All I ever heard from past racers were great things about Thailand… “Oh, you’re gonna love Thailand!” “Thailand is awesome… one of my favorite countries on the race!” Needless to say, I had pretty high hopes for this place. Well, Thailand is not what I thought it would be.
Don’t get me wrong. The country is beautiful, and there are several things I enjoy about it including a structured and well-constructed road system, WIFI availability, tasty food, and mountains.
But I’ve been struggling with the culture and people here… and the heat. Oh the heat (upper 90s into the 100s w/ a sizable dose of humidity). Hate to admit it, but I believe I’m experiencing culture shock for the first time.
India and Nepal were both a slight disappointment for me in the nature aspect, but I fell in love with the people. Passion abounded. I’ve never felt that much love and hospitality from a people group.
Whether or not those countries have affected this month, I can’t be sure. All I know is that I’m having a tough time.
Let me give you a background of the area we’re staying in, to give you perspective. Mae Sot, Thailand is a border town, with Myanmar/Burma situated to the west. Burma has experienced civil war for many years. It’s only within the past two years that the country has opened its borders, as it has somewhat stabilized in recent years.
However, there are still major problems with the government there and the trust among the peoples. Therefore, many people have fled from Burma into Thailand. There is also a people group from the region of Corrine that are a part of this action.
On top of all this, there is a region known as “No Man’s Land” between Burma and Thailand. Basically, it’s a part of the riverbed that creates the border, which is dried up outside of rainy season. This area is ungoverned, which means there are absolutely no laws. Poverty, shacks, drugs, rapes, pornography… it’s not a place you’d want to hang out. The people that live there are refugees or fugitives who have no “home.” They can’t enter Thailand and can’t enter Burma, or they will be arrested, trafficked, or worse.
So, imagine this potpourri going on… You have refugees everywhere, many languages, stark differences in religions (we live near a Muslim community), a mecca for the trafficking industry (which is vast and secretive), and poverty. People that speak basic English are rare. It’s a lot to take in.
I was overwhelmed enough with just the differences in Thai and American culture after our orientation in Chiang Mai, let alone the addition of Mae Sot. I’ve been hesitant to jump all in, because I’m unsure of the appropriate way to act or respond in front of the people I’m interacting with.
I’m also adjusting to my new team and getting to know them better.
I realize I’m being a drama queen and selfish with a lot of this, but I just have to be honest with where my head has been this past week. The Race is not always puppies and rainbows.
I’m so thankful for Jesus though. The past couple days, He has helped me realize that He still wants to use me, despite my lack of passion. In response, I’m optimistic about this month!
I’m ready to see what my Father has for me, and I want to serve and love well. You see, love is cross-cultural. LOVE is what it’s all about. That’s where the heart of God is.
So, Thailand… I may not like you a lot right now, but I’m gonna give you all I have and see what happens! You need Jesus as much as anyone else.
