Glories of Thailand

I am currently at a conference in Thailand, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite countries. Right now in my life, Thailand seems to be like a little Amerca, except they don't speak English. They have most western amenities, and it is just a neat place. However, I am beginning to wonder how cool this place really is, and if it is just really cool compared to the city I came from. I wonder if I came straight to this city from America if I would think it was so great. I think my impression would be altered slightly if that was the case, but that isn't the case. I did not come here from America. I came from India and I think it is awesome! I am loving every minute of it!

We are in meetings most days, which have been good and encouraging, and we have the evenings free to enjoy the glories of Thailand. I am just going to list my favorite things about Thailand. They are numbered, but that really doesn't mean their rank.

1. The Thai people are incredible. They are all very gentle people who are extremely friendly. Sometimes they are almost too friendly, if thats possible. Their gentleness is in stark contrast to the people in everday life in my country. The change is refreshing.

2. All types of food is available here - the most popular thing being BEEF! There are several restaurants ran by Americans that offer all the best - hamburgers, ribs, fried chicken, twice baked potatoes, and sweet tea! Eating is one of my favorite activites and eating all my favorites from home is always alot of fun.

3. The prices are great. Although this city is very western, the prices are still Asian, which means 50-75% lower than American prices. Woohoo! This means that I can actaully fund all my eating out and shopping excursions. For example of their amazing prices: 1 hour Thai massage $3.75. Yes, I've had 2 and hope to get another.

4. The night market is my favorite place to go! Shopping at outdoor markets in other countries is definately one of my favortie pasttimes. I love it! This city has an incredible night market that has all types of stuff like movies, cds, clothes, shoes, Thai silk, jewelry, etc. I love to go just walk around, and of course I've bought a few things too :) I think I've gone almost every night. Of course, #3 is a huge plus for this market.

5. The people I'm with are amazing also. At this conference, I've been reunited with tons of friends from all over the world. It is always great to see all them, and to hear their stories. It is a great time of encouragement and just for fun. We've ate alot, talked alot, went to a concert, went bowling, went shopping, got massages, pedicures, etc.

6. Worship. For the first time in probably 6 months I have had a chance to gather together with other believers and worship in my own mother tongue. What a blessing that has been! Sometimes we don't realize that we need something until we experience it. Imagine someone who lived in a dry desert all their life. They wouldn't recognize it as a desert, because they would not know that there was anything different out there. However, if they ever felt rain, saw its cleansing power as it covered the earth and brought new growth, then they would trully realize the desert in which they had been living. This week I discovered I was in a desert. Yes, physically, I live in a desert, but I discovered spiritually I was in a desert also. As the first chorus was sang, it was as if the raindrops were beginning to fall, as did my tears. I can't exactly explain that feeling, but it was an incredible moment. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done in my own desert, but streams flowed in that day that for which I am very grateful.