Thai Journal ‘26 - #17

 

Today we had our final full-day cultural experience in Bangkok. It was a delight to have Morecherie, the nurse from Bamboo School with us all day. We started off by hiking through the “tiger” and taking the new tollway to Bangkok. As usual the Grand Palace is our first stop. It was extremely hot today; thus, it was not as enjoyable for many team members. Of course, among its many attractions is the Emerald Buddha. It has a very interesting history. Google it. We then took tuk tuk rides to and from the Reclining Buddha. This was followed by a boat ride on the river running through Bangkok. We saw many large monitor lizards and fed the fishes. Then they visited Cabbages and Condoms. I have spoken about this in previous blogs and journals; but I’ll repeat it for those who are reading this for the first time. C&C is part of the Population and Community Development Association (PDA). On a version of their website, they mentioned that the organization’s goal is to reduce poverty and facilitate health and socio-economic development through family planning and agricultural development that is appropriate to the local community. The website mentions that their efforts have contributed “significantly to the decrease in the annual population growth rate from 3.3% in the mid-1970s to 0.6% in 2005. During the same period, the number of children per family fell from 7 to under two.” They are doing a superb job in responding to the social and economic challenges facing Thailand; and won a major grant from the Gates Foundation for their work. When I first visited Thailand, my hosts at the SDA Missionoffice took me there for dinner. Today we were joined for dinner by Fay Sukparangsee who ShelleyB and Savannah met on the flight between Japan and Bangkok. We had a fabulous time with her both at dinner and shopping at Asiatique Night Market. As always, the fish foot massage was a hit and hilarious! I loved watching the faces as the team put their feet in the water! Good shopping, with good bargains. Back on the campus a bit after midnight. And we just got word that Keziah and Morecherie arrived at Bamboo School safely as well.