Baby Tigers like to Nibble on Racers!
Chiang Mai, Thailand month 9 on the race has had memorable moments even in the first week being here. Past racers have posted pictures laying next to tigers, petting their backs and the moment came for my UH team to add to that number of racers. We did our research to make sure Tiger Kingdom was a humane center and also calculated our chances of being malled by a tiger. Though most of us giggled about that fact we were going to Tiger Kingdom as a team, I could see the worry on of some of my team mates faces. The C squad Jan. 2014 UH Thailand Team: Victorious Secret was ready to cuddle with some Tigers for our off day and well, quality team time…
Buying your ticket and selecting which size tigers you want to pet seems more real then imaging it the night before. Now, when you see your budget for the month exceeding its limit, you have to tell yourself this is a once in a lifetime experience and worth it. You walk into the cage with your 7 lady team and feel safe. Which is odd, perhaps if a tiger decided to attack he would have to choose one out of 7 teammates and not have time to devour all 7 before they fled. We giggled nervously and moved slowly in a pack as we entered the enclosed area and saw the big cats sleeping and trainers close by. The trainer tells me I can lay down next to the big cat we are crowded around and to put my head on his belly as he sleeps. The nerves begin to kick-in, but I know I have to rip off the band aid and do it.
I'm laying on a large breathing tiger and he's my pillow for the moment. He starts to awaken and I wonder if I need to get up, but then he stays calm and falls back asleep soundly. I'm a good cuddler, just kidding…sorta (:
We take turns as a team taking pictures of each of us petting the tiger and rid our nerves as we break the ice by touching them.
Fast forwarding to the baby tigers. I realize in seeing them in their play pen area slipping around on the tile. I need to go buy another ticket and be in there with them like the other tourist. I had bought the cheapest package which was good for seeing a big cat and a small one. But the ones in the play area were the smallest and I knew I would regret passing up a chance to play with them. Plus, who doesn't love baby tigers? We sit down in the play pen area and one of the baby tigers jumps up on my lap like my wieners dogs do back home to say hello and cuddle. I'm not sure if he was allowed to start nibbling on my bracelets or chew on my shirt. But with the trainer's head turned for a second I couldn't help but, laugh and let him nibble one me.
"I'm playing with a baby tiger and he likes me! I just fed a baby tiger his bottle and now he's chewing on my new elephant shirt and World Race bracelets I've collected from around the world, life is good!"
This was a rare moment indeed and gift from God. I wish we could have stayed in there all day with the babies, but lucky for Karly, Beth and I we were allowed to stay in an extra couple of minutes and play.
With the tigers you have to follow a set of rules in the areas with them. No loud noises or fast movements. You only can touch the lower back, rub the belly or hold the tail if given permission by a trainer. A trainer is always near the head of the tiger and has a small thin wooden stick that directs the head if he begins to move his face towards you. The tigers know their trainers and you can tell they love them. One trainer when we weren't in the cage area went up to the fence said his tigers name and the tiger jumped up on the fence and licked the trainers face to say hello.
In conclusion from today, I realized how much our fears and expectations hold us back. And that you know you're walking in freedom when you make the decision to conquer your fears with Jesus. Though discernment and smart choices play a role. Always remember we do our most growing with God, when give our lives to him and let him take full control of our fears. He'll take you on adventures you never thought were possible and open your eyes to see the unseen, hear what can't be heard and believe in what seems unbelievable. I wish I could explain how much the World Race has given me so many opportunities to live out my faith and become a bolder more confident woman of God. But, perhaps you need to just experience it for yourself. Go on an adventure when you can, small or big, save up, dream big and GO!
I recommend Thailand!!! <3
