Mountain Village Visit

Sixteen people crammed into a truck, six in the cab and 10 in the back.

Hot day, winding road, ear-popping climb into the hills.
Loaded with sweets for the kids and some packets of colouring books, comics and colourful pamphlets speaking of the hope we have in Jesus.

On our way to Mai Tha.

This is a remote Karen village known to Suradet and Yupa.  They've visited there twice before, having been invited by a young woman who is a brand new Christian and the only one in her village.  Our mission today was to go and encourage her, as well as her husband, and to watch for an opportunity to gift new friends with the packets. 

I've been to a Lahu village before, twice, and marvelled at the spartan living conditions of these very rural, simple, gentle folk.  Same was true today, although there seemed to be more wood and bamboo structures here, more sturdy.  Lots of livestock.  First time I've ever seen a pig tied up in a front yard.  Even a little 'store', sort of. 

We were met with curious smiles, amused almost.  I learned later that while these people are not isolated and have certainly met Westerners before, we were the first to actually come and visit them where they live.  The children were shy, afraid almost, and hid in their houses peeking at us from the windows.  Even Yupa couldn't convince a few of them out for a sweet, and we had to give a handful to one braver, older girl, who ran back into the house loudly claiming them all for herself. 

It was a celebration day, the one year anniversary of their village.  A holiday, so everyone was at home, making preparations for the rituals that would protect their village for one more year from the evil spirits that mean them harm.  While Thailand is 95% Buddhist, it's not a pure Buddhism and carries with it a strong mixture of spiritism.  It's the stuff that makes them choose nicknames, and tie strings around their wrists, and change locations of village from time to time, all in an effort to fool the evil spirits into leaving them alone.  The drumming and smoking is part of it too, and we watched respectfully before being invited into the home of Suradet and Yupa's young friend.

Da - The only Christian in her village

Mats on the floor.  Eating off the floor.  Blood pudding (congealed pig's blood), rice, fried eggs, noodles and pork dumplings, very spicy sauce that was passed around from one bottle.  And some grape pop or Coke to wash it down.  And afterward we sang the chorus of 10,000 Reasons as a way to say thank you and bless their home.

Bless the Lord O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship His holy name

Which we did.  Right there.  

An elderly man's form of transportation

Watching the preparation of the drum

In the middle of a spirit-worshipped village, unharmed, boldly, blessing and being blessed.

Dave with the Village Leader Sombat

Handing out the packets

 It was hot.  We had to be careful where we stepped.  Bathrooms were very Thai (although very clean).  We stayed for about three hours and for about two of them we didn't know for sure what was happening next, or when the next thing might happen.  Watched the village people fix their ritual drum.  Met the leader of the village, who was quite happy to have us.  Even let Dave and George bang on the drum (a male only domain), which we did as a symbol of honour for the village leader. 

It's hard for us to get this, but the truth is that it increases Suradet and Yupa's status and credibility to show up with foreigner friends.  And while there was no opportunity for us to do any dramas or speaking or even sing a song other than our thank you song, our presence there helps to pave the way for Suradet to build relationships in the future.

So, an uncomfortable, long, fascinating, God-productive day.