tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91795592216143403612024-03-13T12:58:37.815-07:00Mangosteen MamboDancing in the slums of ThailandMangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-83056561697570939332010-05-12T21:17:00.000-07:002010-05-12T21:42:45.851-07:00Welcome backIt's good to be back in Thailand. <div>The first two weeks have flown by. The first week I was getting over Jet lag and moving back into my house. Then there was church camp. Then Suzy, my new roommate, moved in the community--another busy week of getting her connected with the community and moving in. But it's good to be back. </div><div>So far so good with Suzy--I've been impressed with her willingness to jump right into the community, and her helpfulness to scrub the house. Especially in a 109* house with 43% humidity. Why has it been so hot this past week?</div><div>But like I said it's good to be back. It's good to find 30 cent bags of freshly cut fruit everywhere, and cheap coffee on the street, it's good to eat spicy food and laugh with neighbors. It's encouraging to see how much the new believers have matured, and to be apart of God's Kingdom coming in the slums of Bangkok. It's good to see all the kids who still can't remember if my name is Sara or Christy and now with Suzy in the miss--their all confused. It's good to be back with the team, and it's good to be with the office staff. </div><div>It's good to come back and realize how much I love and hope for this place. </div>Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-31233754660008838782010-02-24T16:23:00.001-08:002010-02-24T16:23:43.214-08:00Greater things are yet to be done In Thailand<p class="MsoNormal">When I moved to Thailand there were no believers in the community I live. Now there is a house church with 7 new followers of Jesus. God is amazing and he has done wondrous things. I love telling the stories of God’s tangible transformation and His glory revealed, but the truth is, for every miraculous story there are 20 more that make me weep in the presence of God. God is good, mighty to save and sovereign, but God is not a genie who grants us every wish. That being said when I came home I was tired. People have commented on the fact that I haven’t blogged in a while and the truth is I was too tired and doubted my voice in the midst of the exhaustion. Although I’ve never experienced as much Joy as when I saw the those living in Thailand become followers of Jesus and although I wouldn’t trade that for anything--<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>the truth is when I first came home I was too tired to pray for much. I kept my prayers simple. It’s one reason I’m so grateful that God is gracious enough to not depend on my prayers alone—this is why we are called to pray as a community—to lift our voices when others are too tired to hope for more. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">This past week I went to a worship night and we sang <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>a Chris Tamlin song with these words </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:9.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black">Verse 1.</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:black"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">You're the God of this city</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">You're the King of these people</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">You're the Lord of this nation</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">You Are</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">You're the light in this darkness</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">You're the hope to the hopeless</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">You're the peace to the restless</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">You are</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Bridge:</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">For there is no one like our God</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">There is no one like You God</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Chorus 1:</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">For greater things have yet to come</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">And greater things are still to be done</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">In this city</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Greater things have yet to come</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">And greater things are still to be done here</span><br /> <br /> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hope arose anew in me. I cried out these words with utter excitement as I prepare to head back to Thailand. I dreamed of what it would look like to see Phothong gambling free where parents instruct their children with love and devotion, where addicts are set free from bondage and forgiveness is a normal part of relationships. Hope arose anew in me as I now have energy again to ask to for these miracles—to be apart of God’s Kingdom coming in full in Phothong as it is in Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I will get tired again, but I pray that you too with continue praying with me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Greater things are yet to be done in Thailand and as a community I hope you will hope with me. </p>Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-27374724802157722102009-10-21T01:51:00.000-07:002009-10-21T02:03:57.930-07:00Thundering goodbyeLaying in bed, the thunder cracked, the lightening lit up the room. The rain still hadn't fallen. The house shook as the thunder and lightening chimed in together. Images running in my head of lightening striking my house, a fire starting in Phothong, trees splitting in half. No sleep tonight. <div>It was quite a night as I laid in bed. When the rain final came it fell with such force I was sure there was hail. (as impossible as that is in 82 degree weather) What a way to say goodbye to Sara. Her last night in Thailand. </div><div>Goodbye Sara, Thanks for everything. I hope to go out with a bang just as you did. </div>Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-32651277521876050052009-10-11T23:59:00.000-07:002009-10-12T00:11:33.864-07:00Thanks to God? What's That<div style="text-align: center;">Yut’s son Keem just turned 7 and he’s a great kid. This past week I had a bunch of leftovers, so I invited Yut and her two kids over for dinner. While waiting for Yut, two other neighborhood boys, (Keem’s friends) peeked in and preciously asked if they could come in also.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Something in me just couldn’t say no. They keep trying to sneak bites of the food, and I kept gently reminding them they had to wait till Yut came. When Yut arrived we sat down around the food, and the boy immediately starting grabbing food. Keem responded quickly, “Guys, we have to say thank you to God first.” Staring blankly at Keem, they replied, “Thank you to God, What’s that?” <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Keem looked strangely and said, "We have to pray to God.” I jumped in and explained that we say grace before eating because God created everything and is over everything. He is big and powerful and so we thank God for the food he provided. To this the kids shout, “Thanks God your big.” We asked Keem if he wanted to pray and so he started, “Father God, Thank you for the food,….Wait wait wait, guys you have to close your eyes and fold your hands I’m not continuing until you do . (Not sure how he noticed his friends weren’t shutting their eyes if his eyes were shut, but to this they promptly obeyed) … Okay Thank you, God, for the food uhhh I can’t think anymore uhhh uhhh. …. To this his mom pipes in Amen, followed quickly by an Amen by PahJai (Yut’s 2 year old daughter) . We ate together it was really enjoyable, and I was so proud of Keem who’s just learned about God and how He so quickly wants to share it with his friends. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It reminds me so much that children often lead others to the simple truth of God and how important for parents to impart God’ truth into their children’s lives while there are young.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I hope and pray that more families will allow God to transform them.</div><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxw2difSq-rpRcCNUmBU6nbdMuM7HX4hWGIcsI1zmALy9qij8opEoEfF0LPlxL4Ofbkj5kwVrN9i-yj-BKVhAQcef2S4j_oLk0w9BMK_FxS4ytzy8kt3IWvJsa3oegXNzRmzHDDNfM2LL/s200/DSC01136.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391605763110362866" /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">Keem: after drawing a picture of himself, Sara, Christy, his mom Yut, and his little sister PohJai. Above is God showing us the way to cross the footbridge so we don't get hit by a car. </p><p></p>Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-66399519490155762362009-07-27T00:56:00.001-07:002009-07-27T01:27:31.035-07:00Answered Prayer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2onG7YjiNupCaqXECI-N8UamcG40XLObLfIsAOm4YEhgHl7DdU86zht_gsmDOosPOzFypv-wivjHPhJDi2pvyRppFAn4veZi-PB8pw9wKeaIg5bq-VUB-RXNlDTvBxz236E50Q1A8eYg/s1600-h/June's+daughter+11+months.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363050498090991506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2onG7YjiNupCaqXECI-N8UamcG40XLObLfIsAOm4YEhgHl7DdU86zht_gsmDOosPOzFypv-wivjHPhJDi2pvyRppFAn4veZi-PB8pw9wKeaIg5bq-VUB-RXNlDTvBxz236E50Q1A8eYg/s200/June's+daughter+11+months.JPG" /></a> On October 18 2008 I wrote this prayer in my Journal---This month God has responded in a bigger way than I could have ever imagined. Both parents have become christians and this little girl will have a hopeful future as God is radically changing this family. ( This is Niew...)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUD6lE84A-V_iVCdMUlTSo7hCMWarfACgVyEnz3PiQKH7AINqJ1Nvg7Ms5Ig9Gxv1AV9hURYNYQP0v3ASbL4F8lQ0gwLICw5i_T41tOVfdZXSgJvd3d2vXtGER13aJ_-vJZQ0qZFZDM6Nc/s1600-h/Leader+retreat+aug+08+008.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363050281294785234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUD6lE84A-V_iVCdMUlTSo7hCMWarfACgVyEnz3PiQKH7AINqJ1Nvg7Ms5Ig9Gxv1AV9hURYNYQP0v3ASbL4F8lQ0gwLICw5i_T41tOVfdZXSgJvd3d2vXtGER13aJ_-vJZQ0qZFZDM6Nc/s200/Leader+retreat+aug+08+008.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIFzdE30QIrLcFQ8UKI5kJDAJQwwEiGr9MiOB5ncIR72J8ZcU7Xce8XSu1L71VfMRFdEg0gr8FK_MALY45SizW5-WG4Js4ayRsUrSsglSZR9oc8LeMUFCdsHCVC1kG1TXb7ymkOBLjJbU/s1600-h/Jin's+birthday+and+Photong+babies+032.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363049085357091442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIFzdE30QIrLcFQ8UKI5kJDAJQwwEiGr9MiOB5ncIR72J8ZcU7Xce8XSu1L71VfMRFdEg0gr8FK_MALY45SizW5-WG4Js4ayRsUrSsglSZR9oc8LeMUFCdsHCVC1kG1TXb7ymkOBLjJbU/s200/Jin's+birthday+and+Photong+babies+032.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I wrote, " Today I held a 2 month old in the community for a long time while I overheard her Mom talk about wanting to drink alchohol--Her mother is addicted to gambling and likes to drink--ALOT. I first met this baby when she was 3 days old, her mother had left her alone to go gambling. 3 days old. The baby is a sweet girl and as I held her I prayed for her--I prayed she would feel secure and that she would know God's love as she grows up--I prayed she would be the one to bring change to the family as she knew Jesus and shared it with them--I prayed she would break the cycle of addition and abuse in her family. I looked at this tiny precious child wanting to smile at her, hold her and let her know there is someone who can keep her secure. I looked at her and wanted to cry--she has so much to overcome to suceed in life, so much to overcome ans she's only 2 months old. So much. </div><br /><div>Can Jesus change her family? Will Jesus care for this child? Is Jesus big enough to hold this wee little one born in to an addicted family with a mother who yells and hits and drinks and tosses dice? If not for Jesus what hope does this precious, beautiful, girl have. All I could do today was hold her, speak truth in her ear and pray that God can and will do more. All I can do is trust that God hears my prayers for this little girl who was made in the image of God and plopped in a broken and hurting world. </div><br /><div>Please Jesus protect her, keep her secure, and let her know She is loved by you. </div><br /><div>Use me though I am nothing<br /></div><div>Hear me though I am small<br /></div><div>Love me though I am imperfect. "</div><br /><div>God answered 9 months later-------I am big enough. Bigger than Big enough and have the power to change the whole family in ways you can't even imagine.</div><div></div><div>Prayer really is powerful</div><div> </div><div>God truely is amazing. </div></div></div>Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-64018452181384451312009-06-27T00:57:00.000-07:002009-06-27T02:03:24.296-07:00Just a little Girl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQrBssrnHjLCUfPLp-DORTZRduhJme_opj06NyhVJdjlsCd7Cgcxj5BQZtCsOhHx_THhtTKc0n6mLU3h3RLf5bZXI44jIcU2kGpxtrm3oMytrOgigJRuwyd9m63or_460WSSOTj7boUjV/s1600-h/easter+and+songkran+064.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 180px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351930202107934818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQrBssrnHjLCUfPLp-DORTZRduhJme_opj06NyhVJdjlsCd7Cgcxj5BQZtCsOhHx_THhtTKc0n6mLU3h3RLf5bZXI44jIcU2kGpxtrm3oMytrOgigJRuwyd9m63or_460WSSOTj7boUjV/s200/easter+and+songkran+064.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7W_jvmUVqAbEhHx0-T6ejdXxXvxPdslqiLmzGVIqSfsFnldIog9GzoHeL-UXkpC_Y78e90LC2pkconBt-iO4lLuCYLKKVjmVv50oxFFcryPYkH4iUC_FLXgO9bZpSM_gy2F6jP3vYNOH/s1600-h/easter+and+songkran+097.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 149px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351929735452367202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7W_jvmUVqAbEhHx0-T6ejdXxXvxPdslqiLmzGVIqSfsFnldIog9GzoHeL-UXkpC_Y78e90LC2pkconBt-iO4lLuCYLKKVjmVv50oxFFcryPYkH4iUC_FLXgO9bZpSM_gy2F6jP3vYNOH/s200/easter+and+songkran+097.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>Bang--She's 11. Too old to be small and to small to be grown up. When I first met her, she was indeed a little girl, but over the past year I have seen her struggle with growing up. Her Cousin was born and she so often is seen parenting this little girl. She tries to play tough and even has taken a teaching role with the other kids. On any given day I see her waver from being "too cool" to hang out with me to begging to come in and play.<br /></div><div><div>A couple of weeks ago I had the kids in watching Chronicles of Narnia. It started out with alot of kids coming in a watching--with, of course, Bang instructing them where to sit and when to be quite. As the movie went on--the younger kids lots interest. As the numbers dwidled. Bang came laying her head in my lap, At more intesnse parts she'd grab my hand and cover her eyes. She layed there for a good 30 minutes. I didn't say anything, didn't want to ruin the moment. I was reminded of just how young she is. It's a rariety she gets to be a kid, a ratiety she doensn't have to mother and train her 8 month old cousin, a rariety she can just be taken care of. Though my foot was falling asleep, I let her lay there--being a little girl. </div><br /><div>It was a gentle and sweet reminder that I too need space to be a little girl. Too often I come to Jesus with big problems--seeking questions to huge answers. There's a time to be big and there's a time to just sit in the Lap of Jesus--being a little girl with her heavenly Father. Free to say I'm scared, free to say I need a lap of comfort, free to say "I don't have it all fiqured out--And that's okay"</div></div>Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-84623829867148607962009-06-21T19:33:00.000-07:002009-06-21T19:49:04.421-07:00Blogging thoughtsSo I haven't blogged for a while. There's lots to say, and plenty to comment on . Things are going on, so why haven't I blogged in so long. I think there is an element of normalcy going on. At first I blogged a lot because everything was new, strange, funny and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">completely</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">baffling</span>. In actuality nothing has changed--I still have dead spiders on my pillow, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">centipedes</span> in my bathroom, moments where I want to scream, and moments where all I can do is stand there <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">baffled</span> at the cultural differences. At the same time everything has changed. I've gotten used to all these once strange <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">differences</span> and they have become normal everyday life. <em>I think, "why would everyone want to hear about normal everyday life"--</em>that's when I realize that it's still not normal for everyone else. The things that break my heart and give me Joy are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">completely</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">foreign</span> to those I'm used to talking with. The things are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">foreign</span> because they take place in Thailand, but they are also normal family woes. The things my neighbors deal with sometimes seem <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">heightened</span>, but they are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">similar</span> to problems in American marriages. So what am I saying---I'm saying Thailand feels more normal and that I love that sense of home. Yet I'm also saying there are some things in this culture and American cultural that I hope I never get used to. I never want to stop crying out to God to fix the things that break His heart.<br />I'm also saying I'll try blogging some more, to fill you guys in.<br />Any preferences on what you want to hear about???? It's all normal to me.Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-88030892699102895652009-04-25T03:18:00.000-07:002009-04-25T03:20:28.201-07:00GebariBlog post:<br />This week I heard one of my dear Pomona teenagers had been caught in the crossfire of a gang fight. With a shattered hip and a bullet lodged in his liver, he had to undergo surgery. Praise God that the doctor says after therapy he should recover fully. This kid Gebari is someone who has a very special place in my heart. While living near him in Pomona many people saw him as a trouble maker and up to no good, but we saw a genuinely thoughtful and kind teenager who wanted to do good, but sometimes got caught up in bad decisions. We saw a kid who was at a pivotal point in his life where he had to choose either to go with the “bad” crowd or stick it out with the “good” crowd. He was a teenage wrestling and excited about the good news of Jesus. Many times we didn’t have words to tell him --all we could do was love him, encourage the good we saw in him, let him cool down in our house when he was angry with those around him, pray for him and take him to church with us. After coming out of surgery one of his youth works (and my friend) went to visit him—this is what she reported….<br />“Gebari was eager to pray and hear the bible read. As he was falling asleep, I read him psalm 23. A few minutes after I was through, he said, with his eyes closed, "Can you read it to me again?" I gave him a crystal paper weight that says, "The Lord is my strength," he held it in his hand for a while, and then asked me to put it in a place where he could see it all the time. Gebari was wondering where everyone else was and asked me to bring some kids when I come back.:-) Brian and Megan went to visit him on Sunday evening. He also asked them to pray with him.”<br />Though I wish Gebari hadn’t been shot, I am so blessed by his willingness to let God be near him while he lies in an ICU hospital bed. I am so proud of this teenager. I am so proud of this teenager who is choosing good when his environment teaches him “Bad” is cool. I’m so encouraged that God can use us even when we don’t have words to say, even when we can’t see it till years later. I’m encouraged that God can use me as I hold on to hope for kids in Phothong --though their lives are so broken. I’m encouraged to see the kids here as precious children of God and not the burdens their parents treat them as. I’m so proud and blessed by Gebari. Please continue to pray for his complete healing and for God’s protection over his spiritual life. Please continue to pray for kids in Phothong to know that they are worthwhile. Pray for me to continue to have hope of God’s transformation of Phothong especially for what I cannot see yet.Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-83537452360692977462009-04-10T00:14:00.000-07:002009-04-10T00:30:14.715-07:00Good bye ScottThis week American Idol said good bye to Scott MacIntrye. Though I can't actually watch that show here in Thailand I've been tracking his process. Particularly tracking His progess because we were childhood friends. I went to his Thomas the Tank Engine birthday party, recieved his first "Homemade" CD and listened to it all the time. He might even have been classified as my first school girl crush. It's good to see that he's still making music and trusting God. Best of luck to Scott has he pursues his music.Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-27543756260435089472009-04-01T23:32:00.000-07:002009-04-02T00:05:20.508-07:00MarriageMarriage, it's been on my mind recently.<br />Maybe because many of my friends in the states are getting married soon or got married within this last year and 1/2.<br />Maybe it's because I'm surrounded by marriages in Thailand--some falling apart, some speaking highly of encouragment and partnership.<br />Maybe it's because one of the most common greetings I hear in thailand is "Are you married already or not yet?" <br />Maybe it's because I'm scared of being lonely.<br />Maybe it's because the Bible often talks about our relationship with God using marriage terms.<br />Maybe it's because I'm 25<br />Regardless of why marriage has been on my mind, I'm learning it's dangerous telling your Thai teacher your thinking about marriage and kids. She just might actually set me up on a blind date with a Christian friend of hers. I'm not sure how I feel about this.Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-10457057875797988142009-01-29T19:17:00.000-08:002009-01-29T20:30:18.297-08:00Lessons Learned<p>So I made the one year mark. It went fast, it went slow. Here's a list of some of lessons learned and a few other new insights. Enjoy.<br /><br />Lessons Learned:<br />*Laughing at your mistakes is imperative to survival<br />*Never ever try to flush a baby rat down the drain---wet rat is worse than scooping it up.<br />*Never ever cut a large centipede in half in attempts of killing it--it becomes two squirming parts.<br />* Everything seems better when you eat well and sleep long enough.<br />* Smiles go along way<br />* Large spiders that get caught on fans and spin off in a dizzy frenzy are funny-- not scary<br />* Sometimes verbal sounds express more than words.<br />* God has made us extremely adaptable--we can handle a lot more than we expected we could.<br />* Those you're called to minister to sometimes are the most encouraging people in your life. (Sometimes they're the most frustrating also :) )<br />* Hope is a precious valuable gift. Cherish it when you have it.<br />* Questions can bring answers, but they also can bring more questions<br />* It is possible to have conflicting emotions at the same time: (joy-despair, fun-stress, love--frustration, and doing well--not doing well est.)<br />* It's easier to eat "new" things when you try them before you know what they are. (frog jerky any one? Fish bladder, fried bugs --delicious!)<br />*Anything can be made to look "cute". And I do mean ANYTHING.<br />* AND SOOO Much More!!!!!<br /><br />New things I've discovered this year that I've enjoyed:<br />Music: ITunes!!!!! Sara Groves, Ginny Owens, Brooke Fraser, Jon foreman, Sara Bareillas, Sufjan Stevens, Marta Gomez , Future of Forestry ect<br />Food: I love Thai food!-- I love how spicy, sweet, sour, salty it is. I like seafood--who would of know? Shrimp, oysters, squid, octopus, fish-- yummy. Fresh Mint and Fresh Pumpkin--I could eat it every day (I love how fresh produce is here)<br />Activities: I love karaoke and dancing, reading (when it's not required) is so enjoyable, trying new things (like driving motorcycles, catching fish by hand ect), Hanging out with my Thai friends and neighbors.<br /><br />Things I've missed this year:<br />Family and friends. I love you guys. (Praise God for Skype and email)<br />Berries (any kind, anyway), Peaches, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Cinnamon Gum, Cheap Pasta, Cheese, Non- sugary cereal variety--especially Quaker squares. Nuts--walnuts, almonds, Pecan, and Macadamia<br />California weather--not too hot, not too cold. :) (Though I have to say I've adapted a lot to Thai weather, and have a lower threshold for cold and a higher threshold for hot. )<br />American commercials and movies--Thai movies are so weird and their commercials are just strange.<br /><br />It's been an interesting first year, here’s to next year!!!!</p>Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-23182775874927040622009-01-05T20:03:00.000-08:002009-01-05T20:16:09.506-08:00california grapefruitYesterday an old team mate showed up to visit and snuck in a California Navel Orange and Ruby Red grapefruit. I don't think I've ever been so excited to see fruit before. I did a dance of excitement and had a smile as long as the plane ride to Thailand. It really was the most beautiful and tasty thing I've had in a year. ( as my Thai friends would say, "Christy OVER"; translation--over the top) That's when I realize I've been here for almost a year and grapefruit can make me so immensly grateful.Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-22033141083336283142008-12-12T01:37:00.000-08:002008-12-12T01:53:46.624-08:00English Sentances in Daily LifeSo I bought this book entilted 999 English Sentances in Daily Life because it had both english and Thai tranlations. I thought it would help me practice and learn more Thai sentance structure. I do think it helped me some with Thai especially now that I can say things I've always wanted to say to my friends, neighbors, or the average joe on an average day:<br />Some of my favorites:<br />Remember me to Touch<br />What underwear color do you use?<br />It goes to the corn field<br />Who do you in love with?<br />Where did they Shout?<br />Where did you guard your dog?<br />Did we chop some meat?<br />We did not rub the knife<br />He did not hunt the wildlife<br />He did not cry with reasons<br />I went shopping at the Red Cross fair<br />I spoke Chinese poor<br />Where would you like to join boyscout camp?<br />I would not like to kiss it<br />Where can you cut some wood?<br />I can ride my buffalo<br />Will it have a tail?<br />Will it have a lung?<br />Am I a doctor?<br /><br />Now I guess I'm ready for some woodchoping at a Red cross fair on something that may or may not have a lung, but at least I can ride my buffalo and know my friends underwear color.<br /><br />All in the daily life of an english speaker learning Thai.Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-71881996515358434372008-12-02T20:06:00.000-08:002008-12-02T20:16:31.062-08:00Smiling Moon<div><div>There is a lot of chaos in the world right now. Economic, Political, Social ect. Right now Thailand is politicaly unstable --though I still feel very safe in my area and those in the states need not worry about me. </div><br /><div>In the midst of the stress The moon smiled down on us. Literally the moon and two planets formed a smily face. My good friends mother ran to my house and insisted I come out and see it, because in her 60 years of life she has never seen such a thing.<br />Sure enough . The moon was smiling. My Thai neighbors say its the<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqTDSb3GX58Uw3Bqzs8yued_D7QpNRDtLWbOdWZSQj1BVMEz3v6ZL4j9vUiIuWeQLVohwjzz0JqQcKHrJtW90R81hfRQxh77acu8VtnFnk4PruX5JBDkBN17byVgU23V1sS0-FL1HSXHL/s1600-h/smiling+moon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275411594805088850" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqTDSb3GX58Uw3Bqzs8yued_D7QpNRDtLWbOdWZSQj1BVMEz3v6ZL4j9vUiIuWeQLVohwjzz0JqQcKHrJtW90R81hfRQxh77acu8VtnFnk4PruX5JBDkBN17byVgU23V1sS0-FL1HSXHL/s200/smiling+moon.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />gods smiling down on us--offering blessing to the new upcoming year. My Christians friends say how kind of God to offer some joy and peace in times of turmoil. </div><div>I do have to say it was a pleasant surprise that the God of the universe orchastrated the skyes to smile down on Thailand. </div><div></div></div>Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-18801815472267969552008-11-27T23:11:00.000-08:002008-11-27T23:18:50.528-08:00ThanksgvingYesterday I studied Thai for 4 hours and then ate alot of food at Our Team leader's Familie's house. It was fun eating Western food, playing games, and watching the Cosby show. It felt good.<br />We talked alot about Thanksgiving and food, Family and traditions.<br />Today I woke up--realized My family is still camping with colored leaves in California and I realized I miss them alot.<br />Tommorow I will take a government Thai test that I'm not ready for.<br /><br />All that's to say I'm grateful this Thanksgiving season, but can't wait for it to be over.<br /><br />Miss you Family.Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-31539103004721069652008-11-17T21:08:00.000-08:002008-11-17T21:41:03.602-08:00Bed room pictures<div><div>So I finally finished my room and after the plees from many people about my color scheme I am posting pictures of my room. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivK66sPUfH-FbUujs-a4OXhY5YT_W9083F9taL5Exm5cYYak5Jk66u2IsclnrjOchgAb48eyvZ4guXIrAOaw74DnoiwcpmacgHyoJsQah1pQMa0PYmUCCMf8grZEHqRwIg19AC55s62br_/s1600-h/Jin's+birthday+and+Photong+babies+037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269861586125550146" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivK66sPUfH-FbUujs-a4OXhY5YT_W9083F9taL5Exm5cYYak5Jk66u2IsclnrjOchgAb48eyvZ4guXIrAOaw74DnoiwcpmacgHyoJsQah1pQMa0PYmUCCMf8grZEHqRwIg19AC55s62br_/s200/Jin's+birthday+and+Photong+babies+037.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1Thu3ONumcY_IG8PvDwBNZgBiUcyZzRKiFbqcKn0B4Fm_3j4w5MsI6SayXmpiUg8loo-BCToKZVCgYwCEEbLN_j30kITHRIJasUA_sJLXJKTY6XPpBEzBVBIFLM34EVpQ5w-PLS8iSm8/s1600-h/Jin's+birthday+and+Photong+babies+038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269861597118762802" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1Thu3ONumcY_IG8PvDwBNZgBiUcyZzRKiFbqcKn0B4Fm_3j4w5MsI6SayXmpiUg8loo-BCToKZVCgYwCEEbLN_j30kITHRIJasUA_sJLXJKTY6XPpBEzBVBIFLM34EVpQ5w-PLS8iSm8/s200/Jin's+birthday+and+Photong+babies+038.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /> </div><div>After:</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPV4ceUt5KBITUTukx6Ix-4nU3AykYW_iesiyQ09nbisq6PvJivkToJJG14Q_yCwdhpJfUaVI76cYfpThcQygKAquXfg8nBC0D-IE9tnTkkESZdHX2hECYvhk9NhnARPsq87MsTZdKCK-j/s1600-h/Christy's+Bedroom+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269866223989265986" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPV4ceUt5KBITUTukx6Ix-4nU3AykYW_iesiyQ09nbisq6PvJivkToJJG14Q_yCwdhpJfUaVI76cYfpThcQygKAquXfg8nBC0D-IE9tnTkkESZdHX2hECYvhk9NhnARPsq87MsTZdKCK-j/s200/Christy's+Bedroom+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMP5EbVyh0sMpSdrNQdnlV-JUODTMQUq4z4uDx5Yg9z-sEWfrVC0fTn-smHcncyb-V8TtMWKFrNYEyWpzjnCJ9yrzHRoslDwM3KPf-VhpGUVialzcIA4miGRHHcgL7lJeUG9IAWpRcA4CA/s1600-h/Christy's+Bedroom+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269866221757732066" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMP5EbVyh0sMpSdrNQdnlV-JUODTMQUq4z4uDx5Yg9z-sEWfrVC0fTn-smHcncyb-V8TtMWKFrNYEyWpzjnCJ9yrzHRoslDwM3KPf-VhpGUVialzcIA4miGRHHcgL7lJeUG9IAWpRcA4CA/s200/Christy's+Bedroom+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pYGm6RPlvmjdtAY44GUOy2kP2V5DtixxB3r7aQwV6AEXeF2SKB2RaHq95k51octIRmurQqB4alUr64PDzoi5jLmLw35GZi0PvvN_vHCZx1nQ1D8tMrNO7kpC8e-CVBEXX9Sy5n7C0Yhq/s1600-h/Christy's+Bedroom+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269866212173120690" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pYGm6RPlvmjdtAY44GUOy2kP2V5DtixxB3r7aQwV6AEXeF2SKB2RaHq95k51octIRmurQqB4alUr64PDzoi5jLmLw35GZi0PvvN_vHCZx1nQ1D8tMrNO7kpC8e-CVBEXX9Sy5n7C0Yhq/s200/Christy's+Bedroom+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1U9lI0wcGiy00pD8bG5UeObK0gOGCdlkwpYeNjIIFfe3mUyasY-V4_Sr_l6RE05a7dMn80ihlt8ByTfkhSjej-Ihjbo_VtdS8HE9PYDzNL0UiCs_NNv-fBS6UN5_h9NgxiVJDNzCfJgVi/s1600-h/Christy's+Bedroom+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269866214757685762" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1U9lI0wcGiy00pD8bG5UeObK0gOGCdlkwpYeNjIIFfe3mUyasY-V4_Sr_l6RE05a7dMn80ihlt8ByTfkhSjej-Ihjbo_VtdS8HE9PYDzNL0UiCs_NNv-fBS6UN5_h9NgxiVJDNzCfJgVi/s200/Christy's+Bedroom+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhaeXLj6ZrREq1ZRkGdZQiXNd3JjZlEj4REvgKS-3yIikRKDzZf2A0BGjRuoxAdkEGoGKhLopu-GnmktmVIuA3i_9AyEvLRUepg26a-96rMaNySW0NrKABrXu9hlBSVf6IPY9KeHOouaD/s1600-h/Christy's+Bedroom+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269866214683862626" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhaeXLj6ZrREq1ZRkGdZQiXNd3JjZlEj4REvgKS-3yIikRKDzZf2A0BGjRuoxAdkEGoGKhLopu-GnmktmVIuA3i_9AyEvLRUepg26a-96rMaNySW0NrKABrXu9hlBSVf6IPY9KeHOouaD/s200/Christy's+Bedroom+003.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>Poster board come in handy yet again. No more peep hole in my bathroom, Curtians were hand stiched by me and the flooring was a great bonding time with my neighbor. </div><div>I threw in Bathroom and bed for kicks so you quys can see a little more of my normal life.<br /><br /></div></div>Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-25472675301275707492008-11-10T22:01:00.001-08:002008-11-12T19:16:43.914-08:00Birthday reflections<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfIy4JFqp0avQTfoqwQA5Tkk5XE-ioN9zeJY-6KI4L-iB17KVaxAX8j8fe6HAqAwvLCDDj23fD4_j_eQUtZJZMt0guRitbQN1ZH3t1WBAn4IU3YtppTXUqSRKpjFLXg-nwJVnKjRIST8l/s1600-h/birthday+for+christy+023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267975289718516770" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfIy4JFqp0avQTfoqwQA5Tkk5XE-ioN9zeJY-6KI4L-iB17KVaxAX8j8fe6HAqAwvLCDDj23fD4_j_eQUtZJZMt0guRitbQN1ZH3t1WBAn4IU3YtppTXUqSRKpjFLXg-nwJVnKjRIST8l/s200/birthday+for+christy+023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Turning 25 was great. Thanks to all who sent birthday wishes, cards and or gifts. You helped to make it a special day. </div><br /><div>I surprisingly felt very loved by my teammates and Thai friends as I celebrated with them. They all where so thoughtful and full of love</div><div>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-FU-qhtIE4eLYbeDLS5EdLJ6Ta8t3OZ_81WOYAjv5406ZMm9OEACXbbMtsa_j265uBgiCpr9UffutCBCcf4MP3gxPwBPdF5yWSL5_GZRmwJ-i9ClaCzaudhPfaQm_b_oZgqHMhphI81M/s1600-h/birthday+for+christy+032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267975309143776162" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-FU-qhtIE4eLYbeDLS5EdLJ6Ta8t3OZ_81WOYAjv5406ZMm9OEACXbbMtsa_j265uBgiCpr9UffutCBCcf4MP3gxPwBPdF5yWSL5_GZRmwJ-i9ClaCzaudhPfaQm_b_oZgqHMhphI81M/s200/birthday+for+christy+032.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWBnmJkscH3u0zpnZmTRoY-NLIGSEwD5Ut3h4YZ9fJgtjBPbqSonm0uHe0L2Bf9O6y6syOAh6jLmpbEtMi3KeMGU3KMHPN5F5V9GT45ohw8V5d9P50Iyf1s6fOon06UAD1lfSZ838N96c/s1600-h/birthday+for+christy+030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267975297540160050" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWBnmJkscH3u0zpnZmTRoY-NLIGSEwD5Ut3h4YZ9fJgtjBPbqSonm0uHe0L2Bf9O6y6syOAh6jLmpbEtMi3KeMGU3KMHPN5F5V9GT45ohw8V5d9P50Iyf1s6fOon06UAD1lfSZ838N96c/s200/birthday+for+christy+030.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>My desk was decorated with flowers, my friend made one of my favorite dishes from strach for lunch and we were invited by our team leaders house for home cooked lasagna and birthday cake. I felt loved. The gifts from the office staff and team where so thoughtful--a flower paint tray (Jin my Thai friend said "I noticed you like to paint and you've been using a cardboard box as your tray--Thats just sad. I feel sorry for you"--Great, Thoughtful and perfect gift. others made me jewerly by hand or put together a thing of my favorites. Pumpking Spice coffee ( I love anything pumpkin ) Chai Tea, Lavender to help me sleep, paintings in my favorite colors and so much more.<br /></div><div>Then when I came home my good friend Gop, in the neighborhood, surprised me with a cake she bought herself and we had a mini celebration just the two of us. </div><br /><div>I did have a party with the neighborhood-- kids and adults alike where excited about the cookies, brownies, Cake, and other snacks--oh and yes they enjoyed the karaoke. </div><br /><div>It was a good celebration. And I'm so grateful that I was able to enjoy turning 25 with people I really enjoy hanging out with. </div></div></div>Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-75985112936327470322008-10-30T21:34:00.000-07:002008-10-30T21:49:22.714-07:00GhettonessIn Pomona I thought I had reached a level of Ghettoness when my roomates and I put up cardboard boxes in our window to keep the house cooler. Don't knock it till you try it. It really helped us survive the extreme heat.<br /><br />In Thailand I realize that I actually have become even more crafty. My sister in law has been adding accent walls to my nieces and nephews room. I, like my sister in law, have a value for nicely decorated walls and homey feeling rooms. That is why I added my own accent wall--with thin sheets of poster board and foam tape. A whole new level.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdUNaN_zHMfQUAZ3QnXLeDBxHxlLb2afgWjc-GuJ5AT-gCb5ODcJMeljBm20NPoLkwZeuBbzdPrNB2DK-OFsCQ8L1I0o1OkXF7o7CLfzlPTJApPeVDH9l5YEKAP8cSWPZU_l7xSgXXjA1/s1600-h/Artsy+october+08+094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263173525308025666" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdUNaN_zHMfQUAZ3QnXLeDBxHxlLb2afgWjc-GuJ5AT-gCb5ODcJMeljBm20NPoLkwZeuBbzdPrNB2DK-OFsCQ8L1I0o1OkXF7o7CLfzlPTJApPeVDH9l5YEKAP8cSWPZU_l7xSgXXjA1/s200/Artsy+october+08+094.JPG" border="0" /></a> Before:<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEBh7VAWrBJxk-SeXzzZ12akSeFADhWLD6QI9OvA8ckPb7dEofKSatoKnh8Z-xBgMHca_MmwuBHOox5nMX450nWcykmxWpmFIcfEfyghnr_PYtUXenEsnx1jxMizkj1OfEpJ4wEnMhH7d/s1600-h/Artsy+october+08+108.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263173539030407058" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEBh7VAWrBJxk-SeXzzZ12akSeFADhWLD6QI9OvA8ckPb7dEofKSatoKnh8Z-xBgMHca_MmwuBHOox5nMX450nWcykmxWpmFIcfEfyghnr_PYtUXenEsnx1jxMizkj1OfEpJ4wEnMhH7d/s200/Artsy+october+08+108.JPG" border="0" /></a>Posterboard accent wall<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GQFWeztnmuHEFZREPYi_5zrbyv7G4l4ml26AhccLTrUB91SbxpFsaaGhkStA-fL0A-yFxs9NaTDseFjb5fJ-a7w8xHYDuihZmTIwxTv0HTFf6Jv0VIJQtLImOA9B3drhtIwjxD7bduuh/s1600-h/Artsy+october+08+112.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263173542202701426" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GQFWeztnmuHEFZREPYi_5zrbyv7G4l4ml26AhccLTrUB91SbxpFsaaGhkStA-fL0A-yFxs9NaTDseFjb5fJ-a7w8xHYDuihZmTIwxTv0HTFf6Jv0VIJQtLImOA9B3drhtIwjxD7bduuh/s200/Artsy+october+08+112.JPG" border="0" /></a> Diecut flowers boarder and a string with clips for the childrens art work.<br /><br />Ahh to be resourceful.Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-50026729345982262812008-10-28T05:15:00.001-07:002008-10-28T05:34:36.189-07:00GreatnessRecently my Grandma sent me a package for my birthday--it was filled with goodies and many fun things. One poster she made her self had the quote by Mother Theresa, " We can do no great things-- only small things with great love." <br />How true is this statement.<br />How deeply profound this statment is.<br />The more I live in Thailand the more I realize that I am not great or special. I don't have magic superpowers and I'm not beyond human. I get tired and thirsty and irritated. I have joy and hardship, but I'm often still a person who longs to be great. I want to do my best at what ever I do and when I fall short I'm often overly hard on my self. Yet as much as it is human nature to desire to be great ,I'm also overwhelmed with the desire to be normal. (I am coming to terms with the fact that this realty kind of went out the window when I decided to follow Jesus's call for me to live in a slum) I want to be remarkable and yet ordinary. This could be why one of the greatest books I've read is called "Irresitable Revolution" by Shane Claiborne.<br />What I love about Mother Theresa's quote is that it's true. I as imperfect, human, Christy can do nothing Great. Thankfully Jesus never called me to be Great he called Himself to be "I AM" He is Great. All he asks is that I would respond to His love and love those around me. Small things with Great Love. <br />If I live in this world longing to be great I will miss the chance to see Great things happens, but if I live in this world doing small things with Great Love I may actually see the Greatness of God--Which I believe to be much greater than the "Great" I could ever be.Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-14404492211545589162008-09-28T21:36:00.000-07:002008-09-28T21:54:01.402-07:00OCDEver since I was a child, I have been obsessed with patterns. One of my chores as a child was to nightly set the table. Every night I picked out which colored cups I wanted and would arrange them in a "pattern"--sometimes a pattern only I could see--(this being made evident when someone else would want to change cups and I would strongly oppose or rearrange the cups to a different pattern so he could have the color he wanted. )<br />Recently my roomate has been noticing my "OCD" tendancies, --Silently rearranging the drying hangers to be color cordinated or eating pieces of candy in order of the pattern I've created. These are all things I don't have to do, but will admitt that there is a slight inner peace when they are done. When things around me are out of my control and or crazy (as ministry can be sometimes) there is a certain joy I get in my room being color ordered. Strange I know.<br />This weekend I officially moved into my own room (same house as Sara still-- long story, but my room is finally open) and it has been so exciting to start arranging my room based on the color themes I want. 3 colors= Royal darkish blue is the base. followed by light bright green and brown for accents. I'll post some after pictures soon, but for now it feels nice to have a some color order in my life. It feels nice to make my room feel like mine. I pray it will be a room of refreshment and deep intimacy with Jesus who is my real inner peace.Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-39956476655135539072008-09-17T23:54:00.000-07:002008-09-24T22:04:43.049-07:00creativity<div>Creativity is something I've always had an interest in. I greatly appreciate creative art forms like painting, drawing, or poetry. Looking at well orchastrated and unique photography is something I find relaxing. I'm often the first to cheer someone on to develop creative outlets and I personaly keep an artistic journal. Living in the slums introduces a whole new set of creative outlets--Like how do you dry you're clothes in raining season or what's culturally the best way to handle difficult situations. I'm still praying for some wisdom in hard situations, but at least I've fiqured out drying clothes. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249819797194828146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kAUf3mYOxwuuy6afS5DSNRSb9kGa7N6naSTIKlTBY5MH8EGg9Y02cnguiv-r3y2krINDcf3XFHyxKIzZXqaTA_Ae7U-10woIzBSaQLzq2ACHRJT-fOlZbXO0j_oXfEAcZFLEO4hImttF/s200/Jin's+birthday+and+Photong+babies+002.JPG" border="0" /></div>Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-27880644500928521472008-09-04T00:49:00.001-07:002008-09-04T01:35:05.791-07:00Wat of much randomness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEiRC9BGPFJ150jMST8YM9D-VSCNZ02YhgwflPekphao2q1Zbj3onBZJ3mRRDDlVogqZV7hdM_Eb2vzrviY-gCecO_ATFj5CYdd3Cd_1HSH9BiMWmmY-siYfK9eQR_Uvghy87I3nKOvgE/s1600-h/Kristen+comes+to+bangkokk+065.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242071955595678882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqZkSahqfQQqAdF7_33yWVuzzCsDpYH1Tfm7_FJvnf72CboMnLicmPNIa-DrpDiUTJbchpXZIiBIxxzzehipnil_ipuJxFgzx63kVHKJm1kPTy08XeqIYpqLTNPPjVXxkAU3IYsA-suYb/s200/Kristen+comes+to+bangkokk+066.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>There's many things that I find fit my personality in Thailand. There are also a lot of Buddist temples in any part of any city in Thailand. They are all about the same and all have thier own thing that sets them apart. </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEiRC9BGPFJ150jMST8YM9D-VSCNZ02YhgwflPekphao2q1Zbj3onBZJ3mRRDDlVogqZV7hdM_Eb2vzrviY-gCecO_ATFj5CYdd3Cd_1HSH9BiMWmmY-siYfK9eQR_Uvghy87I3nKOvgE/s1600-h/Kristen+comes+to+bangkokk+065.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242077576220521986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEiRC9BGPFJ150jMST8YM9D-VSCNZ02YhgwflPekphao2q1Zbj3onBZJ3mRRDDlVogqZV7hdM_Eb2vzrviY-gCecO_ATFj5CYdd3Cd_1HSH9BiMWmmY-siYfK9eQR_Uvghy87I3nKOvgE/s200/Kristen+comes+to+bangkokk+065.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>My best friend Kristen recently visited from the States which was both encourging and exciting. I was able to practice a lot of Thai as I translated for 2 weeks straight ( wow I had no idea I could traslate that much or understand that much) It was very encouraging. I was also super encouraged by how my neighbors reached out to welcome Kristen. They knew she was like a sister and that we'd been friends for a long time, but it was encouraging to me to see how much my neighbors cared about me as they reached out to Kristen. </div><div><br /></div><div>Kristen found her self remarking serveral times that there is lot about Bangkok that fits my personality. Thai's love to Dance and they love things to be cute. They have a phycial and slightly sarcastical sense of humor--they love to startle people and smile all the time. Thai's are hospitiable and generous. It's a big city with lots to do, but relatively easy to be know by local vedors and neighbors. Any Thai any where is usually up for starting conversation. (sometimes having more freedom than american culture allows eg... How much money does Kristen have in her bank account in the U.S, , but Thai's generally care about people.</div><div><br /></div><div>My language partner in particular took it upon her self to show Kristen much of Thailand. We hung out with her several times including a day trip to a nieghboring ancient city (ayutitya). Kristen had her tourist books, but we didn't hit all the tourist spots. We did hit some local Thai hot spots and our favorite wat ( temple) which Kristen and I have sense titled "the wat of much randonmess." It's a must go see if you're in Thailand (just ask the Thai's). As I mentioned before Every wat is pretty much the same and every wat has it's own unique element to it. The wat of much randomness is unique (more than it is the same) because of it's BATHROOM. That's right known for being one of the most beautiful bathrooms in Thailand and the 1st airconditioning bathroom in a temple in all of Thailand. Each stall had it's own airconditioning complete with carpeted floors. It was amazing. If you haven't gone to the bathroom you haven't been to this temple. It's also decorated with clay children and plaster animals all over the grounds. You can feed ravinous large cat fish as well as see all the traditional temple things like bells and merit stands. Of all the touristy things in Thailand I've done so far. The wat of much randomness might be my favorite because if you know me I too am quite random. </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-4rhlXOuKS45EGKhGPMlY83qto10D40rny15V5OkM0GXepKpCH4NidOdC3GTasveFKVzZFzONDHgtqdqdPF110r3A1Kleh6U99im57OtVJ2iEffRE_hTVvDUCqx2StLisKbk6bRK8d3y/s1600-h/Kristen+comes+to+bangkokk+043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242077581049122466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-4rhlXOuKS45EGKhGPMlY83qto10D40rny15V5OkM0GXepKpCH4NidOdC3GTasveFKVzZFzONDHgtqdqdPF110r3A1Kleh6U99im57OtVJ2iEffRE_hTVvDUCqx2StLisKbk6bRK8d3y/s200/Kristen+comes+to+bangkokk+043.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>children playing intruments</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYnrNFN92ewYcZXmlnsBYFdnMGTeDgaMDY0Cx9aiO4MplA-Zhh8gTfDgc9Gqek8H_RmoU_TI-p9CswXnTpVUSASVd41aCSW3_9jUsBdMIsRqeYXx7SsxbXMTpz6lM3ixPqMrLVz5HiqGX/s1600-h/Kristen+comes+to+bangkokk+048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242077590424818306" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYnrNFN92ewYcZXmlnsBYFdnMGTeDgaMDY0Cx9aiO4MplA-Zhh8gTfDgc9Gqek8H_RmoU_TI-p9CswXnTpVUSASVd41aCSW3_9jUsBdMIsRqeYXx7SsxbXMTpz6lM3ixPqMrLVz5HiqGX/s200/Kristen+comes+to+bangkokk+048.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>Is this the Thai verson of that one kid's sunblock in the US</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp8P5I7BuvCNosPzc1lLetfLt1tu_z_FxaOKgqLjqaurZ7bdgCKX2tyeUgqHs75usPvD3zj9zbtdluSsNip_Wzs1hNspNh3A3USRRPWBdlSE5XoMe-lG0tVZX2fSPOTqblUDJX4bz-6vP/s1600-h/Kristen+comes+to+bangkokk+046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242077585195826562" style="CURSOR: hand" height="153" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp8P5I7BuvCNosPzc1lLetfLt1tu_z_FxaOKgqLjqaurZ7bdgCKX2tyeUgqHs75usPvD3zj9zbtdluSsNip_Wzs1hNspNh3A3USRRPWBdlSE5XoMe-lG0tVZX2fSPOTqblUDJX4bz-6vP/s200/Kristen+comes+to+bangkokk+046.JPG" width="200" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Ahh it's me in clay form </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7_BxkwtIXV_12CNkSlQaR5mlQmkh59VW1fwrV9_d7ejYGnfzVRAvstFz6L1SdplXZquvQyUFUb1q0BQJ4UWbYZEb27VJgO6zyguNw-S_2ZgSHmZe_p2f_prf51xfjER8Il9M11DClUu9/s1600-h/Kristen+comes+to+bangkokk+049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242077593570056882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7_BxkwtIXV_12CNkSlQaR5mlQmkh59VW1fwrV9_d7ejYGnfzVRAvstFz6L1SdplXZquvQyUFUb1q0BQJ4UWbYZEb27VJgO6zyguNw-S_2ZgSHmZe_p2f_prf51xfjER8Il9M11DClUu9/s200/Kristen+comes+to+bangkokk+049.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>No were not just weird, Were imitating clay fiqures behind us</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Thanks Gop for taking us to the Wat of Much randomness. That and eating fresh Roti from ayutitya was definetly a highlight from the other wise really hot day.<br /></div><div></div>Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-92056390006263529522008-07-17T19:21:00.000-07:002008-07-17T19:46:58.743-07:00Let's make coffee!!!In Thailand people sleep very little--which may explain why caffinine is readily available in any form anywhere here. Energy Drinks come in plenty, coffee stands of various kinds are everywhere you can get nescafe, powdered drip coffee, real coffee-- you can get it sweet or not sweet, hot or cold. I liked coffee before coming to Thailand, but living with a roomate who has a cup every day and in a city where it comes in plethera--I've started to enjoy it even more. Coffee has also been a place of great relationship building and language pratice. Almost every Saturday I go to small coffee shop really close to my house and talk with the sister and sister-in-law who run it--their becoming Thai friends of mine. Some days I get some by the bus stop and they too know my name and my order before I even say it. Coffee has become a casual friendship builder and a way to feel a little know in this massive city. It also helps that when I get coffee here it is never more than $1.00. ( Another reason I don't understand why starbucks are so popular here when thier cup of coffee is still $3.50, and I can get good coffee for $1.00--it must be the rasberry syrup :) )<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zIh3fhAfpBR62oLNc8adA67mv51P60vBh9243LZZhkBxzAGVSXs0mc9X4NgSueY9dCeUrW8aOE8BIgtcctOsKngLtfwLu0usTLKsyC3dBDxucNK-0rdOqp6Cfl2QpKwBlkziLknXs8cT/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zIh3fhAfpBR62oLNc8adA67mv51P60vBh9243LZZhkBxzAGVSXs0mc9X4NgSueY9dCeUrW8aOE8BIgtcctOsKngLtfwLu0usTLKsyC3dBDxucNK-0rdOqp6Cfl2QpKwBlkziLknXs8cT/s200/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224179741465061266" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But who would of thought that Rat's like coffee too. Yes that's right Rat's in my house like to make coffee. One morning Sara and I woke up only to find that Rat's had made morning coffee for sara and I. --it's was almost like Ratatouille.<br />Here's how Rat's make coffee--maybe as strong as french press.<br />Step 1--knock down a full glass bottle of instant Nescafe red cup<br />Step 2- Roll around in water and or lick the coffee to become sticky paste all over the floor<br />Step 3--If you let it steam for several minutes it becomes even stronger<br />Step 4--Add water while trying to mop the coffee ( this is my part, the rat is too small to do it by<br /> it's self)<br />Step 5--Add more water and soap while still trying to mop the coffee up<br />Step 6--repeat steps 4 and 5 about 5-6 more times--each time more coffee being produced<br />Step 7--drink and enjoy--okay just kidding Sara and I really didn't drink the coffee, but I think the rats might of because they seemed more active and jittery that night.<br />Can Rat's get coffee buzzed???Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-6050811653850297472008-07-14T19:38:00.000-07:002008-07-14T19:58:03.142-07:00Hospitality of Thailand<div>So as mentioned before Thai people are very generous and hospitible. They love exchanging gifts and have an impecable memory for how much things cost. If you give them something they will give you something back of equal value (sometimes to the 1 baht ). This has always been a fun thing about being here and getting to know my neighbors. They love to share. </div><br /><div>Since being in Thailand i've recieved many different kinds of fruits, fried chicken, various curryies, a wrap around skirt with elephants on it, an eraser, a go green in Thailand bag, hair conditionier, Thai desserts ect. You get the point we exhange a lot, many of this is from my language partner who is still trying to find ways to "pay" me for teaching her english. Sara and I have picked up some ques and have learned how to exhange gifts with her as well. Some of it is from other neighbors who see me passing by. So far I've enjoyed just about everything, but last night I got the best gift yet. A bowling shirt. My neighbor bought it and then decided it was a little to big for her, so she wanted me to have it. It was very thoughtful of her....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRGeJDAM-UqzPfUkON6D3TapOBPYihbieKKMZ8iD38FaWm4qeqK1Abo3gCiLy8xT3R4wx8zBOclfogh2EqZMK7kMoct6BcHciZZkFZ0rX3vinssX7B2vxUUFkkZlhLbp7IKF6HwHMqLUP/s1600-h/July+08+kids+and+bowling+shirt+026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223067463168946882" style="WIDTH: 189px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" height="173" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRGeJDAM-UqzPfUkON6D3TapOBPYihbieKKMZ8iD38FaWm4qeqK1Abo3gCiLy8xT3R4wx8zBOclfogh2EqZMK7kMoct6BcHciZZkFZ0rX3vinssX7B2vxUUFkkZlhLbp7IKF6HwHMqLUP/s200/July+08+kids+and+bowling+shirt+026.JPG" width="200" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkTfnU8jUlCS8pz7kz0Y2qpu5Lbgu1LCyGUSwLJKwU9UPF8u19nNZ1YmsD5B9ZUgJOs8ZDLu9OspF_epL4D-hm0NBTMxsG-ttBAoiHTY2DZ-tWQrFRCirq_TT7vvOUpApLWA8q_2cyHqZ/s1600-h/July+08+kids+and+bowling+shirt+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223067466198046114" style="WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px" height="150" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkTfnU8jUlCS8pz7kz0Y2qpu5Lbgu1LCyGUSwLJKwU9UPF8u19nNZ1YmsD5B9ZUgJOs8ZDLu9OspF_epL4D-hm0NBTMxsG-ttBAoiHTY2DZ-tWQrFRCirq_TT7vvOUpApLWA8q_2cyHqZ/s200/July+08+kids+and+bowling+shirt+025.JPG" width="231" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>I'm not so sure I want to wear this huge bowling shirt around, I mean it does say hot hot vegas, Bang Bang bowling, so maybe i just sport it once or twice in the privacy of my house when she comes over --- just to be polite. </div><div> </div><div>How do I ever give an exchange gift for this one????? Not quite sure, I'll fiqure it out. </div>Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9179559221614340361.post-42133251975197393902008-06-26T20:00:00.000-07:002008-06-26T21:21:49.061-07:00They say cultural shock will hitSo I didn't think cultural shock would really affect me, but apparently a string of small things can cause someone to feel a little crazy.<br />This past week--I think I understand the sense of feeling a little out of control. Thankfully I serve a God who is in control especially when I am not.<br /><br />Episode 1) I mention to my neighbor that I want to get a haircut--which means she leads me out of my house to a local hair salon at 9pm in the evening. Where my head is massaged, washed. I'm siting in the chair and my neighbor and hair dresser proceed to speak really fast in Thai about my hair to each other. I keep hearing , "it's better, it's better" What's better?--oh snip--the bangs I had intentionally worked for 1 year and 1/2 to grow out were back in a split second.<br /><br />Episode 2) I go to order a cold tea from a place I have gotten cold tea from before only to recieve a salty fruit smoothie with tomatoes in it. NOT GOOD may I add.<br /><br />So far in my week, I'm handing things well for I am a flexible person and really none of this is a big deal...<br /><br />Episode 3) See and hear rats running behind my head while I"m sleeping for several nights in a row. (nothing new right?) One night one of my earplugs fell out and I was woken up to hear rats but my earplug was no where to be found. Strange you think<br /><br />Episode 4) In response to episode 3 I put out 25=30 pieces of rat poison to find the next mornig all of them devoured.<br /><br />Episode 5) The rats have not only eaten all of the pieces I left out for them but have found the stash of rat poision in the drawer we have. Not only did they open the sealed box but then decided to scatter the rat posion through out other drawers. Yes there were chewed up pieces of rat poison all through out my clothing drawers.<br /><br />Still doing good. Only slightly annoyed. And then Sara and I come home last night.<br /><br />Episode 6) Found the missing earplug from nights before--it was in my clothing drawer clearly chewed up.<br /><br />Episode 7) Ants had managed to make their way into a new unopened bag of rice. They were all throughout the bag. How do Ants get into an Unopened bag of Rice. AHHH<br /><br />Episode 8) After dinner I head to the restroom. Only to find a dead baby rat on our bathroom floor. (yes this is the 3rd time we have had a rat just dye on our floor)<br /><br />I start to loose it. I'm laughing and screaming, " I don't like rats" (in Thai, may I add.) But still laughing.<br /><br />Episode 9) Getting on the bus this morning I end up wacking my head as I go to sit down on the bus--quick need a destraction so I don't cry on public transportation. I open my wallet only to see wallet sized photos of my family that I love so much. Close wallet, not helping.<br /><br />Episode 10) ****** Special note, This happened while I was typing this email********<br />I'm sitting at my desk and an ant crawls on my arm.<br /><br />Not major right?, Episode 10 was the straw that broke the camels back. I lost it. Shook the ant off my arm and starting weeping, sobbing. Intermixed with lauging.<br />While in Pomona we had a motto. Laugh or Cry, well in bangkok when Cultural shock officially hits--it's a mixure of both. Sob and Laugh, Weep and Cry.<br /><br />***my teammate lexie was in the office at the time, and at first look really confused, and then comforted me and prayed for me, Encouraging me with her own stories of cultural shock. It's normal even when the events really aren't normal. *****<br /><br />Thankfully I have a God who is in control even when I definelty am not.Mangosteen Mambohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17343511742996743673noreply@blogger.com6