Thai Journal ‘23 - #1

 

This it the 20^th year of Walla Walla University conducting a Mission and Cultural trip to Thailand. Eight members in the team this year: Deanna Ludwig-Bos, my co-leader (3^rd year on the trip); Keziah Perez (2^nd time); Allyson Lopez Garcia; Erik Espinosa; Nancy Irland; Julie Kamada; and Mitchel Bryce (from Jamaica. She just got her visa, and should be landing in Bangkok about now).

Besides Mitchel’s (ShelleyB) hiccup, Erik had delays and arrived a day late, but was able to get in the last part of yesterday’s “de-jetlagging” for a pizza dinner at the Lotus (Thailand’s equivalent to a super-Walmart). The rest of us had the traditional arrival midnight excursion to 7-Eleven and the squat-toilet; shopping at the highway fruit stands; and shopping at the Lotus mall. Last night we ended the day at Vespers.

This morning we attended Sabbath School and the first part of church at the Thai service; and then went to the English International service to hear the new University President preach, and listen to some glorious music.

In the afternoon we continued the tradition of joining the Branch Sabbath School at Uncle Prasarn and Auntie Nang’s farm. I spoke as per usual; and we gave them the bags of dog, and chicken feed sent by Lorraine and Kalene; and the pain relief sent by Vie. After a tour of the farm, we climbed to the white Buddha (over 600 steps). Ended the day at the Blue restaurant (Srifa).