Christmas 2007

I had a good Christmas this year. A few days beforehand I made about 24 cookie plates and one afternoon, my teammate Joelle and I delivered some of them around town. Then my friend and former roommate, Ning, came to visit Ubon for 2 days. On Christmas Eve, I went to Bergman's house. We watched a movie and played a game after the kids were in bed. They even let me sleep over : ) In the morning we watched the kids open gifts and enjoyed an American style breakfast together. (oops forgot to take paictures of that...sorry!) Christmas afternoon, Owen Bergman and I went swimming (can't do that in WI!). Then on Christmas night, I went to the park with the other American worker and her teammate because some of the Thai Christians were having a "candlelight caroling" time. My parent's called before I went bed, but a few hours laters I got up in the middle of the night and was able to Skype my family using a webcam so that I could be a part of their Christmas Day gift opening time. Praise God for technology like that : ) Overall, there were many blessings this Christmas. In Bethlehem, I imagine that on Christmas Day life went on as usual, not many even were aware that Immanuel was being born in their city. I feel like being in Thailand on Christmas is a bit like that...just a normal day. We look forward to times ahead when Christmas will come to the Isaan personally and they will understand what the incarnation of Jesus really meant!

I Dreamt of a White Christmas

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Well, at least in my house it does :) My decorations are up and at night I like listening to Christmas songs and pretending it is not 88 degrees! The Thai Christians also celebrate Christmas, so at the church on Sunday, there was a little Christmas time...Isaan style... complete with a fish dinner.

Firstfruits Offering

At church on Sunday, there was a Firstfruits Offering given. From what I could understand the Thai Christians do this based on the concept of firstfruits in the Bible and the American Thanksgiving. About this time of the year, after the harvest, people in the church will bring some of their rice, fruits and vegetables, and other food to the church as an offering of thankfulness before God. The fresh food is enjoyed by everyone after church and the rice will be used to feed everyone on subsequent Sundays throughout the coming year.

A Unique Gift

On Monday night, the girl I teach English to and her mom, presented me with a gift that they picked up when they were in Bangkok. Usually when Thais give a gift, it is wrapped up and the receiver does not open it in front of the giver. However, in this case they just gave it to me unwrapped. So, what could I say when I received a large silver medallion-type necklace with a glitter playboy symbol dangling in the middle of it? This symbol is very popular here. Some people may know that actual meaning behind it, but honestly, your average Thai person, especially in Ubon, has no idea. They just think it is a cute little rabbit. So, anyways, when I got in the car it gave me a good laugh...some things are just hard to explain :)

City of Angels

Did you know that "Bangkok" is translated as the "City of Angels"? Here are a few pics of the big city when I was there earlier in the month taking my language test. December 5th was the 80th birthday of the King of Thailand who is the longest reigning monarch in the world and much of the city was decorated to celebrate that event. There was also a special photo display done in the Kings' honor, so that was very interesting to see. My friend Angela and I went to one of the local malls to watch a movie in English and to also check out the Christmas decorations. We heard a screaming crowd in one of the malls and found out that there was a popular Korean movie star in town : ) I'm getting more comfortable finding my way around this city of 10 million. I like visiting once in awhile, but I'm always glad to get back to Ubon : )

Snake #2

This week I was walking out my front door, when I spotted this little guy. Both times now, the Lord has allowed me to see the snake BEFORE it enters my house, which I'm very grateful for! I used a broom and swept it on the ground. It was just sitting there and I wasn't sure what to do, so I sprayed it with cockroach killer. It didn't like that and slithered away.

Baby Pumpkin

There is a situation here where neither of this little girl's parents are able to care for her at the moment, so we are all trying to help out. Everyone just calls her Pumpkin, and on Sunday she spent the day with me : )

Exam Day!

On Saturday I was in Bangkok to take the Thai Language Test for foreigners. There were over 300 of us from many different countries...Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, America, Canada...and I'm sure many more. There were 2 other PIONEERS people taking it this year, along with my friend Angela too. We started the test at 8:30 am and I finished around 2:30pm. There were 5 parts of the test. The two parts which were oral and required good listening skills were the areas where I did not do so well. But the rest of the test I felt like I performed at a decent level. I was very relieved to be done! However, I have to wait about a month before I receive the results. I will definitely be continuing in language study this year, but I think I will focus more on my weak areas and leave the reading and writing alone for a little while.

Thanksgiving 2007

This year, I really enjoyed my Thanksgiving. I also realized that this was my third Thanksgiving around this table in Thailand! We had great authentic Thanksgiving food and then enjoyed talking and playing games in the afternoon : ) Thank You Lord for your many blessings and gifts!

It's That Time Of Year

The rice farmers are out in the fields these days. I was able to go to Ning's parents house this past week for their "opening day". There was a big group of people who came...that always makes it more fun! The weather is several degrees cooler than this time last year...what a blessing!

Isaan Worship Service

At the end of October I was able to drive about an hour and a half away from the city of Ubon to attend a group of rural Isaan believers that gather for worship in another district. They are part of a house church network in the province of Ubon Ratchathani that was initiated about 10-12 years ago. This was my first opportunity to attend a worship service that is very contexualized to rural Isaan culture. (someone even got bit by a scorpion during the service!!)

Here were some of the things I observed:

• Everyone sate on mats on the floor
• Isaan instruments and songs were used, along with spontaneous Isaan dancing at times
• the word used for "testimony time" was a word that means "evidence; act of breathing"
• the word used for "communion service" was a word that means "ceremony of the great closeness"; sticky rice and a red syrup drink were used as the elements
• A lot of the people had Thai bibles with them, but some were new readers or couldn't read at all
• One person gave a message from Scripture, but there was some interaction among the group
• After the service there is always an Isaan meal shared together followed by baptisms of new followers of Jesus

Fireboat Festival

Every year, culminating on the full moon in October, the northeastern (Isaan) provinces of Thailand celebrate the Lai Rua Fai (fireboat) Festival, by launching magnificently crafted, illuminated boats and rafts on rivers. Marking the end of Buddhist Lent, the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest, this festival's origins are Animist, Hindu and Buddhist. In the Lai Reua Fai Festival major spirits are invoked to bless the life giving water and to ask for a bountiful harvest...the most important one, Phra Mae Nam Khong Kha - the God-mother of the waters, who lives in and protects every river.

The Buddhist background of this festival is seen in this story ..."in remembrance of his mother, Buddha ascended to the heavens to deliver a sermon to his mother. There he resided throughout the entire period of the three-months Rains Retreat or the Buddhist Lent. At the end of the Rains Retreat which falls on the first day of the waning moon of the eleventh lunar month, Lord Buddha returned to earth. Delighted by the news of Buddha's return to earth once again, Buddha's disciples and followers prepared to receive him with offerings of food and other sacred items being presented."

Finally, the Hindu piece is found in the form of The Naga - the mythical Serpent God associated with water that dwells in three realms: beneath the earth where it guards minerals and gems, in bodies of still and flowing water, and in the skies where it creates the rain which nourishes crops.
In Ubon, the end of Buddhist Lent and the end of rainy season are also celebrated with the long-tail boat races on the river.

Signs of Autumn in WI

If I had to pick a time of the year to return to WI for two weeks, then the beginning of October would be one of the top. Although I really wanted some cooler weather, it was summer-like record-breaking weather for several of the days...how ironic, huh? It made a lot of people happy, so that's good. My last day in WI it was in the high 40's so my I got to "bundle" up a little and my parents had a fire in their fireplace for me : ) I also got my fill of lots of good food. It was hard to pick sometimes, but I as able to have a lot of my favorites...Mexican, Italian, Cousin's subs, gyro, breakfast, frozen custard, cinnamon roll etc.

Although my time in the States was quite busy, it was great to be able to spend time with my brothers and their families my first few days and then spend time with my parents, sister, churches, and several friends the second week. I enjoyed walking in a State Park with one friend, going out to eat with some others, time to pray and talk, stopping in to see my sister at work, a special fall day with my parents...lots of good memories that I brought back with me!

Gathering Times with Supporters & Friends in WI

On Saturday, October 6th, there was an open gathering for all my supporters/friends held at my home church in WI. I attempted to make some Thai food, along with ordering KFC Fried Chicken ( a Thai favorite...for real!) as well as some other great-looking and great-tasting food made by a few individuals at my church. I didn't know who was coming, so everytime someone walked in the door, I was so pleasantly surprised to see them! (thanks to all those who were able to come that day!) About 50 people came in all. After feeling alone sometimes here in Ubon, it was a blessing to look at a large group of people and know that they represent many individuals who stand with me in prayer and encouragement and financial support. I was able to share a little bit about church planting in Isaan and my first year on the field. After that was a prayer time.
Besides this time on October 6th, I was also able to share at a couple other churches in the Milwaukee area. Thanks to all those who loved and served me by participating in those events. I was very encouraged and refreshed in your presence.

Love and Marriage...

Finally getting back into the "blog mode". My brother and sister-in-law's wedding reception in Wisconsin was very beautiful! I don't have any official pictures, but here are a few snapshots from the day...

A Taste of Thailand

Well, my camera has been broken for several months and I'm getting ready to go back to America in a few days, so I don't really have anything to post right now. I went through my pictures and found some pics of foods...fruit..."barbeque"...and some big pots of Isaan food for large gatherings...

Happy Anniversary....With A Snake!

This weekend I am celebrating my one year anniversary in Thailand and Ubon as a career missionary! It was good to read through my journal this past week... and journey back through these last 12 months...what a year... The Lord has taught me much!

This afternoon, I was standing in my kitchen and noticed something near my back door...something long...which isn't usually there. As I got closer I realized one of my top fears was confirmed...I had a snake in my house. I have no idea which snakes are poisonous, but I was thankful that it wasn't real big...maybe a little over a foot. I decided that since it was close to the door I would try to brush it out with a broom. If that didn't work then I would run to get some help. When the broom touched the snake, it coiled up into a ball. One more swoop and it slithered out into my shower room. My guess is that is is still in there somewhere...I hope it finds one of the holes outside. My heart is still beating fast.

Khruu Kim

"Khruu" means "teacher" in Thai. Here are a couple of pics of some of the students that I tutor in English. They are all at the Beginner Level, so the lessons are pretty easy to prepare. I use a book and then supplement it with some of my own materials. I currently teach three times a week. Classes last for about 2 hours and then I usually have dinner with my students which gives me a chance to practice some of my Thai. Thais have a big desire to learn English because they are taught that English will allow them to be better educated, acquire a better job, and of course, make more money. Foreigners are always getting asked to teach more English classes. Sometimes it is hard to say no, but teaching English is not why I am here. I only want to use it as a help to some of the Thais that I have known for awhile and as a way to make some relationships with those that do not yet know Christ.

Going to the Chapel...

Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to Bangkok and attend the wedding of Bum and Marcus. Bum was my first roommate in Thailand 3 years ago. She has been down in Southern Thailand doing tsunami relief for the past couple years. Marcus is an American and they met when he came to Thailand to help with tsunami relief. Bum has been a Christian for several years now and it was a blessing to see God provide a godly man for her :)

Dr. Kim ?

There are days here in Thailand when I say to myself, "How did I get here?" This past Tuesday was one of those days : ) When you aren't fluent in the language (and even when you are) sometimes you don't always know what you are signing up for. I heard there was a group of foreign doctors who were visiting Ubon and some of the villages. I was asked to come along and sort of just be an English presense for a couple hours (or so I thought)...maybe do some informal simple translating. When I arrived in the village, I found out that these doctors were conducting a medical clinic and were expecting me to translate for them the whole day. I had some brief moments of panic and was trying to tell the host Thai pastor that I really am not at a strong level of Thai, especially with medical terminology. If I didn't say the right thing, that might put someone's health, or even life, at risk. But as much as I tried, I could not get out of it. I was in a group with an Asian English speaking doctor, an Isaan teenager, and myself. The teenager translated Isaan/Thai and I tried to translate Thai/ English. We were also given masks to wear. I really didn't want to wear it because it is already so hot. Also I really listen and speak better when sound is not muffled with a mask. The first patient that came to us, an elderly man, had tuberculosis. It was then that I decided maybe the mask wasn't such a bad idea. The second patient was a man who was suspected of using opium. I learned the word for opium in one lesson, so I was trying to rack my brains and remember all these words. Thankfully, I had my dictionary, so that helped with some of the words I needed as well. When the patients were done with us they would wait for their medicine. While they were waiting, a couple Thai Christians would share the gospel with them. For some of them, that was their very first time ever hearing about Jesus. I don't know how helpful I was (hopefully not harmful!) but it was a good experience and good for language practice. After doing that for 7 hours I went to bed very early that night!

A Daily Sight

Kind of strange when an elephant becomes a "common" animal. Every evening several elephants walk the streets of Ubon. They are easy to spot out (except of course when you are trying to find one...then they don't seem to be around). They wear little red reflectors on their tails. Their owners try to sell little bags of sugar cane for people to feed them. This one here is a pretty young one...3 years old. The adult ones are quite big in person :)

Candle Festival and Parade

This past weekend marked the beginning of the three month Buddhist Lenten season. The monks must remain at their home temples at night and it is often a time of heightened meditation, chanting, etc. Buddhists can make merit by going to the temples and presenting the monks with items for daily use such as incense, soap, and candles. It is this practice that is the basis for the Candle Festival. Ubon Ratchathani has the largest candle celebration in the country and many Thais, as well as foreign tourists, come to the city to watch.

Every major temple in the city and the surrounding districts creates a candle float. Some are smaller candles decorated with flowers, fruit, or ribbons. The larger floats are quite elaborate and ususally depict something from Thai mythology or history. Sometimes the floats are pure wax and take a few months to design and create and sometimes the floats are made when wax is poured and carved over a shape made from wood or plaster. The floats are entered into a contest and prizes given in various categories.

On Sunday evening I went with my teammate Joelle and Ning & her mom down to the the main park in Ubon. All of the temples brought their floats to put on display. The surrounding streets were closed and A LOT of people come to look and take pictures! Then on Monday, which was the actual Buddhist Lent Day, all the floats were paraded through the streets. The parade also included traditional Thai music and dancers. I went down to watch some of the parade. I heard that it lasted 5 hours!! Alsp since this is the one time of year where there are more foreigners in Ubon, a lot of the school children had assignments to practice their English by interviewing the visiting foreigners. I think I did about 5 interviews myself, along with a few photographs too.