Heart-Language

This past week I had the great privilege of hosting my oldest brother and sister-in-law for 10 wonderful days here in Thailand. We had many adventures together, both large and small, and it was very exciting for me to be their tour guide. Since they knew no Thai whatsoever, I also got to be the translator, which was both fun and nerve-racking at points when I just wasn't sure how to communicate. It is amazing though to see how using the heart-language of a people blesses them. Chiang Mai has a large tourist population, so a lot of local Thais are accustomed to farangs speaking no Thai at all. When I speak to them in Thai, however, something in their countenance immediately changes. They realize that I am not a tourist--and I'm not just any other farang who lives in Thailand but never learns the language. I care enough about them that I will study so I can communicate in the language of their heart.

When my family and I joined with other farangs on some of the more touristy adventures I was the only Thai-speaking farang in the group. I thus became a quick friend to our guides. It is a simple thing, but it is so meaningful. There are a lot of missionaries that have been in Thailand for years and barely speak any Thai... they just haven't given the time and effort to it. I don't mean to judge them at all, but you can't do true ministry without learning the heart language of the people you are ministering to. I still have light years to go in my personal study, but it is encouraging for me to see the smile in the eyes of a Thai person when I converse with them.

That being said..... I better go study!

Sharing

Something happens when you share an experience with someone. What you once loved you learn to love to a new level. Memories are built in a place, laughter shared at a secret spot, long talks had at a favorite coffee shop.... And then, when that person leaves, something leaves with them. Those wonderful places lose some of their luster. They take on a different hue—changing from bright to brighter, but then they fade...

A drive through the city now has a different feel. Your joy for living now has a tinge of sadness on the corner. Flooding your mind are new memories only just created days and moments before... wine on the mountain at sunset, walks through the old city, dinner at the restaurant down the street...over and over again, conquering the mountain early in the morning, and coffee runs with double shots in the afternoon.... Check your review mirror— he's not there following behind you with a silly grin on his face. Listen—a laugh, but it's not hers. The room still smells like the last hug you gave before driving away.

It's time to grieve. The tears come... don't stop them. A part of your heart has flown away and dwells across the ocean. You wait for the day when you can retrieve it in their arms once again.

falling

Have you ever met God on the back of a songtao, late at night, while the wind whips through your hair and the stars harmonize with your voice as it is carried along the highway? Tonight, He was found, and I was mesmerized.

“…She, listening with sparkling eyes to everything He said; and, in finding Him irresistible, becoming so herself.”

falling...

Perhaps the countryside of Thailand had never heard the old hymns before tonight; I introduced them. The trees, the grassy fields, and the wind sang along with me, teaching me to worship with every breath as they do. This is what He created me for—

I could fall in love every night...

Father's Day (Happy Birthday, King!)

Monday marks Father's Day in Thailand. It is a very special day because it is also the birthday of the king of Thailand. In fact, Father's Day is always on the king's birthday (which means that, yes, it changes with the kings!). It is a public holiday, so all of Thailand is preparing for this special day.The current king of Thailand has been reigning since 1946 and is highly revered and beloved by his people. All around the city, stations like the one pictured below have been popping up in honor of the king for his 84th birthday. I have been told that so important is this day that if a Thai son is born on the king's birthday, he is granted free education for the rest of his life! Likewise, if a daughter is born to Thai parents on the queen's birthday (Mother's Day!), she is granted the same. (This last bit of information was word of mouth... I have tried researching it to confirm it and can't find anything--so, don't take my word for it). :)

{I took this picture tonight outside of the local supermarket}

On Father's Day people will show their love and respect for the king by wearing his special color--yellow! The king's day of the week throughout the year is Monday, so people also wear yellow on Mondays. This king ascended the throne at the age of 19 when an untimely death thrust him into power. He has since become the most adored and respected king in Thailand's history, and the longest reigning sovereign in the world. And get this interesting fact: he was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts! :O

Happy 84th, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX!