Saturday, January 31, 2009

Commiserating With Bilbo.


"I should think so- in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can't think what anybody sees in them," said our Mr. Baggins.

Last Saturday I ventured off- via night train- to Malaysia with my co-worker Shaun, to quickly grab my visa, and come right back to Thailand. This was the plan. The reality became, that because of the Chinese New Year the Thai Embassy was closed! Shaun had to return to Thailand to teach, leaving me ALL ALONE in Malaysia. It seemed a nasty, disturbing, and uncomfortable thing. I was not excited in the slightest, and I was certain I would book the next flight back to the United States. My dad encouraged me otherwise. He reminded me of my strength and my faith, and even urged me, "HAVE FUN!!!!". So I told him I would.

And I did! That afternoon I met 6 wonderful Wisconsin girls who I was able to spend the day with after Shaun headed back. We went to the beach, spent time at the night market, and had wonderful conversation about faith, life, our common experience with Ecuador. I often wonder if they weren't just angels tending me while I would have otherwise had a serious breakdown. I am so grateful for them! They left the next morning, and I was hopeful I would make more friends. 3 young gentlemen from my hostel invited me to lunch, and would you believe I had fun? They forced me to eat a ridiculous amount of Malay food (the best I've ever had in my entire life- seriously. Malay food. That's where it's at.) And again, good times were had by all.



I spent most of the last day exploring Georgetown. I discovered a few little English bookstores and picked up The Hobbit. In it, Bilbo sets off on an adventure he isn't quite sure of, and as the story unravels he begins to learn a lot about life, the world, and himself. Do you see where I'm going with this? I, too, am learning a lot about the world, and myself. I'm learning that I am not nearly as strong and independent as I once thought. I am quite weak, actually. But in this, I am learning how strong and faithful God is- in a real way. He provided for me when I was hopeless, and in the midst of it I was able to even see so much of his beauty. (Parts of Malaysia really are quite incredible- and the people are SO diverse.)

Speaking of providing- when I see the poverty (it was so much worse in Malaysia than it is in Thailand), I have to remember God's compassion and his promise of justice.
My whole being will exclaim,
"Who is like you, O Lord?
You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,
the poor and needy from those who rob them."
(Psalm 35:10)
It is a beautiful thing- in God I find the ability to love the oppressed and poor better, and in him I trust that ALL of his people will be restored. Perhaps I will blog more about this at a later date- it is close to my heart! Which makes me think of all you Peacemakers back home- miss you!!

In short, my trip in Malaysia was uncomfortable and difficult, but it was worth every minute- because in it I think I built a little bit of character. In traveling alone you really find who you are (far from home, friends, and anything familiar), how much strength you have (or don't have), and you discover more of what adventure really is.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Turning pages..



St. Augustine wrote, "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." So here I am, in Southern Thailand, turning pages.

I'm sorry, my followers, that I haven't written more. Our Internet access is few and far between at home, and I'm not always feeling creative enough in the office to blog! At least.. I hope you find my blogs somewhat creative and worth reading. I recall that when I returned home from Ecuador, the first thing my father said to me was, "Blog-o? More like lame-o!!" So here is my attempt, Pops, at being a more faithful blogger!!

First of all, can I state, that for the record, nearly 100% of all Thai people smile back at you when you flash them a smile. This could perhaps be the most thrilling experience of all time- seeing as I'm a rather smiley person myself. It's refreshing to be living in a culture where stress is minimal, anger is not practiced, and joy is abounding. The Thai culture is much warmer than I could have ever imagined (in both personality and temperature, of course!) Oh yes- don't you worry, my dry humor will work it's way into these posts I'm sure!

I'd be lying if I didn't admit I have experienced some homesickness. I'm halfway around the world, can you blame me? But the truth of the matter is, where I work, Mathus (http://www.mathusthai.com/), is truly a community. I work, live, and hang out with a handful of wonderful folks. I'm practically never alone. This has made for an easy transition.

What is my favorite part of Thailand, you ask? Simple. The KIDS! Oh my gosh, am I going to enjoy my job! I technically work at a high school for 2 classes, and have 3 classes at Mathus. The high school kids are a handful (still cute, but somewhat terribly behaved), but the Mathus after-school kids are a blast. They are motivated, kind, and say the cutest things. And they make you feel loved. Who doesn't love being loved?


I'm also "turning another page" if you will, tonight, as I board a night train to Malaysia! I'm going to get my working Visa, but I'm spending a day in Penang- beach, beach, beach! It's also the Chinese New Year, so celebrations will be near. I'll blog about it- I promise.

What am I learning? A lesson I've probably learned many a time before.. but yet here I am, learning it again. It is that we are all the same. We all have big hearts, needs, families, hurts, passions, weaknesses, hopes, dreams, challenges. And we should love each other in it. Actually- I'm reminded of a quotation I saw on the tram at Denver Airport when I was visiting my mom for Christmas. It said..

"If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility."
(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

I wish my name was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Anyway, I'm learning to love in a new culture. To love unconditionally. To love people that are so different than I am. I'm learning what it is to be misunderstood (I can barely count to 10 in Thai, let alone have any sort of conversation yet.) Funny isn't it? While becoming a teacher, I'm continually learning.

Okay, one more quote! Everyday, when I'm faced with something I'm uncomfortable with, or dislike, I just remind myself that I am doing what I love. And I should love what I do. ("Do what you love. Love what you do.")

May we love whatever we are doing today. Thanks for reading! 'Til we meet again.

(Ps- I'm going to take this opportunity to strongly encourage you to write me. hah!)

Mathus Language School
Attention: Hilary Buchanan
359/31 Chonkasem Rd, Makhamtia, Muang,
Suratthani, Thailand 84000

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Simple things in Surat...

Our daily transportation.

Clearly there will be no attempt at reading Thai for quite some time...
Public Transportation!
"The Big House"
Neighbors.
(A view from my back window)

Monday, January 12, 2009

Sawahdeeka, friends!

Hello, hello, from Surat Thani, Thailand!

I write to you, suffering from a serious case of jet lag and culture shock. But all is well and beautiful here! The charm and character of my city is incredible, and I cannot wait to share all that I experience with you, my loyal blog followers!

My travels were ridiculously long (24 hours too long), but smooth. And I am happy to have arrived in my new home. Today I have the afternoon to explore, so I'll take my camera and snap a few shots for you.

Instead of blogging a novel, I would just like to share a few things with you, to give you a peek into this new life of mine:

-I don't wear shoes at my job.
-Birds in wooden cages line my street, Chonkasem.
-I saw my first monk on the airplane and haven't seen one since. (not what I would've expected).
-I live in a big house nicknamed "The Big House".
-I had catfish salad for dinner last night.

Sorry to cut this short- but I've got to get out of the office and into the sun. Jealous?

I'll post photos soon!

PS- Write me! @...
Mathus Language School
359/31 Chonkasem Rd, Makham Tia, Muang,
Suratthani, Thailand 84000

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Full Steam Ahead!


I was hoping not to 'officially' start my blogging until I reached my destination, but I am unable to contain myself! I have been thinking so much of this quote, that I want to share it. It expresses one of my many hopes for Thailand- to make it home.



"I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself."

(Maya Angelou)



Perhaps I will be able to call you 'home' soon, Surat Thani. Perhaps!