus/Tesco store (similar to a Walmart) in Trang for some more teaching aids. I picked up some balloons, plastic fruits w/ 2 halves to match together, little bowling pins & extra crayons. Along with some photocopies of paper activities, I’m armed for the week ahead :)


The BODY of CHRIST

Last Tuesday was a holiday in Thailand – celebration of Coronation Day – to mark the 59th anniversary of the Coronation of the King Bhumibol Adulyadej in the Kingdom. For me it was wonderful – extra day off to catch up on some things and to continue exploring the town of Trang. I woke early and took one of the CCS bikes into Trang. I covered a lot of ground quickly – had breakfast by the Train Station, got times & prices for traveling for the weekend, stopped by some stores…but the highlight was stopping by a coffee shop. I had passed it earlier & noticed the sign “Grace & Peace”. Hmm, I thought, wonder if they’re Christians…?

I’ve been looking for a nearby place (and there’s really not a lot that’s too nearby to the CCS Homebase) where I could meet Kwan, the woman from the church who wanted me to help her with her English exam. Grace & Peace is owned by a Christian Thai couple who have two children – Grace (a girl, about 9) and Peace (a boy, about 7). Instantly they welcomed me into their store & we had a conversation about our faith in the Lord. Mana, the wife, studied English at the University about 10 years ago, and though she feels rusty, we managed quite well. She was so happy for us to have met & asked if we could pray together right then – which we did. I left so encouraged & have been back twice – first with James to get an afternoon Iced Mocha before a CCS meeting & then to meet Kwan to practice English.

What struck me was how similar it felt to the weekend my Thailand plans were becoming official: I shared my concerns & the unknowns about my plans with a few believers and they made some calls, sent some emails & prayed with me that the Lord would coordinate the details. Likewise, I asked Jack about going to church in Trang & within a few days new friendships have opened up that I sense are among the reasons that I’m in Thailand. None of it has been about my efforts - it’s the Body of Christ working in harmony to accomplish the Lord’s purposes. I’m so grateful to receive these blessings and the renewal it’s brought to my heart.

Coronation Day also gave me the opportunity to see a Thai Dance ceremony - menora dancing.

WAIT A SECOND, ANOTHER BOUNDARY TO SET?

Just after finding a better balance of my time and stress with my Volunteer Placement, I received another new “boundary” opportunity….seems to be a theme lately! Long story that I’ll abbreviate: I was asked to select the color schemes for a group of chalet resort rooms in Trang. Now, isn’t it funny that I’ve left my interior design career in the US only to have this opportunity on the other side of the world? My heart is to serve people – which sometimes isn’t so good because I can commit to things that I shouldn’t. So, especially lately, I’ve been seeking greater discernment in my ‘yeses’ and my “nos”. The man that asked me to help him is the same great Christian gentleman from the church who invited me last Sunday night for dinner with his family.

So, “why is a boundary needed here?”, you might wonder…Well, I was immediately concerned that this project might not be little in terms of the time commitment. To serve him well, I would need to visit the rooms, consider the type & amount of lighting, take into account any existing furniture or furniture to be purchased, see how the exterior building colors would relate to the spaces, select paint colors and their placement within the rooms (and, oh, did I mention that he’d like different schemes in the rooms, not just the same for all of the rooms?). Would there be additional materials to select too?
The whole opportunity for me to help him had an air of concern to me about it. “Becky, don’t just say yes to this” were the words loud & clear in my head. So, after praying & considering some of what I did know about the opportunity, I wrote an email expressing my desire to help but also my concerns. I gave some options of how I could help him with more reduced time on my part but which would allow my expertise to give direction to his overall goals. The gentlemen very graciously wrote me back, letting me know he sees my concerns, is fine if I can’t help at all but will accept whatever amount of help my schedule and desire allows for. So, still a few decisions to make but I’m headed in the right direction…

Koh Mook

I made a solo journey to Koh Mook this weekend, an island off the coast of Thailand, about 2 hours (minivan & ferry) from Trang. It being low season, there were very few tourists & very few people that spoke any English. It was quiet and kind of empty; I felt lonely and got a little stir-crazy! But, it was beautiful & I took advantage of time in the ocean & the sun, time to read , pray & journal. Definitely wished you were there! Becky :-)

Some Photos to Tell the Story...and Some Changes

Saturday May 2nd ~ a 6 1/2 hour walk around Trang!

I opted to stay in Trang rather than to travel this weekend. Dana left Friday and James & Evan went away for the weekend so I had time to explore on my own. I started off at a coffee shop in the morning at one end of town and then ventured down many of the streets - eyeing up souvenir gifts & researching travel info - as I began a long walk back to CCS's homebase.

A photo can tell a thousand words so here goes... (can't resist a few captions, though)

Trang municipality has about 70,000 people with about 600,000 in the surrounding area.

CCS's Homebase is about 1 km from the entrance to the Trang airport - a handy thing for someone looking for her way home.

The Clocktower - I've read its the largest one in all of Thailand. Wonderful landmark for me to keep my barings!

Sign in front of the City Hall Building near the Clocktower.

Center photo shows His Highness the King.

Intricate detailing of an elephant on the sign.

We saw a real elephant being lead down one of the city streets the day before - don't know why? CCS staff said it was really unusual.

Sign post near the City Hall building.

Sawngthaew, small pickup truck with two benches in the back, used as a bus/taxi. I was looking for one of these to catch a ride back to the homebase but none around. Since the homebase is a little outside the city - they're difficult to find. I had figured I'd probably be walking the whole way back (and had 2 offers from the CCS staff for rides, if I got tired of walking). I'm guessing I walked 6 or 7 miles total?

Like other Asian countries, cute things abound - little stuffed animals, cell phone trinkets, shirts with catchy little saying. I love cute things and have a certain weakness for certain ones of these. Needless to say, I spent a few baht here and there...

Are there many other places where you could buy a scooter with Doreman or Ariel on it?





While American car companies continue to struggle, I've seen several advertisements for Chevrolet's truck - the Colorado. I couldn't resist asking the dealership if I could have a photo with one. :) Ahh, I do miss Colorado!

STUFF THAT'S BEEN HAPPENING...

BOYS' HOME to THE DAYCARE

I loved volunteering at the Daycare with Dana last Thursday. There were about 25 kids, ages 2 to 5. The Daycare is part of a Nursing School which provides both reasonably priced daycare for working adults as well as an observation/class requirement aspect for the Nursing Students.

My role is less structured - I helped with teaching the English alphabet, numbers, colors and playing games with them. I quickly had a couple of favorite children from among the group. The children are fed breakfast and lunch, have numerous hand-washings, have meditation time & sing the national anthem (I'm told this - we didn't do these two things on Thursday), play, short teaching time and showers/teeth brushing before their afternoon nap. Extra hands are really helpful!

Well, after a lot of pondering and prayer, I requested that my placement be changed to the Daycare. The Daycare was never offered to me as an option originally. The plan had been for Dana and Holly to go there & CCS typically doesn't send more than 2 volunteers there. With Dana leaving & Holly having cancelled, I decided to ask if it was a possibility for me. Khem made the calls & I'll be going to the Daycare starting tomorrow for atleast the next 2 weeks! I'm very excited. While I value the role I had at the Boys Home, I think this will be a better fit. And, I will return to the Boys Home for either the last week or the last 2 weeks of my time in Trang. (They already have 2 volunteers, who arrive mid-May, scheduled for the Daycare. I'll only continue there if there's enough kids to make it worthwhile.)

For a lot of personal reasons, I think this will be really good for me. Top of my list is my own questions of wanting kids or not, sometime later in life. As I've gotten older and am not married yet, honestly, I've often felt that they would be too much work. Selfish, I know. I've figured maybe I would just skip parenting (that is, if I do get married...) because my time to myself is so highly valuable to me. I've felt like I have this major irony in life - how can I want to give so much in caring for other people but be unwilling to give unconditionally to a child? (I realize that it's partly b/c as a parent you surrender being able to pick & choose when you give - it's pretty much 24/7 for 18 years!) Anyway, I love children and value them so much. I hope to process through some of this through volunteering - that the Lord will expose some lies in my thinking and give me a fresh perspective.

Among my other thoughts - different schedule (start earlier, done earlier) + less stress in terms of planning and language = more time for me to pray & process through the many things I had hoped to accomplish while in Trang. Possibly good for Evan to work on his own - planning wise? The three nursing students on Thursday & I tried communicating in English & Thai - good opportunity to make some Thai girlfriends while I'm here & keep learning the language on a bit slower pace (which I reallly need - I'm sad to admit!).

And, I guess what topped off my decision is the feeling that making the change was acting out a good boundary for me. Historically, I'm not good at choosing when to leave something - almost always, I hang in there, thinking that with more work & perserverance, the task will end in success. So often, though, I go down with the ship. So, I think this decision is progress for me in this area.

So, well see how it goes! And, the reality that I'll probably be back at the Boys' Home before I leave Trang is fine with me. By then there will be a few more new volunteers so Evan & I will have the opportunity to team with them for the lessons.

SOLO TRAVEL

With Dana now gone & James leaving this weekend, it will be just Evan & I for a few weeks. I'm anticipating that any weekend traveling I will do will be alone. So, I've adjusted to this idea and will run with it. While I get recharged alone, what's the fun to go to a beach by myself? So, thanks to ALL of you who I truly feel are along with me on this journey. I'll pull up a towel next to my beach towel just for you :)

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

A total highlight to my time is learning that one of the staff, Jack, is a Christian :) Up until this weekend I hadn't gotten to ask him much about his background and his faith. I asked him if I could go to church with him this morning & he said he was glad to. Jack is from a town about 2 hours away and he normally goes home on weekends so he isn't always in Trang to attend this church. Jack said that very few of his friends are Christians.

It was a large church - typically around 500 people - and there was English translation headsets so I could hear & understand the sermon. The sermon was great - on Acts 1:1-11. The pastor really stressed waiting on God's timing, knowing and having the Word deep in your heart and being a witness through the power of the Holy Spirit. At the end of the service, two people stood up and said they wanted to accept Jesus into their hearts! So encouraging and empowering as I press on to be a light where I'm at!

After the service, a Thai woman came up & asked me I could help her with English. She has an English exam that she's failed 3x and really needs some help. I hope it works out for me to help her somehow --- she doesn't have good English and my Thai skills, well...

And, a retired man asked me if I would like to have dinner with him and his family tonight. The man spent many years in the US & has wonderful English. He gave Jack & me a ride home & spoke of how he sees everything that's happened to him as a gift from God.

Please continue to ask the Lord to use me as a witness and encouragement to those who I meet and spend time with.

Gotta go for now! Wishing you a wonderful and restful Sunday!

Love, Becky