You know you live in Thailand when...

Sometimes it is easy to forget that I am in a foreign country. And then there are the other moments...

• A motorbike is a family vehicle and every bike is a 'bicycle built for two'.
• You often feel like a giant at 5' 4".
• Instead of building potential snow days into the school calendar they build in potential flood or coup days.
• Lunch costs $1.50 but a jar of peanut butter is $5, a twelve year old used car is $12,000, and Lady's Speed Stick is a mere $15 (yes, I have switched to Thai deodorant!). 
• The glow of the lights from 7-11 shine in your windows every night.
• You're surrounded by green and plants even in the middle of the city. 
• Your new roommate is a gecko and you don't even mind his presence because he eats other unwanted visitors.  
• Rice has become a staple of your diet.
• You find yourself just smiling at everyone because, well, that's the Thai way.  And when in 'Rome'...

A trip to the hospital

If there's one thing I have learned from living abroad it's that seeing the doctor is a very cultural thing and every country has it's own system.  The whole national health care thing was a bit strange in Scotland and it definitely took me some time in Buenos Aires to figure out how to navigate the system there.  One thing that was very different there was that people "went to the hospital" for all kinds of things.  Things that we in the US would see a GP for.  Eventually I figured out that the hospitals had a more broad version of urgent care, and that dropping by there was really the best way to be seen if you were sick.  Doctors visits were reserved for managing ongoing problems or for when you needed a medical certificate for something. 

So I wasn't completely surprised here in Thailand when people got sick and "went to the hospital".  I had been to the local hospital once during orientation for a quick medical check-up that was required for my work permit.  The hospital was really quite nice.  I went to the big international hospital downtown two weeks ago for an international fair they were hosting, and that place was 5 star.  Not only was the facility gorgeous, they had a beautiful and extensive food court, if you could even call it that, where we ate lunch.  Even with these pop-in visits, I still wasn't quite sure how this whole thing worked.  If you were sick, but not in any severe way, what department do you go to?  Will everyone speak English?  How do you fill prescriptions?  How much does it all cost? 

This week, I had my chance to learn a bit of that.  I got sick again this week, and since it was the second time in a matter of two weeks and this one came on more suddenly and severely, I decided I needed to see a doctor. I sent an email to a few close friends who are either Thai or have been here long enough to know how the system works to see if anyone could go with my after school to show me where to go, how it works, etc.  One of my Thai friends said it would be better if I went during the day because it would be faster, so within a matter of minutes she and I were on our way to the local hospital during our free period. 

I was so glad to have her there.  Not only was she able to translate (the doc spoke English but I don't know about all the check-in people and nurses along the way) but she also knew exactly where to go and what to do so I was able to just relax.  And it's not like in the States where you just sign your name on a clipboard where they know you and wait until they call you back.  There's a registration place where you check in, then you go to another area and wait until they call you up for weight and blood pressure and then you wait in an area that has a dozen or so little doctor's offices.  Once they call you (and I always knew it was going to be me when they looked at the name, looked real uncomfortable at how to say it, and then gave it their best shot), you go to one of these little rooms where there is a doctor and a nurse.  After he saw me we went and waited in another area where you pay, which is right next to the pharmacy where they give you all the things the doctor prescribed.  And whoa did he prescribe!  I was sent away with an antibiotic as well as OTC's for headache, cough, sinus congestion, and allergies.  My medicine cabinet is now well stocked.  Total cost for doc and nurse: $15. Total prescription cost: $30. 

So, I'm home, once again- three days rest ordered by the doctor. I am tired, but improving, and plan to basically stay home all weekend.  I'm going to eat dinner with a friend tomorrow and watch a movie, but that's about it.  Being sick is not fun, but I am very grateful for my friend's help in getting to the doctor and in the excellent medical care that is available to me in Bangkok.  I had heard good things about it before coming, and so far it has lived up to the expectation. Hopefully soon I'll be up and exploring again and blogging about something other than the Thai health system...

Inside Out

Transition is, by nature, a bit of a roller coaster experience.  In one instant you can be incredibly excited by something you just accomplished and in the next completely exhausted by what it took out of you to get there.  It's a series of two steps forward and one step back. 

This past week I have accomplished much:

• A trip to the plant nursery to buy pots and dirt, and getting all my plants repotted
• Discovery of my (already well blogged) new dance class
• My first Thai class here
• My first formal classroom observation at ICS
• First trip to the nearby Saturday morning market, which felt like a real field trip to Asia
• A trip with friends to Amphawa (the floating market) to take a canal boat ride and see thousands of twinkling little fireflies light up the night
• Numerous good conversations with friends

But these have taken their toll as well.  It's been a fairly stressful and overwhelming week, one that has reminded me of my own limitations and that it is God, not I, who is in control.  This weekend I am working on "slowing down" both internally and externally, on living in the here and now, in the present moment , and just sitting back to enjoy- even as I look forward to the days when all of this will be easy and routine.

I have been reminded of how I am completely and utterly dependent on Christ for everything and anything. I started a study this week on the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5 and learned something really cool.  In English, each one starts with the word blessed, in Spanish the word is dichoso.  I had always assumed that dichoso meant blessed.  But I learned this week that it in fact means 'happy'.  And I learned that the Greek word there is makar which means an inner state of happiness or contentment that is apart from and unaffected by circumstances, a happiness that is found in the character of God.  It comes from His Spirit within me.    All that out of one simple little word.  To a certain extent, I think we all already know this, that true contentment is not found in the world and things and circumstances around us, but for me it is important to be continually reminded.  My joy or happiness is not found in successful ministry or excellent teaching or in wonderful moments spent with family or friends.  My joy is in Christ alone, and nothing can change that, no matter where I am or what I am doing or what transition or phase I am in. 

So, although I take time to appreciate all the accomplishments that this week has brought, I celebrate even more that the fatigue and struggle brings me closer to God.  He has blessed me so richly, in general and here in Thailand specifically, and I can't wait to see what he has in store as more and more I seek him. 

Una clase de danza jazz!

Some of my frustrations with the dance studio I have gone to are well documented.  In addition, the teacher of the stretching class was recently in a bad car accident so there is someone else teaching it, so at any rate, I haven't been back since the Famous Taxi Episode.  Which has left me searching for a dance class.  There was one I had considered on the other side of town on Wednesday nights, but then my friend (and my dance class partner in crime) Bo suggested one on Tuesdays at a smaller studio that she thought I might like better. 

We went yesterday for the first time and the first thing I like was the location.  It's right in the heart of the city which makes it very easy to get to.  Or at least easy to get to the building.  Finding the studio was a little tougher.  We knew it was on the 9th floor.  However, upon entering the elevator, we found the following buttons to press as floor options: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, and up and up.  No 9.  We tried 10. Nope.  Eventually got to 8.  Parking level.  Walked around the parking area a bit, till we found a stair that led to the 9th floor parking area.  We walked around that awhile until, at long last, we found the studio.  And now we know which elevators go to 9, and which don't. 

The second thing I like about the studio is that it wasn't super fancy.  It felt a lot like my studio in Buenos Aires (which I loved). The next thing I liked was that the class was the perfect level for me.  There were about 10 of us and several of them were really quite good.  But others were just at my level.  I also liked that even though we are adults and therefore not "serious dancers" the teacher took the class seriously and really pushed us to do our best. 

Which leads me to, the teacher.  He taught the class in English, and even though we is a Westerner, his English was definitely a 2nd language.  Lots of "more quicker" or "more higher" and a bit of an accent.  He sprinkled in some Thai words, which is always fun, and then suddenly he said something and I thought to myself- I think that was Spanish!  So I started listening more closely and sure enough, that was Spanish coming out of his mouth!  But not just any old Spanish- Spanish that felt familiar and comfortable to my ears.  A few of the words he said, and the fact that he didn't seem to have an accent to me made me wonder...

So after class I asked him, in Spanish, where he was from.  "Argentina"  I was amazed and so excited, which I quickly expressed in Spanish, which prompted my favorite response: "Are you?"  I didn't even realize at first how amazing that was, as I just went on to explain that I had lived there for 3 years but was actually from the States.  Granted, he had only heard about 10 words from me, but he asked if  I was Argentine!!!! 

Imagine that.  The perfect dance class for me.  A jazz dance class in Bangkok taught in 70% English, 15% Thai and 15% Castellano.  The best.  What an awesome provision of God! 

A few quick prayer requests:

• Pray for my relationship with one of my classes of 8th graders.  There are several "power struggle" students in there, not a behavioral issue I handle particularly well.  Pray for wisdom and patience as I deal with those kids, and for better repoire with that class in general. 
• My friend and I are searching for a children's home that could use some volunteers and resources.  At this point, the only ones that are easy to research/find near Bangkok have the resources they need. Pray that we can find a place (within a reasonable distance) that doesn't have the means to publicize itself and that needs resources- we know they exist, and pray that we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to the children there and the people who support them on a daily basis. 

Words? Yes, please!

I love words.  No, really, I mean it, I LOVE words.  Love them.  I like speaking them, hearing them, learning them, writing them, reading them.  Which brings me to two very exciting things in my heart and life this week: the start of Thai classes (in Thailand, hopefully not forgetting most of what Toomy taught me in MI) and the consuming of the Word of God in a new way. 

I live in an English speaking bubble here, and most of the time, that's okay.  My primary ministry is at the school, is with my students and their families, and the girls in my LifeGroup.  And that is awesome. I love them and I love what I do.  But my ministry and calling in Thailand goes beyond the gates of ICS as well.  I want to be involved in ministry of mercy of some kind- probably with orphans and/or kids in some way.  But those guys don't speak English so much, so my effectiveness is pretty limited until I can communicate with them.  Enter Thai classes. 

Second, this past week God has brought some amazing conversations and verses into my heart and life.  And suddenly, I want to study God's Word in a new way.  I have  never really paid too much attention before to Biblical word meanings in the original language, be it Hebrew or Greek, but I have been seeing more and more lately how that can reveal so much to me about Who God is.  Even just reading the Bible in Spanish shows me new things at times, how the different translation brings out a different aspect of the original meaning.  So I am currently hunting down some good tools for this but am not feeling real patient in the mean time.  The internet is a great free resource, but you know me, I want the physicality of a good book, which I will get eventually.  I have just been so blessed this week- both by conversations with people that encourage me in my walk with God to people who have helped take care of me while I have been sick to extra Jesus time while I am in bed recovering to an email from an 8th grade student who apparently really missed me while I was gone and wants to make sure I am okay because math was "too hard and confusing" without me there. 

I am asked a lot what brought me to Thailand, and why Thailand, and my answer never really satisfies me.  I think it's because the reasons I am in Thailand go way beyond what I can see.  I might  not fully understand them for some time, or ever, but that's okay.  I know God is here, working and moving, and I am just glad to be a part of it.

Prayer requests:

• Health- complete recovery from the bug I've had this week.  I am slowly regaining strength, but still not feeling 100%.  Pray for wisdom to ease back into my schedule and to be careful about not taking on too much and getting run down. 
• Language- that my ears and tongue would be loosened to the Thai language and I would be able to see growth even in just 2 hours of class per week.
• Ministry- for now for the four 8th grade girls in my LifeGroup, that God would reveal himself to them in new ways as we study the book of Matthew together. 

Community

Over the past 6 months, as people heard that I was moving to Thailand to teach at an international Christian school, they have over and over again expressed their astonishment that I could do that and told me of how brave I must be.  Rubbish, I tell them.  I think it's easier to move here than to a new place in the US.  Why?  Community.

I've lived in Thailand for less than 2 months, and already I have friendships that go well beyond surface things.  If I ever need anything, I have several people that I could call.  Take this past week.

On Sunday, I started feeling a little under the weather.  A friend met me half way between her apartment and mine to give me some Emergen-C (vitamins) and fresh from the oven pumpkin bread.  By Wednesday I was feeling much worse and went home Thursday after school knowing I would not make it in on Friday.  So Thursday evening, a friend dropped off hot soup, bread, and juice.  Two other friends stopped by with their entire DVD collections, so I could have some amusement while I rested at home today.  Early this morning, shortly after I woke up, a knock at my door produced a steaming cup of chai tea.  A few moments ago, yet another friend brought by a bowl of homemade pasta salad, the non-white and creamy kind that I like.  Tell me, where in the US would that happen 7 weeks after you move somewhere?

This is not meant as a slight to the US.  It would likely be the same for anyone moving within their own nation.  The difference here is the international community, and more specifically, the international Christian/mission community.  While there are struggles with moving to a new country and culture, there are also great advantages that God has blessed me with.  It is such a privilege to serve Him here.  I love that I can talk to my students about Jesus, that I can pray with my coworkers, that I now have friends across the globe who encourage me in my faith and bring unique cultural perspectives to our conversations about God.

24 hours of watching movies in my pajamas and sleeping is starting to do the trick and I am beginning to feel that I am on the mend.  Hopefully tomorrow I will feel well enough to venture out to the Thai Craft Fair and keep at least one social commitment this week.  But I know that even if it takes another couple of days, I won't be alone in a faraway land.  Too much community around here for that. 

Being Sick in Thailand

I've noticed several differences in how germs and illness are viewed here, and now that I am a bit sick myself I figured it was a good time to discuss them. 

My first clue that things are different is that our school employs two full time nurses for our student body of ~850.  This means that when you send a child "to the nurse/clinic" they actually go to a clinic and see a nurse, not the office and see a secretary.  In the US, I think our entire district had one nurse who only dealt with major health concerns. 

Second, now that school is in full swing and kids are sick, I get daily emails from the secondary school nurse which track flu and other illnesses and symptoms.  Each day I find out who has gone home sick and what they have.  The kids are required to check in with her upon their return, and I am then informed of that as well. 

Our classroom windows are now going to be kept open every Saturday to air out the rooms.  A handful of kids have been sick, 2-3 per day out of 400-450 or so.  Some with flu-like symptoms.   There a antibacterial gel dispensers spread throughout the school. Sometimes I look at them and wonder if anyone uses them or if they are just leftover from that whole swine flu mess a few years back.

The other thing that I have a little chuckle at is the masks that people wear when they are sick.  People wear them fairly regularly here to protect themselves against pollution- for example bus drivers or moto-taxi drivers or others in or near traffic.  But people also wear them quite commonly when they are sick.  While I applaud Thailand's recognition of germ transmission and their efforts to keep everyone healthy, don't expect me to start wearing a mask anytime soon.  I've been running a low fever since Sunday morning and I'm hot and stuffy enough without covering my nose and mouth and inhibiting my ability to breathe.  Looking ridiculous has nothing to do with it, of course, since no one would look twice if they saw me walking down the street in one.  I am sure there are those who would prefer that I wear a mask in an attempt to keep them from catching whatever fever/exhaustion/sore throat I have, but most of my sick students have worn one and look where it got me. My feverish friends didn't wear them, but you know, whatever. 

Meanwhile, I am going to drink some more OJ and retire early to my bed.  I feel somewhat confidant that if the nurse at school saw me she'd try to get me to stay home, but at this point in the year I'd have to be a whole lot worse off to hand over my still-not-quite-trained students to a sub.  The work I'd have to put into those sub plans would keep me up all night. 

Baking Cookies

Goal for the day: make chocolate chip cookies. 

Step 1: Buy a mixing bowl, measuring spoons, and a measuring cup.

Step 2: Buy flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips.

Step 3: Soften butter without a microwave

Step 4: Mix the dough.

Step 5: Bake the cookies in the toaster oven, 6 at a time.  Watch them like a hawk especially since there isn't a great light in that room so the oven is all dark.  Some burn anyway.

Overall, I am pleased with my efforts.  The worst kind of cookie to me is the super flat crispy kind, so I always make sure I add plenty of flour.  Something though in the mix or the baking got a bit dry so they came out a bit hard and crunchy, but they're okay I guess.  I'll keep the burnt ones and am delivering the rest to friends at school tomorrow.  They're not quite what I have been craving- will do better next time!

ICS Staff Retreat

Our entire staff, and their families, went on a 2 day retreat this past weekend at a hotel/golf/conference center outside of Bangkok.  It was so nice to get out of the city for a bit and see every shade of green imaginable.  At night, instead of the sounds of cars, there were crickets, and in the morning, the birds joined them.  I had the opportunity to go up a night early to help with set-up and enjoyed the peace and quiet before the hoards (okay, the ~315 other people) showed up.  I had some good conversations with friends and was able to connect with a few new people, which was, I suppose, the whole point. 

I've been able to listen to more Thai over the past few days than I usually do and I've really enjoyed that.  I'm able to pick out words here and there and can occasionally even guess at the topic of conversation.  Really hoping to get some classes going soon.  I've been in Thailand for about 6 or 7 weeks now and am really feeling the transition.  My body is a little under the weather, my irritation level occasionally soars, and some of those doubts creep in of whether or not I'm really going to fit here. Don't get that confused with fit in.  As a foreigner I'll never fit in, and that's fine, but we each need to fine a place, wherever we are, that we can fit.  And this is the point in the process where one starts to wonder.  It's nice to have the perspective of already having walked through several big transitions like this one to identify those phases and feelings and not get too worried over them. 

Back to work tomorrow morning- first progress period ends later this week and I can't believe how fast the time is flying by.  Love you all!!!

Beautiful rainbow on the way to the retreat.

Contraptions like this are a common sight on the streets here.

Grounds of the hotel/golf/conference center where we stayed

We visited a waterfall near the hotel before heading home