Sawadee ka!

Sawadee ka! (Except picture me saying that with my hands together, raised to my nose and bowing my head – the Thai greeting)

We’ve been in Thailand for about a week now. I can already say how much I like it here. It strongly reminds me of the Philippines, yet at the same time is entirely different from it. Poverty is a comm on problem, but perhaps not as seemingly obvious. Although there are no jeepneys, they have something similar called the “Song Thaew”. It’s a pick-up truck with a seated area and roof in the back. To get off, you just hit a buzzer! University students also have to wear uniforms, just like at SLSU. Street vendors sell delicious and inexpensive food. The thick blanket of humidity and heat feels all the same. The mosquitos still bite (just take a look at Rebecca's legs - poor girl). And the people are just as friendly and welcoming.

Despite these similarities, Thailand has got its own rich culture worth noting. There are things that Rebecca and I are still trying to get used to. Believe me, there’s quite a bit to remember! For one, there are specific ways to sit. When sitting, you must make sure you’re not pointing your feet at anyone else (The Thai people believe that the feet are the dirtiest part of the body, therefore it’s rude to point your feet at others). The most appropriate way to sit is cross-legged or to sit tucking your legs in. Your head, however, is the most sacred part of your body. If we are to touch someone’s head, we are to ask permission, and we should not pass anything over anyone's heads. Also, as a woman, I am not allowed to touch any of the monks! If I wish to speak to a monk, a man must do it for me.

This last cultural rule was put to the test during our temple tours on one of our first days here. As we took a boat to get to Wat Pho and Wat Arun, we rode with other tourists, locals and even a few monks! We had to especially remember to leave the monks lots of room, as we didn’t want to offend!

But you certainly don’t need to go to the temple tours to realize that the Thai people are predominantly Buddhist. Even in our walks from where we’re staying to the church a few blocks down, we can see some of the physical influences of Buddhism – gold structures, food offerings, Buddha idols. Getting to know some of the locals, the majority of them come from Buddhist backgrounds. And if you need to be blatantly reminded of its strong influence in the country, just visit one of the many temples. As crazy as it is to see these buildings devoted solely to gigantic Buddha statues, you really just can’t help but be in awe of the incredible architecture and artistic detail.

(Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn)

(Temple Guards at Wat Arun)

(Little me, big temple guard!)

(Lots of tourists at Wat Arun!)
(Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha - that Buddha took up the entire building!)
(At Wat Pho - tourists dropping 1-satang coins in 108 bronze bowls -- corresponding to the 108 auspicious characteristics of the Buddha -- for good fortune)

Although many Filipinos are Roman Catholic, at the very least the idea of God and Jesus Christ are heard of. Bringing up Christianity there isn’t a far stretch, but Thailand’s a totally different situation because you really need to start from the beginning when explaining Christianity… “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). What’s been really cool though is getting to know some of the locals and discussing this incredible concept of a creator God who loved us so much that he sent his son on the cross to die for us. You can just tell that they are so intrigued and thirsty to hear about it.

Some of the Thai people we’ve met here, although new Christians, have graciously invited us out to their different organizations they are involved in. (We couldn't help but be so encouraged to see that although they are new in faith, they're already doing what they can to serve God). So.. I'm excited to get writing about these places and to share with y'all the experiences, stories, and love that we've encountered!