"I'm Going Home Next Weekend"

"I'm going home next weekend."  

This is the phrase that I repeatedly said to myself this evening (I should say this morning. I'm a bit of a night owl).  I suddenly realized how close it all really is.  it's like I've been sitting at the train station all morning waiting for the train home.  Now I can hear it's whistle in the distance.  it says, "I'm coming! Hope you're ready to go."

But am I ready to go.  I've been here so long that I've gotten used to everything here.  All the things that were strange are normal. The things I used to think, "you'd never see this in the States" are what I want to have when I get home.  

"I'm going home next weekend."

It's like a record playing in my head. Over and over.  a constant reminder that it is going to end soon.  I'm not sure how I feel about it.  Sad to be leaving, so Happy to be going home, anxious about the long trip home, ready to sleep in my own bed, but really going to miss living at Choltida Place.  I think I epitomize the meaning of mixed emotions right now.   
But it's ok to have them, right?  


I can't wait to see yall when I get home. And I am really going to miss you guys that I'm leaving here.

Some things I've seen.

 The main market in ChiangMai.  Warrarot Market.  This is the view from the top floor looking down.  But all around there are 3 levels surrounding this area looking down into it.

 An adorable old man doing his part in making a fun umbrella.  Most of the people at the umbrella factory have spent a good part of their lives learning and perfecting how to make umbrellas

These are my two classes from our English course.  We have so much fun together.  Even if the power goes out and we have to go to Heidi's house to study. :-)

 My new favorite necklace to always remind me to pray for the people of Thailand and the stone on it is where Chiang Mai is.  So I especially remember them and hold them close to my heart. :-)

Count down Part 2

WHAT WILL I TAKE BACK WITH ME?

This one's a little harder.  You never notice how you've changed until you are back in an old setting.  So now I'm trying to remember what home is like.  What is different from here? What have I gotten used to here that was weird at one time?

For sure it will be weird to be surrounded by English. I think I've become more thoughtful.  Not understanding people only leaves you with your own thoughts. So I've been thinking a lot about everything and anything.  It spills over, though.  Even when people are speaking English around me I find myself thinking about everything they might be thinking or feeling?  What are they not saying?

Hmmmm.....What are some other things? I walk a lot of places here.  It feels good to walk and get some easy exercise.  When I get home I"ll prolly ride my bike any place I can.  I live close to everything except for work.  Plus, riding a bike or walking gives me time to let my mind concentrate.  Pray, observe, plan.  All things that usually don't happen in the car with the radio, or friends talking with me.   Don't get me wrong. I love spending time with people I care about, 
but there's always more time I could spend with the Lord.
 I think I'd also like to take back the 
attitude of spending time with people.  Relationships are important here.  A friend is someone you spend time with and talk with. It's not just someone you say hi to at school or church.  Most of them are lost here and they act more like the Body should than most Christians I have known in my life.  True, we all love each other, but I think we could show it more.  



Moreover, I will never lose my memories of this town.  
The sights and how they perplex me.  The smell of spices and foods as I go down the road.  The sounds of all the people talking and negotiating in the markets. the Sound of Thai believers worshiping with all their hearts; eyes closed so tight, hands raised, pouring out their heart to the One True God.  

Lord, What would you have take back with me.  I've observed the culture  I know the meanings of the things around me.  I've applied what I learned to my life.  Now, how do I bring it back home?  Oh Lord what is it that you desire from this.  Help me to trust you and follow your every leading when I have the opportunity to tell someone about my trip.  Please don't let me tell them about the things I did.  but rather what you have been doing that I got to be a part of.  You are moving in these people.  I pray that I will be faithful to you and witness your work in this place.  I want so badly for them to have what you offer.  You are Constant, unwavering, Love in it's truest form, just, and merciful to provide the payment you require for what we have done against you and continue to do.  Thank you my Lord. My savior.  I love you Daddy.

Let the Count Down Begin

I've decided to start a mini series of a count down until it's time to go back home.  I want to dedicate some thoughts to who and what I am going to miss when I leave. What I will take back with me (behaviors, habits, mannerisms, ect.).  And also what I still want to accomplish before I leave.  There's no worse feeling than looking back and wishing you had done something you decided not to do.

WHAT I'M GOING TO MISS
 I started to write about this in my journal the other night.  I wanted to see what all Chiang Mai has that I wish I had back home.  I think I'll just list them off as I think of them.

-Everyone is so friendly

-Relationships mean more than being on time

-Friendships are made over meals

-There's little to no crime.  I don't have to worry about someone breaking into my room or stealing the keys out of my bike when I accidentally forget to grab them. (which I've done a few times already)

-The traffic is very go-with-the-flow mentality. and motorbikes can go wherever they fit.

-Karaoke, Thai style. (in a room with just your friends.  No embarrassment in front of strangers)

-The willingness to spend time with each other whenever you have free time.  

-I've made some really good friends while I've been here that I'm REALLY going to miss A LOT

-I've finally learned to like spicy food, and I actually crave Thai food over ferang food.

-There's no English word to truly describe the feel of Chiang Mai.  It's a city, but each little road is like it's own small town, but it's so diverse you can't nail down a good description of the feel here.

-There are markets EVERYWHERE and the things in them are cheap. 

-I fill up my gas tank on my scooter for $1.75.....total.

-I'm at the foot of a mountain and within walking of a waterfall and lake, all of these elements are great for prayer and quiet times with the Lord.

-I feel like I've become a part of the community of the street I live on.  I eat at this little restaurant, Tim and Mim's, almost everyday.  They people at the 7/11 know me now.  The ladies who sell their fruit on the side of the road know me.  The church I go to is on my street, and so is the school where I'm teaching English.  Even the dogs at the place where I live know me.  The cleaning ladies in my building always stop and say hi to me.  

Yes there is a lot about Chiang Mai that I'm gonna miss a ton.  There are so many details within these things I've listed that would make this post way too long so I've just said the general things, but finish reading this knowing that I've made a life here for these short months and it has become so comfortable and homey feeling here.  

I'm gonna miss it all.