Midnight came and went for me on Friday night after Thai food, French dessert, and a great time of visiting with Mary Beth and Paul…my first stateside visitors…that were actually coming from New Zealand. I woke up before 6am and went for my typical Saturday run that soon became untypical. It was one of those runs where I was tired, my bones hurt, and my speed and exuberance were at a low. Yet I still found pleasure running in the early morning as there was little traffic and few people. I enjoyed the time to think and pray and as I continued my labored run with my mind elsewhere, I heard a motorbike coming up from behind. It didn’t strike me till later that he was driving on the wrong side of the road. As I heard it come closer I thought, “who knows me that has a motorbike around here?” Then it happened. He road by, grabbed me, and then took off like a bat out of where I wanted to send him. I was so shocked I couldn’t scream in English or in Thai, I couldn’t catch him and kick him off his bike, I couldn’t do ANYTHING. Oh man, I was so mad! Then I was stuck with the mental issues. He was wrong, but I feel wrong. Why couldn’t I catch him? Should I have flagged a car to run him over? Will he come back again? How do I forgive him? Will he do it to someone else? Man, the mental madness was mayhem! Then, why tell anyone? Can they do anything about it? I felt completely helpless and continue to wonder about the answers to some of those questions.
That started this odd day. I got back and showered and headed off to see my friend Titus’s brother become a monk, only I was 2 hours late because she told me the wrong time. I missed the ceremony but got to the house for the party. Remember, its 9:30am. I gave my respects to all the people there and then sat down. I was offered whiskey for about the next hour. The funny thing is, this man became a monk and 11 more monks came over. They take a vow of celibacy for drink and women as well as about 400 other laws. Yet everyone there was either hung over or drinking. They were quick to bow and wai the monks even with the smell of alcohol. It was odd. I love the people and really don’t care if they drink, I just don’t get the logic. I did have fun practicing my Thai and seeing old friends and making new friends. I wish I had 20 baht for how many times I got asked if I had a boyfriend, I wouldn’t have to teach again! Then they said its OK for me to have a farong one and a Thai one! Too funny!
I was back home by 2 and cleaned the house and went down to Oot’s to wait for Mary Beth to call. We were supposed to meet up later that day. My phone must have been acting up so I never got her numerous calls and thought that she dissed me. Perfect! I went to aerobics instead and upon my return, I went to rub the snot from my nose and it was blood. NICE! A random bloody nose to boot! Eegads!!!! After I clogged up the busted capillary, Sara Jane (new housemate) and I took a non ac bus to the mall to catch a movie. There were no seats so we hung on for our lives as the driver jerked and weaved the bus along. My knuckles were white by the end of the trip and my hands smelled like metal from my cold death grip! We did make it to the movie in time and it was a relaxing way to end my crazy day.
Sorry Mike, this one is long! So this week has been a whirlwind of thoughts of school, seeing old students, experiencing new things both good and bad, and trying to get back into school mentality. I’m so thankful again for simple things that make me smile…email, a fruit shake with Oot, a song sung by a friend, a hug from my girl students and a punch in the arm from the boys. I’m thankful for the word jabs from the Thai staff and the girlish scream and flaring arms from the aerobics teacher when I told him I understood the new steps. God is so faithful in sending His blessings always. We often end with “God Bless You” may we instead encourage each other to SEE the blessings that He showers on us every day!