Thailand.
Add that to the list of places I never imagined I’d go to.
After a 40-50 hour travel day in which we went through 3 counties, we finally arrived in Bangkok for debrief. Let me just say, pretty different from Central America.
The people are all very nice. Very big on politeness. In fact, I think it would be safe to say that I’ve accidentally offended many people at this point. There are many rules on how to greet and interact with people. You can’t laugh loudly in public (I’ve broken that rule a ton so far). The language is difficult for me to understand, but I’m learning. The formal greeting is a slight bow with your hands in prayer position while saying “Sawatdeekhrap.” It seems a lot more formal than English in general. It’s all pretty cool.
The food is delicious. I’ve gorged on some of the best Thai dishes one can find at a giant market. As well as some of the weirder market foods, such as fried crickets. I’ve eaten meats that I’m only 90% sure were chicken on a stick. Pancake ball on a stick? You’re dang right I had a pancake ball on a stick. I’ve had types of noodles that I didn’t know existed. Needless to say, the food rocks.
The markets are a melting pot of smells and sights. I of course gravitate towards the fish markets. Shrimp, crabs, live fish, live eels, frogs, squid, octopus, clams. They’ve got it all! Delicious fresh produce and baked goods, it’s a foodie paradise. Cheap clothes and trinkets, too! Everyone politely trying to sell their wares. It’s a really fun experience.
Everyone is always on time, here. Very punctual. Not at all like Central America, where being an hour late can still be considered on time. Gonna take some getting used to.
It’s all very modern where we are. Bangkok is the biggest city I’ve been to, complete with giant malls and movie theaters. Stuff that puts Hattiesburg to shame. But no matter where you go, you can’t escape Thailand’s rich history and culture. There are pictures of their king everywhere (it was his birthday last week, actually), due to the respect they have for him.
Then there are the signs of Buddhism everywhere. Especially in the beautiful and ornate architecture that marks their temples or monuments. In front of stores and homes, or even in little shops you’ll find tiny monuments to pray to. There are giant statues of Buddha’s or famous monks all over the place. You can even buy a tiny god for good luck in the 7/11. Almost everything you see points to Thailand’s main religion.
It’s all quite strange. The other morning I was reading in Ecclesiastes on the roof of the YWAM building we were staying in while a woman across the street was praying to a Buddha statue and rubbing it’s belly for good luck.
Truly weird.
For all it’s beauty and culture, Thailand has it’s shadows. Human trafficking and prostitution are booming industries in Thailand. There are many, many ministries devoted to the saving and helping of women in bondage, but the business chugs on. It’s something we’ve all heard before. Something on TV about trafficking, a pledge on Facebook to stop it, the End It movement, a blackout on twitter. All of these things are great, but it seems so distant. Something that occurs somewhere else that will never affect you.
Well it’s affecting me. Looking around and wondering which women are there by choice and which aren’t. Everything about the industry has become very real to me all at once. All the things that seemed so far away at home, are right under my nose now. I’ve barely come into contact with trafficking since I’ve been here (that I’m aware of), but it’s just something you can feel.
It’s sad.
But there’s hope. There’s always hope. Ministries like YWAM. People like Pastor Ekachai, our contact this month in Chanthaburi. People everywhere willing to share the love of God to the broken and weary. The lost and confused.
I’m excited about Thailand. I think it will be a month of growth and challenges. Full of fun and new experiences. Full of crazy things that God will do to, with, and through us. The people we’ll meet and form relationships with. I’m just pretty dang excited.
I already love this country and its people.
I’ve already been to an aquarium and a beach. Heck, we may even get to play with some tigers and elephants while we’re here. Adventure around every corner!
Beginning the next leg of my journey.
Seth
