The King and I in Thailand!

Two weeks ago a few of my friends and I were blessed to go on a trip to Bangkok, Thailand.  It was an amazing opportunity and I am so thankful that I was able to see more of Asia.  I found myself amazed with the rich culture and the hospitality of the people. 

On the last night that we were there we were able to go see a Thai cultural show.  I felt like I was part of the King and I eating, and watching this beautiful performance and taking in as much of the Thai culture as I could. The show illustrated the different regions of Thailand and the different cultures of each, one being a fishing community, and another being a mountainous region. 

As I sat there watching the show my heart was breaking for these people. They have come from some a strong roots, and the traditions of this country are beautiful, and yet they are so far from the truth.  They truly are a nation that is searching for truth.

The night before the show we were exploring more of the night life in Bangkok because we heard about the amazing night markets. Little did we know that with the night comes evil from it's dark corners.  The streets were lined with women and men who held folders filled with pictures of women, and flyers being passed out to passer-byes.  I have never felt so dirty in my life. 

After living in Chicago for many years I witnessed some terrible things, and was not surprised by the evil things people partook in.  Now living in Manila it's a regular occurrence for me to see poverty, drugs, and a unlimited supply of trash and filth.  But for some reason there in the streets of that Bangkok night market I have never felt such a spiritual darkness.

All this to say I have come away from this trip with a new burden. To pray for Thailand.  I can't imagine what it must feel like to feel forced into something that is so inhumane.  Please pray for these women and their families and that there would be a light in those communities where they can run to Christ.

A great experience, with great friends.  I count myself extremely lucky to be able to visit these different places in the south pacific.  It was also a time to get refreshed after another quarter of teaching.  But I love my kids and I was so ready to get back to them.

 

These are some of the pictures I took on the trip.  So many vibrant colors.  Overall I would love to go back again soon

An old sculpture at the Grand Palace... Love the gold in the background.

There is literally so much gold in the palace it was beginning to hurt my eyes with the sun...

Love this face... he's got a huge burden on his back...

wish I had enough time and courage to talk to this monk...he was in conversation with someone already...

The only reason I am wearing that sweater is because there was a dress code...long pants and sleeves. Yikes it was warm.

love the color in this one.

One day we were walking down the street when we ran into a small parade with elephants.  They were raising money for relief work in Japan. Who can say no to that big ol' elephant face...

This is me on the River Kwai and the bridge in the background. It was a great day to get out of the city and see some of the more rural parts of Thailand.

Bridge over the River Kwai.

More idols at a nearby temple.

view from up top...

La Mia and me...she was a great elephant. This picture was taken right after she had sucked up some water and sprayed it on herself trying to cool her off...and got me instead. Yuck!

our "river rafting" expedition... more like a peaceful float down the river.

feeding the babies :)

so precious.

they took us on a train ride called "the death train"...

elephant foot.

a very happy couple of friends.

On our last night we went to a cultural show which was amazing and so beautiful. Love the Thai people and their beautiful culture.