Banchang adventure

I think it is only right to accredit this entire trip to God. It has all but began with a lot of dread- lots of processes and lots of bureaucracy affairs. Regardless of how much passion the plan had initially been injected with, by this time of the year (a year and a half after the promise had been made), it was turning into just another box on the to-do list waiting to be checked. Such was the rate of draining, tears fell and laughters ceased, a year and a half later, most of us had learnt to move on and carry on with our lives.

29th July 2011 comes the day for the fulfillment of that promise. The diminishing closeness had become obvious- as compared to the initial months when we had just come back, with some of the Thai compatriots trying their very best to express their longing for us to be back with them, chatting alone became an event that was few and far between. Nevertheless, I am glad that was not the case between Tai and me! We've been talking a lot, and she's one of those late-bedders whom always stay up with me to burn the midnight oil. This trip, she played a huge part too- in helping me liaising with the rest my itinerary as well as my accommodation! With much gratitude! <3

It all began with an unintended wait. Navy taught us two points make a fix, but we only had one, and for a moment I was really expecting to stay the night in the Airport to wait for the return flight the following day. It was so until p'tueng (tai's brother) came with his girlfriend to pick me up! Long journey indeed, but throughout the journey, I was just reminiscing the good old times- The same part of the world, but a complete different set of memories. With that, those memories just keep building, this trip has allowed me to make many more thai friends, giving me even more reason to go back again if given that opportunity!

Surprise no.1, I met a mission team there! It was unplanned, but all of those just fell into place. In them, I witness the heart to learn, the heart to give, the heart to assist! Those were hearts of gold, yet it was also with a lot of human frailties. Such, was the value of a genuine encounter, and that, was truly impactful.

Surprise no.2, I had my first visit to Thailand's famous floating market- exotic food and peculiar cuisine spiced up my first day in Banchang, but even more so, I fulfilled the requests by the KEVIIans to buy food back. Subtly, the relationship was growing, perhaps a potential for future partnership? But for a start, I was just encouraged!

Surprise no.3, prayer meeting! It's strange how I've been tied down and missing out on the prayer meeting back in my own church, but my trip to Banchang brought me spot on to where I most needed to be. And soon, we were in my favorite setting in Thailand- the Thai worship! It is just so different. At the same time, I was just beginning to feel the pinch, I was beginning to feel the desire to linger a little longer, especially with the gradual emergence of the familiar faces- p'kak, p'nut, ploy, nana, p'man, pa'lam, and of course tai! I probably never realize how much I've missed them until I saw them face to face! Those were the very same people whom I've seen a year and a half ago! And the list continued to grow this year, with p'pound, p'joy, pining, p'aor adding to the list. Those were really lovely people!

Surprise no.4, the accommodation! P'pound is a new believer. He has received Christ less than a year ago, and I was just so amazed at how that entire transformation took place! The language was not the most fluent, the relationship was not the most deeply rooted, but the story told was from the deepest part of the heart. It was truly the work of the Spirit- one day it all just unfolded for him, and for that I could only praise God! P'pound is the owner for some apartment-rental place and I had an awesome rest for that one night I stayed in Bangkok! It all feels like a dream now that I'm back in Singapore.

Surprise no.5, Tai is finally back! Most of the Thais work in the city and it's really hard to catch a glimpse of them! This Saturday, Tai played a wonderful host together with the rest of the church's youths! In Singapore I was almost never able to wake up on time, but that day I was already up at 0730h (0630h in Thailand), and I joined the mission team for their morning devotions. Tai came to pick me up at 9, and I had my first motorbike ride without the helmet. She said I was afraid, but I really enjoyed the ride, and her company^^ Met up with the rest at the market and we had our breakfast there, and I think we had fun with the Thais teaching me Thai and I trying to master them. Kot Gai is chicken, Kor Hai is egg, Kor Hun is human, Lam yae is longan, luk chin is yong taufu, hom is smell etc. I am so gonna learn Thai in uni so that I can speak to them in Thai the next time I visit!

Surprise no.6, we were supposed to help out with the preparation for Sports day tomorrow, but there wasn't much that I could contribute. Most of the discussion was done in Thai, and despite Tai's effort to try to translate whenever she could, I was not involved in a huge bulk of the planning. Nevertheless, being amongst them, feeling the closeness they have with each other, indulging in the openness they enjoy with one another, those infectious laughters and jokes, what else could I have asked for? One day, I would really love to bring that to Singapore- with everyone willing to contribute and share their ideas (no fears of rejection but only mutual trust that perhaps only family members enjoy).

Surprise no.7, feast! P'pound and a few others were late and we had a good meal beside the beach for lunch and ice cream at that ever-so-popular Black Canyon! I had my first taste of raw cabs. Perhaps the Thais have formed the impression that Singaporeans are all spoilt and cleaned with weak immune system- they all tried to stop me when I ate the raw crab and the spicy pork sausage-like thing, for fear of me having a stomach upset. Well, my stomach did growl quite badly on my flight back earlier on, but who said I cannot try integrating into a new culture?

Surprise no.8, we had a public worship session at Silverlane! It's a very beautiful place and the mission team, together with RCDC's worship team had booked the open-air pavilion to hold a public performance! Amongst them were secular songs "I'm Yours" and "Peng You", followed by a series of worship pieces! I had to leave halfway to catch my flight, but I enjoyed my short stay there in their presence and to indulge in the music.

Surprise no.9, Pastor Anong drove me to Airport, and the girls saw me off- Tai, Joy, Ploy, P'Aor! That was not the original plan, and I am just so glad they've come! Really enjoyed my last 1 hour plus of ride to airport because of them! Ploy was being as funny as ever, Tai being as gentle and nice as ever! P'Aor has a secret weakness that let us have a very good laugh, and Joy kept me occupied with some occasional questions! I totally enjoyed their presence! And definitely so with that closure game: kob kadoo dung pom (Frog jump make sound!). Thank you so much Thailand Banchang. Each time I leave, I leave with a pinch in my heart- that pinch of departing. I really hope to see you guys again very soon, and the next time I return, I will try to make it a point to stay for a longer period!

Verses from the prayer meeting- Acts 3:1-3
Teaching: people may not ask for what they really need (salvation and not silver and gold)
My takeaway: the necessity to follow through (Peter did not merely say the words but reached out to the crippled physically- reflective of my return journey after a year).
My conviction: I will go back again!

New promises:
1) I will go back again for a longer period of time, with the team!
2) I will learn Thai and go back to converse with them in Thai!
3) I will get my motorbike and driving license and give Tai a ride!