People
The people here are so sweet, kind, and gentle. It's unbelieveable. I haven't met a snooty person here yet (other than other tourists). When I've got my hair washed, they gently comb out my hair. I'm used to my hair being pulled not so gently (I'm not talking about just mom, but I'm not even gentle with my own hair). The kids were brought up in this nature too. The atmostphere is so laid back.
Traveling
This trip had a lot of firsts for me. I have experienced the left side driving before, but nothing compares to the driving here. I don't think there are any rules other than : Don't Hit Anyone. The cars are constantly swerving in and out. You can pass on the outside of the road if you want. I always felt like we were going to run a car off the road or something, but we never did. People would graciously move out of our way (see what I mean by gentle). If we decided to do that in America fingers would be thrown and cuss words would be flying.
Feet
You take your shoes off everywhere. You take them off before you walk into some stores, homes, and schools. It was definitely something I had to adjust to. I'm used to walking around everywhere with shoes, but not here.
Service
I think Thai people have a bone in their body that is called service. The people are constantly serving others. There are massages everywhere because people are true servants. People are always doing things for others. When we were at the orphanage, the older boys would shelter or help out the younger boys that were shy at first. It was a humbling experience to see the older boys serving the younger ones not because they must have service hours to graduate, or that they were told to. They just did. It's that simple. Service.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Reflection
Thank you!
I want to thank everyone that has been reading this blog. I've really enjoyed writing it. I hope everyone was able to experience the wonderful things along with me. I thought I would just write this blog to keep as my journal for class as a grade, but it's definitely become more than just a grade. I've enjoyed being able to capture the moments to be able to share with so many people!
I would also like to thank everyone that has prayed for us and for our wonderful safety. We truly had a great time, and many don't want to leave. We've been blessed beyond belief. I would like to ask everyone to continue to pray for the country of Thailand, because they are a Buddhist nation. Pray for the sweet sweet children at the orphanage and their futures. Please continue to pray for us as we have another 24 hours just traveling, until we get home. Pray for those in my group that have to continue to travel home after we land in Chattanooga... some are driving to Ohio, Texas, Arizona the day after we get back.
While- I'm on the "thank you" kick, I need to give a shout out to Ryan and Mom! I know they have worked their hineys off while I've been gone. For those of you that don't know, Ryan and I got a house before I left so they have been painting and more (they want give me details). Thank you so much for all of your hard work. I love both you so much! What would I do without you?! Mom- I owe you a hand massage :) Promise. Also- there have been others that have helped and I want to thank them too for their time and effort. I so appreciate your work and love for Ryan and I. I'm so excited... and I can't wait to see the house! I know it looks amazing!
Friday May 28, 2010
Day 14:
Our Last Day... bittersweet.
I wake up to the feelings of happiness, sadness, comfort, excitement, anxious, humbled, grateful, love all because I'm leaving today. I honestly don't know how to feel. I'm excited to come home and see everyone! I have missed everyone tremendously. Then, I'm sad that we are leaving, because I have made some memories with this group of people, and the orphanage that will be forever embedded into my soul. I could see myself living here, if my family was with me. This side of the world is so different but different can be good right?! I know, once I'm home I'll be happy and there is still God's work to be done in Cleveland, TN too... but I know I'll constantly think back to those precious children at the orphanage.
We went to Tiger Kingdom today to play with the tigers. I definitely got into a cage with the "Big Cats." The tigers are beautiful animals. I do believe the tigers were sedated, because they never moved, they just slept.... so it's not as risky as it sounds at first. I had a better experience with tigers than with stingrays... how does that happen?!
I'm back at the hotel right now while everyone is packing and getting their hair did at the beauty shop across the street. I had mine done this morning before Tiger Kingdom. And of course, it was wonderful as always... the hair washing is truly the best. I'm already packed and ready to go except the minor little things... I just thought I would share the rest of my trip with everyone!
Thursday May 27, 2010
Day 13:
I rode on an elephant today- no big...
We went to the Meataman Elephant Camp about an hour away from Chiang Mai. We first walk by two baby elephants (which has to be the cutest thing ever!). They were in seperate fences, but were playing with each other using their trunks.
If you tipped an elephant then he or she would pick you up with their trunk. It was a weird feeling. The skin is so rough, and elephants are hairy... wasn't expecting that. I tipped my elephant 20 baht and he picked me right up. It was a lot of fun, I have pictures to prove it :)
The elephant show was my favorite part of the day. The elephants go into training when they are about two years old. They can do lots of stuff, it was incredible... did you know that elephants can live up to 100 years? I thought this was fascinating. The elephants started the show out holding up a sign that said "Welcome." They held on to each other's tail and walked in a circle. Then an elephant kicked a soccer ball. I have a video that I will post on Facebook. The coolest thing was when the elephant actually painted a picture! It was incredible... I have tons of pictures :)
Tonight we went to the Night Bazaar, I finished up all of my shopping for other people! I'm pretty pumped about all the goodies I'm bringing back! Can't wait to see everyone.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday May 26, 2010
Day 12:
ZIPLINING BABY! Today was soooo much fun!
At first I was a little apprehensive, because I didn't know what to expect. They hook a harness up to you, and trust me, it's the worse, awkward, and uncomfortable thing to wear! I was safe though, and in the end that's all that really matters. We put on a helmet, which was real attractive- let me tell you.
Our guide was ummmm..... different to say the least. I'll leave it at that.
The ziplining itself was amazing. It was so neat to see the rainforest, and the pretty trees and views from our stands. Some of the people would go upside down (not me). I was too chicken. I did do the superman thing once, and landed into a net. That was neat. I didn't like the propelling so much. It reminded me of Tower of Terror (and we all know how that story ends). I'm so glad I got to experience this, who knows if I'll ever be able to again.
* Side Note: The ziplining company that we went with is called Flight of the Gibbon which was seen on the Amazing Race. I thought that was pretty cool.
Full Body Oil Massage at a place called Let's Relax is amazing! It's incredible. Just to warn you the details to follow could get a little graphic... haha. You start off slipping into some slippers and head upstairs. Two to a room- Jade & I in one, and April & Dr. B in another. We had to take a quick shower rinse off and put on a robe. Okay- most of you know that I'm a very modest person so this experience took me way out of my comfort zone, but hey- It's Thailand Baby, so why not. We lay down face up on the massage table, and the ladies immediately cover us with a light sheet. The massage begins. We had been warned about the places they massage you... and let me tell you, you aren't shy at the end. I don't want to give the massage a bad rap, it was very professional, just different. Apparently, I got the "G" rated version of the massage compared to some of the others- Thank goodness. I tell you though, she definitely massaged my ba-donk-a-donk A LOT... that was the weirdest thing of the whole massage. Overall- my experience was good, and it was fun. I believe we are going to try the Herbal Thai Massage tomorrow.
Tuesday May 25, 2010
Day 11:
Today I had a fudgeround for breakfast! I haven't been making it down to breakfast because I try to get as much sleep as possible. I know that you guys can't see me pushing the limit on sleep?! Right?!
Today was interesting, but to be honest, it was my least favorite day. I thought there was going to be more to it. We rode in a van to three different villages. Two of the villages were just dirt roads with houses, and we simply walked through the little community. I felt bad for taking pictures because we were at their houses. I wouldn't like if someone just rolled up by my house to take a picture of my everyday life. They didn't seem to mind, but it just wasn't what I expected. The cool thing was that we got to see little baby piglets that weren't even an hour old! That was cool!
The Long Neck Karen (not pronounced like the name Karen) was interesting. I thought we were going to be given a little bit more information. All I know is; 1. They start putting on the rings when the children are young. 2. Keep adding the rings along the years til about 20-22 years old. 3. The rings are inserted into the skin where each neck bone is, and it allows the bones to seperate and the neck becomes longer. 4. Some can take off the rings, but sometimes if the rings come off, then their neck is broken. 5. The men think that it is beautiful to have a long neck (like a swan). I personally think this is crazy. In America though, we do crazy stuff like tanning, dieting, coloring our hair to become more beautiful! So I guess it's the same way (sort of) in every culture.
After the villages, we went to dinner at Riverside. It was amazing! I had a good ole cheeseburger, I was sick of rice... and more rice. The food was good but the view was amazing! It was a lot of fun.
I just want to take the time to share how amazing our group is. Of course there are attitudes and personalities that don't always mesh well, but our group has been exceptional with just going with the flow. We all mingle in and out with each other. There aren't any cliques. This trip has been a blessing, and it's mainly because we have such a good group!
Monday May 24, 2010
These girls performed a lot of dances after dinner. It was entertaining for the first 15 minutes, and then it became so uncomfortable sitting that it was hard to enjoy, not to mention the group sitting beside us thought it was night time. They were spread out like eagles.
