WHAM!
Month 3. I am in Thailand, in Bangkok. Guilty confession: I did watch the Hangover 2 (based in Bangkok) and when I watched it, I NEVER thought I would be here.
Granted, it is much nicer looking than the movie. It almost looks westernized here. I am currently sitting in a ridiculously nice mall at a coffee shop during Debrief, and it's weird.. I already feel myself attacked by the draws of materialism in this place, with very expensive clothing stores and restaurants.
How did I get to this place?
I used to love eating at very nice restaurants. I USED to dress rather nicely, for my age.
But right now I'm in running shorts, a cut off t-shirt, sandals, and my Kentucky hat and I haven't fully showered in a week. At least.
*Side note: I went to the KFC right across from this coffee shop. Apparently they don't offer discounts to native Kentuckians. Weak sauce, Bangkok KFC. Weak. Sauce.*
Continuing. My norm has changed, and this culture is so foreign to me now. What is this new norm?
- Areas of destitution
- Constant mosquito bites
- Ministry in 110+ degree heat in the jungle
- Walking through dirt roads avoiding cows and goats
- Holding hands with our contacts. Because, hey. That's brotherly affection in the rest of the third-world.
- Eating the same meal lunch and dinner EVERY day.
How did I get to this point? It certainly didn't feel like God broke me and made this my new norm. It' s a strange feeling, being in a city with good roads, bright colorful lights, traffic signs, and around people who are in nice, westernized clothing.
This city is impressive. We went to an awesome food market last night, with some of the best food I've ever had. It may give me food poisoning, but eh, Kang Rok Goo Ri, or whatever it's called, is totally worth it. And I am more comfortable with that now than safe food from an air conditioned restaurant.
Debrief itself feels strange, because my expectation is to wake up and be in ministry, doing some "Kingdom business." Don't get me wrong, we all need rest. Time to be filled up by the Holy Spirit. Time to reflect on the changes over the past few months. But man, I'm just getting started.
And so, I can't wait to be in Northern Thailand at our ministry site.
Where exactly? I don't know exactly. Meh.
Doing what? I don't know exactly. Meh.
Will the other team scheduled to be with us actually live with us? I don't know exactly. Meh.
Because that's part of Kingdom Business. It's mostly in God's hand. And where ever He wants to lead, I'm following. It's the new norm, and His glory is written all over it.
