It has been a great 10 days in Michigan so far, but I must admit, the introvert in me is beginning to throw a fit and demand that her rights be recognized. I keep telling her she's just going to have to wait until I get back on the plane. Then she'll have 23 hours to be as much as an introvert as she'd like. Usually I sleep on my long flights, so they pass rather quickly, but as I examine my flight times and develop my jet lag prevention sleeping plan, I am realizing that the best thing may be to stay awake for all or most of my itinerary. I'll arrive ready to keel over, but seeing as I arrive at 11:20pm, I figure that's a good thing. I hope I'll be able to find enough ways to amuse myself.
In the meantime, the beat goes on here in Michigan, with days filled with family and friends. I haven't really blogged at all not because there is nothing going on but because there is so much going on that I haven't got two thoughts or two minutes to rub together. I've had a short window this afternoon to nap and relax and just be a blob, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Hopefully I'll be up for conversation again in about an hour, when I need to be at dinner!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Nail Pierced Hands
May I just state for the record that I am in bed under three blankets with fleece pajamas on and my fingers and nose are numb? It's 5am and I can't sleep- no it ain't Santa Claus, it's my new friend jet lag.
Aside from being cold and tired most of the time, it has been a wonderful few days in Michigan. I've been able to catch up with friends and hug my siblings and eat home cooked meals and was even able to send a salad back and get a new one on account of it being covered in white dressing. It's the little things in life.
I'm not quite sure how the birth of Jesus turned into winter and snow and presents and trees and family dinner and candlelight services, but we'll have fun with all those things today, except maybe for snow, which has yet to make an appearance. Last week as I was reading the Christmas story out of Luke as part of my Advent readings, I was also finishing up the book of Matthew as part of my regular daily readings- the birth juxtaposed against the crucifixion- and it was rather intriguing. Many times I think when we read about Christ's birth we read it in its humble context, but coming in contrast to his last few hours, Jesus' first few hours took on a rather regal quality. I was struck not by the simplicity of the surroundings or the poverty of his parents, but by the majesty of the announcement and the reverence of the visitors. In him was life, and this life was the light of men.
There is something to be said for putting our main emphasis on Jesus' humble beginnings, but I am wondering if maybe sometimes we pay so much attention to the fact that there was no room in the inn, that we miss the activity of the cosmos, the grandeur of the heavenly hosts, the glittering wealth of the gold (for royalty), frankincense (for Priests) and myrrh (a prophetic burial spice). At Easter time we talk about the triumphal procession into Jerusalem as showing Jesus' majesty- but to me palm branches and a ride on a donkey pale in comparison to unknown stars appearing or a company of angels singing praises. No wonder Herod was scared.
We celebrate Christ's birth today, not so much because he was born, but because he died. We give gifts in honor of the greatest gift, the sacrifice of the Son of God. We live not because of how the story started, but because of how it ended. As we peer into the manger scene today, as we gaze longingly with the shepherds at this miracle birth, may we see also the crown of thorns, the nail pierced hands, and the empty tomb.
Aside from being cold and tired most of the time, it has been a wonderful few days in Michigan. I've been able to catch up with friends and hug my siblings and eat home cooked meals and was even able to send a salad back and get a new one on account of it being covered in white dressing. It's the little things in life.
I'm not quite sure how the birth of Jesus turned into winter and snow and presents and trees and family dinner and candlelight services, but we'll have fun with all those things today, except maybe for snow, which has yet to make an appearance. Last week as I was reading the Christmas story out of Luke as part of my Advent readings, I was also finishing up the book of Matthew as part of my regular daily readings- the birth juxtaposed against the crucifixion- and it was rather intriguing. Many times I think when we read about Christ's birth we read it in its humble context, but coming in contrast to his last few hours, Jesus' first few hours took on a rather regal quality. I was struck not by the simplicity of the surroundings or the poverty of his parents, but by the majesty of the announcement and the reverence of the visitors. In him was life, and this life was the light of men.
There is something to be said for putting our main emphasis on Jesus' humble beginnings, but I am wondering if maybe sometimes we pay so much attention to the fact that there was no room in the inn, that we miss the activity of the cosmos, the grandeur of the heavenly hosts, the glittering wealth of the gold (for royalty), frankincense (for Priests) and myrrh (a prophetic burial spice). At Easter time we talk about the triumphal procession into Jerusalem as showing Jesus' majesty- but to me palm branches and a ride on a donkey pale in comparison to unknown stars appearing or a company of angels singing praises. No wonder Herod was scared.
We celebrate Christ's birth today, not so much because he was born, but because he died. We give gifts in honor of the greatest gift, the sacrifice of the Son of God. We live not because of how the story started, but because of how it ended. As we peer into the manger scene today, as we gaze longingly with the shepherds at this miracle birth, may we see also the crown of thorns, the nail pierced hands, and the empty tomb.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Light in the Darkness
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him everything was made. Without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life and this life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. John 1:1-5
Changing Places
More thoughts later in the week for sure, but for now, here are the randoms bits about being back in Michigan:
- It takes my body about 18 hours to switch places, but my head about 36 to get used to it.
- I can drink the water right from the tap :)
- I'm in nearly the same time zone as Buenos Aires- perfect for skyping with friends!
- My body is responding to the jet lag by requesting a snooze and a light meal every 3-4 hours. I can live with that.
- What I'm not liking so much is that today from 11am-4pm I felt like it was the middle of the night and I had that "I'm awake in the middle of the night" sick feeling. Blech.
- A White Christmas would be nice, but I'm not going to complain about a 45 degree Christmas.
- It's really really quiet here. I mean seriously quiet.
- I really wish I didn't need to drive everywhere or anywhere. In part because I hate driving and am not looking forward to getting behind the wheel tomorrow, but also because I like getting around without a car.
- I sure do love drinking tea all day!
- I watched TV last night for the first time since I left in July. I really like that I don't watch it or miss it when I am gone.
- Mis libros! Mis libros! How good it is to be reunited with ones books :)
Sunday, December 18, 2011
From sandy beach to white Christmas... I hope!
In a mere 6 hours I will leave my apartment to head "home for the holidays". I spent the weekend at a lovely Thai beach where my dear friend got married yesterday. This morning I walked along the beach, basking in God's glorious creation and thinking, in less than 48 hours I'm going to be freezing my behind off in Detroit. Not only was the seaside setting beautiful and the wedding a wonderful celebration, but it was also good time with some of my friends- and a new friend (que habla español!)- and just a really good note to leave Thailand on. I'm going to attempt to stay up all night before my flight leaves at 6am- I figure I might as well get this jet lag thing started and maybe now I'll sleep on the plane tomorrow during a good part of the Eastern time zone night.
Here are a few highlights from my weekend in Rayong:
Here are a few highlights from my weekend in Rayong:
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| With the bride the night before the big day! |
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| No, we did not break into the chocolates early... |
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| The setting was just perfect! So beautiful! |
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| A beautiful wedding, and very "them" |
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| My favorite part of the ceremony: instead of a unity candle they lit a lantern and let it fly! |
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| Loved spending time with her this weekend! And her hubby, who was kind enough to speak English with me (next time, Thai!) |
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| On the drive home we passed an elephant, and since I'd never seen one before, we stopped so I could say hi and give him a snack. He was just a baby. |
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| Hungry guy! Apparently these aren't the best animals to see, as they are often mistreated :( But we decided it was okay since it was my first chang (elephant) in Thailand. Really makes me want to get to an elephant center! |
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| We also stopped for snacks and this place was amazing! Tons of squid and seafood snacks especially. Feast for the senses. |
Thursday, December 15, 2011
One foot, two foot, red foot, blue foot
And so begins the classic Dr. Seuss book.
Before coming to Thailand I read a number of books or articles with "do's and don't" for Thai culture. It wouldn't surprise me if at least half of them had to do with feet. Feet are a tricky thing here- for Westerners at least. I read a lot of things about being careful about crossing your legs (don't let your foot point at someone), or about not pointing with your feet (you'd be amazed how often we do that!) or not putting your feet on things (that probably goes for most countries...). I figured I would remember what I could and just watch when I got here and see how it all played out.
Some of the things I read seem abundantly true but others I can't quite interpret yet. For example, if the whole foot thing is such a big deal, why do my students routinely remove their shoes in class and sit on their feet? This is something I would never allow in an American classroom- you just don't take your shoes off in public- but here it seems kind of natural and comfortable and no one seems to mind, so I let it go. I've got a Thai student who leans forward on his desk, knees on the chair with his feet sticking out in the air behind him- the soles of his feet very much showing and pointing at whomever walks by. And sometimes I see Thais sit cross legged on a chair or something like that which would seem taboo to me based on what I read.
All of this perplexes me because I like sitting on my feet. I like sitting cross legged or with my knees drawn up and my feet on the chair or couch in front of me. So if that kind of thing is okay, I'm going to do it. If it's not, I really don't want to offend anyone. And granted, though they may be scandalized if they knew, no one is in my apartment to care that my coffee table often serves as both a foot rest and a dining table.
It's taking me a while to get all the foot rules down. My first week here I pointed at something (that was on the floor) with my foot. Luckily, no one really saw but my friend, who though a new teacher had lived in Thailand before, and she ever so discreetly and kindly reminded me I shouldn't do that. I've "messed up" other times with my feet. Sometimes it's quick and no one says anything but I notice half way through and think oh crap! I pointed with my foot again! Other times it has been pointed out a bit publicly to me, not meanly, but publicly, and I get really embarrassed. I know it is yet another thing that will take time, take mental training to remember all the time, but it is definitely confounded by the fact that I'm still a little fuzzy on all the details.
I feel like there's a lot to learn about shoes too, since they go with the feet. I went shoe shopping on Monday and was getting ready to try on the first pair, and suddenly thought, oh no! what if there are special unwritten rules about trying on shoes, seeing as I'm going to put my feet in them! I was definitely glad I had the vocabulary to at least ask if I could try them on before doing so! Then today I saw a Thai holding a pair of shoes for a bit. They put them back in the bag and said, "Now I need to go wash my hands." Makes sense, with the foot bit, but it never would have occurred to me!
Luckily, I have a few good friends who are my 'culture and etiquette guides'. I asked one of them at lunch last weekend a whole bunch of questions about feet, and another one about different wedding protocol today. You need those people in a foreign country. In Argentina Vale was my 'go-to' person. Whenever I needed a cultural interpretation, or wasn't sure how to dress or what to expect at an event, I could ask her and she wouldn't be offended by my weird questions and not knowing.
Sooner or later, I'll at least master these basic aspects of the culture here, the surface level ones that people can see. Now for those hidden cultural things, I'm going to need a few more decades :)
Before coming to Thailand I read a number of books or articles with "do's and don't" for Thai culture. It wouldn't surprise me if at least half of them had to do with feet. Feet are a tricky thing here- for Westerners at least. I read a lot of things about being careful about crossing your legs (don't let your foot point at someone), or about not pointing with your feet (you'd be amazed how often we do that!) or not putting your feet on things (that probably goes for most countries...). I figured I would remember what I could and just watch when I got here and see how it all played out.
Some of the things I read seem abundantly true but others I can't quite interpret yet. For example, if the whole foot thing is such a big deal, why do my students routinely remove their shoes in class and sit on their feet? This is something I would never allow in an American classroom- you just don't take your shoes off in public- but here it seems kind of natural and comfortable and no one seems to mind, so I let it go. I've got a Thai student who leans forward on his desk, knees on the chair with his feet sticking out in the air behind him- the soles of his feet very much showing and pointing at whomever walks by. And sometimes I see Thais sit cross legged on a chair or something like that which would seem taboo to me based on what I read.
All of this perplexes me because I like sitting on my feet. I like sitting cross legged or with my knees drawn up and my feet on the chair or couch in front of me. So if that kind of thing is okay, I'm going to do it. If it's not, I really don't want to offend anyone. And granted, though they may be scandalized if they knew, no one is in my apartment to care that my coffee table often serves as both a foot rest and a dining table.
It's taking me a while to get all the foot rules down. My first week here I pointed at something (that was on the floor) with my foot. Luckily, no one really saw but my friend, who though a new teacher had lived in Thailand before, and she ever so discreetly and kindly reminded me I shouldn't do that. I've "messed up" other times with my feet. Sometimes it's quick and no one says anything but I notice half way through and think oh crap! I pointed with my foot again! Other times it has been pointed out a bit publicly to me, not meanly, but publicly, and I get really embarrassed. I know it is yet another thing that will take time, take mental training to remember all the time, but it is definitely confounded by the fact that I'm still a little fuzzy on all the details.
I feel like there's a lot to learn about shoes too, since they go with the feet. I went shoe shopping on Monday and was getting ready to try on the first pair, and suddenly thought, oh no! what if there are special unwritten rules about trying on shoes, seeing as I'm going to put my feet in them! I was definitely glad I had the vocabulary to at least ask if I could try them on before doing so! Then today I saw a Thai holding a pair of shoes for a bit. They put them back in the bag and said, "Now I need to go wash my hands." Makes sense, with the foot bit, but it never would have occurred to me!
Luckily, I have a few good friends who are my 'culture and etiquette guides'. I asked one of them at lunch last weekend a whole bunch of questions about feet, and another one about different wedding protocol today. You need those people in a foreign country. In Argentina Vale was my 'go-to' person. Whenever I needed a cultural interpretation, or wasn't sure how to dress or what to expect at an event, I could ask her and she wouldn't be offended by my weird questions and not knowing.
Sooner or later, I'll at least master these basic aspects of the culture here, the surface level ones that people can see. Now for those hidden cultural things, I'm going to need a few more decades :)
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
All I Want For Christmas
I have to confess, this post comes directly from other missionaries at my home church in Ann Arbor. Their post on the subject re-stirred something in me that I have felt for some time, and also gave me the great link I'll include further down. I also want to say that I wrote this post mostly for myself, mostly to remind myself of just how rich I really am...
It's very easy in this season of giving (and getting) to feel like we don't have very much. We easily focus on what we don't have or would like to be able to afford to give to our families. And even though I see the Black Friday pictures of people walking out of Walmart at midnight with 3 gigantic TV's and think, I would never be so obsessed we all still do it in our own ways. Every year families go into debt in order to buy their children happiness or prove their love or friendship. Every year after Christmas, after receiving a large collection of gifts, we go back to the stores to take advantage of the after-Christmas sales, because- we still don't have enough.
You can click on this link to the Global Rich List to see where you fall globally based on your annual income. A missionary salary puts me in the top 10%. And that's just salary, it doesn't include the health insurance benefits or other benefits that come with my job- both financial and otherwise. What do I give up to serve abroad? Not much. Even in Argentina, where my small stipend didn't even qualify me to pay US taxes, I was in the top 14% worldwide. I have traveled to and visited a host of countries. I have a helper that cleans my house for me once per week. I can afford to buy special treats at the expensive grocery store full of imported foods (there aren't many foods I have to go without here). I work and sleep in AC every day. I have more food than I can eat and more clothes than I can wear. I get to learn languages and interact with people from many different cultures. I have a safe and comfortable home. I have resources beyond imagination. I am rich.
I think it is especially easy for missionaries to think that we are "poor" simply because we often have less than expats in the corporate and diplomatic communities, but the truth is, we still have more than just about everyone in the countries where we serve (with the exceptions of those who serve in the US and Western Europe I would think). Our definition of "less" is still far more than most of the world's definition of "more". It's an easy trap to fall into- no matter how much we have there is always someone who has more. But you don't have to look around very hard or read many news stories to see that we actually have far more than we need- even in comparison to many Americans.
Perhaps this Christmas, as we pause to celebrate the gift of God's Son to the world, we can also consider how we can be Christ's hands and feet in that same world today. Heifer International and World Vision have some great ways for us to do that! Not sure what to get the person who has everything (or the person who has to fit everything into a suitcase)? Try a goat or a chicken...
It's very easy in this season of giving (and getting) to feel like we don't have very much. We easily focus on what we don't have or would like to be able to afford to give to our families. And even though I see the Black Friday pictures of people walking out of Walmart at midnight with 3 gigantic TV's and think, I would never be so obsessed we all still do it in our own ways. Every year families go into debt in order to buy their children happiness or prove their love or friendship. Every year after Christmas, after receiving a large collection of gifts, we go back to the stores to take advantage of the after-Christmas sales, because- we still don't have enough.
You can click on this link to the Global Rich List to see where you fall globally based on your annual income. A missionary salary puts me in the top 10%. And that's just salary, it doesn't include the health insurance benefits or other benefits that come with my job- both financial and otherwise. What do I give up to serve abroad? Not much. Even in Argentina, where my small stipend didn't even qualify me to pay US taxes, I was in the top 14% worldwide. I have traveled to and visited a host of countries. I have a helper that cleans my house for me once per week. I can afford to buy special treats at the expensive grocery store full of imported foods (there aren't many foods I have to go without here). I work and sleep in AC every day. I have more food than I can eat and more clothes than I can wear. I get to learn languages and interact with people from many different cultures. I have a safe and comfortable home. I have resources beyond imagination. I am rich.
I think it is especially easy for missionaries to think that we are "poor" simply because we often have less than expats in the corporate and diplomatic communities, but the truth is, we still have more than just about everyone in the countries where we serve (with the exceptions of those who serve in the US and Western Europe I would think). Our definition of "less" is still far more than most of the world's definition of "more". It's an easy trap to fall into- no matter how much we have there is always someone who has more. But you don't have to look around very hard or read many news stories to see that we actually have far more than we need- even in comparison to many Americans.
Perhaps this Christmas, as we pause to celebrate the gift of God's Son to the world, we can also consider how we can be Christ's hands and feet in that same world today. Heifer International and World Vision have some great ways for us to do that! Not sure what to get the person who has everything (or the person who has to fit everything into a suitcase)? Try a goat or a chicken...
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