MicahJohn

Yesterday afternoon I raced from work to join a collection of friends on their way to ผาแต้ม. The eleven of us (myself, a couple from Nagaland, another couple (he from Thailand, she from Australia), four Thai guys about my age, and two American ladies) traveled in two vehicles.

On the way we stopped for some fresh (still moving) fish.

Upon arrival we threw up the tents and made our way to the cliffs. ผาแต้ม is a national park that contains prehistoric cliff paintings. We hiked down to the first two painting sites in the gathering dusk. We decided that going further was of little value as increasing darkness would render the paintings invisible.

All through the adventure much fun was had in the singing of songs. James, the guy from Nagaland, is a fun guy to have along for a sing along. He brings excitement and harmony.

Returning to the tents, the grilling began. Pork, chicken, and fish were all in abundance. Marshmallows and cookies even made an appearance. Note: Marshmallows from Australia are different than American marshmallows.

After dinner we sang some carols together before playing some games. The penalties for messing up in the games were steep. Perhaps most entertaining of the punishments was the marking of faces with charcoal.

National parks on clear nights are great places for stars. After going to bed, I got back up and went for a walk with my eyes on the sky rather than on where I was going.

In the morning we went to see the sun rise on Thailand. I’m a fan of sunrises.

We wrapped up the morning together with a Christmas presentation at an elementary school before driving back into town.

I’m now in at Benchama (my school) wishing that I didn’t have to choose between a number of fun things going on tonight.

The other day a friend told me of a Thai teacher who, in preparing to give his first grade students a lesson in Christmas history, decided to tell the story with Joseph and Mary married.

My friend was scandalized: “The Virgin Birth is a major doctrine.”

I was reminded to try to think past the familiar Christmas story to the reality of Mary’s scandalized friends, family, and fiance. Those around Mary knew as well as the Thai first grade teacher that good girls don’t have babies before they’re married.

Mary is a model of surrender to the will of God. She was a ‘good girl.’ She had found favor with God (Luke 1:30). She had probably found favor with those around her as well. I must confess that for myself it would be very difficult to say to God “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” knowing that the fulfillment of God’s word would leave my reputation with those around me shattered.

Oh that I would fix my eyes on Jesus so that the eyes of this world do not sway me.

I jumped the gun with Joy to the World. This should have come first. Christmas is all the greater celebration when we take the time beforehand to enter into the waiting, the longing, the crying out that is Advent.

It seems at times like Seven Eleven convenience stores are the hub of the wheel of life here in Thailand. Not only can one grab a movie, a fountain drink, and a bag of chips, one can also get a chicken sandwich, a hotdog, or some fried rice; shampoo or a bottle of glue; I even pay my electric bill, my telephone bill, and my internet bill at Seven Eleven; and now—are you ready for this?—now you can make merit at Seven Eleven. It is now possible to donate money that will then be forwarded on to a Buddhist temple.

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Letting the world know it has cause for rejoicing is not.