Easter Morning Relfections From Half Way Around the World

It's Easter morning here already, 12 hours before the day dawns back home.  Muggy.  Hot.  We had the fan running all night, glad for the cool against our skin.  A rooster crows.  Cicadas buzz.  Incense, as always, hangs in the air.  Doesn't feel like Spring in any way whatsoever. 



But it does feel like Easter.

Resurrection morning, in all its glory, dawns big and  bold and beautiful here under the leaves of the banana tree and in the sweet smiles of greeting as we climb the hill for morning worship.  Easter morning worship.  New life.  Big power.  All in the name of Jesus who didn't stay dead!!!

Pra Yesa song feun keun ma!  Christ is risen!
Pra Ong song feun keun jing jing!  He is risen indeed!

We say it.  We sing it.  Altogether here by the cross at the top of the hill.  And later, together with Hot Springs Church, beautiful believing brothers and sisters, who worship together a Risen Christ.  Makes no difference in what language the story is told.  Again and again we rejoice in wonder. 

Right now as I write, from here in the guest house, the sounds of the younger children 'practicing' their praise in the chapel is big and loud and excited.  Someone's banging the drums.  They have the mics on and are amplifying their joy.  They are laughing.  They are singing.  They are praising.

Easter Sunday morning.  Doesn't feel like Spring.  But sure does feel like Easter.

Why Are We Just Sitting Here?

I get the question all the time.  "Ruth Anne, why are we just sitting here?  (Or standing here?  Or waiting here?)"  I get the question all the time because that's what happens all the time.  It happened today.

We started out on an outing to a preservation area owned and operated by the King of Thailand.  Think of acres of jungle and woods and little lakes all dedicated to the development and study of plants and animals indigenous to Thailand.  Fascinating place.  Wild peacocks shouting overhead to draw attention to their astonishing beauty in flight.  Never seen that before.  And there's that bear-cat.  Not kidding.  Weird looking thing.  None of us have ever seen one before, like not even in pictures.  And this owl.  Crazy.

All of that went great.  No waiting.  No wondering.  It was on the way home that the plan began to unravel.  Or...was there really a plan in the first place?  We're never sure.  We're in two vehicles.  Suradet is leading and pulls over part way home.  Comes to the window and asks would we like to go to a village festival?

He asks me on behalf of the Team, the sweaty, unsuspecting members of which are spread out over two vehicles.  I can only even talk to two of them.  What to decide?  My policy is to say yes.  Yes, let's do it.  Let's get in as much as we can, experience all that's put before us.  It's only mid morning.  We're not tired yet.  It's not too hot yet.  So, yes.  Thank you.  We'd love to.

And off we drive to a small semi-rural community, tumble out of the trucks, and climb up a hill to what seems like it might be a market square.

There's a very loud traditional music group playing on a covered platform, telling stories in a Thai version of an opera.  There are tents set up for shade in front of the pavilion attached to the wat, where a monk, wrapped in orange, preaches a message into a microphone, competing with the music a few yards away, while villagers wander, gather and gab.  There are rich colours, baskets of fruit and flowers to earn good merit, children playing everywhere.

The adults are invited to sit in the shade.  Smiles all around.  Suradet introduces us to the leader of the village - the equivalent of the mayor.  Our kids, both Thai and farang, spill out over to the side, climb the stairs of the wat.  We're served water.  We wait.

"Ruth Anne.  Why are we just sitting here?"

Because...we are.  Because I'm not sure what's happening next and even if we asked Suradet he probably wouldn't know either.  Because this is an event oriented culture, not a time oriented culture, and that means there won't ever really be an official start time or end time.  What ever is happening just happens.  And everyone's okay with it.  Except maybe us.

Actually I'm good with it now.  Drove me nuts the first time I was here.  And to be honest it's more challenging to 'go with the flow' when you're responsible for a whole group of people with varying needs and varying degrees of tolerance for the ambiguous.  When I'm here by myself, it's moments like this that make the best memories, that push me further past my need to control, that force me into being fully present in this moment.  Right here.  Right now.

Why are we just waiting here?  Because something might happen.  Might not, but it might.  And we'd miss it if we insisted on moving on every time we didn't understand what was happening.

Like life, I think.  I think sometimes I've asked God the same question my Team asks me.  "God, why am I just waiting here?  Let's get on with whatever You're getting at here."

But God is an event oriented God not a time oriented God.  In fact, He exists outside of time.  And that means that sometimes there won't ever be an official start time or end time to certain lessons.  There are times when I need to make strong memories, and be pushed further past my need to control.  There are times when I need to be forced into being fully present with this person, in this situation, for this moment...with God.

That's why we're waiting.

This morning we were told first that we'd be having lunch there at the village, and then that non-plan got re-planned and we headed home after all....which is where we thought we were going when we left the bear-cat.

Father of time and space, thank you for the lessons we seem to need to go to the other side of the world in order to learn.





W

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.

Day Camp Report!

Hard to believe, but Day Camp is over. 

Three days only this year, so I'm sure that's part of why it seemed to go so fast.  They were three packed-full days, however, and so much fun!

Led by our Team 'ringer' Becky, whose fluent Thai and experience teaching ESL at university level have been such an asset, we were able to work with a total of 40 children toward some specific learning outcomes in English.  Not only that, but we had the chance to introduce them to the 'tradition' of Easter, some of them hearing the story of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection for the very first time.  Based on the seeds that were planted last year (many children were back from 2012 ESL Camp) and the progressive way we talked about Jesus throughout the three days, we had hoped that some children might be ready to make a decision to follow Jesus.  No children responded to that invitation this time.  However, every child, when asked if our Highview Team could pray over them for their spiritual journey in knowing Jesus better, stood up.  What a beautiful this to pray over these incredible kids.

Let's not forget to mention the fun for fun's sake parts of camp as well.  Celebrating Songkran (Thai New Year) complete with water fights, was hilarious.  Beading and sports were hits for activities, of course.  And the children seemed to really get into decorating Easter eggs.

Today is Thursday.  We are resting, pausing, observing a Sabbath.  The Team has worked hard and has been incredibly flexible with a myriad of changes in schedules and plans, typical for Thai ministry, but harder for us Westerners.  Some of us have experienced some minor health issues including strange bug bites, a swollen foot, one bout of what is probably a 48 hour flu, and various tummy troubles.  Even so, all symptoms are improving and everyone is staying in great spirits.  We are having perfect weather!  Not too hot, cool evenings for good sleep, and very little humidity.  Sorry to hear of the reports of more snow back home. :(

Now we are in the next phase of our time away, focused mostly on building relationships with our Thai family. 

Please keep praying.  For Day Camp kids.  For our own Hot Springs family.  For the health and well being of the Team.

Again and again, thanks for letting us be here. 

Ruth Anne

And Some Pictures

 Boys doing morning chores.

 Explaining again how Isaiah 58 describes what Suradet and Yupa have done here.

Jonathan doing the duck dance in church.  Don't ask.

Quick Report

Hello Friends,

Sorry if it feels like a little bit since we've made any posts.  First day of Day Camp was extremely full, challenging and deeply rewarding, with so many changes to the 'plans' we lost count.  Becky is doing a fantastic job leading us, and the Team is being so fabulous flexible it's not funny :).

Thirty children showed up yesterday.  Suradet indicated that there was something else going on yesterday and that today we might expect more, so we'll see. 

There is so much happening for us as a Team, both in terms of various and minor physical challenges (glad we brought our antibiotics!), and in terms of what we're seeing God do in our own hearts and in our deepening relationships with the children.

So much more that I will write as soon as I get the chance, I promise.  These days are FULL, FULL, FULL!  We are grateful for the cooler evenings to help us sleep well, but it's getting gradually hotter at midday each day. 

Please keep praying.  We are joining Suradet in praying for 10 children to make a decision for Jesus by tomorrow.  Let's see what God wants to do in hearts.

Blessings,

Ruth Anne

Pictures as Promised

We've had another productive morning of Camp Preparation.  The younger members of the Team spent the latter part of our time rehearsing the two dramas and one puppet show, all of which demonstrate various aspects of the three traditions/holidays we'll be covering in our theme New Year/New Life.  The Ragman is one of them, if you are familiar with that classic.  It was a challenge to stay focused, but once we channeled our energies - oh my.  Powerful stuff.  Can't wait to see how this gets communicated cross culturally. 

We're not sure what's up for the afternoon but every one of us is glad for a more relaxed rest of the day.

So, some pictures...like I promised :).

First, let me (re)introduce you to Becky, our non Highview Team member.  Becky is a HUGE asset to the Team in that she's fluent in Thai, and has taught ESL at university level in Bangkok.  We are truly enjoying working with her.  

The Team at Toronto Airport.  We might consider this the 'before' picture ;).

The older girls, plus one member of Hot Springs Church, treated us with a traditional dance, complete with costumes and make up.  Amazing!  Such a gift of love for our arrival.

Rompo is really enjoying the blow up bouncing ball his Sponsors sent!

 Linda and Fruk are on the same team for Battleship.

One of the 'new' girls from last year, Apple.  Sponsored by two of our young adults, Heidi and Megan.  She's really blossomed in this last year!

Mee-oo enjoys the bubbles sent in his Sponsors' packet.

Settling Into Thai Life at Hot Springs

Hello all.  We've been here for three days already, but in some ways, in all the good ways, it feels like we've been here so much longer.  Took a bit to get connected to the internet, but here we are and hopefully this means more blog posts - and pictures - in the days to come.

Our Team has been settling in very easily to the more relaxed, albeit very different, kind of life that is here at Hot Springs.  It really helps that the majority of us have been here before.  Almost no culture shock at this point, and the weather has been incredible - cool in the evenings, sunny and only 'hottish' during the day.  Everything's green and flowering and very summer like here right now, such a welcome gift after leaving a cold, rainy, still-snowy March back at home.

The Hot Springs kids are growing both inside and out, and it's been so much fun to get to know our three new children better - Eg (Egarat), Pon (Waripon) and Da (Nachanan).  With my limited Thai I am finding out their favourite colours, if they like school, if they are feeling well....almost incidental information in my efforts just to help them be a little more relaxed with this crazy old white lady from Canada.  It's certainly my observation that there is a big change in the children from when they first arrive at Hot Springs to when they've been here a while.  I've seen it with several of them now.  Very reserved and less engaged at the beginning, but increasingly happier and healthier, physically and emotionally, the longer they are here.

We opened Sponsors' packages today.  One of my favourite parts of the trip each year.  It's like a mini Christmas.  And afterwards all the kids are wearing or playing with the gifts their Sposnors sent along.  Ian and Renee - the big, red bouncy ball for Rompo was a hit, although he hasn't quite got the hang of it yet, making for a fair bit of entertainment for us all.  To all the Sponsors, let me just say that through Becky (our Team interpreter) I was able to assure them again that you love them all very much, and that these gifts were just tokens of all our love from Canada.  They all had so much fun opening your love :).

And of course, we're talking a lot about the trip back when we bring Suradet and Yupa with us.  They are so grateful and so excited.  Yupa has never been on a plane before!  Oh my! But we will do our best to make her comfortable.  And of course, we are praying that they will feel the trip is worth it....just like we do.

Morning devotions/worship time comes early, so I will sign off for now.  Thank you again to all the family members who have released us to come.  And to Highview who releases me to do this each year.  You have no idea.

Blessings and Sawat-dii ka,

Ruth Anne

10 To Go

And so this adventure begins.

Since this astonishing gift began back in 2008, there have been 7 trips to the other side of the world.  Hard to believe.  All of it is. 

That God would bring together two completely different groups of people, and form a deep connection across language, distance and cultural barriers.  That Highview would somehow have the opportunity to be a conduit of God's Isaiah 58 blessing to two remarkable heroes name Suradet and Yupa.  That children destined for despair and poverty would laugh and grow and have dreams and hopes for the future.  That various and sundry adventurous souls would get on a plane 7 times and let God deconstruct their hearts and capture of vision of His.  How could this happen?

But it has.  And it's happening again.

This is the record of our 2013 Asia Trip.  The one where Becky and Dave and George and Linda and Sam and Luke and Elaine and Emerson and Jonathan and Ruth Anne dared to let God use used-to-be-orphans teach us more about the mountain of stuff we don't know about love and community, sacrifice and grace, and radical hospitality.

We'll be teaching an ESL Day Camp for three days.  We'll be visiting at least one rural village (where the pigs live under the hut, stuff like that).  We'll be invited to teach English to the police.  And we'll spend an afternoon at a prison for women.  And that's just what we know about.

These pre-boarding moments are always full of anticipation for me.  Each trip has been so different.  Every time there's been something to surprise, to inspire, to instruct, and to undo us.  Each time we come home different.

So, here we go.  Minutes now until the call comes to board. 

We'll send pictures, promise.  Dave has no less than 3 cameras so.... :)

Thank you to all who've supported us financially, emotionally and prayerfully.  We love you. 

Cleared for Take Off!

The doctor gave me the green light today.  I'm on my way with our fantastic Team, heading to Thailand to visit our beautiful Thai family at Hot Springs.

Down to the wire, this was.  Glad for this, oh so glad!  I believe something good is about to happen, something important. 

Thanks for all the support and love and prayers.  Will keep you posted.

7 mm of Uncertainty

 Waterfall Day Thailand 2012




My ticket says I'm to get on a plane around lunch time on Tuesday and fly away to Thailand.

A 7 mm kidney stone that decided to 'journey to the light' starting last Thursday says, "We'll see about that."

After 15 months of completely symptom-free living with the diagnosis of kidney stones, and a mere 10 days before my next trip to Hot Springs, things have gotten dicey.  There's a Team of 10 of us from Highview all set to visit our Thai family and to partner with them in running an ESL Day Camp for neighbouring children.  We've be working hard for months.  We're basically all packed already.  Supplies are gathered and purchased.  Lessons are set to go.  Hearts are ready to both give and receive.  There's a mere three days until departure as I write this.

But when last seen via ultrasound last Monday, a 7 mm stone had not yet made its way all the way.  And due to the time it takes reports to get to a specialist and the rather demanding schedule of a specialist, I can't get in to see the specialist until the day before.  I'm not kidding.  The day before I'm set to lead a Team half way around the world is the day I'll know if I'm clear to fly - or not.

This presses every first-born-female, Type A, anal and structured button in me.  And believe me, I have a lot of those.   A last-minute, seat-of-your-pants decision on something like THIS?  Come on!  Yes, I have mellowed over the years.  Ministry and children and age and grandchildren and reality will do that to you.  But, come on!

And yet.

It occurs to me that I mean it when I sing those songs of utter surrender in church.  I'm very sure I mean it when I pray those Mary prayers of being His maidservant and letting it be unto me as He has said, in private.  I know that I mean it when I raise that white flag, and lay my palms upward, and step aside to get out of His way figuratively and actually.

I do.  Belong to Him.  I. Am.  His.

And I mean it.

So there's no wailing to be done here.  No questioning.  No begging.  Yes, I've been prayed over and I'm praying even now that the stone will be gone and I'll be released to do this unbelievably fabulous thing I get to do each year with these heroes that somehow call me friend.  I've 'let my requests be known' to the Father Healer.  I've laid out the desires of my heart to Yahweh, just like He asked me to.

But I'm not demanding.  I'm not freaking.  Instead I find myself in a new place of resting.  I think, I think I actually do trust Him on this.  Go or not go.  Even this, as important as it is to me.  It's up to Him.

Don't like the not knowing.  Don't like that 7 mm is causing all this uncertainty.  Don't like putting the Team in this place.

But God's got this.

So...my part right now is to drink and pee, pack and wait.

So will you hear from me next in Thailand?  I'll keep you posted.