I was honored yesterday when the chinese missionaries who serve in the Philippines asked to speak with me. I am not on staff as a counselor, but their questions were related to education and so one of the team recommended that they talk to me. We talked for about 45 minutes in the alcove by my bathroom. My room is not very conducive to counseling. Around here this type of meeting can happen anywhere. The family counselor has one group that he meets in the pool, at their request.
I had to giggle (on the inside) when one person mentioned to me that their daughter was interested in graduate programs in Spain (she was a Spanish major in Singapore), but that there are many obstacles. I suggested that they consider some of the other Spanish speaking countries who also have good programs such as Chile or Argentina. The response was: “but those places are so exotic and far away”. It is all a matter of perspective, I guess. I replied: “Some people think South East Asia is rather exotic.”
Wow. What an experience this has been! Tonight at the debriefing meeting with the guests and staff, an american woman who is serving in rural Cambodia said that she (and the rest of the guests) are aware of the costs of sending 9 people from around the world to run a Refresh! program for 15 missionaries and children. She expressed feeling God’s lavish love through the counselors and teachers that have spent 10 days teaching about communication, stress, personality types, and God’s grace as well as my own staff in the children’s area. The concept of providing care for humanitarian workers at an intense retreat like this is in the beginning stages of development. The keys to success in this area seem to be:
- early identification of guest’s needs
- teaching and counseling that addresses the needs
- frequent team meetings to evaluate progress and make immediate adjustments
- Childcare that allows parents time with adults
But you know what they say about all work and no play...
On Saturday and Sunday our days were one adventure after another! We began the weekend with a trip to the Maesa Elephant Farm. I actually saw elephants paint pictures! I think that the man who stands with the elephant must give him some instruction, but he never touches the paper or trunk and it is amazing! I got a hug from two elephants only to find both of them waving 100 Baht bills at me after our photo shoot. I had to pay up and then wash the elephant boogers off of my shirt. Pretty cool though :).
After a great lunch (pineapple fried rice), many of us took an elephant ride through the forest. That was hysterical! I think Owen (age 17) and I laughed more than anyone. We must have had a defective elephant seat. Whenever our elephant went downhill he dumped us out. We had to hold on for dear life! Owen lost his water bottle and every time he would hand me the umbrella (for sun) to hold, I found myself slipping through the 18 inch hole between my seat and the “safety” bar. I couldn’t believe they don’t give you a seatbelt!!
In the evening, we went to a cultural center for thai dancing and dinner. I have to say that I barely watched the dancing, but loved talking to my friend from Nepal and we went shopping together just outside the restaurant while the others watched the show. I got a flowy green dress that I just love!
Sunday was equally packed with events. In the morning, we had church and then went on the tour of five factories in the city. My favorite was the umbrella factory. They make the umbrellas out of wood and entirely by hand. But the best part was the gift shop where they sold many items perfect for decorating a classroom. I also liked the silk factory and the ceramic place. There is a special name for the ceramic style, but it is not coming to me right now. Oh yeah... Celedon.
After the factories we went back to the resort for an awesome BBQ dinner. The chef was visibly proud of his western accomplishment and he was duly rewarded with compliments from all of us. He floated around the grill and ice cream serving us and giving orders to his assistants.
And just when I was ready to rest from the weekend’s events... we headed to Old Chiang Mai and the Walking Market.
From 7 to 10PM we literally shopped till we dropped. We dropped right into one of many recliners situated along the ancient brick wall surrounded by a mote. The recliners signify the best invention ever... public foot rubbing stations for $2.50 USD/half hour. I am not kidding. My friend (who is a youth pastor in Cambodia) and I sat with our feet raised for 25 minutes of indulgence. We had to cut the half hour rub short so that we wouldn’t miss our bus. While we sat a man in a dragon suit passed by, very japanese looking.
I don’t even know where to begin describing the market. You can imagine the crowded street with its temporary tent stores offering their wares late into the night. The air was filled with the smell of thai food, the sound of street musicians and the brilliant colors. Earlier in the week, someone had asked Jack (the Vietnam Vet) if he had been to the Old City before. He answered that he had. The other person inquired if he had noticed all the modernization of the area. Jack responded that he had not been to the Old City for 47 years and that back then... it was just the Old City. :)
And so the weekend drew to a close and we were back into the program. It went much like the week before. I had the added challenge of keeping the kids interested even though the newness had worn off. On Monday, I got to teach an adult CPR class and for Tuesday, I made reservations for the paddleboats.
The events of that day were one for the books, but not for tonight’s blog as it is midnight in the northern hill country of Thailand. I leave at 9AM for the airport. Good night all...
No comments:
Post a Comment