Many a friend has chastised me for my commitment to facts. What is so wrong with estimating the price of a sale item at $4.57? What if I didn't remember EXACTLY how much it was, but I remember it was at least 5 cents more than $4.50? Why can't $4.57 be an acceptable approximation? It is, after all, an approximation for me, since I'm not CERTAIN of the price I paid.
Well, this post is dedicated to those who have tried to get me to accept exaggerations here and there, approximate to the nearest dollar, or tell a story without correcting myself a hundred times (well, more like 5-10) and getting lost in the details. You know who you are.
The anxiety is welling up from within me, threatening to choke me with its grip. It came on like a monsoon in rainy season. One moment, it is sunny and tranquil. In an instant the sky is gray and the clouds are saturated, ready to burst. Then it hits: a torrent of worry and apprehension. Where did it come from? What happened to my tranquility I was enjoying just moments before?
Well this entry took a different route that I had expected. The idea of telling a story with less than absolute accuracy was more than I could handle (hence the anxiety). It is something I will have to work up to. For now, This will have to do.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Making progress with literacy...
...well, literacy plans, at least. Today I have been thinking and researching and trying to decide what the best plans of attack are for the different kids here regarding their reading. I decided to go more of an informal route with the kids. Rather than sitting down and having a formal lesson on CVC words (bat, kit, pup, etc.), I put a word family poster on my door with -at, -et, and -it word families. As kids enter my room to borrow a book, which they do on a nightly basis, I can give a mini-lesson on CVC words and quiz them. I'm not sure how well this will work, but it is worth a shot. I also posted the pre-primer sight words all over the wall of the three most struggling readers in the girls' house. One of these three girls still has a way to go in phonemic awareness, so I'm mainly concerned with the other two girls mastering those words.
At the boys house, two boys are not yet to the reading stage. Another boy has developmental delays and is having trouble with his other subjects, so at this point I think I'm not going to press too hard with him. There are two who are past the beginning stages of reading, one who is fairly advanced, and I think they will both benefit from some focus on fluency and comprehension.
Well the kids are home now, and as usual my room was flooded with enthusiastic little bodies. The word wall on my door was a success! I had a mini informal lesson with the girls who I felt would benefit from it the most, and they got it! One idea that I had been mulling around was a hit with the two stronger readers of the girls, and together we made word posters for them on sight words they have not yet mastered.
Even Belle, the eldest girl, asked if I would teach her some new words. I did an initial QRI (reading inventory) word list with her, and I'll copy some passages tomorrow for her to read for fluency and comprehension. I am excited that she took initiative with this, because she is 15 and rather independent, so I didn't want to force her to improve her English literacy if she wasn't interested.
All in all, I think it has been a good day off. :)
At the boys house, two boys are not yet to the reading stage. Another boy has developmental delays and is having trouble with his other subjects, so at this point I think I'm not going to press too hard with him. There are two who are past the beginning stages of reading, one who is fairly advanced, and I think they will both benefit from some focus on fluency and comprehension.
Well the kids are home now, and as usual my room was flooded with enthusiastic little bodies. The word wall on my door was a success! I had a mini informal lesson with the girls who I felt would benefit from it the most, and they got it! One idea that I had been mulling around was a hit with the two stronger readers of the girls, and together we made word posters for them on sight words they have not yet mastered.
Even Belle, the eldest girl, asked if I would teach her some new words. I did an initial QRI (reading inventory) word list with her, and I'll copy some passages tomorrow for her to read for fluency and comprehension. I am excited that she took initiative with this, because she is 15 and rather independent, so I didn't want to force her to improve her English literacy if she wasn't interested.
All in all, I think it has been a good day off. :)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Back to blogging!
For those of you who stumble upon this blog, one thing you will probably notice is that I haven't blogged in almost two years. I suppose the reason for that is returning home to America and settling into the 'normal' life of working and going to school. Shortly after I returned from Thailand, I decided to look into finishing school. After investigating the program at Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC), I decided to go for it. That and cooking pizzas has been my life for the past nearly two years now, until I felt God leading me back to Thailand, back to Home of the Open Heart (www.baannamjai.org). Two weeks ago I arrived back in Thailand, feeling just as at home here as when I left.
One thing I really felt compelled to pursue with this return trip is English literacy for the children here, and for that one needs quality books! The last several months of my life has consisted of book raising, visiting thrift stores, buying discount books at Hasting's, and doing whatever I could to get the word out about my efforts. Honestly this was particularly stretching and challenging for me. I had trouble knowing where to start, who to talk to, what steps to take, etc. It seemed like such an enormous task, and I am glad that it is over! In the end I was able to pack my suitcases full of books and didn't get charged ANY baggage fees on the way over. I barely kept my two big bags at 50 pounds, and I am fairly certain I didn't keep my carry-on under 50 pounds. I really think God has His hand on the whole luggage situation. They could have easily forced me to check my carry-on bag because of its weight, but nobody ever pursued it. Thank You, Lord!
The children have been eagerly devouring the books, which makes it well worth the effort of getting them over here. I am still formulating a plan of attack for more formal literacy teaching, but I feel like things are off to a really good start. The kids are knocking on my door nightly to trade their books in for new ones, and are unceasingly asking me and other nannies to read with them. I am actually quite surprised nobody has knocked on my door in the time that I have been writing this.
Well, I think that is all for now. There are many more blogs to come over the duration of my stay here, mainly due to the fact that I am in a writing class and keeping a blog is part of my coursework. Might as well keep everyone updated on the goings-on here and kill two birds with one stone, eh? Thanks for reading!
Stephanie
One thing I really felt compelled to pursue with this return trip is English literacy for the children here, and for that one needs quality books! The last several months of my life has consisted of book raising, visiting thrift stores, buying discount books at Hasting's, and doing whatever I could to get the word out about my efforts. Honestly this was particularly stretching and challenging for me. I had trouble knowing where to start, who to talk to, what steps to take, etc. It seemed like such an enormous task, and I am glad that it is over! In the end I was able to pack my suitcases full of books and didn't get charged ANY baggage fees on the way over. I barely kept my two big bags at 50 pounds, and I am fairly certain I didn't keep my carry-on under 50 pounds. I really think God has His hand on the whole luggage situation. They could have easily forced me to check my carry-on bag because of its weight, but nobody ever pursued it. Thank You, Lord!
The children have been eagerly devouring the books, which makes it well worth the effort of getting them over here. I am still formulating a plan of attack for more formal literacy teaching, but I feel like things are off to a really good start. The kids are knocking on my door nightly to trade their books in for new ones, and are unceasingly asking me and other nannies to read with them. I am actually quite surprised nobody has knocked on my door in the time that I have been writing this.
Well, I think that is all for now. There are many more blogs to come over the duration of my stay here, mainly due to the fact that I am in a writing class and keeping a blog is part of my coursework. Might as well keep everyone updated on the goings-on here and kill two birds with one stone, eh? Thanks for reading!
Stephanie
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
To God Be the Glory
Just a warning: I'm not entirely sure what this blog will be about. I guess we'll see when it's finished, eh?
Man, I feel like I've been doing a lot of processing lately. As I'm writing, my heart is heavy. For some reason, the reality of leaving soon just about knocked the wind out of me today; it hit me quite suddenly. I went up to ask my friend Brooke if I could try her dress on to see if I liked how it fit and wanted to get one myself, and I couldn't even get the words out completely before I realized that the opportunities to get that certain dress are becoming increasingly lessened, and I probably won't have that many more times at the night bazaar. I realize this is a completely silly thing to trigger the reality of leaving, but going to the night bazaar is something that I have done routinely at least biweekly for the past 11 months (this particular one for the past 8 1/2 months). In just over a month, I will be walking the streets of Seattle or Coeur d'Alene and there won't be the night bazaar to go to. I can't ride my bike down to Thalat Bandu (Bandu Market) for a bit of socialization to chat to the friends at Companion Coffee Shop or buy a bunch of flowers for a friend or my favorite meal for about 60 cents. No more going to the big market to drool over yarn with Bethany. No more looking at random signs trying to work out what they say (which has been a recent obsession). No more cuddles with Josiah or a sharing a knowing glance with Mai. No more Monday meetings with all of the staff and laughing at this group of Thais and farongs interact together and share a love for the Lord no matter what the language. I think I'll even miss mornings with the boys, challenging as they are! But, there is a season for everything under heaven, and I know that the season God has placed me in Thailand is coming to an end. Months ago He made it quite clear that this is when I was supposed to stay until, and I am confident that going home now is the right time. It doesn't make it any easier, though. I think one of the most difficult things with going home is having a year of experiences that nobody around me can truly relate to.
On a happier note, I was reflecting on things I have learned over the past year, and the lessons have been huge yet subtle. The Lord has been so good with teaching me lessons in a gentle way throughout my life. I think the biggest thing that I have learned is to trust Him in all things. I remember during mission's week on my DTS, we had a speaker named Dan Baumann. I'm not even sure all the things he talked about, but one thing that I will never forget is how God spoke through him on how I needed to truly trust Him. I'm NOT one to cry in public, and when he began talking about trusting God with finances, I was a blubbering fool. This is one area that I have always been pretty capable of handling on my own, up until now. At this point I had probably $700-800 that hadn't come in yet, and it was a week or two until we left for outreach. Anyway, not only did God ask me to trust Him with providing what I needed, but He asked me to be obedient in helping others when I didn't have all the money myself. This is when He really began to chip away at my dependence on myself so that I could depend on Him fully. To this day, I'm not sure how all the money has come in for me to live here, but God has provided each step of the way and He deserves every bit of glory for that. It sure wasn't me! Even more than that, He has taught me to trust Him with my heart. He has challenged me to love in ways that I would rather not because the risk is great. Through that He has given me a greater glimpse of His love and shown me that no matter what the risk, it is ok to love big because my heart is in His hands, and even if I fall on my face, He will draw me closer to Himself as a result. So, all this to say, I give up. I give up trying to do things my way. I trust Him to take my life and make it something far more beautiful than I ever can. May He get all the glory!
Man, I feel like I've been doing a lot of processing lately. As I'm writing, my heart is heavy. For some reason, the reality of leaving soon just about knocked the wind out of me today; it hit me quite suddenly. I went up to ask my friend Brooke if I could try her dress on to see if I liked how it fit and wanted to get one myself, and I couldn't even get the words out completely before I realized that the opportunities to get that certain dress are becoming increasingly lessened, and I probably won't have that many more times at the night bazaar. I realize this is a completely silly thing to trigger the reality of leaving, but going to the night bazaar is something that I have done routinely at least biweekly for the past 11 months (this particular one for the past 8 1/2 months). In just over a month, I will be walking the streets of Seattle or Coeur d'Alene and there won't be the night bazaar to go to. I can't ride my bike down to Thalat Bandu (Bandu Market) for a bit of socialization to chat to the friends at Companion Coffee Shop or buy a bunch of flowers for a friend or my favorite meal for about 60 cents. No more going to the big market to drool over yarn with Bethany. No more looking at random signs trying to work out what they say (which has been a recent obsession). No more cuddles with Josiah or a sharing a knowing glance with Mai. No more Monday meetings with all of the staff and laughing at this group of Thais and farongs interact together and share a love for the Lord no matter what the language. I think I'll even miss mornings with the boys, challenging as they are! But, there is a season for everything under heaven, and I know that the season God has placed me in Thailand is coming to an end. Months ago He made it quite clear that this is when I was supposed to stay until, and I am confident that going home now is the right time. It doesn't make it any easier, though. I think one of the most difficult things with going home is having a year of experiences that nobody around me can truly relate to.
On a happier note, I was reflecting on things I have learned over the past year, and the lessons have been huge yet subtle. The Lord has been so good with teaching me lessons in a gentle way throughout my life. I think the biggest thing that I have learned is to trust Him in all things. I remember during mission's week on my DTS, we had a speaker named Dan Baumann. I'm not even sure all the things he talked about, but one thing that I will never forget is how God spoke through him on how I needed to truly trust Him. I'm NOT one to cry in public, and when he began talking about trusting God with finances, I was a blubbering fool. This is one area that I have always been pretty capable of handling on my own, up until now. At this point I had probably $700-800 that hadn't come in yet, and it was a week or two until we left for outreach. Anyway, not only did God ask me to trust Him with providing what I needed, but He asked me to be obedient in helping others when I didn't have all the money myself. This is when He really began to chip away at my dependence on myself so that I could depend on Him fully. To this day, I'm not sure how all the money has come in for me to live here, but God has provided each step of the way and He deserves every bit of glory for that. It sure wasn't me! Even more than that, He has taught me to trust Him with my heart. He has challenged me to love in ways that I would rather not because the risk is great. Through that He has given me a greater glimpse of His love and shown me that no matter what the risk, it is ok to love big because my heart is in His hands, and even if I fall on my face, He will draw me closer to Himself as a result. So, all this to say, I give up. I give up trying to do things my way. I trust Him to take my life and make it something far more beautiful than I ever can. May He get all the glory!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Goings-on of late :)
It's about time I write a new blog, isn't it? I guess it's been about a month. Oops!
This has been a pretty crazy month. Lots of goodbyes and hellos. We just said goodbye to two people who were with us for 6 months, and hello to 4 people (a married couple and two friends) who will be with us for a year. It's weird for me living in an environment where you live with people and do ministry with them, therefore building close relationships, and then having to say goodbye and move on to the next people. There is a temptation, especially the longer you've been in a missionary situation like this, to close yourself off and not get too close, because you know you will have to say goodbye. What a shame that would be, though, missing out getting to know people who each have something special to offer, simply because I will have to say goodbye soon.
I guess I have been thinking about goodbyes a lot lately... maybe a bit too much, to be honest. Starting in December, we had about 6 different people leaving over the period of the next few months, myself being the last of this chain. A friend who has become very close to my heart, Bethany, will be leaving in less than 3 weeks, and I will be leaving about 4 weeks after that. With her departure date nearing, I can't help but think of mine, as well.
Part of me is looking forward to going home, and part of me is really sad at the thought of leaving. I have no idea what God has in store for me next year, which is honestly very exciting. Nerve-racking at times, but exciting. He has gently lead me each step of the way on this journey, and I know He will continue to do so faithfully, teaching me about Himself and His ways all along the way. My future is pretty much a blank slate. People have begun asking me what it is I will be doing when I get home, and all I know right now is: get a job. It will be nice to earn money for a living again! Aside from that, I really believe God hasn't revealed anything else to me. There are a few things I wouldn't mind doing if God led that direction, but I want to be sure He is the one initiating it and not me. So, for now, I'm a blank slate!
As far as things here at Baan Nam Jai, it has been really good lately, but pretty challenging. Just when I feel like I get solid footing with what I'm doing, a new challenge is thrown my way (which is always a good thing). This week, I have had a crash course on parenting! I am standing in as house manager for the boys' house right now while their normal house manager is away. I've been doing night shifts (which isn't new) and morning shifts with Brooke who has been here for 2 weeks now, in addition to teaching preschool. Most of the boys have honestly been great, but one boy has been having some real challenges and needs prayer. So, if you can take a moment right now, please pray for Foon. There have been a lot of changes in his life lately: Aphae being gone, a new nanny in the house, his dad coming to visit (who recently became a Christian, praise God!), switching rooms around so he is now with the younger kids, and schedule changes on top of that. As a result, he has been acting out in HORRIBLE ways. For the last 3 mornings now, he has been having complete breakdowns whenever he is corrected. Part of this is probably testing, seeing whether we are going to be firm with him, but I believe there is a lot of spiritual stuff going on as well. It's like a switch is flipped, and he's in crazy, angry, I-want-to-get-a-knife-and-kill-myself mode. So, please pray that God will do a miracle in healing his heart and getting to the heart of whatever is going on. And please pray that God will give me wisdom in when to be firm and when to have grace with him. Thank you so much!
Ok, I must go now: time to celebrate Australia Day. Happy Australia Day, everyone! Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi! :)
This has been a pretty crazy month. Lots of goodbyes and hellos. We just said goodbye to two people who were with us for 6 months, and hello to 4 people (a married couple and two friends) who will be with us for a year. It's weird for me living in an environment where you live with people and do ministry with them, therefore building close relationships, and then having to say goodbye and move on to the next people. There is a temptation, especially the longer you've been in a missionary situation like this, to close yourself off and not get too close, because you know you will have to say goodbye. What a shame that would be, though, missing out getting to know people who each have something special to offer, simply because I will have to say goodbye soon.
I guess I have been thinking about goodbyes a lot lately... maybe a bit too much, to be honest. Starting in December, we had about 6 different people leaving over the period of the next few months, myself being the last of this chain. A friend who has become very close to my heart, Bethany, will be leaving in less than 3 weeks, and I will be leaving about 4 weeks after that. With her departure date nearing, I can't help but think of mine, as well.
Part of me is looking forward to going home, and part of me is really sad at the thought of leaving. I have no idea what God has in store for me next year, which is honestly very exciting. Nerve-racking at times, but exciting. He has gently lead me each step of the way on this journey, and I know He will continue to do so faithfully, teaching me about Himself and His ways all along the way. My future is pretty much a blank slate. People have begun asking me what it is I will be doing when I get home, and all I know right now is: get a job. It will be nice to earn money for a living again! Aside from that, I really believe God hasn't revealed anything else to me. There are a few things I wouldn't mind doing if God led that direction, but I want to be sure He is the one initiating it and not me. So, for now, I'm a blank slate!
As far as things here at Baan Nam Jai, it has been really good lately, but pretty challenging. Just when I feel like I get solid footing with what I'm doing, a new challenge is thrown my way (which is always a good thing). This week, I have had a crash course on parenting! I am standing in as house manager for the boys' house right now while their normal house manager is away. I've been doing night shifts (which isn't new) and morning shifts with Brooke who has been here for 2 weeks now, in addition to teaching preschool. Most of the boys have honestly been great, but one boy has been having some real challenges and needs prayer. So, if you can take a moment right now, please pray for Foon. There have been a lot of changes in his life lately: Aphae being gone, a new nanny in the house, his dad coming to visit (who recently became a Christian, praise God!), switching rooms around so he is now with the younger kids, and schedule changes on top of that. As a result, he has been acting out in HORRIBLE ways. For the last 3 mornings now, he has been having complete breakdowns whenever he is corrected. Part of this is probably testing, seeing whether we are going to be firm with him, but I believe there is a lot of spiritual stuff going on as well. It's like a switch is flipped, and he's in crazy, angry, I-want-to-get-a-knife-and-kill-myself mode. So, please pray that God will do a miracle in healing his heart and getting to the heart of whatever is going on. And please pray that God will give me wisdom in when to be firm and when to have grace with him. Thank you so much!
Ok, I must go now: time to celebrate Australia Day. Happy Australia Day, everyone! Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi! :)
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Flower Festival
You know, I find myself most inspired to write a blog when I'm surprised by something... and God seems to be into surprising me with things. Today was no exception.
I woke up to the thought of "ugh... the boys will be waking up soon..." or something to that effect. It was a normal Saturday morning and aside from getting the boys out of bed and to the breakfast table, I didn't really have any plans. I decided to slip into bed for a bit longer after the boys were up and with their nanny, and not long after that I got a phone call from my friend Lucy. She invited me to come see her dressed up in traditional Auca for this parade thing downtown. I didn't really know much else, but she said it would be fun so I decided to make my way down there by bike, bus, then taxi. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were no foreigners in sight at the parade; not what I expected! However, I did happen to be right where all the people were setting off for their march down the street. I stood on a corner taking pictures and soaking in the sights, since I wasn't having any luck getting a hold of my friend. Finally she called and told me "Go where the people are going. I'm there sitting on a truck. You can come inside." This was the extent of my directions, and she sounded busy so our conversation was short. I asked if this meant to walk to the end of the parade and that seemed to be the case. Well, I was surprised to find what a long route they marched! I walked and walked, all the while fairly certain this is not where I was supposed to be going. The best part about this walk was getting to hear a band play "Phantom of the Opera" for the SECOND time, since they had already passed me once. :) During this journey, I started piecing things together. It was a celebration of some sort involving flowers, because every float and every person was decorated with flowers somehow. Eventually I saw a banner than read in English, "5th Annual Flower Festival". Fun! I figured, even if I didn't find Lucy, this was well worth coming out to see.
After walking the length of the parade, I decided to go where the people were going when they finished. Maybe this was the "inside" that Lucy was talking about. Being, without exception, the only farong there, I felt a bit out of place, but feigned confidence as I quickly scanned the property and found nothing like what she described. By this time I was completely wiped out and had no idea where I was, and I was not about to walk the length of the parade to get back to the downtown area. I resolved to hop on the first songtaew (taxi) I saw. Well, the first one passed me by and I didn't manage to wave it down, and I wasn't feeling like running, so I settled for the second. The SECOND songtaew that came my way stopped, and I said "bai tah roht mai?" which means "can you take me to the bus station?" He seemed to understand and agreed, so I hopped in the back with a lively group of eight lotto ticket sellers. The man across from me tried to sell them to me and got a good laugh from the rest of them. It was only later that I realized they ALL had these ticket selling cases. They must all be friends, because generally songtaew rides are very quiet, yet this was not the case here. They were fun. :)
When we finally arrived at the destination, I had ABSOLUTELY no idea where I was. Wherever it was, the bus station was not in sight. I asked the guy about the bus station and he seemed to gesture that it was here, and I was really confused. I finally asked him to take me to the night bazaar which is right by the bus station I want to go to. I said farewell to my new friends and the driver began turning around to head back. Looking around, it seemed to be part of the flower festival. There were food stalls and flowers and people everywhere. Why not check it out, since I'm here anyway?
So, I stayed, and I'm so glad I did! There was so much there; I could hardly take it all in. I wandered through this one area that had sections representing each different hill tribal group, complete with a house you could look inside and people wearing their traditional garb, many of them selling their wares and cooking traditional food. I was delighted! After checking out the homes and some of the foods, I wandered on and found amazing gardens. They must have been preparing for this a long time. There was even a waterfall that I'm pretty sure was built just for this occasion. There were flowers of all kinds there, all over the place. I couldn't help but think how much God loves us to give us such beauty. The sad thing is in the midst of all of this Buddha was getting the glory and not Jesus.
This day was a complete surprise in everything I did. I was wiped out by the time I got home, but so glad that God gave me this day as a gift. He never ceases to take my breath away.
I woke up to the thought of "ugh... the boys will be waking up soon..." or something to that effect. It was a normal Saturday morning and aside from getting the boys out of bed and to the breakfast table, I didn't really have any plans. I decided to slip into bed for a bit longer after the boys were up and with their nanny, and not long after that I got a phone call from my friend Lucy. She invited me to come see her dressed up in traditional Auca for this parade thing downtown. I didn't really know much else, but she said it would be fun so I decided to make my way down there by bike, bus, then taxi. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were no foreigners in sight at the parade; not what I expected! However, I did happen to be right where all the people were setting off for their march down the street. I stood on a corner taking pictures and soaking in the sights, since I wasn't having any luck getting a hold of my friend. Finally she called and told me "Go where the people are going. I'm there sitting on a truck. You can come inside." This was the extent of my directions, and she sounded busy so our conversation was short. I asked if this meant to walk to the end of the parade and that seemed to be the case. Well, I was surprised to find what a long route they marched! I walked and walked, all the while fairly certain this is not where I was supposed to be going. The best part about this walk was getting to hear a band play "Phantom of the Opera" for the SECOND time, since they had already passed me once. :) During this journey, I started piecing things together. It was a celebration of some sort involving flowers, because every float and every person was decorated with flowers somehow. Eventually I saw a banner than read in English, "5th Annual Flower Festival". Fun! I figured, even if I didn't find Lucy, this was well worth coming out to see.
After walking the length of the parade, I decided to go where the people were going when they finished. Maybe this was the "inside" that Lucy was talking about. Being, without exception, the only farong there, I felt a bit out of place, but feigned confidence as I quickly scanned the property and found nothing like what she described. By this time I was completely wiped out and had no idea where I was, and I was not about to walk the length of the parade to get back to the downtown area. I resolved to hop on the first songtaew (taxi) I saw. Well, the first one passed me by and I didn't manage to wave it down, and I wasn't feeling like running, so I settled for the second. The SECOND songtaew that came my way stopped, and I said "bai tah roht mai?" which means "can you take me to the bus station?" He seemed to understand and agreed, so I hopped in the back with a lively group of eight lotto ticket sellers. The man across from me tried to sell them to me and got a good laugh from the rest of them. It was only later that I realized they ALL had these ticket selling cases. They must all be friends, because generally songtaew rides are very quiet, yet this was not the case here. They were fun. :)
When we finally arrived at the destination, I had ABSOLUTELY no idea where I was. Wherever it was, the bus station was not in sight. I asked the guy about the bus station and he seemed to gesture that it was here, and I was really confused. I finally asked him to take me to the night bazaar which is right by the bus station I want to go to. I said farewell to my new friends and the driver began turning around to head back. Looking around, it seemed to be part of the flower festival. There were food stalls and flowers and people everywhere. Why not check it out, since I'm here anyway?
So, I stayed, and I'm so glad I did! There was so much there; I could hardly take it all in. I wandered through this one area that had sections representing each different hill tribal group, complete with a house you could look inside and people wearing their traditional garb, many of them selling their wares and cooking traditional food. I was delighted! After checking out the homes and some of the foods, I wandered on and found amazing gardens. They must have been preparing for this a long time. There was even a waterfall that I'm pretty sure was built just for this occasion. There were flowers of all kinds there, all over the place. I couldn't help but think how much God loves us to give us such beauty. The sad thing is in the midst of all of this Buddha was getting the glory and not Jesus.
This day was a complete surprise in everything I did. I was wiped out by the time I got home, but so glad that God gave me this day as a gift. He never ceases to take my breath away.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Smile in the Sky
This happened several days ago, almost a week now I think, but still I think it is worth mentioning. I was at Companion Coffee Shop with a bunch of friends last Monday night, if I remember right, and all of a sudden P'Lut (the owner of the shop) was calling us all come to the back kitchen area to see the sky. I looked in the sky and was totally astonished: there was a smile in the sky! No joke, it was amazing. The shot above was taken without a tripod, so it's not the clearest, but you get the "picture", hehe.
I'm pretty sure the eyes were planets; they were just too bright to be stars, in my opinion. below them was a crescent moon positioned perfectly to make a smiley face in the sky. How often does that happen? I'm pretty sure that was a once in a lifetime sight to see. It's funny because it happened amidst all kinds of turmoil with the government. The prime minister has since been ousted as a result of protesters stopping up the airports. It just doesn't seem like a time when God would want to give a country such a gift as a huge amazing smile. However, He did, and it just reminded me once again about His unconditional love. Plus, He knows that my love language from Him is love notes like that, so I felt like it was especially for me, showing me how pleased He is, that He is smiling on me right now. Who but our Great Lover would come up with something so clever? It's even better than Jimmy Stewart's line in It's a Wonderful Life: "You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it..." Seriously, to think that we have someone who is after our hearts so much that He will go to whatever extreme it takes to win us back to Him, or if our hearts are His, in my case, just to remind us of what we have in Him.... that's pretty awesome.
Oh, and the best part about all of that: the next day in preschool I was telling the story to my kids about how God put a smile in the sky to show us He was happy with us. I drew a picture to show them what it looked like and put it on the wall. Later that day, Mai was busy playing, then she looked up, stared at the picture for a second, and said, "I like God." That made my day. Pretty much my week, actually. I can teach them Bible stories, show them how to pray, etc, but I can't teach them to like God. He is the one that does that. So, that made me so happy to see that God was working in her heart.
Ok I better wrap this up for now. I feel like I should write more, but Companion is once again calling my name!
Thanks for reading,
Stephanie
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