Tuesday, March 20, 2018

The Long Green Snake of Deliberate Knowing



A cobra is about as knowing as they come.

The one in question shows up one afternoon about mid way through my three month stay that fall of 2015.  I've only done it once, stay three months like that.  It was a special investment that not only helped  with the completion of two credits towards my academic goals, but also offered a richness of incarnational knowing beyond any expectation. And that's what this whole thing is all about.

Except, I really could have done without the snake.

That first time we see it, it skulks its way behind the dining shelter's half wall at the back near the kitchen, surprising Pi Dao (our cook and nanny at the time) who is minding her own business chopping vegetables for supper.  I am a little bit removed, up under the porch by Suradet and Yupa's house, working on a school report.  It's quiet just before, all the children at school, sunny and hot, even in the shade, with a fan taking care of that.  We're out in the country a little bit, and the space and pace of a Thai afternoon is quite agreeable.  Peaceful.  Restorative.

Pi Dao's terrified screams changes everything in an instant.  I stand up, alarmed not just by my understanding of what she's screaming  - "Ngu!  Ngu!"  Snake! Snake! - but by the sheer terror in her voice.   I am told very firmly to keep my distance, which I am more than happy to do.

Thai's don't like snakes, not at all.  Since most of them are poisonous, and well, they're just creepy (sorry to all you reptile lovers out there), it doesn't even take a big one to get a reaction.  But Pi Dao's terror and urgency gives me a hint that this one is probably a respectable size.

There is more screaming, and long sticks are brought out, and there's some fishing around in a nearby bush.  But the thing gets away from us.  I ask how big was it?  Where we might stretch out our arms, Thais indicate by holding their hands in a circle to demonstrate circumference.  About as wide in the middle as a good sized-orange.  O-kay. 

So now I have a riddle.  What's worse that sighting a cobra on your property?
Losing sight of the cobra on your property.

He lurks around like that, unseen, for two weeks.

I had never thought of what it means to snake-proof a room before, but Suradet reminds the children of all their snake safety that night at evening worship.  All the screens are checked over.  Towels are wrapped up and put at the bottom of the doors.  Everyone is extra cautious for days.  I find myself giving a wider birth to the bushes than I had before.

And then, to be honest, I forgot about it.  I was sure it must have gone on its slithery way by now, back up the steep hill and into the jungley forest.  But again in the afternoon about two weeks later, everyone quietly doing their own thing, soaking in the gentleness of the place, and quite without any invitation or notice, he shows up under the cabinet.

More screaming this time, louder and angrier.  There is now a fierceness in both Yupa and Pi Dao that rivals any she-warrior image one might conjure.  This snake has had it's last day threatening our kids!  I am up with my camera now, quite happy again to keep my distance, but close enough to watch.  Yupa has it pinned against the wall with a long piece of wood, about half way down its length, leaving a vicious top half spitting and hissing and striking.  Pi Dao has another long pole and is taking aim at the gyrating monster's flailing head.  I hear the 'deng, deng, deng' of her attempts against the cement, and then, finally the fatal blow.  Spontaneous cheering!  Danger is done.  The creature is dead.

I am unsure of this, however, as I approach.  The long thin green body still writhes in slow motion, even though I can see the skull is crushed.  Pi Dao smiles at my apprehension, takes her pole one last time and strikes the head again.  There.  See?  Dead.

I take pictures.  When the kids come home they all have a look.  A neighbour drops by later and asks if we're going to eat it, and is offered to take it home himself for supper.

Yes, a cobra is about as knowing as you can get.

My husband Ken asks me why I tell these stories.  "You want people to come, don't you?" he asks.

But that's the thing.  We don't know anything if we don't live it real time with them.  We can't begin to pretend to come alongside in any kind of honest way, any kind of authentic partnership if we have no idea about the cobras.  Until we've felt the fear ourselves, or the heat, or the long discomfort of waiting six hours to see a doctor for less than a minute, or the agony of losing a son because road safety and policies are just that lax.  Unless we know this by living it with them, incarnationally, we don't know anything.

 Not everyone will stay three months.  Likely I won't be able to do that again even in the new reality that will be my more-Thai-connected life very soon.  Three months is a longer time.  Not nearly as long as the years some actual missionaries have invested, for sure. But for most of us, it's more likely to be three weeks.  I'm hoping for two six week stints in a year.  We'll see.

My point is, we need to be there.  Yup, it's expensive.  And yes, there are some risks involved, cobras being only one variety.  But it's real.

And if you can, please come.  We would be so happy, Suradet, Yupa, the kids and I, to have you visit us.  I can't promise any cobras.  But I will predict that it will change you in ways you couldn't imagine....mostly because you just showed up in person.  Which makes all the difference in the world.

To find out about the next two trips being planned contact me at rabreithaupt@hcckw,ca






Thursday, March 8, 2018

Women Changing the World

"The benefits of girls' education are jaw-dropping:  child marriage could decrease by 66% and teen pregnancies could decrease by 60% globally (http://m-gates.es/1x8Yiuc).  
What are we waiting for?"   
Melinda Gates

"The education and empowerment of women 
throughout the world cannot fail to result 
in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all."   
Aung San Suu Kyi

 
I would like to introduce you to an up and coming world changer.  Her name is Miki and she's a 5 foot powerhouse of intellect, creativity and compassion.  Currently she is in her last year of engineering at Chiang Mai University, which is commendable on a few levels.  It's not an easy school to get into, and the requirements for entrance into the engineering program itself are rigorous.  Add to that the fact that, as a woman, Miki is definitely a minority among her academic peers.  

Never mind all that.  Miki is on her way to big things.  

 With both parents deceased and no school available in her village, Miki was an orphan in the truest sense of the word.  She came to Hot Springs as a 10 year old in 2007, by way of recommendation by her village pastor who no doubt saw her potential.  And it wasn't long before her abilities and self-confidence began to unfold in the care of this loving family environment.  Notable skills in art, music, math and language only enhanced her thoughtful, caring and fun-loving demeanor.  She became a 'connector' of sorts within the larger family at Hot Springs, falling quite naturally into the role of older sister to the newer, younger girls.  Whether braiding hair, helping with homework, learning bass guitar to play in the worship band, preparing and serving meals, or carrying out the many other shared domestic tasks a big family requires, it seemed that whatever Miki put herself to, she excelled.  This was quite naturally reflected in her solid school performance, earning good grades and the accolades of her teachers until, here she is, on her way to being a change agent in her world.


I didn't know all this that first visit in 2008.  Not at the airport when it was time to go and she was the one most visibly upset by my departure.  All I knew was that somehow I had made a surprisingly deep and quick connection with this little girl, and all her brothers and sisters, in spite of the fact that we could barely speak a word of each other's language.   All I knew was that this little child trembling in my arms was a treasure to be loved recklessly into whatever God was calling her to be, even if it broke my heart to leave her now.

Two heroes need to be recognized in this story.  One is no longer with us, but both have made an unmistakable difference in Miki's life, and share in the great things she's about to do in the world.  George and Joan Duff have been Miki's Sponsors from the beginning, contributing to her education, sending small packets and gifts regularly over the past ten years, including pictures and letters of love and encouragement.  When given the opportunity to sign up as Miki's Sponsors, they didn't hesitate.  As Melinda Gates so accurately asks in the above quote, "What are we waiting for?"

When asked what she wants to do with her degree when she's finished school, Miki simply replies, "I want to help my people."  She has a mountain perspective, knowing first hand the kinds of poverty that keep so many hungry and oppressed. 

Regular Sponsorship of our Hot Springs Children cover all living and educational costs up to the end of high school.  All of our children are encouraged to continue in their education as far as they can and desire.  Like here, that costs extra, but not at all to the same extent as university fees in North America.  Right now it costs approximately $2,000 Canadian dollars per year per student to both house and educate a post secondary student.  

Student Sponsorship Fund is a new designation that has developed in response to this need.  It might be that you would be interested in sponsoring the education of one particular student.  It might be that you would be interested in make a general, regular or one time donation specifically towards sponsoring the continuing education of Hot Springs students.  If so, we would welcome you into the adventure, keep you updated on the student's progress, and even invite you to come for a visit if you are able.

Easy payment options can be arranged through emailing me at rabreithaupt@hcckw.ca or contacting Highview Community Church directly at info@hcckw.ca.  

On this International Women's Day, why not go international and make a difference in the life of a young woman half a world away?  Thailand needs their women to succeed.  When that happens, everyone wins.