Greetings from South East Asia!

Home again . . .

2008-08-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I made it home on Friday morning! I managed to finagle my way onto standby for the LAX-IAH flight . . . that whole process of changing the flight was really very frustrating! WOW. But all is well, I made it home safe and sound . . .

Hopefully this video works! This is a video of the kids singing at their nightly devotions!

Leaving on a jet plane . . . I don't know when I'll be back again . . .

2008-08-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I'm off to the airport in about an hour. I am all packed and ready to go. My luggage weighs about a million pounds! :) Some things never change!
Anyway, please pray for us as we travel.
Goodbye from Thailand . . .

Susannah

One day left . . .

2008-08-05T23:06:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Well, I FINALLY was able to change my flight home. It looks like I will be home on the 9th. I have a day layover in LA because all flights on the 8th were full--ARGH! Oh well. I plan on sleeping!
Anyway, we went to the orphanage to say goodbye last night! It was sad, but I know I will be back one day. The kids are so precious. I will miss them.
Well, it's our last day here, and who knows what we will be doing . . .We're going on a river cruise tonight for dinner, so that should be fun.

Write more soon! Please pray for us as we travel.

Susannah

Plans have a way of . . . changing

2008-08-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

Well, it looks like I will be home a week or so early. My friend Cheryl ended up losing her passport at the last minute, so our entire trip has now been cancelled. :( Yes, I'm disappointed, but God knows best, and apparently, I wasn't supposed to go. I can deal with that. I've been busy trying to cancel hotel reservations and air flights (stupid Air Asia!) and just figuring out what to do.
I contemplated continuing by myself, but that's just no fun (and my family would kill me). I mean, I could totally do it and figure everything out, but how boring. I mean, Disneyworld in Hong Kong by myself--welcome to loserville! :)
Anyway, I've been at the travel agent and airport trying to change my flight home. After several attempts to call China Air (an airline which I do not recommend, by the way), I finally finagled my way onto standby for the Taipei-LA flight after speaking to an employee at the airport. It's not guaranteed, but it's something. The travel agent told me all flights on Air China were full--for the entire month--which I so did not believe. It won't cost me anything to change the date, which is good considering I'm now paying for parts of a vacation I can't take . . . but I may have to change my port to San Francisco or even Seattle if needed. Sigh. Please pray that everything works out!
On to happier things. The hotel I booked in CM for Cheryl and me is just beautiful. I couldn't cancel the reservation (must be within 7 days) so I decided to go anyway. Kris and Sara came with me, and we've really been enjoying this incredible oasis. The service here is exceptional--for example, last night we were coming home from the Night Market, and it was raining. We only had like 3 feet to walk in the rain, but the staff came running with umbrellas. And this morning we had breakfast in our room, which is just gorgeous. I want to take the bathroom sink home with me! We have decided to stay another night in this paradise--the change of scenery has been nice.
Ok, that's all for now. I'll post some pics soon. Again, please pray that everything works out and I won't be stuck in Taiwan!!!!

Susannah

A haircut and a movie . . .

2008-07-30T20:37:00.000-07:00

#1: The absolute nastiest thing I have ever seen---a treat at KFC--a corn sundae!

#2: Kris, Sara, and me

#3: Jello from Sizzler

#4: Rotee--chocolate!

#5: My new hair cut!

#6: Cheeseburger and potato!

Hello!

Well, it's been a crazy couple of days! On Tuesday, after resting from our arduous journey to the Golden Triangle, we decided to take it easy and headed to the Airport Plaza. I had never been to this mall, but it was really nice--at least 4 floors, tons of shops and restaurants, etc. Kris, Sara, David, and I wandered around for awhile before deciding to see a movie. We picked Journey to the Center of the Earth--it cost 120baht (4 bucks). What a deal!

We were all starving by this point, so we headed to Sizzler for some American food. I had never been to a Sizzler before, but the moment I saw they had real ranch dressing, I was sold. I'm sure people were highly amused by our very concentrated efforts to eat as much food as possible. We filled our plates at the salad bar, and let me tell you, there was no conversation--we were way too busy stuffing our faces! I ordered a cheeseburger and a baked potato--it was so good! And they had jello! I was in heaven!

Anyway, we were a few minutes late to the movie, but we only missed a few previews. The movie theater was really nice. Plush red seats that reclined, carpet on the floor. When you buy your ticket, you choose your seats. We chose seats in row C, even though there were not a lot of people in the theater. The girl searched my bag to see if I had a camera--the pirated movie business is popular, as you can imagine. Before the movie started, they did this homage to the king. We all stood up and watched this short little clip showing pictures of the king, etc. Way weird!!! I guess it's the same concept of us standing up when the national anthem is played . . . still, it was very strange. Like they say here, same same but different! :)

After the mall, we headed to the orphanage to see the kids! They are so precious. They are quite a few who have stolen my heart! :) It's always nice to be able to see the kids and just hug them!

After the orphanage, we headed to dinner at the place I've named "The polka dot plate place" (pdpp for short); I had fried rice, even though I was not hungry at all! But pdpp has the best fried rice in the world, so I ate it anyway! UGH. After dinner, Kris, Debbie, Sara, and I all played Rummikub, which was really fun! I didn't win any games, though. :(

So anyway, on to Wednesday. We headed out with Tutu and headed to Lotus (again like Wal-mart) and got our hair cut! Kris, Sara, and I all decided to be brave and get our hair cut . . . I love my hair! And people, yes, those are BANGS. I had this gay guy cut my hair, which was interesting because I don't speak Thai, so I really had to trust that he knew what he was doing. The best part was that it cost . . . (drum roll please) . . . 160 baht! And they washed and dried my hair! That's 5 bucks, people. Wow. :)

Ok, after wandering around for 3 hours (Tutu was getting her hair straightened), we headed home. We rested a bit and headed to dinner. The place we wanted to go to was closed, so we ate rotee from a street vendor---flat fried dough filled with milk, chocolate, etc. YUM. We headed to another place for dinner, but the fried rice there was gross. Yucky. Then home, off to bed.

Funny moment: I received a phone call at 4:15 am this morning from my friend Bonnie. I was soooo confused. Apparently my phone is working, but I can't make calls . . . weird! I was so disoriented this morning, I said, "You do realize I'm in Thailand, right?" She was planning on leaving a message, but I picked up the phone. I hope that didn't cost me hundreds of dollars!

Well, it's Thursday morning here, and I have to get my laundry done today. Cheryl arrives on Saturday, and the third part of this trip begins . . . write more soon!

Susannah

Just another day . . .

2008-07-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

#1: I know this picture doesn't fit (it was weeks ago), but this picture is for my dad--proof I did in fact have a python around my neck! (I made B be in the picture with me--look how uncomfortable he looks!)

#2: A fake smile at passport control--I was nervous!

#3: A normal street in Burma

#4: Lunch (much better than dinner, I can assure you)

#5: View from the bow of the boat (artsyish, I think)

#6: Kris and me in our little speedboat (we had way too much fun:)

#7: More Golden Triangle signs

#8: Interesting sign in Burma ("Let us all cooperate for eradication of narcotic drugs")

#9: Golden Triangle Monument

#10: A view from Thailand (Laos is across the Mekong River)

Hello faithful readers,

Once again, I find myself way behind on my blogging. Don't blame me, the Internet has been touch and go for a few days. While Saturday and Sunday were more relaxed (hanging out with the kids, church, eating sticky rice and chicken after church . . . same old, same old:) today (or rather yesterday for me--it's 12:15 AM) was one heck of an adventure!

It all started with Tutu. She wanted to take us up to the Golden Triangle (where Laos, Burma, China, and Thailand all meet) to visit and do some shopping. She's done the trip before.

Well, this "little" trip turned into an excursion (that was one of my 7th graders spelling words) with about 20 people--staff from the orphanage and widow's farm, some of the girls from the other team, a couple from Canada (Mike and Debbie's friends) and Kris, Sara, Debbie, Mike, David, and me! We had to rent two vans to get everyone there. The widow's farm was on the way, so we stopped there quickly to say hello to Tutu's family . . . it is about 5 hours one way up to the Golden Triangle, so it was quite a journey!

Anyway, we got there by mid morning (why yes, it was an early morning!), ate lunch (wait, let me guess ----RICE? And . . . CHICKEN? Yes, you are correct:) Actually, it was an eclectic mix of dishes, and it was GOOD.

After lunch we took lots of pictures and bought a few things, then headed down to the boats. Yes, people, boats. Have I mentioned I'm not that fond of small little boats, especially ones in dirty water??? (Flashback to Venice--me in a gondola) Anyway, it was a long "speedboat," and it was soooooooo much fun! We raced along the Mekong River and viewed Thailand, Laos, Burma, and China! Way cool! It was awesome to see all four countries in one sitting. We stopped on the Laos side to shop--it only cost 20 baht to walk around and shop. I bought quite a few things, mainly because everything was really cheap. It was really cool to be in Laos! :)

It was a HOT day, and pretty soon we headed back to the docks. I chose to sit in the very front of the boat by myself and it was a little scary, but thrilling, too. :) Honestly, where's my sense of adventure?

On to the next stop on the tour---heading to Mae sai (sp?) in Thailand so I could cross the border and get another 30 days in Thailand---my visa was going to expire on the 1st, and I really didn't want to pay 500 baht per day for staying over. I am sooooo glad Kris and Sara decided to come with my over the border, because frankly, border crossings scare me. It's always soooo serious, and you never really know what to do. Well, Burma was no exception. We walked through the Thai side and got our passports stamped and then had to walk down this street and enter where the sign said IN. We were guided into this room where passport control stamped our passports, took our pictures, and issued us 2 week visas for Burma. (2 weeks? Thanks but no thanks! I was only planning on being there an hour, at most)

Quick FYI: Did you know Burma and Thailand are on different times? Burma is a half an hour behind Thailand, which is way weird.

Anyway, we had to leave our passports with Immigration, which is always unnerving, and then we headed into Burma (or Myanmar, whatever. Burma is easier to say--and spell) and the difference between Thailand and Burma is very apparent. Hoards of beggars lined the street, people began harassing us to buy things, and we were definitely the only farangs (foreigners) around.

We caused quite the commotion, believe me. Guys kept coming up to us to sell us stuff--mostly boxes of cigarettes. I just said no, made a face, and started coughing:) Yucky smoking!

We looked around for awhile in the market and finally found a few things to buy. Passport control guys had asked us what we were going to do in Burma, and we made a big deal saying we were going to shop, so we had to follow through. We didn't have much time, though, so it was a race against the clock. Prices weren't much better there, I thought, but I'm sure the price was double for us anyway. It was an interesting place. Dirty, crowded, poor. It reminded me of Cambodia . . . sad.

Ok, so we have to leave, and on the way back over the border, we encounter a few beggar children. I ignore them, but Kris feels sorry for them (they will break your heart!) and goes to give them her spare change. BIG MISTAKE. Hoards of beggar children surround us in an attempt to get money. We were swarmed! It was sad, but you just have to ignore them, even when there's this little girl carrying a tiny little baby and looking at you saying "food?" This was sort of traumatizing for Kris, who claims she never wants to go to Burma again. Fine with me! I have the stamp in my passport, and it only cost 500 baht!

So! We filled out our arrival and departure cards as fast as possible (I hate those things!) and made it back into Thailand with no problems. That's an experience I will never forget!

Anywho, it's way past my bed time (considering I took a 15 hour excursion!!!) and who knows what's on the agenda for tomorrow???

Good night from Thailand! (Now it's almost 2 am:)

Miss you all!!!!

Susannah

Hot Springs are . . . hot

2008-07-25T22:41:00.000-07:00

#1: Bible quizzing (that's Booey answering a question!)

#2: Me and Lak

#3: Ahtapa and Deet-Deet ("Trouble")

#4: Hot Springs resort

#5: Quail eggs

#6: Hot Springs

#7: Roasted pig and rice

#8: My new little friend, Malone

#9: Instructions for boiling the eggs

#10-11: "Yum, I love quail eggs--not!"

#12: My bed (yes, I've been making my bed every day:) I know it looks like I've kept my room neat, but it's really not . . .

#13: Putting the egg basket in the water to boil

#14: Egg statue at the Hot Springs

#15: Sara walking to Mike and Debbie's house (this is where I am living)

Hello!

Well, again, it's always an adventure here! Yesterday was supposed to be our relaxing morning, but Tutu told us to be ready to go to the Hot Springs at 11. So we traipsed off to the Hot Springs, ready to do some serious relaxing in the mineral water. Sara and I "swam" (more like sat) in the mineral pool for about an hour (and it was HOT) while Kris and Tutu had their own private little villa and hot tub. We also bought quail eggs to boil . . . yeah, that was kinda weird but cool. The quail eggs were in this little basket (like an Easter basket), and you just went up to this pool where the water was really hot and stuck the basket on the hook to boil the eggs. Then you sat around eating the eggs with soy sauce. It wasn't bad, but honestly, quail eggs are not my favorite. Anyway, it was a nice time and Tutu was so kind to take us to her favorite place to relax.

After coming home and taking showers, we headed off to the orphanage to hang out with the kids and have dinner. They had killed the other pig (another team arrived the other day) so we had roasted pig and rice. It was yummy! We spent most of the evening there, and then headed home. We opted not to go to the Night Market with the other group (it was raining) and just hung out and watched movies.

This afternoon (Sat.) the older girls are coming over for sewing and cooking lessons, so that should be interesting. And no, I didn't come all the way to Thailand to learn how to sew and cook! Anyway, I should be going . . . oh! By the way, that is NOT me holding that gross beetle thing in one of the previous pics--no way. That thing looked like a small bird flying around, and I tried to stay far far away (but close enough for a very cool picture!) CRAZY!

Miss you and love you!!!!!

Susannah

Pictures

2008-07-24T20:21:00.000-07:00

Just a "few" pictures to share . . . they say a picture is worth a thousand words . . . I'm off to the Hot Springs this morning! :)

Randomness

2008-07-24T02:34:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

Thank you for all your comments! I love hearing from you! I've been busy here, and the next few weeks will be crazy, I'm sure!

Just thought I would post a little update and tell you a few stories . . .

The other night we were heading back from the Night Market with Tutu. She was driving her son Daniel's car, a Honda Jazz (I think) and we got stopped during a routine traffic checkpoint. The police looked at us through the windows with little flashlights, and then made Tutu pull over to the side of the road . . . yeah, a little scary. I won't lie, my heart was beating, but I was really glad Tutu was driving and answering all the questions. Apparently, that type of car is frequently stolen, so they were just stopping all those cars and checking driver's licenses. An interesting experience, for sure!

Another fun story involves LICE. Yes, people, lice. I had a lice scare. Don't worry, I DON'T HAVE LICE! One of the interns, Rosie, has been deemed "lice girl" because she is fighting lice on and off. She has been buying lice shampoo and the little comb . . . I had a moment of itchiness, and I did use the shampoo and comb, but NO LICE FOR ME! Yay! It's the norm here for the kids to have lice, so they don't even freak about it, but us Americans recoil at the very mention of the word. :)

HAHA! Good times! Let's see . . . it's Thursday afternoon and we just sent most of the Virginia group to the airport. It's more of a relaxing day!

Yesterday was really fun! We went to Carrefour and got our hair washed and dried for only 5 bucks! It was much needed, I'm afraid. I don't use a blow dryer here, so bad hair days are the norm. At Carrefour, I helped Kris pick out her wedding outfit, and around 5 we left for the Wang Torn (sp?) Resort where Kris and Pat renewed their wedding vows. It was soooooo beautiful! It is their 20th anniversary, so it was really special they could be here to renew their vows and have their "Thai family" there! I was a bridesmaid, which was fun because we all held fans! So pretty. After the ceremony (and cake--yum) we went to see the kids at the orphanage and then headed to the Night Market "one last time" to eat and for the group to spend the last of their baht! It was a fun night--I ate at Subway, which was ok. They didn't have any pickles, so it was an odd tasting sandwich, but edible. At least it wasn't rice!

Well, anyway, enjoy the pics--I only have time to post a few! I miss you!

Susannah

Pic#1: the cute little boys

Pic #2: Pat and Kris!

Sun, sand, and sunburn

2008-07-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

Pictures:

#1-#2: The Karon Beach in Phuket, Thailand (located about 2 hours by plane from CM; on the western side--Andaman (sp?) Sea (very beautiful water--shades of blues and greens)

#3: Random pic of my sandals and feet (yes, I was trying to be artsy)

#4: My favorite at the hotel restaurant: The Club Sandwich (NO RICE!)

#5: Our pool (yes, it had a waterfall--and a poolside bar, at which I ordered a few banana shakes:)

#6: The mountains (are so pretty!)

#7: Upon our arrival, Sara and I were given leis--very pretty!

#8: This is me, trying to appear optimistic, despite the rain! It did clear up, though, and the snorkling was awesome!

#9: Pretty island (not James Bond Island, though--that's farther north)

#10: The group (minus Pam) from Virginia . . . well, David is Thai, but he did live with the Counts in Virginia for a year! Anyway, from left to right: Sara (the one I "babysat" last summer), Kris, Sissy, John, Pat, and David is in the very front! We had a lot of fun together. :)

AND NOW, A WORD FROM ZAN . . .

Well, after a much needed break, I'm back from the beach. Our little group headed down to Phuket for a few days for some much needed R & R. We left Friday morning and came back to Mike and Debbie's house on Monday night. We flew to Bangkok first, and then down to Phuket. It was a long holiday weekend here, so getting tickets and everything arranged was a little stressful. We really didn't realize it was a Buddist holiday until we were at the travel agent and she pointed out that the direct flights were all full. Oops, I guess I should brush up on my Buddist holidays! :) Anyway, we got seats and arrived safely around 1 PM. I would give you a play by play of everything we did, but it wasn't much! We swam in the beautiful pool, played in the amazing waves, and ate some great food. The weather didn't cooperate every day, but overall it was really nice. I didn't wear sunscreen (when will I ever learn?) and I got FRIED on Saturday. Maybe it will turn into a very nice tan, but for now it's quite painful. Don't worry, I'll live!

It's low season at the moment, so we got a good deal on our hotel and the restauants and shop owners literally begged us to eat at their restaurants or shop in their stores. A few of the restaurants offered incentives if you ate there-- 25 % off, 15% off and free salad bar, 10% off, 1 hour free internet. Crazy! We ate most of our meals (no rice for me!!!!!!!!!) in the restaurant of our hotel---the view of the sea was beautiful and the food, although about double as much as CM, was really good. We also took a half day tour of the islands, but the weather was rainy for the first part of the morning. We were able to go snorkling, which was pretty cool. I'm not really a fan of swimming with the fishes, but they were beautiful, and the islands were very pretty, too. At one point, I held out a banana for the fish to eat, and the intensity of their attack on the banana caused me to: 1) scream and 2) drop the banana as fast as possible. Have I mentioned I don't like swimming with fish???? It was still awesome, though. A memorable moment, for sure.

At night we ventured out around our hotel and looked around the little beach town. We used the internet and walked through "Crazy Market" as we called it. The vendors there were really hurting for business, I guess, because they were soooooo annoying. The creepy part was that it was kinda deserted, so you couldn't really look at anything because they would just hound you to buy something, anything. Not cool. "Where you from? What you want to buy? T-shirts, over here. You want T-shirts?" No thank you!

Other than that, it was a very very nice break from the heat in Chiang Mai, and it was nice to have a break from this "go go go" lifestyle. Most of the Virginia group leaves on Thursday, so we are packing it in for the next couple of days. Last night we got back around 6 and headed to the orphanage for worship time. It was great to see the kids! After worship, we had to go to the Night Market so people could pick up their pictures they had drawn and get fitted for the clothes they had made. It was a long day, believe me!

This morning I woke up late (9 o'clock--haha), read a book, and now I am lounging around. The group headed off to the pottery place and the tribal village store, both of which I've been to, so I opted to stay home. I needed to use the internet anyway! We are headed to the orphanage when they get back, so I need to get stuff done. I have a few loads of laundry to do!

I miss you all! I cannot believe I've been here for 3 weeks already. The time is flying by!

I will write more soon!

Susannah

Ps. On the plane ride, David attempted to teach me Thai. Actually, it was a good lesson, and I'm really trying! He's a good "koon crew" (teacher), so maybe I'll come back this time knowing more than Hello and Thank you . . . we'll see. :)

Pictures

2008-07-16T03:53:00.001-07:00

Picture #1: Me and my little friend from last year! Lak is healthy this year, thank God!

Picture #2: Two little orphans. The little baby is new; his name is Josiah, but everyone calls him "Bang" because rumor is that his father is in Bangkok. He's a cutie!

Picture #3: Sara and I on our elephant trek! We had so much fun! :)

Picture #4: Teaching at the Christian School

Picture #5: Christy teaching English at the orphanage

Picture #6: A home in the very poor Palong village

Picture #7: One of my favorite images! A monk in Doi Saket walking down the street . . . I wonder where he was going?

Picture #8: One of my new favorites! Her nickname is NaNa, but I just call her "Chubby Cheek Girl" She's a doll! She was in my pre-K class!

Picture #9: My new favorite meal--fried rice! YUM!

Picture #10: The house at the widow's farm

Busy . . . I'm so busy my head is spinning . . .

2008-07-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I know it's been awhile since I posted, but honestly, it's been crazy busy around here. I'll try to remember everything . . . here it goes.

Thursday

On Thursday morning, Christy and I headed up to the farm with Mike and Tutu. This is the widow's farm that was purchased with help from Maumee Valley Church. The truck ride was very bumpy and curvy; Christy was afraid she'd get carsick, but I was fine. It was about an hour and a half from Chiang Mai; I read an entire book on the way there! :)
Anyway, the farm is beautiful! There are a few widows who live there now, as well as Tutu's mom and dad and a few other workers. They grow corn, green beans, peppers, peanuts, and a lot of other produce. They harvest the crops and send it back to the orphanages, so it's a great deal.
Christy and I walked around and watched them pick green beans (there was one variety that was really really really long) and corn. I took a lot of pictures; it was so beautiful up in the mountains. There is a large house on the property that once belonged to a Christian lawyer. He was planning on moving there with his wife, but when they had their first child, they wanted him to go to a Christian school in Chiang Mai. So, the house is really pretty, with beautiful doors and windows. It's fallen into a bit of disrepair, but AH is painting and trying to fix it up. Tutu's parents are building a little cabin nearby; her mom doesn't like the "concrete" floors and would prefer a little cabin to this big white house. Hey, I'd live in the house!!!
We ate lunch at the farm--fresh green beans, chicken, and oh yeah, rice. Can't forget the rice. It was really good! There were other dishes, but I liked the green beans/chicken/rice combination, so that worked for me. Anyway, we got home late in the afternoon, so we rested on Thursday night and tried to prepare for the competition games on Friday.

Friday
We were up early on Friday to go the Christian school to teach English. We were supposed to teach 4th and 5th grades again, but the principal decided we should teach the pre-K kids. Christy and Rosie taught one class, and Kaillie and I taught one class. The kids were soooo cute. They were the real young ones with very short attention spans! We sang a few songs and practiced the alphabet. I had a lot of fun!
After teaching, Christy and I decided to climb up the 307 stairs to the wat at the top of Doi Saket. Basically, it's a big mountain with a temple at the top. Not to mention it was the hottest part of the day! We made it to the top, looked around, shook our heads at people worshipping really creepy images of budda, and then walked back down to eat more fried rice at our favorite little restaurant in Doi Saket. After a quick trip to 7 Eleven (oddly enough, on 7-11-08) we slathered on suncreen (oh wait, that was me) and headed back to the orphanage. It was quite a hike--did I mention it was HOT? Yeah, people did look at us like we were CRAZY! We made it, and after waiting a bit, Tutu took mercy on us and carted us back to the guest house so we could shower and cool off before the competition.
We headed to the orphanage around 6:30 and had so much fun with the kids. They LOVED the games for the competition. We did a few relays (over & under with a ball; chicken relay (ball between knees) and the kids were all cheering each other on and participating! In Thai culture, it's not really the norm to be competitive--they just like to play, etc. We also had a memory game, and the kids did really well remembering the items on the tray. They also had to write the items in English, so it was educational, too. The Red Fish were the overall winners! It was a great time!
After many hugs and goodbyes for Christy, we headed out to the Night Market. This time, I was ready. The first time is so overwhelming, and I have a hard time remembering to barter . . . this time I did much better. I bought a few things, and we had fun. But the highlight for me, I'm afraid, was eating Burger King! Boy, did that Whopper taste good! Sorry, but eating rice for every meal is a bit much. . . in my opinion! I like meat. :)

Saturday

Saturday was more of a transition day--Christy was leaving and the group from Virginia was arriving. The morning was spent packing up and cleaning . . . we headed to the airport around 12. The group arrived just fine, and it was nice to see my friends again. David was so happy to be home! Christy left to catch her flight, and the group headed back to Mike and Debbie's. I'm now staying in one of their guest rooms . . . they are so nice and hospitable. After resting a bit, we headed to the shake place--I got my "usual"-rice and mixed veggies and a watermelon shake this time. It's scary that I'm starting to have the same meals . . . anyway, we then headed to see the kids at DS #1 and #2. It was a fun afternoon! We headed to the Night Market, and yes, I did in fact get another Whopper! YUM! It was soooooooo worth it! It was another fun night of shopping!

Sunday

Sunday consisted of church at AH in the morning, lunch at the orphanage--sticky rice and chicken!!!! YUM! We then headed home to rest and relax. The group was still suffering from jet lag, so they really needed it. I went with Rosie, Kaillie, and Mike to the Christian Student Center and shared with the girls there. It was really great to see them and worship with them. I talked about trusting God, and then Kaillie added on to it. It was good. We ate there, too. More mixed veggies, chicken, and rice, with pineapple for dessert. It was a long day! I was pretty tired by the time I got home!

Monday

Another early morning. We left at 7:40 to go to the elephant camp (a different one than the one I went to last week). We did a short little elephant trek---sooooooo much fun. Sara and I rode together--and it was a BIG elephant. I'm so glad the "safety" bar was there, otherwise I would have fallen off the elephant! It was a bumpy ride! It cost about 13 bucks. We left the elephant camp and headed out to a very poor village. They have beautiful things for tourists to buy, and they really need the money. Our group bought some stuff and headed back home. We had stopped on the way to the village to eat--our whole group got fried rice. (Big surprise for me! :) We got home around 3, and I just fell into bed. I was exhausted. I took a 3 hour nap, and then opted not to go to the Khum Kantoke show. Instead, I headed to Carrefour to get some food and eat dinner. Yes, I got McDonalds!
Anyway, it's Tuesday around noon, and the group got up early to teach English and go swimming. Again, I opted to sleep and enjoy the solitude. Sorry it's taken so long to post; the Internet is sketchy at times, and usually I don't have enough time to write! Also, it takes awhile for any pictures to load, and I've tried loading video, but no luck. Oh well. I'll try to post again soon . . . we are headed to Phuket on Thursday!!!!!! We have to get our tickets today--I can't wait to see the beautiful beach!
Ok, I've got to go. The group will be home soon, and it's back to busyness! I miss you all! I'll attempt to post pictures soon!
Susannah

Pictures!

2008-07-09T01:42:00.001-07:00

My lunch today (Cow Soy) SPICY!!!! THE KIDS!

One of the little rascals; I call him "Trouble" (below)

Christy and Suriya, the kid her family sponsers

Me with elephant snot in hair (below)

Booey (right) and friend

New Dorms! This is the boy's dorm--isn't it beautiful???

Shower Surprises

2008-07-08T22:55:00.000-07:00

Hello!
It's about 1 PM in the afternoon here on Wednesday. We were up early today to go and teach English at the Christian School. Kaillie and I taught 4th grade. We were working on clothing--shirt, skirt, shoes, socks, etc. They had fun, but I'm not sure if it will stick. As you can probably imagine, English is fairly difficult for them. It would be like us going over and trying to learn Thai---no thank you! The pronounciations alone wear me out!
Christy and Rosie had the 5th grade, and they worked on asking and answering the question: "What does your father do? My father is a farmer." They had a lot of fun, even if they were winging it! Some of the kids seemed to understand, but others had no clue.
For lunch Debbie took us to her favorite place to get Cow Soy (that's my interpretation of the spelling!). Debbie assured us it wasn't spicy, but I'm thinking she's immune to hot foods now . . . WHEW! HOT!!!! My lips were numb, but yes, I did my best to eat it. Lots of water!!!!!!! We got fresh fruit for dessert, and it was so good.
We are now making dessert for the orphans at Hot Springs. I've never been to that orphanage, so it should be an adventure! We (by "we" I mean Christy and Rosie:) are making snickerdoodles . . . hopefully the kids will like them!
Oh, last night was so much fun! The kids really did well with the Bible Quizzing. All of them were really into finding the answers and earning points for their teams. I think the Red Fish are in the lead at the moment with 125 points. I helped out in the Baby House during devotion time--oh, washing the little kids' hair was so fun! Some of their faces were so cute! This little group of boys were all lathered up standing around in their matching blue shorts--adorable! Washing the shampoo out of ther hair was hard because we didn't want to soak them! Some of them acted as though the water was hurting them--and it wasn't even that cold. Some priceless moments, that's for sure!
Anyway, T, one of the baby house workers, asked me to help in the Baby House, and it was really fun---even when one of the babies peed all over me. By this point, I hadn't even taken a shower that day, so no problem. We were all so tired and dirty by the time we finished everything and helped with homework. All we wanted to do was go home, shower, and sleep. Here comes Funny Moment #9: I was eating Pringles downstairs when I heard a loud voice yell: "Susannah! Get up here and get this grecko!" Yes, she did say grecko! Apparently, our little lizard friend likes our shower! Poor Christy. It took A LOT of screaming (I'm surprised the neighbors didn't come running) before Kaillie finally captured it in a cup. She let it go, so don't worry. It was quite humorous! Don't you wish you could see that scene? I filmed it! :)
Also, there were ants in my Raisin Bran the other day . . . welcome to Thailand! YUM!
Anyway, I'll try to update again soon. I'm sure there will be more to write about!

Susannah
Christy

PS. I had one of the worker guys tell me he liked my white legs--that was a switch!!!! HAHA! I don't think I've ever gotten that compliment!

Let the Competition Begin . . .

2008-07-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

Hello!
Well, last night was the big kickoff to the competition! It was really great to see the kids and hear them sing. We hope to post a video soon! The kids really seemed excited about forming teams and coming up with their own mascot. Here are the teams: The Red Fish; The Light Blue Butterflies; The Blue Lions; The Pink Dragons; The Purple Rabbits; and The Green Sheep. The kids had fun drawing their mascot and getting their team pictures taken. Tonight is the start of Bible Quizzing, so we've been busy getting all the questions written out for John. The kids will start with John 1 tonight, and each team will compete for points.
All of the teams earned 100 points for participation last night, and I think this system will really help the staff with the kids. Learning memory verses and answering Bible questions is only one part---participating in athletic competitions (focus on team building), work on keeping their area/orphanage neat, getting good grades and finishing homework (they are typical kids--if you ask them if they have homework, it's always no:) and overall attitude are the other parts. So far, so good. We also picked team leaders, and the kids chosen appear to be ready to take on more of a leadership position, so that has been great to see.
This morning we were up early to teach English to the staff at the orphanages. Debbie usually teaches 3 classes---from beginners to advanced. It was a fun time, but exhausting. I've said it before, but honestly, when you're trying to explain a concept of English grammar to someone from another country, English just doesn't make sense sometimes!!! For example, irregular verbs--who thought of that anyway!?! Why is it make, made, will make??? We had a good time, though. The staff seemed to appreciate our efforts, and they were good students. We also taught them the "He's my rock, my sword, my shield" song in English, and they really like the motions that went along with the song, as well as the sound effects.
For lunch we (Christy, Rosie, Kaillie and I) headed in to Doi Saket to a little roadside restaurant owned by a Christian man and his wife. He really wants to be a pastor, but he has a family, so . . . he owns a restaurant. Christy and I both had the fried rice with chicken and it was really good. I think fried rice is becoming one of my staple foods here (I ate it last night at Dave's favorite place--we went there again:). Anyway, I hope to be able to post videos and pictures soon.
So much to write about! Christy has been a great traveling companion--she's so funny! Many of the funny moments on this trip seem to involve her in some way. For example, Funny Moment #8: We were in Carrefour, and we were looking around in the snack area. At this point, I was following Christy and I thought she was trying to find something specific (I had said I wanted pretzels). Anyway, she didn't realize I was right behind her and had a moment of panic. When she realized I was behind her, it was soooooooo funny I just started to laugh. Good times, good times. :) Or Funny Moment #7: Christy telling one of the people visiting that she "did drugs" to get to sleep. What she meant was that she TOOK a sleeping pill, but it just came out wrong. Don't worry, I made sure to clarify! I also couldn't even speak because I was laughing so hard! :)
Well, right now it's about 2 in the afternoon and we are hanging out at the orphanage. As soon as the little ones get home (preschoolers/toddlers) we are giving them baths and covering them with Selsan to get rid of the cradle cap. Should be interesting! The doctor said to leave it on for 10 minutes, but this group is going to be quite squirmy, I'm afraid! Soon the bigger kids will be home and we will be getting ready for tonight's singing and quizzing. We also need to go and buy Bibles for some of the kids before tonight--some of the newer kids don't have Bibles (most kids only have the NT) so they need Bibles! It costs about 30 bucks for the whole Bible in Thai, and I know they will be working on raising the money. If you'd like to help, please contact us!
I really want all of the kids to have Bibles. In America, we take our Bibles for granted. I know I have 1 or 2 Bibles that I don't even use anymore, and these kids are grateful to just have 1--and just the New Testament!
And now I want to tell you about one of my favorite little kids, Booey. He is about 12 years old and his story is so sad. He was a throw away baby--his parents actually threw him in the trash. He was found by a woman who took care of him until it was time to go to school (it cost $ to send a kid to school) but don't worry, "auntie" visits every year around his birthday. I was here last year when she came to see him--she has a very nice car and seems to be doing ok. I just wanted to shout--"Take him with you! He loves you! Take him home!" but who knows why she can't take him? Booey loves her, but it was so heartbreaking to see how excited he was to see her and then watch his face as she drove away. She even brought a huge cake for his birthday so he could share it with all the kids. Sigh. These kids . . . they are just so precious. You can tell some of them just need love. Booey is also very slow--you can tell something just isn't right in his head. He tries so hard in school, but it's really hard for him to understand. He also has trouble making friends and socializing with the others. That's Booey--if you met him you would love him.
Ok, I'd better go. It's so hard to know when I have the time to write. I hope you are understanding just a little bit of why Thailand is so dear to my heart.

Thank you for your prayers and comments! We miss you!

Susannah
Christy

P.S. The other day, we had a little lizard (gecko) friend in our room. Don't worry, I left the door open hoping he would venture off to another room. No sign of him. Hmmmmmm . . . I hope he's not in my backpack! Always an adventure!
P.P.S. Christy seems to be immune to bugs. She claims they don't bite her. Hmmmmmmm. Something's just not right about that. :)

Elephants and Snakes . . .

2008-07-07T02:16:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon!
It's about 4:00 in the afternoon here. It's a nice sunny day--no rain in sight--yet! Today was an early morning for us. Instead of heading to the school this morning, our plans changed so we could go to the Elephant Show and Snake Show. I've been to another Elephant Show when I was here last year, but this was a different place. "B," Tutu's brother, picked us up around 8 and we drove for awhile up to the Measa Elephant Camp. It's a real touristy place--so many people from around the world. There was an Asian family sitting in front of us speaking French. One of the little boys kept yelling "Petit Elephant--la bas! Le grand elephant!" ( I know I didn't spell those right--my French is rather rusty I'm afraid). Anway, he was saying "Little elephant--over there. Big elephant!" It was so cute to see how excited they were.
Anyway, we arrived fairly early to the camp--before the tour buses! We walked around and saw the newest baby elephant--just four months old. We were sprayed with elephant snot and got our pictures taken sitting on one of the legs of a younger elephant while another elephant's trunk was on your head. Yeah, more elephant snot in our hair. The elephants are also trained to "ask" for money, so we each tipped the "driver" of the elephant about 100 baht (3 bucks) for those priceless pictures. I made Christy go first, and she kinda freaked out when the elephant started touching her head (with reason, of course!) I was ok about it, but it was kinda gross. UGH.
We also got to see the elephants take a bath in the river---so cute! They roll around like little kids. They love the water. What is not pretty, not at all, is the HUGE balls of elephant dung that float downstream. Don't worry, ladies and gentlemen, because they have workers whose sole purpose is to "catch" those beautiful balls of green poop as they float by . . . no gloves, no boots. They just stand in the river like it's nothing and use baskets to scoop up the poop. They make paper out of it that you can buy in the gift shop (no thank you) so it's recycling at it's best.
On to the show . . . basic elephant tricks---hitting a soccer ball into the goal, throwing darts at balloons, painting pictures. Yes, that's right--painting pictures. I have proof that elephants can paint--I took a video of one of them! It's quite amazing! In the Guiness Book of World Records, a group of elephants painted a picture that sold for 39,000 dollars! One elephant even had her own "gallery" hut just for her paintings!!! They were selling them in one of the gift shops---quite pricy, if you ask me. But original, that's for sure! :)
Anywho, after the elephants, who are cute and adorable, we headed to the Snake Show down the road. Oh, this road was amazing--monkey show, go karts, bungee jumping (I tried to talk them into it, but no luck) and all sorts of other crazy tourist traps abound on this one road. We were early to the show, so we walked around and looked at all the animals---birds, mongooses (ugly!), a crocodile, SNAKES galore, and other creepy looking animals in not so sturdy looking cages. The show was insane! These snake handlers MUST BE CRAZY! They just taunt and poke at the snakes and pick them up and throw them around like they are asking to be bit. We saw cobras and pythons and other really creepy snakes! We also sat in the main section in the very back row to be away from the pit. All of this was really close--too close for Christy. She flipped out from the beginninig--especially when one snake got "loose" and slithered over the edge of the pit. At one point, she ran to the other side of our row. It was quite humourous, although she doesn't think so.
At one point in the show, they tell you about a "jumping snake." Well, by this point Christy had had enough and escaped to the entrance. She missed the best part. The handlers pretend they have a snake and throw a rope into the audience! I knew about this from other people, so I didn't move when they hurled it up into our section. I hear they aim it at blonde haired woman, and they was one sitting right in front of us. Oh my gosh, they all FREAKED out. I, of course, was dying laughing, but I think some of those people almost had heart attacks. OH! I also was brave and got my picture taken with a huge python wrapped around my neck! I made "B" come in the picture with me, mainly because I wanted him to be by it's head. Christy thinks I'm crazy, but it was a once in a lifetime moment! The snake's skin was so slimy on my neck--I get chills just thinking about it.
After the show (Christy vows to never go to a snake show again--who knew?) we took "B" out to lunch to thank him for carting us around all day. He chose his favorite thai buffet place--all you can eat for 49 baht (1.75ish). Of course, they only had thai food, but I was feeling pretty adventourous after the snake thing, so I did try a few things. Not bad, except for the really spicy stuff. And there's always the chance of getting food poisoning, but hey, no worries. At least I like rice! :)
Well, I'd better sign off. I'm glad I've gotten the chance to post today--I just never know when I'll have the time. We are working on finishing the chapters for John for quizzing and we have the competition stuff to get ready for tonight!

Thanks for all your prayers!!!

Susannah
Christy

Ps. Yesterday we saw the craziest thing. We were at Carrefour and the king's song came on the loudspeaker (every day at 6 pm) and everyone just stopped in their tracks and stood there. It was sooooooooooo freaky. They were like little robots! Creepy!!!!!

French Fries and Rice

2008-07-06T06:21:00.000-07:00

Hello all!
Well, it's Sunday night here, and it's been a long day! We had church this morning. It was so wonderful to hear all of the kids sing! They are so precious. Dave and Debbie both had a message, which were good. It was so good to be there and worship God with those kids. Christy had an opportunity to meet the boy that her family supports and had her picture taken with him. He is a very ncie young man, but very shy and didn't seem to understand English.
After church, we went to a Thai/Western little place for lunch. I ate sweet & sour chicken with rice---with french fries on the side. :) It was really good! Christy tried Pad Thai, which is practically the national dish for Thai people. She really liked it.
After lunch we headed back to the guest house and had a meeting about what we will be doing this week. Basically, we are teaching English at the Christian School in the mornings and helping with English homework at night. We are also helping the interns, Kaillie and Rosie, with a program they are implementing at the main orphanage. They are hoping to start a competition between the kids that will help them learn God's word, participate in athletic games, and keep the orphanage neat and clean. It will be structured like a "camp" where the kids are in teams and work on getting points for rewards. They are even going to start a Bible quizzing program! Gee, what would I know about that? :)
Anyway, in the afternoon we went to a few touristy places (pottery, umbrellas) and then to Carrefour, the big "Walmart" of Chiang Mai. We had to get a few things for the kickoff of the competition, which will begin Monday night. They didn't have exactly what we needed, but we did get some essentials--chips, a pineapple, and chocolate! :)
It finally rained today! It's been really hot (90s) and sweat is inevitable! Mike and Debbie took us to dinner, which was a small roadside restaurant that has the best shakes! I tried the pineapple and Christy had watermelon. I had the mixed veggies, chicken, and rice--it was pretty good! We all ate for 295 baht--less than 10 bucks! Now we are watching a movie and just hanging out. Tomorrow will be English lessons and trying to get everything ready for the big competition tomorrow night!
Write more soon!

Susannah
Christy

Funny Moments!

2008-07-05T02:21:00.000-07:00

Hello!
Wow, it's been a crazy day! It's now about 4:30 PM, and we are sitting around deciding what to do for dinner. We woke up early today and headed out to DS #1 and DS #2 Orphanages. DS #2 is the newer orphanage--only about 19 kids live there now. We taught English there-- we went over the letters a, n, and p. The kids practiced writing the letters and we recited the Leap Frog song (" p . . . "pah" . . . every letter has a song . . .) about 500 times. We laugh about it now, but yeah, it was very funny. I might wake up tonight singing that little tune. :)
We headed over to DS #1 (the main orphanage) after DS #2. The kids were so fun. We taught the 3rd-4th grade class first. They were learning the Happy Birthday song and reading a little story about a kid going to a birthday party. I was in full teacher mode and asked comprehension questions galore. After a crazy game of bingo, we taught the 5th-6th grade class. They were typical kids--didn't really want to read their story or do any group activities. We played bingo with them and I asked questions. It was fun making them raise their hands before speaking! :)
After the 5th-6th grade class, my favorite class came in--the 1st and 2nd grade! Some of my favorite little rascals were in that class (remember the kid I called "Trouble"? Yup, he's one of my favorites!) Anyway, we read a story about a puppy and acted out "over, under, around," etc.
It was really fun! We were really nervous this morning because we didn't know what we were getting into, but God was with us! Oh, pray for Christy that she can sleep! She's been waking up in the night. Jet lag, you know. :)
Anyway, I think we are heading out to dinner---Italian tonight! YUM! Oh, after the lunch today at the orphanage --"mystery meatballs," noodles, and pork! It was ok, but I didn't eat the mystery meat! Christy was adventureous and said it was ok--tasted like fish. No thank you!
Thank you for all your prayers!

Susannah
Christy

Happy 4th of July . . . in Thailand

2008-07-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

Hello!
We are here! We arrived yesterday around 1 PM. Everything was fine getting here, with the exception of one very full flight! I'm sorry, but sitting on a plane for 12 hours is a bit much, especially packed in like sardines!
Yesterday we went to a 4th of July Celebration at the American Consulate. I know, it was ironic--we spent our first night in Thailand with a bunch of Americans eating American food. Christy and I ate cheeseburgers and fries:) Subway, McDonalds, and Starbucks all had booths that catered to us Americans. The funny part was that they only took Thai baht, so we were really scrambling to pay for everything with our limited supply of baht (we haven't had a chance to exchange money yet).
We are staying in the guest house, and another team from Ohio is here. They are from Worthington Christian School and Mansfield Christian School. They are leaving on Saturday. Today we are heading to one of the orphanages to help teach English. We'll be going to the main orphanage to do devotions and hang out with the kids tonight! I cannot wait to see all of them again!

Thank you for all your prayers! We will try to update again as soon as possible.

Susannah
Christy

Ready to go?

2008-07-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I only repacked my bag about 5 times. That's a record! :)
We are off to the airport in about 5 minutes . . . Pray for us as we travel!

~Susannah

Back by Popular Demand

2008-06-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

All right, people! I've resurrected the blog. Now you can keep tabs on me as I roam . . . I'll be in Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. I'll try to post as often as possible!

Happy Traveling!

Susannah

Taking the long way around . . .

2007-02-23T10:45:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful readers!
Well, I promised a conclusion to this wild adventure, but it's taken me awhile to actually want to sit down and actually get it done! When I returned home last weekend, I slept for about 40 hours straight--and I am still tired and suffering from jet lag, even this week. All that flying and crossing date lines really messes with your body's time clock. Of course, it doesn't help that I am also suffering from a nasty cough, cold, and laryngitis! I cannot talk at all, which is so awful because I want to talk and share about my trip. Sigh. So I am resting today, hoping that sleep and down time will help me recover, even though life and laundry are piling up around me.
I guess another reason I procrastinated about getting this blog post done was the fact that in writing a conclusion, it would mean the story is actually over. That makes me sad. I miss Thailand and Cambodia; I want to go back someday. Life there seems so much simpler--it isn't, of course, but it's so far away from the "American" mindset. Especially in Cambodia, where hot water and mattresses are a luxury, it was really humbling to see how much one really needs. It was a good reminder for me just how blessed I am to live in a country where mattresses, hot water, safe drinking water, washing machines, ovens, etc. etc. etc. --are the norm!
For example, the students who live in the student center were so grateful for whatever they had. It was a true sacrifice for them to attend university; the $400-500 a YEAR it cost for tuition was a serious amount of money to come up with each year. Of course, that doesn't include money for housing, food, etc. Those eleven students were so thankful to be living, rent-free, at the student center because if they had to pay another $40-60 dollars a month for an apartment (a room, really), they probably would not have been able to go to university. I have never seen such ambitious students! They were smart, articulate, and very determined. There were business majors, finance majors, accounting majors, future lawyers, doctors, teachers. They were so determined to get a good education and change Cambodia for the better!
These students definitely left an impression on my heart. I wish you could have been there to experience their light . . . and especially the way they prayed. During prayer time, instead of one person praying out loud, all of the students would pray out loud. It was amazing to just sit there and listen to eleven Cambodian students praying out loud in the Khmer language. It actually gave me goosebumps just listening to them and the earnestness of their words. I will never forget it.
Oh, there is so much I could write about! I am so glad I was able to go to Cambodia and Thailand; it is amazing to see God working in each of these countries! I guess one thing that stands out to me from this experience is the fact that we all have a part in the kingdom! I saw so many examples of how God is using people from around the world for His purpose! So many answered prayers, so many people who were willing to give their time, money, and lives . . . it was so encouraging to see God working and bringing people together!
Also, I am really glad I was able to go on this trip alone. It definitely was a new experience for me to travel by myself, but overall, it was a good thing. Because I was by myself and not part of a larger group, with friends, etc., I was forced to get out of my comfort zone. My time with the students in Cambodia was reinforced by the fact that I was by myself--I was able to make friends and blend more easily into their world. I think if I would have been with a group, the tendency is to act as a group and gravitate towards the familiar, etc. I liked being free to be one of the students, to stay up late talking, to experience the everyday structure of their lives.
Also, I was so proud of myself for traveling 18,000 miles (round trip) on my own! I would be lying if I said it didn't absolutely terrify me, but I wasn't really alone--God was with me every step of the way! Again, because I was alone, I was able to meet and talk with so many people--on the planes (I took a total of 12 flights!), in the airports, etc. It was so fascinating! People are so interesting . . . and everyone has a story.
One thing people have been asking me when they find out I've just returned from Thailand and Cambodia is: "Weren't you afraid?" I think what is scary is the unknown. People are afraid of what they do not know. Of course I was afraid to travel to Thailand and Cambodia (seriously, who goes to Cambodia?:), but "everything that is worthwhile in life is scary"! It reminds me of my first hours in Cambodia. At the airport, I split up from Dave and John and traveled with the students to the student center. There I was, traveling with strangers, at night, in a random city where I couldn't speak the language--and I just had to laugh! :) If traveling teaches you anything, it's that the world may seem scary and big, but in reality, it's made up of many good people just like you and me. Of course, there are bad people in the world, but being stupid and being fearless are two entirely different things! :)
There's a quote by Anne Frank that I posted a few days back, but I think it applies to this post as well. "We all live with the objective of being happy, our lives are all different and yet the same." So true!
Thank you to all who have been reading my blog--I appreciate it!
Thank you, God, for giving me this opportunity--I can do nothing without you.

Susannah
"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do. " (Eleanor Roosevelt)
"Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little." (Edmund Burke)
"If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance." (A. Boydstort)
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him." (Romans 8:28)

I say "No!" to eating congealed blood cubes!

2007-02-15T05:03:00.000-08:00

Hello all!
Sorry it's been awhile since I last posted; I've been busy and haven't had the opportunity to use the computer. Well, the last time I wrote I think I was leaving for Thailand . . . what an adventure! My flight to Bangkok was fine, no worries. My flight to Chiang Mai, however, was another story. My original flight was cancelled, and I was booked on a later flight. So now my flight is later than expected, and I'm not sure if there will be someone to pick me up at the airport. So I went through passport control, which took forever, and my heart started beating faster as I headed for the arrivals meeting section. I scanned the crowd for a familiar face, any familiar face. Nope, nothing. People are meeting friends and family members all around me, hugging, filming each joyous reunion, etc. etc. etc. and I just stand there, feeling quite alone in the world. So I decide to call Tutu; Dave had given me her number "just in case." Well, he forgot one digit in the number so not only did I have a heck of a time figuring out the phone, but I had to ask someone what the extra digit should be (they have 10 digits; he had forgotten the "8" that goes in the beginning of the number--don't ask me!?!)
So! I finally got a hold of Tutu, her brother had just left the airport for the second time. He had been waiting at the Domestic gate, but I had flown International from Phnom Penh, so we missed each other. Also, when Tutu and Debbie showed up and saw my flight was cancelled, they tried to ask to see if I was on the next flight, but they didn't know my last name so Thai Airways wouldn't give them any information!!!!! Crazy!!! It was a long day; I almost LOST IT at the airport, but I was able to calm myself down ("You're ok, you're ok, you're ok") and get on with figuring out what I was going to do if no one came to pick me up. So, long story long:), I finally made it back to the orphanage. I went with "B" (Tutu's bro) to pick up the kids from school--so many familiar faces. I received lots of hugs and smiles.:) So I hung out with the kids until I left for my "new home" in Chiang Mai--the "mansion" that belongs to Allen and Claire, friends of Mike and Debbie. Allen and Claire own the house where the team from Virginia stayed when they were here. My room was amazing! I wish you could see this house--6 bedrooms, patios, 8? bathrooms, large kitchen, living room, open spaces, ponds, gardens--BEAUTIFUL! It was really nice of them to let me stay at their house. Another guy from Ohio (so many from O-H-I-O!) was also staying there; he had been doing some painting at the orphanage while he was in Chiang Mai visiting friends, etc. We all ate dinner (Thai version of beef stew) and played a couple rounds of Bingo with the two girls staying with Allen and Claire. The girls are hill tribe girls who live with Allen and Claire and they barely speak English. They asked a lot of questions about me and Jonathan, though, so we must have intrigued them!
Anyway, this is getting long, and there is so much to write about! Jonathan and I went to the orphanage early on Tuesday and stayed all day. We played with the kids (a large group was home from school because of a special program) and helped some of the kids write letters to their sponsors. We ate both lunch and dinner at the orphanage; lunch was fairly edible, dinner was interesting. There were cubes of congealed pork blood in the noodles. I'm sorry, but I say "No!" to eating animal blood in any form!!!
On Wednesday Claire, Allen, Jonathan and I headed into Chiang Mai for the day. After showing us the system for catching each taxi bus (one for Doi Soket, one for Chiang Mai), they left us to make it back on our own. We wandered about Chiang Mai, ate fruit shakes, ate at the Art Cafe (a Western restaurant--I tried an interesting interpretation of carrot cake--not like my mom's!), looked around some shops, and then got Thai foot massages! It was so fun and so relaxing (except for the sappy Boyz 2 Men music playing in the background!:) even though I don't like feet! I felt bad for the woman working on my feet--my feet are so dirty from wearing sandals; I don't know if they will ever be clean again! So! It was a good day; we headed back to Doi Soket hanging on the back of the taxi bus--what an adventure! More and more people wanted to get on, and there was NO ROOM! We contemplated heading up on the roof, but we were saved by Debbie and Mike (they used to live in Thailand as missionaries and have just moved back after 10 years in the States--they know Tutu, who is the director of the Thailand orphanage) who were driving by and asked us if we needed a ride! It was so funny! They said they couldn't help but notice my white skin and the fact that Jonathan was literally hanging off the back of the truck! I guess we stood out from a few miles away!
So! Back to the orphanage, the rest of the team was there . . . OH! I forgot to mention that the night before I left PP, I had my picture taken in the traditional Chinese/Thai and Indian costumes! It was so much fun!!! It was like playing dress up--the hair, makeup, costumes, etc. I had a great time. One of the girls, Seda, took me to her favorite place. The pictures were picked up by the team, so I was happy to see them and asked for the pictures as soon as I saw them! :) We then went out to dinner---good ole' Pizza Hut. Relief! Not a piece of congealed blood in sight!
Today was another early morning. While the rest of the team headed out to one of the hill tribe villages, Debbie took Jonathan and me to the Elephant Show! It was really cool; elephants are amazing animals, especially the ones that can paint pictures better than I could!:) I fulfilled a goal and had my picture taken while I was sitting on a baby elephant! He was so cute--a little Dumbo! :) Elephants are hairy little creatures--this one had lots of prickly hair! It was a fun time; I'm so grateful I was able to experience the elephant show before I left Thailand!
WHEW! I could write about so much more, but I am hungry and I think I will go and see what I could order for dinner. I'm staying at a guest house in Bangkok; I just wrote in my journal by the pool:) It's a nice night here in Bangkok . . . and I am so proud of myself for actually getting out the the airport! My flight leaves early tomorrow, so I should probably hit the sack early. I am so not looking forward to the long flight home, especially heading back to cold and now SNOW! We heard about the crazy snow on the news all the way here in Thailand! Dang, I miss everything! :)
Well, I'll probably post one last time when I get home, and then you can stick a fork in this baby because it's DONE! My time here has flown by, but I can't wait to come back!
Goodnight from Bangkok!

Susannah
"Oh, the wild joys of living!" (Robert Browning)
"For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." (Van Gogh)
"O Solitude! if I must with thee dwell . . ." (John Keats)
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. "(Isaiah 43:1-2)

# 70132 I love Croissants!

2007-02-10T21:55:00.001-08:00

Hello all!
Wow, I'm exhausted! I've been staying up late and getting up early, and today I feel like I need to sleep for a week! Anyway, it's been crazy busy. I visited the school on Friday and taught English to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades. They were so well-behaved and anxious to learn! One of the directors of the school took me to lunch; it was traditional Khmer place, but I did try the noodles (with soy sauce, of course!:) and it was good. She did give me a "job pitch" for me to come and work at the school because they really need foreign teachers; I told her I would pray that more foreign teachers come to Cambodia! :) Anyway, after the school I went with Amy to the market, and then I headed back to the school for English class with the first graders. It was difficult to leave them; I got many hugs when I left! I'll never forget their faces.
After dinner, we went to hang out at the student center. I love just sitting at the student center and talking with the students! It reminds me of my college days of just hanging out in the hallway and just talking for hours. We also listened to music--I had bought a couple of CDs at the market; some Norah Jones, Josh Groban, Michael Buble, etc. I think Strey-Mou and I listened to "Home" by Michael Buble at least 7 times! She loves to sing, so it was really fun--especially since she was trying to follow along with the English lyrics. Good times!
On Saturday we woke up super early and headed out to one of the southern provinces. It was a very bumpy ride! It took about 2 hours to get there, and when we arrived, people were already gathered, waiting for medical treatment. It was really cool for our team to be there--it was a good feeling to be helping them! Our team consisted of one doctor, six nurses, the leader, and then me-- and Amy, our faithful translator.:) What was my job, you ask? Good question! Seeing as I don't have any medical training, they made me the pharmacist! :) Amy and I worked in the little room they had all the drugs in and when people came in with their prescriptions, we gave them the drugs and explained dosages, etc. It was quite the experience--I got a crash course in meds! By the end of our time there, I was quite proficient at figuring out what the people needed . . . I only hope I didn't kill anyone! It was fairly frustrating at times, mainly because of having to translate and hoping that nothing was lost in the translation! There were so many new babies in the village--and the mothers had them all dressed in very warm clothing--winter hats and sweaters, etc. It's so strange--what we consider warm/hot (80's) they consider is their "cold" season! I couldn't help but think, "Well, your baby probably wouldn't have a fever if you took off the wool hat and sweater!!!!!" :) It was quite the experience!
Saturday night was our student outreach. To attend, all of the students must bring a non-Christian friend with them. They have a program and share the Gospel, and then they eat--free food, buffet style! It was really great--so many students! It was held at a restaurant in a hotel, so we had one of the rooms in the back. The waitresses kept bringing out more and more food--fish on fire, fish soup, octopus (nope, I didn't attempt it!), vegetables, etc. etc. etc.--and of course, RICE! I got brave and tried an onion--it was sooooooooo HOT!!!! My lips and mouth went numb!!!!!!!!!!!!! After that, I was more cautious--only rice and soy sauce for me, thanks!:) I met some really great students/professionals. It was a good night. After the program, Pheakey, Amy, and Pheakey's husband, Kasol, kidnapped me and took me to the Lucky Mart for dessert. Of course, I had to ride side-saddle on the moto because I was wearing a skirt. IT WAS SO SCARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I almost fell off! But I survived . . . and I vow never again to ride side-saddle on a moto!
Today was church, then we took a tuk-tuk (no motos!:) back to the guest house . . . another team member showed up, and another member is leaving, so it's been a busy morning of meeting new people and saying good-bye! I leave for Thailand tomorrow--I am excited to be going back to Chiang Mai, but I am sad to be leaving Cambodia. At first, I didn't know if I would like it here, but now that I've been here awhile, I've found out that I really do like it. I hope and pray to come back someday!
Anyway, we are headed to the state-run orphanage this afternoon, then hanging out with the students, going out to dinner, and then saying good-bye. The rest of the team is joining me on Wednesday, so that will be fun. I can't wait to see some of my little friends in Thailand:)
Well, dear friends and family, I must be going! I will write more when I am back in Thailand.

Susannah
"Were there no God we would be in this glorious world with grateful hearts and no one to thank." (Christina Rossetti)
"We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same." (Anne Frank)
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matt. 7:13-14)
P.S. Joel, congrats on the J-O-B! Don't crash my little silver lining!!!!
P.P.S. The title is in reference to the scanning code at the Lucky Mart--I've bought so many croissants (the French left this place with some GREAT bread!) so I memorized the scanning code--Yes, I am weird, I know!:)

Lost in a Sea of Brown Eyes

2007-02-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

Hello!
Whew, it's Thursday already and my week has flown by! So many new and different experiences . . . On Tuesday night a couple of the girls took me to the Stadium to"exercise" . . . WOW. It's crazy! All of these Khmer people flock to the stadium after work and pay 500 Riel (12 cents, I think) to work out in these large groups. It's exercise classes outside, with instructors and everything. There are so many people just hanging out, eating (food vendors abound!), and exercising. It was so much fun--a combination of jazzercise, Tao-Bo, aerobics--and then traditional Khmer dancing and a form of Cambodian line dancing. WAY FUN! Of course, I didn't stick out AT ALL:) If you know me, you know just how absolutely UNCOORDINATED I am, especially with any type of follow-along aerobics! (Right, Al?:) You definitely cannot be self-conscious in this culture if you aren't Cambodian--you will be stared at! They just stare at my eyes . . . and I just drown in a sea of beautiful brown eyes. :)
Anyway, I don't even know what else to write about--so much! I love all of the students at the center so much. One girl, Strey-Mou (spelling, who knows?:) is so much fun . . . She told me, "I like you big-big (a lot)!" They just warmed their way into my heart--I will miss them a lot.
Last night the students cooked dinner for a couple of us on the team. It was traditional Khmer (pronounced "Ka-my") food . . . HOT! I couldn't even stand what they considered "mild" sauce. It was vegetables, rice, cooked fish, lots of hot sauces, etc. Then fresh pineapple (SO GOOD) and watermelon. It was a fun meal. Of course, what made it somewhat ironic was that we were listening to Nirvana, James Taylor, and Bob Dylan as we ate (one of the guys brought his laptop) so it was very bizarre to be listening to "Carolina On My Mind"in a student center in Phenom Penh, Cambodia!!!!!!! It was a great time of fellowship and learning from each other. I love to just sit and talk with the students; we have really clicked, despite the language barriers. It's weird, because even though I can't speak a word of Khmer (ok, I've learned two words--flower and tiger--don't ask!:), I really pick up on the gist of the conversation based on inflection, tone, and body language. Of course, I am constantly saying, "What'd she say?" and making them translate, especially when I know they are talking about me! :)
I've been to the Christian School all week; I've been helping Amy teach her English class there, too. She has the grade 1 class--adorable kids! Typical first graders--lots of energy, jumping around, etc. It's been so fun! I've also been reading stories to the kids--they are so eager to read and speak English! I love the culture here--students really respect their teachers--they all stand up and give the traditional greeting when they enter or leave the classroom. "Good-bye, Teacher. Thank you for teaching us. See you tomorrow." So sweet. There are a few kids I want to take home with me! :)
It's been really great hanging out with the students and joining their world. Today I went and got a manicure and a pedicure (and probably a fungus!:) at a local salon (by "salon" I mean open air, out on the dirty/dusty street. It made me a little nervous, but I couldn't not go with the girls. It was a strange experience--I had to put my hands and feet in what looked like dog bowls filled with water from who knows where or what's in it! Here's the kicker--it cost $1.50, and I even got some cool designs on my thumbs and toes! CRAZY! Some of the guys here have really nicely manicured hands . . I asked Amy if they got manicures and she just laughed. She explained that in the Khmer culture, the men rarely cook or wash dishes, etc. so their hands look nice. It was a funny conversation, that's for sure.
The other night we were trying (unsuccessfully, I might add) to explain "Air Quotes" to the students--hilarious!!!!!!! I have never laughed so hard in my life! I have been teaching the students many new (and useful, of course) phrases, including, but not limited to: "You're being a brat/"Stop being a brat"; "Don't boss me around"/"Quit bossing me around!"; "Keep it on the DL"; "Get over it"/"Deal with it" . . . So fun! I about DIED when one of the girls told me, "Save your drama for your Mama!"--I don't know where she learned that, but it was hysterical!:)
I have to be leaving the cafe, so I have to wrap this one up!
Oh, the bugs! Let me just tell you, yuck. Big huge crazy bugs. Enough said!
I will write more soon. On Saturday we head out to one of the provinces for a medical outreach. I'm anxious to see some of this beautiful country!
I love you and miss you all! Thanks for the prayers and e-mails!
Sorry it's cold there--it's like 85 degrees every day:) Don't be jealous--you could have come if you wanted to!:)

Susannah
"What is it that you express in your eyes? It seems to me more than all the words I have read in my life." (Walt Whitman)
"There is no remedy for love but to love more." (Henry David Thoreau)
" . . . And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."(Micah 6:8)
PS. Thanks for the jokes, Al:)

Superbowl? What's that?

2007-02-05T05:05:00.000-08:00

Hello friends and family!
Thanks to all who are faithfully reading about my travels! I enjoy your comments:) It is so nice to hear from home. I am doing fine . . . my cough/cold is slowly going away. It's been a busy couple of days! We finally made it to the orphan home on Saturday morning--they were so happy to see us and play with us. They are so content with the little they have (toys, etc.) and they just play and play with the same toys; unlike many American children who discard their toys in seconds for any new and interesting gadget! Saturday night I also went with Amy to another orphan home to teach English! It was exhausting but fun. I had a heck of a time explaining that a drugstore was NOT a place to buy the "bad"drugs! I also struggled with explaining a drinking fountain . . . it was a new concept to many of those kids. I hope to go back next week, if I have the time.
On Saturday night I was up late doing one of the girl's hair and teaching them how to apply makeup--I know, I know, not exactly under the agenda for a "missions trip," (and not that I am an expert!:) but it was necessary to them! Not that they have any makeup to wear (it's expensive here) and the stuff they do have is cheap/the wrong color. Remember how I said they want to look white? Well, their foundation is definitely for a very pale white person (like me!) SCARY! It was really fun, though. The girls are so sweet.
Church was on Sunday . . . Dave spoke and sang. It was good, but it is so tiring to listen to two different languages; I zoned in and out at points. It's kinda funny--I've gotten good at ignoring the conversations around me because they aren't in English! Unfortunately, my brain doesn't register Khmer! I am trying to learn, but Thai seems easier to me!
Today is Monday, and I got up early and headed to the Christian School run by Asia's Hope. SO MUCH FUN! I read 3 different stories to the pre-k, kindergartners, and the 1st graders! The kids were so cute and very excited. "Hello Teacher!"they all called to me (the kids from the orphan home attend the school, so there were many familiar faces:) and when I left they all yelled, "Thank you, Teacher!"I am losing my voice from so much "talking English" but that was totally worth it! I am going back tomorrow, too!
Well, I must be going. Who knows what I'll be doing tonight, but the girls promised going to exercise (traditional dancing, from what I understand) for around 10 cents at the Stadium. Sounds interesting, for sure!
I miss you! Home seems very far away from this world! Cambodia gets under your skin, though:) It's the people here--they make you want to be here. I've met some pretty amazing people! God is here working in Cambodia! It's exciting to be a part of the action!
I will write more soon!!!

Susannah
"Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door."(good ole' Emily Dickinson)
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations . . ."(Matthew 28:19a)
ps.--Cheryl, remember the end of verse 20? We made up a song . . .:)
pps.--You all beat me on Rabbits! And I even had a 12 hour lead!:)

"Love the girl who holds the world in a paper cup . . . drink it up!"

2007-02-02T04:35:00.000-08:00

Hello all!
Thought I would title this post after my favorite James Taylor song:) Anyway, here I am, sitting in an Internet cafe in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. WOW. This city is crazy---smelly, dirty, crowded . . . and yet, it has a charm all its own! We arrived around 8 pm on Thursday night, and let me tell you, going through the visa/border control was absolutely terrifying. All they want is your 20 bucks, but the process is so serious and there are so many uniformed men standing around. VERY SCARY, especially for me, seeing as this was my first time visiting Cambodia! But I made it; no problems.
The group that met us at the airport was so fun! A group of students came to meet us at the airport--they were so sweet. The girls kept touching my arms and holding my hands--they were excited to meet me! I am actually staying at the student center while I am here. I would stay in the guest house (very nice, air conditioned, hot showers) but what would be the fun in that? I feel like I'm back in college! My roommate is Amy (not her real name, but apparently her name is too long and too hard to pronounce so she goes by Amy!) and she is so sweet! She is 22 and studying at the local university. All of the students there are so welcoming and gracious! Of course, I have to sleep on a hard mat and take very cold showers every morning, but it's totally worth it.
Today I toured the city with Amy and Pheakdey ("Peck-day"). We had so much fun! Pheakdey works for Asia's Hope (she's the accountant) but she also used to live in the student center before she got married about 2 months ago. She speaks very good English, so it was nice to have my very own translator! We first went to Cambodia Genocide Museum---soooooooooo sad. It used to be a school until the Khmer Rouge turned it into a torture camp in the late 60's and 70's. It was honestly the most sickening thing to see the torture devices, the photos of the victims, etc. I felt very ill. It was so sobering. Of the 20,000 or so people who were taken to the prison, only 7! survived. The place had the feeling of pure evil. I shiver just thinking about it.
After the museum, we had lunch at local restaurant; I still felt ill so I just had fruit. I haven't been very hungry lately, mostly because I have a bad cough and cold (I caught it at the orphanage:) so yeah, I've been fairly miserable. We then went to a local market--Pheakdeyt loves to shop! They had so many second-hand purses, shoes, etc. Pheakdey was good to take--she really bargained hard for me! I bought a purse for 3 bucks--the lady sold it to me cheap because I was pretty! :) OH! We had to take a moto scooter to the museum--I thought I was going to DIE! Lanes, traffic lights, stop signs--these are all merely suggestions around here. Traffic is very very crazy! I actually took another moto to this cafe---still scary! I'm surprised there aren't more accidents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, after the market, we went to the local "mall"--it reminded me of the mall in Thailand----Western clothes, accessories, etc. There were many little stalls selling all sorts of stuff. We just "window-shopped" (I taught the girls this phrase:) and looked around! It's so strange--a very different world. I feels weird being in the minority--there are not a lot of foreigners around here--I definitely am very stared at!
Well, friends and family, another team member arrived today and he is waiting for me to finish, so I best be signing off for the moment! There is Bible study tonight at the student center, so I'm excited for that. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!

~Susannah
PS. If I don't get to use the Internet before the 4th, Happy Birthday to my Grandma and Bonnie!!!! I love you and miss you!
"I believe in the sun even though it doesn't shine, I believe in love even when it isn't shown, I believe in God even when he doesn't speak." (Author Unknown)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting LIFE." (John 3:16)

Twelve Sleeping Alligators

2007-01-31T21:24:00.000-08:00

Hello!
It's about 9 am and I am up, showered, and packing. I leave for Cambodia today. I am sad to be leaving, but excited to see the orphanage and student center in Phenom Phen. More cute kids!
Yesterday was a very long day. The Chiang Mai Zoo was really cool except for the uphill walking, steps, ramps, etc. The zoo is on the mountain, so we all trekked around for about 4 hours.; at least it wasn't the hottest part of the day. There weren't a lot of people there--we were pretty much the only "farangs or foreigners. The zoo needed a better map and signs in English, though--we sorta got lost and had to guess where we were. It only cost 100 baht to get in--under 3 bucks! Also, it was another 100 baht to see the pandas. I didn't spend the money; I've seen pandas before--and I'm poor!
We saw some pretty crazy animals. "What is that thing?!?" was a common expression:) Of course, there were a lot of animals we recognized; the security/protection at the zoo was unreal, meaning, of course, that there really wasn't a lot of fences, gates, etc. If you were motivated enough, you could definitely reach in and touch some of the animals! It was kinda scary. I almost touched the baby elephant! Also, there were twelve sleeping alligators; we threw money at them and tried to make them move. They were huge! You wouldn't have wanted to fall into that pit! (But you could have easily jumped right in if you wanted to live out your Crocodile Hunter fantasies!:) Anyway, it was a really fun day! Definitely a different experience than the zoos in the States!
After the zoo, we all piled into a taxi and headed to the local department store, Central, for lunch. There were lots of Western stores, restaurants, and clothing places. A group of us ate at Pizza Hut--YUM!!!!!! It was really good. We then had time to look around the mall--nothing much. Apparently, this is where the locals shop to look like Westerners. There were so many people there, too. It was nice to walk around by myself for awhile and just wander. :)
We then headed back to the orphanage. Same typical schedule--play with the kids, have worship time, etc. There is this one little boy, probably about 2 years old, who hung on me all night. He is sick with a bad cough and cold, so I just held him during worship time. He is so cute; his name is Lak (spelling? who knows!). I will miss him! I got a couple of pictures with him, though!
After the kids were back in their bamboo huts working on their homework and getting ready for bed, Rachel and I headed to the Night Market. Dave drove us into town and dropped us off--we had about an hour and a half! It was much less crowded the second time; we actually knew what we were doing! We both purchased a few things--I got very good at bargaining:) It was fun! Chiang Mai is a really great city; I hope to come back here one day! Especially to see the new orphanage!!!!! I just want the kids out of the huts and into "real" buildings. Of course, they don't know the difference, but it's hard to see how they live.
Anyway, that's all for the moment. I don't know what the situation for Internet is in Cambodia, so I'll try to post when possible. Thailand is like living in luxury compared to Cambodia, or so I hear. It should be very interesting and filled with all kinds of new experiences!

~Susannah
"Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be." (Grandma Moses)
"He must become greater, I must become less." (John 3:30)

The "Squatty-Potty"

2007-01-30T17:54:00.000-08:00

Hello friends and family!
It's about 7:45 here and it's FREEZING! I know, I know, I shouldn't complain about the weather, but it is technically winter here, and the nights get pretty cold. The days are sunny and warm though, so that is nice.
Yesterday Rachel and I headed out to the Day Market with the group from Virginia. Apparently we would have had to take 3 taxis just to get to town (we are more in the country) so that would have been quite the feat seeing as we don't even know where to tell the drivers to take us! We stopped at a little Western/Thai restaurant for lunch . . . it took about an hour and a half for every one's food to arrive--hey, that's Asia for you! I had a full breakfast meal for about 4 bucks--I didn't even eat most of it because it tasted funny, but the croissant was totally worth it. Also, the pineapple, banana, and watermelon were so delicious!
After eating, we headed to the Day Market---miles and miles of vendors selling everything! It's more for the locals, so there were more practical things at this market--kitchen stuff, shoes (oh the shoes! If only I had smaller feet! They all look at me and sneer, "You feet too big!" Hey! I only wear a 9!:) tons of cheap clothes, and lots of food. OH THE SMELLS! I saw about every kind of dead animal possible; we walked very quickly through that part! :)
Well, then, unfortunately, I really had to use the restroom (I had Sprite, orange juice, and tea with my large breakfast!) but of course, it's not a "Western" style toilet, it's a "squatty-potty" as we call it. GROSS. It's all about balance and not getting your pant legs or shoes wet. The floor is disgusting--yuck!!!!!!!!! But I survived. It even cost 2 baht--I can't believe they CHARGE you to use a hole in the ground, but hey, it's Asia!
Anyway, we headed back to the orphanage, played with the kids, and then joined them for their worship time. SO cute! There is one little boy, Booey (spelling? who knows!) who everyone calls Doc. He is good with helping those who are sick (everyone has a cold or a cough from the cold) and he is so adorable. Last night, after we helped them make a beaded bracelet, he came and sat on the porch with me. Oh I want to take him home! I almost started crying last night just thinking of leaving these kids here. I wish they could be adopted out into families, but the government here is really strict with adoption laws, etc. The kids do have sponsors from different churches, so that helps. It's going to be so hard to leave!
Today we are headed to the Chiang Mai Zoo! It should be really cool. Tonight I want to head back to the Night Market! This is my last night in Chiang Mai; I'm headed to Cambodia on Thursday (earlier than expected!) but I probably will come back to Chiang Mai with the other team members later.
Ok, that's all folks! I've got to get ready for another long day:)
I wish all of you could be here and experience this!!!! I'm glad I have access to a computer at the guest house so that I can at least update and share this with you.

Susannah
"Be in love with your life." Jack Kerouac
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Let the adventures begin!

2007-01-29T19:28:00.000-08:00

Hello!
Yesterday (Monday, the 29th for me) was a very busy day!!!!!!! Rachel and I woke up early and tagged along with the group from Virginia (did I mention they are staying at a mansion? The house, gardens, and ponds are GORGEOUS!) and we hit the ground running! We started out at a local tribal store--it had all kinds of merchandise from the local tribal villages--very beautiful purses, bracelets, blankets, bags, etc. All of the different tribes have their own style of clothing, colors, patterns, etc. The children at the orphanage all have an outfit from their own local hill tribe; they even have a program where they all sing a song from their tribes while they are all dressed up in their costumes. Of course, as soon as the program is over, the nice clothes are quickly discarded--they don't like to stay dressed up for long! Typical kids!
After the village shop, we headed for lunch at the local mall, Carrefour. I had an icky hot dog from Diary Queen--it had a very funny taste :( So then I had french fries from McDonald's--they also tasted strange--oh well. The ice cream from Diary Queen was great! I guess you can't really screw up ice cream!:) Carrefour was cool, though--lots of stores, kiosks, etc. So much stuff!
Our group then headed out to visit a home for women with AIDS. A couple from the States, Jerry and Pam, run the home. The woman make paper gift bags and cards to support themselves--they bags are really beautiful! It's an intricate skill, but with some help from my Thai teacher, I made a bag! It was really cool. The cards were all handmade and really creative and cute . . . and they were only 35 baht (about a buck)!
Jerry and Pam then showed us their newly purchased property. It is in the middle of rice fields; there were water buffalo galore! :) The new home will be for the women with AIDS, homeless people, etc. Jerry and Pam really have a heart for the people of Thailand. It was really awesome to see how God was using them!
Our next stop was to the North Thailand Mission Organization. This was my absolute favorite part! We met with David, who works with others to translate the Bible into several different languages. This man is so utterly passionate about his calling; his stories were amazing. He told us the story about how the translation of the Chinese Bible was completed, even after their only translator (a seventy-nine year old man) nearly died days before they were to finish the translation. They met with the man and prayed for him; he was up the next morning huddled over the manuscript, working on corrections. As a result, the manuscript was finished! It was an inspiring story . . . it was good to be reminded of just how casual many American Christians are about having a copy of the Bible! Also, to see how God is working in many of these countries and bringing together people from all over the world was incredible! We all do have a part! I was really moved by this humble man; he had such a heart for sharing God's Word. I'm actually getting very choked up just writing about it. I wish everyone could meet David and see the work he is doing here. He has dedicated his life to serving Jesus, even when it is sometimes dangerous and illegal! WOW.
Anyway, after the mission, we came back to the orphanage. The kids came running! They were happy to see us after such a long day (they had just gotten back from school). We then had BBQ pork on a stick with rice for dinner--YUM! After dinner was a worship time with the kids; they were so cute trying to sing "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" in English.
A group of us then headed out to the Night Market, a huge street market--you could get everything! Knock-off designer bags, jewelry, backpacks, watches, clothes, beautiful silks, etc. etc. etc.! It was a shopper's dream! It was fun to bargain . . . I bought a necklace and I bargained hard (but not hard enough, I think:) and got the price down to 300 baht (9 bucks, I think) I should have walked away. It was kinda overwhelming! So many people!!!!! If you don't like crowds, this isn't the place for you!
Anyway, we were exhausted by the time we got back (about 11 pm) so we went right to sleep. Right now it is almost 10 am on Tuesday, the 31st and it is going to be a slower day for us. Rachel and I are teaching English to the staff and children in the afternoon, so we have a little free time. We are thinking of heading to the Day Market (more for the locals and cheaper (!) than the Night Market (very touristy) . . . but we don't speak Thai and we need to get a taxi there. It should be quite the adventure! I'll try to update soon!

Susannah

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." (Helen Keller)
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt. 12:34)

Long Live the King!

2007-01-28T18:49:00.000-08:00

Hello friends and family!
Here I am in Chiang Mai--it is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains. At first it reminded me of Mexico . . . the stray dogs, signs, run-down homes, etc. Very Asian, though. The orphanage is situated out of the city--they have three large bamboo huts for the children, a guest house (where Rachel and I are staying) and a church. The property is also fenced in and has a nice gate. They have just raised enough money to build a new orphanage--praise God! It will be so nice to see the children in actual homes!
Speaking of children, they are absolutely wonderful!!!So sweet, beautiful, always smiling. I fell in love right away! :) Their names are so crazy! They laugh at me when I TRY to pronounce their names. Oh, about 6 kids came to the airport to meet me, Dave, and the Doc yesterday afternoon. They brought me flowers and hugged me! I knew I was a goner--I give my heart away so quickly when it comes to kids:)
Today was rather relaxed. I slept like the dead because the good Doctor gave me drugs! I was so loopy. . . it was kinda funny. I also met another team fromVirginia who were visiting for the week. Yeah, I had to re-meet them all today. Rachel, the girl from my church whom I've never met (she was at school and now is teaching in Taiwan) also came today--I am so grateful for her! It's nice to have another person who knows and understands English!
We played with the children today--I played a crazy game of "Follow the Leader" and tried to teach the kids using a Phonics book. They were so hungry to learn any and all English words. It was fun to teach them but also very exhausting. I love the way that they imitate me perfectly--inflections, tones, etc. It can get pretty amusing. Rachel and I also attended a church service for the young people at the student center. The singing was the same but in Thai, so that make it kinda hard to follow along. Pastor Dave preached a sermon, and someone translated, so that was good. We then went to a Mexican restaurant in ChiangMai--it was good (but not as good as Chipotle!:)
Now we are back at the guest house preparing for bed . . . jet lag and all. A busy day tomorrow! I will write more soon!!!

Susannah
PS. The title of the blog is in reference to the king of Thailand--he is absolutely revered. They are celebrating his reign because he is the longest living monarch in the history of Thailand. They even have merchandise everyone wears in homage--T-shirts, bracelets, etc. It's quite interesting.
PPS. I tried squirrel today . . . all I can say is, interesting. :)
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." (HelenKeller)
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 2:5)

Sleep-deprived, but alive!

2007-01-26T17:40:00.000-08:00

Hello from Bangkok, Thailand!

Well, I made it! I've just spent the last 6 or so hours in the Bangkok Airport. I've mostly been wandering around aimlessly . . . I have a cart for my luggage, so it kinda feels like I'm at the grocery store--strange. Airports are rather odd places--so many people! I've been having fun people-watching--and I've also been getting many the curious glance--mostly because I seem to pass the same people about two dozen times! I also tried to sleep, but I'm so paranoid about someone stealing my luggage, so it wasn't that restful. I woke up in a panic at one point because I was so disoriented! Speaking of disoriented, it's about 8:30 pm on Sat. I think I've gotten about 8 hours of sleep TOTAL from the beginning of this adventure--crazy! It was about 30 hours of flying and waiting, but I'm doing fine--God is definitely watching over me and protecting me!

I will write more when I get to Chiang Mai!
Thank you all for your prayers!:)

Susannah

"Courage is being scared to death--and saddling up anyway." (John Wayne)
"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"(Psalm 91:2)

Leavin' on a jet plane . . .

2007-01-25T00:39:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!

It's 3:40 AM here in cold and snowy Toledo. I went to bed at about 12 AM; I think I got about 2 1/2 hours of sleep. I'll definitely be tired enough to sleep on the plane! :)
I'm feeling both super excited and nervous this morning . . . My brain would not shut off to sleep--I kept remembering things I hadn't packed yet. I leave for the airport at about 5:15, so hopefully by that time everything will be packed, settled, and ready to go!!!!
Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers--it means a lot to me! I know that God goes before me; I am trusting in Him to keep me safe, especially as I am traveling to Bangkok by myself.
Here's what my flight schedule looks like: Detroit to Chicago, Chicago to Tokyo, Tokyo to Bangkok, and then Bangkok to Chang Mai, Thailand. Whew!!!!
I will update as soon as I'm able!
Bon Voyage!

Susannah

P.S. I've changed the settings so that if you want to comment, you no longer have to have a Google account! Comments make me happy:)

And yes, here is another poem; another "favorite"! Enjoy:)

"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that, the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I marked the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Running around like a chicken . . . well, you know

2007-01-22T12:46:00.000-08:00

It's Monday, and I am busy, busy, busy! All that last-minute stuff . . . and I still need to pack. And for those of you who know me well or have been on any sort of trip/vacation with me, you know I have a tendency to overpack! :)
Today I thought I would share my life verse. It is Psalm 31:14-15a, "But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands."
Thanks for reading!

~Susannah

And for all the poetry lovers out there . . . here's one of my favorites!

"What happens to a Dream Deferred?" by Langston Hughes

Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore-
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over-
Like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
Like a heavy load

Or does it explode?

Countdown to takeoff!

2007-01-21T16:17:00.000-08:00

Hello friends and family!

I guess creating a blog was easier than I thought! :) Now I will be able to keep everyone updated on my trip to Thailand and Cambodia. I leave on Thursday, Jan. 25th. I am very excited! I am also extremely grateful to my church, Maumee Valley, for not only generously providing the funds to make this trip possible, but also for their constant support and prayers. Thank you!

Please keep me in your prayers!
~Susannah

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!' " (Isaiah 6:8)

"I am just a wandering wayfarer in a strange land." (Robert Burns)