Life in the Kingdom

Sawwaadee kha...... As I write another update on this blog I'm reminded on how much we've learned and experienced this past year. Although at times the cultural changes and adjustments have been challenging, we've grown and changed in ways we could never have imagined. "Mai Pen Rai" has been a statement and a learned way of being in situations where in the past would have caused us distress. Mai Pen Rai translated and used frequently by the Thais means don't worry..it doesn't matter... it's not that important in the broader picture . This statment I have come to learn sums up the life here. People who have lived here for many years have told us that it's only recently that one would see a Thai get angry. Getting angry would mean losing face and this is a very important value dear to the Thais. Known as a land of smiles the Thais smile for many reasons... not all of them because they are happy. The challenge is to discover what the smile means.

Thailand's people are made up of a diversity who migrated to South East Asia through trade routes and then settled here bringing their religion and culture. As a result its rich culture is a result of centuries of ethnic absorption, adaptation and acceptance. The food, language, beliefs are as a result of this absorption.

Upon reflection and personal observation the Thai people could be considered realists. Over 95% practice Theravada Buddhism ( harmoniously combined with Hinduism and Animism.) They believe in Karma. Every action both good and evil that occurs in one's lifetime produces energy that will continue for eternity. By burning incense and performing other religious acts at a temple, and by dropping coins in a beggars bowl, aiding the poor, offering fresh food to the monks, making merit during one's cycle of life, the Buddhists believes he or she will reach the final stage in the earthly quest to reach a paradise called Nirvana. I've been fascinated how my Christian background works harmoniously with other religions and am thankful for this god given opportunity to witness and explore. As I have mentioned in past blogs- one of my joys is my weekly visits with the children at the orphanage for the disabled. Occasionally we are able to take the children out on a field trip. They are always so happy to be out and visit some of the sites around Bangkok. The smile on Petmonie's face lights up the day with her incredible beauty.

Recently a group from the Nova Scotia Community College did a quick visit to Bangkok on route to Phuket, Vietnam and China. Although they were in Bangkok only 2 days we were pleased to have visited with them. My friend and former colleague Bill Howse are seen catching up in this photo.

To gain a better understanding of Thai history and culture, recently I completed a training program to qualify as a Museum Volunteer. This training in Buddhism, Hinduism, Animism and Thailand history has inspired me to learn more. Together with my friend Jo, we did our first museum tour as guides recently. It was exciting and interesting and we look forward to guiding visitors through the museum on occasion. Michel and Kelsey have been learning in the process due to my new fascination and curiosity with Thailand sculpure and images.

Recently we spent a few days in the former Thailand capital of Sukothai. The ruins are extensive and impressive, and are testimony to a period in Thai history from the mid thirteenth to the mid fifteenth period. This time in Thai history is so important that it is known as the 'cradle of thai culture' and is known as 'Thailand's Golden Age'. One of my favourite images from this period is the Walking Buddah ( seen here in this photo). This image has all of the attributes of this spiritual time in history. The cyclone in Burma has touched us throughout the world. In following this tragedy and attempts at aid and rebuilding, we have been saddened by their losses and encouraged by the resilency of the people of Burma. This past week , I visited two refugee camps on the Burma border. I heard ( through an interpreter) from some families who have lost everything and came to the camp for refuge. The people in this picture had many family members who died. The woman in the middle had two children ages 2 and 6 who were swept away in the cyclone. The emptiness and loss in her eyes stays with me. The wife and children of the men in this photo also died. The children in the camps play freely. They are children expressing delight and curiosity. These children were our constant companions, following us around the camp, playfully getting our attention:) I'm mindful of the different worlds we live in and our response to lifes' situations. The people of Burma have lived with incredible loss. Their faith and belief enables them to move on with an understanding that life is suffering and one must go on. As I listened to their stories and begin to understand their cultural beliefs I began to see that it enables them to cope and live... and.. to my limited understanding there is truth there!

Kelso ( her nickname given by her schoolmates.. nicknames are very popular here) has adopted many of the Thai youth way of dress. She loves going to Thai dance clubs. School is soon finished for the year and she has received great marks. An interest in a Thai boy at her school has kept her motivated perhaps ?!

Michel likes his "sanook'... of course I mean fun. Work at Michelin with the "thai boys" is fulfilling and he enjoys any spare time outside with his backpack and camera. He's off to China at the end of June for one week on a Michelin trip.

We'll be home for vacation on July 13th. Until then .... blessings and go well ( bpai dii.)

With love,

Dorothy, Michel and Kelso