Monthly Archives: March 2009

Monks

March 28, 2009 – 4:22 am
By Karis Kazuko Taylor | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

I used to see one every once in a while, in an airport or crossing the street, maybe talking on his cell phone. Shaved head, saffron robe, sandaled feet–holy men of a religion different than my own. They have always inspired a deep sense of reverence in me. What is it like to wander the world with a sense of enlightenment? I recall little Zen imponderables like: “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” and imagine the answer settled somewhere in the still water of their souls. How could I understand, or relate to, or speak to such a man? Were I to engage a Buddhist monk, one or the other of us might evaporate. Would I be talking to a human being or a little glimpse of Nirvana? What is one supposed to do when encountering wisdom and belief so different from one’s own?

I have yet to have a conversation with a full blown monk, or Zen master, but here in Thailand I have met several novice monks. Six of them were children and I was told to teach them English. One was an older novice, 27 years old and he was told to teach me and my classmates about Buddhism.

I met the child monks first. Tira and I taught them Simon says and the hokey-pokey. We had them draw a picture on a random scrap of paper in the hopes of teaching them the English words for the objects they drew. They ended up drawing a man with a flaming head who might be some sort of Manga super hero, we don’t know. In the background there were mountains, clouds, flowers and a flying saucer. Nobody evaporated.

The other monk (his name was Domnan and he was from Cambodia) had been a novice for 14 years. He said he had become a monk because more than anything he wanted to learn. His favorite subject was psychology. The meaning of life, he told us, was to understand oneself. He talked a bit about how the root of all suffering is ignorance, and about the importance of balance. He said that real monks have both wisdom and morality, not just robes and a shaved head, confessing that the first two still eluded him. And he echoed the Buddhist teaching I have heard most often repeated on this trip: you come into this world with nothing and you leave it with nothing. Nobody evaporated during this conversation either.

So as usual I come away with more questions than answers.
What is holiness? What does it look like in someone from Cambodia and what does it look like in someone from the Maritimes? What is wisdom? Can a religion be judged apart from its followers? What is the sound of one hand clapping?

Even though Domnan told me that you can’t tell a real monk by his outward appearance, I still can’t help feeling some awe when I see a monk. But is it the man that I feel awe towards or the holiness he represents? It’s a mystery to me. I guess I still don’t fully understand myself.

Is becoming “green” a global idea?

March 27, 2009 – 7:16 am
By Lois Craswell | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

As a “Westerner,” I thought I knew so much about the importance of global warming to governments, schools, businesses and organizations in Canada. When I came to SE Asia and saw smog, garbage-filled everything, unnecessary burning, and just nothing noticeably “green,” I couldn’t help but think that “Westerners” were on a better track than SE Asia when it comes to “green” issues. Don’t get me wrong; coming here I did not expect SE Asia to be completely out of the loop when it comes to green issues, just not practising everything to the degree the “west” has. I have seen so many people, promotional commercials, ads, and articles telling the people of Thailand the importance in changing or learning how to adapt to these global issues. But are these ideas being embraced and practised? Just like in the west where we decided to make a change in our lives to help out with these issues but don’t really act on our words, the same applies in Asia.  But when I am here seeing countries that are economically not even close to Canada (like the Philippines and Thailand) doing what they can to try and improve the awareness that this world needs to change environmentally, I am encouraged.  For examples, in the Philippines we visited a beach that was dotted with the most beautiful and enormous wind turbines. North Western University has a green campaign. In Thailand we learned about the harmful effect that dams will have on water supplies and the whole country. We also learned about ways Thai farmers can adapt to the new changes in the weather. One of our guest lecturers, Jeff, who has an experimental farm, had a great answer to face this critical issue – learning to change the way people farm and view the land that will actually help the earth and environment heal itself. He does this by acting green and helping locals understand the issues at hand.

These sights and ideas have had a huge impact on me because if they take the first steps in their situations why can’t we help bring more awareness to our part of the world and to our daily lives at SSU. But there are huge issues that really hinder green movements from being more widely spread. Brianna and Lindsay did a news presentation about the upcoming world meeting on climate change. Thailand’s stance is not a very good one because they say they will not follow recommendations until the major first world countries do their part. Due to political instability in many SE Asian countries, I fear that there won’t be anything put in place by the governments that will help regulate the greenhouse gases or put in place any green movements.

By being in these countries where “green” thinking isn’t totally noticeable, I have been proven wrong. By having the chance to see many people and countries doing their part, I have learned that a part of my duty is to help spread the word about what we can do to help make our communities aware. If cause and effect actually works, then green issues can be spread around the world.

Conversations and “Conversations”

March 26, 2009 – 2:48 pm
By Raymond Funk | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

We are down to the last few days of our long trip in Southeast Asia and I honestly cannot say that I’m glad to be leaving.  I am looking forward to some of the comforts of home. The stability of staying in one place. Familiar foods. A place to take a rest from the realm of moving,waiting, engaging and engaging again with moments of cultural elation and cultural frustration. Though I’m not looking forward to completing the coming assignments I do look forward to the prospect of gleaning from my experiences.

There are a lot of things I could say stand out about what I’ve experienced of Asia: Bartering. Food. Interesting lectures on culture, politics, and contemporary issues. Rain forests. Mountains. Rats… the list can go on. I don’t want to sound idealistic or cliche but one of the best parts of this trip has been the relationships made with the local homestay families and local students. I’ve been invited into people’s homes, into their family and their everyday life. I’ve shared in their wealth or their lack of what my North American self would think of as normal standard of living. There is nothing else that has broken down my feeling unfamiliar with my surroundings like the genuine welcome and friendship of people I have met in the Philippines, Malaysia or Thailand… and it happened for me in each of these countries. The sharing of a name, a meal, of a conversation or the struggle through a conversation.

I’m becoming a greater believer in the idea of the “conversation”. It seems ironic to think of “conversation” when you have two people who are trying to talk to each other slowly and dumbly in two very different languages. But it’s more that we were there, we may have been laughing at each other but we were trying. Barriers seem to break down when people allow themselves to be vulnerable and open-hearted. The best conversations I had were simple. But they happened when I was willing to say “hello” or ask a name. Looking back, I hope that I will remember the hospitality and openness of the people who took care of me while I was a stranger in a far away place, and how even simple smiles and hellos can break barriers as wide as the ocean.

The Game

March 26, 2009 – 3:00 am
By Aaron Rasenberg | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

I should start by saying that I really love Asia. I mean what is there not to like, the food is great (even if i can’t quite imagine what it is), always an amazing landscape of ocean and mountains, the most amazing climbing trees only imaginable in my most euphoric dreams. And of course, the cheap everything that surrounds you on every side. At the market you can engage in a wonderful game they call “bargaining”. This includes many tactics that have been learned through on-the-street-practice and passed down to me through word of mouth by fellow bargainers.  I will say outright that I have never been a fan of shopping, but when you make it a game with some type of competitive edge, I’m all in! I can recall a few nights where some friends and I would spend a significant period of time haggering down some eager vendor to sell his or her goods for ridiculously low prices, not with the goal of getting a deal but just to see how low the price will go. That may seem like the same thing, but if I really don’t want to buy a noisy wooden frog, what the heck, “I’ll give you one Baht for that whole box”. They laugh at you and tell you they’ll give you a good deal, a “special price just for  you- 40 baht!”, 1 baht, 30 baht, 1 baht, “25 baht- no lower!”, ” ok, 2 baht”. No deal, they laugh and walk away realizing that they have been wasting their time. But it’s all in good fun, and even more so when I really do want to buy a certain item. It always involves a ritual, and both players know that for the most part its simply a formality. I ask the price, he/she gives me a ridiculously high starting price, and then the real game begins. I need to figure out its general worth and I need to play it smart and not ask too high a price. I usually start slightly lower then half the asking price and go from there. Here is where the seasoned veteran shines. The vendor offers me a special deal to which I will say ”too high!” and complain about how poor I am. This usually brings down the price considerably, but that’s not enough for me, I’m in the game to win. I remind the vendor that every other stall offers the same thing and they will surely give me a better price. The price goes down again. My competitive edge has kicked in and I start to walk away pretending I don’t care anymore.  The vendor comes after me pleading and begging me to buy their merchandise, they have had a change of heart and will give me another deal. I have suddenly regained my interest at a much lower price, if they give up on going lower it is often possible to ask the vendor to throw in another item to make it worth while for me. Or, in some cases it works to hold out an amount of money just lower then what they ask for and sort of taunt them with the immediate cash waving in their faces. This is pretty much victory for me, I have explained the ideal game play. But it doesn’t always go this way, sometimes I win and sometimes I may be taken in for an extorted price. But that is the nature of the game, and you get better at it, you trade secrets you have learned and learn new ones. Who knows, maybe I’ll come to Asia  someday and join the other team, see what it’s like to be a vendor. Man, shopping is so much fun : )

Blue Men, White Monkeys and Me

March 26, 2009 – 2:45 am
By Alicia Farnham | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

For the past two weeks I have been obsessed with the Ramakien, the Thai epic poem translated into English prose and based on the Ramayana.  I really cannot tell you why I have been so absorbed by this story but I have determinedly searched through at least twelve bookstores within walking distance in Chiang Mai just to find a copy of the legend and even ignored the hundreds of beloved and cheap Western classics!  On Saturday we, as a class, visited the Khon, a performance in honour of the 60th anniversary of the King’s coronation.  The Khon is a masked dance in which the dancers become glittering several-headed giant demons, monkey soldiers who yawn moons and stars, gods reincarnated as blue princes and gorgeous women equal to Helen of Troy.  It’s not fast paced.  Far from it! If you’ve ever seen The King and I, Tup-Tim’s version of Uncle Tom’s Cabin should give a fair idea of the Khon’s style.

A portion of the fascination, for me, lies in the fact that the Ramakien and its dance performance so ably embodies all I have experienced of Thai culture as I could never have expressed it myself.  For one thing, the miraculous and rampant spirit world of the Ramakien is no mere fantastical legend here.  Every large building, almost every home and even some vacant lots are carefully protected through faithful maintenance of spirit houses, tended by all ages of all sorts of Thais at any time of the day.  Elephants are presented at the shrine in the front entrance of the Chiang Mai University to give the student good luck on his or her exam.  Temples are more common than flies!  (Yes, that may be an exaggeration, but it’s slight!)  For another thing, during the experience at the Khon, as we sat en masse and struggled to follow what little of the epic poetry that could be translated into English, fully aware of just how much we were missing in the Thai narration, I found I could finally put my finger on what it was I had been observing with confusion and a certain amount of frustration for the past three weeks.  Even still, my words alone cannot adequately express it and I must rely on the translator of my copy of the Ramakien to do so:

Neither political, religious, nor social obstacles of an overt kind stand before the institutions, temples and homes of the Thai, and many Westerners, thinking that to see is to understand, gain the impression from having seen so much of the country and people that they understand it–and them–completely.  But nothing could be further from the truth.  For like the chameleon, the Thai have perfected the useful art of being fully in view and remaining almost invisible. (J. M. Cadet)

While I am very grateful for what I have experienced of Thailand and I mean no criticism of this beautiful kingdom, I have still that haunting feeling as I explore the streets and temples that I have missed something, some of the depth and meaning of Thailand.  I have never been smiled at or welcomed so enthusiastically or fed so well or respected to such an extent as I have been here but neither have I found out what is behind the smile or discovered what could make them want to smile at me, the rich Westerner who tramps through their temples as they venerate their religious leader and cheapen their handmade wares to ridiculously low prices.

Cadet conjectured that perhaps it was because, and I paraphrase dramatically, all the fairies were massacred long ago in the west while their wonderful species is allowed to thrive in Thai culture that we cannot bridge the gap.  Personally, in discovering the Ramakien, I feel as though I’ve found a window that slightly lessens the thickness of the transparent glass wall standing between “us and them.”  I’ll never know the beauty of Thai poetry, straight from the pen of King Rama I, but I can share with them in imagination, at least slightly. And that in itself makes the hour long walks to so many bookstores well worth the sweat and stink!

Truth.

March 26, 2009 – 2:30 am
By Crystal Ruis | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

Today is the last day I will be in Bangkok, Thailand.  Tomorrow morning, at an excruciatingly early hour I will board a bus to the airport and from there a plane back to Canada.  I am filled with bittersweet feelings about the end of my Asia trip.  On the one hand I am excited to be reunited with family and friends, and on the other I feel as though I have only just touched the surface of the unlimited adventure, knowledge, and growth that Asia has to offer.

For me this trip has been a time of understanding.  I have begun to better understand those around me, both familiar and unfamiliar; close and far away.  I have also begun to understand who I am in relation to them and the commonalities between us that are intricately woven into the making of mankind.  The most striking similarity that I feel connects us all together is the undying need and search for Truth.  Over the past two months I have visited various countries across Asia, each one with a different dominating Religion.  Each Religion holds its own explanation of Truth and purpose that influences society, culture, and life.  In some cases these conflicting beliefs have even been the basis of hate, murder, and war.  What I have come to realize however, is that ultimately regardless of age, ethnicity, or faith we are all the same.  We are all aliens in our homeland forced to acknowledge our own existence and the mysteries that it holds.  How we choose to interpret and discover these enigmas is up to us.  I’ve witnessed the desperate search for answers on both individual and national levels.  What this solidifies in my own understanding of humanity is that there must be something more to this life that to just simply live.  I also believe that because of the innate desire for Truth that seems to be within all of us, there must be the existence of Absolute Truth.  Though this concept can be extremely intimidating and frightening, it also gives me some degree of comfort.  It tells me that there is a purpose to Creation and that part of the adventure of life is taking that journey to discover what that purpose is.

I definately do not know all the answers nor do I pretend to.  What I do know for certain is that Asia 2009 has been an amazing adventure and I cannot wait to see where my road will turn next and I am unafraid to take the next step forward on my personal journey to find Truth.

Sweaty Wats

March 26, 2009 – 2:15 am
By Laura Copping | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

Though I have visited enough Wats to last me a lifetime and I’ve sweat more than any normal human being should, I love Asia.  In the Philippines I spent my time with some of the most hospitable people I have ever met.  Malaysia astounded me with its gorgeous landscapes (I climbed a mountain one day and spent the next snorkeling and relaxing on a fantastic beach).  Thailand however, is different.  Thai culture has been so hard for me to understand, my homestay was definitely less then ideal, and the language barrier made a lot of situations more difficult then they should have been.  Despite these things, Thailand has still been my favorite.  I have learned so much here in so many ways.  The classes were (for the most part) great and from them I have a much better understanding of Asian history, politics and art.  Not only did we have a few really good teachers but our class is full of students who ask some great questions (leading to some interesting answers).  Visiting ALL the historical places and Wats in Thailand (ok, so maybe not all…but sometimes it felt like it) helped in giving me a clearer idea of the history and religious aspects of Thailand.  In some ways it made Thai culture clearer, but mostly it brought more questions (which I think is great!).  Finally, I have learned a lot from the people I have been travelling with and the experiences we’ve  shared.

Today is my last day in Asia and I am still slowly realizing how much I have learned.  I am still processing Filipino, Malay, and Thai Culture and I’m still trying to understand the effects of them on my life.

Goodbye

March 26, 2009 – 1:28 am
By Bethany Grieco | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

Thailand, never before had I thought of Thailand as a mountainous region filled with kind loving people, ready and willing to greet you, warm and welcoming. Known as the land of smiles I definitely have noticed the generosity and kindness the Thai people have to offer.
The Thai people are very proud, they are known in Southeast Asia for being the country that has never been colonized. As a tourist I am constantly reminded of this, seeing that every Thai person likes to mention this fact.
There is definitely something brilliant about Thailand. Unique from all the other Asian countries, I have found this country to feel the most safe and exciting.
After visiting many Buddhist Watts, participating in monk chats and having a practicing Buddhist looking after me I feel as if I am an expert on the Buddhist religion.
The Southeast Asian trip is coming to a close and I am feeling sad about leaving the country. I have grown comfortable with the Tuk Tuk rides and often running into elephants on sidewalks late at night. There is so much more to see here and I am sad that I will be leaving.
This travel term has been the best learning experience I have been on. Having two professors that both teach on history I feel that I have been able to learn so much. By seeing the sites and experiencing things first hand I will never forget what I have learned.

A disconnect in Reality

March 24, 2009 – 11:06 pm
By Nicola Gladwell | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (1)

Sometimes this is only an adventure, only pictures to display on Facebook, only an opportunity to gather exotic gifts. Sometimes I forget if this is reality. I am awakened by a Thai woman whose features strikingly resemble my Mom’s.

Is it for power? Is this rash display of wealth for power? meaning? hope? There are only a few Thais actually in here (only one of the perhaps thousands of Wats – temples – that speckle Thailand) the rest are Farang – Tourists. I want to be an ‘experiencist’ (as opposed to a tourist). Are these images only to create a tangible god to worship? A symbol makes it easier to unite under, not unlike a nation’s flag. Though the icon is so important to Buddhist culture, I feel that creating an image of Buddha is saying that his teaching wasn’t enough. I could speak of a thousand things, but this seems to be foremost on my mind; maybe Jesus and Buddha can sympathize, as we performed a similar gesture with his cross. I can’t help but think how many people could be fed if people were not giving money to build a temple in order to increase their merit, of how many rural daughters and sisters it took who work in urban brothels to send money back to their families  to build a golden Wat surrounded by rice paddies: a place for boys to get free education and a strict hand. Then I talked to older Monks- Monks who preach against worshipping Buddha, who’s favourite part of the day is meditating morning and night, and who simply by their peace and laid back attitude almost have me flying to Cambodia to become a monk as well.

I have found a lot of societal contradictions here in Thailand; they confuse me and I wonder if I will be privy to Canada’s own versions of these contrasts when I arrive back in Toronto. The world shown to casual tourists differs sharply to the real Thai world; the high morals expected of Thai women contradicts the slack attitude toward prostitution; in fact the hierarchical culture even seems to support it.

I want to be an experiencist… I don’t want to see old buildings and flashy tourist-traps if they serve to hide the triumphs and the plight of the people. I want to sit and understand. Upon coming overseas, I thought that the differences must not be so rash; in the end we are all humanity. Somethings, however, I don’t understand; I want to, but I don’t. In some ways this trip has pulled the world together, and in others it has blasted me with awareness of what a vast and varied world we live in.

As a tourist it is easy to detach oneself; it is dangerous to realize that you are entering into another’s life for a short time on the other side of the world and really recognize that they are just as real as you are. What would happen if I truly saw myself selling mango sticky rice for a lifetime, or blindly playing an accordion in the middle of a market? I am sitting in an internet cafe in Bangkok city and cannot weld this disconnect in reality– *sigh; one contradiction that I desperately do not want to add to the mounting list already existing in Thailand.

I hope to come back someday- Dichan my pen Farang; con Thai dee Kwa!

Sa wat dii Kha!

Goodbye SEA

March 24, 2009 – 10:53 pm
By Ariel Smith | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

It is my last day to have Thailand at my window in the morning and evening, to buy fried rice and veggies on the side of the street, and to witness the stunning Buddhist architecture and lifestyle which make up this rich culture.  I feel a sense of satisfaction and peace about this trip, but I anticipate a delayed reaction once I land back in Canada.  I think the shock of being back to familiarity will be harder to get used to than a new culture altogether.  I have already began my reflective process, as I have been soaking up every last bit of this incredible two month experience.

I loved the city of Chiang Mai, but more than the chaos and excitement of the city, I loved my little house in a village outside of town.  For two weeks I lived an hour away from the city, up the winding mountain, past the monkey, snake, and elephant camps, and on a small river overlooking mist, sky, and mountain.  My Thai family (Ma, Pa, Kip, and Koy) grew, gathered, and packaged vegetables beside the house to sell to Bangkok every morning.  This family poured so much energy in to making sure we were comfortable and welcome in their home.
I didn’t realize how exhausting communication was until I began living with my last home-stay family.  The motivation within myself to put forth enough energy and enthusiasm to communicate was draining enough, on top of the issues of using hand gestures and broken Thai to explain simple concepts.  I did all I could though, to ensure that our family recognized my gratitude for everything they did for us over those two weeks.  I miss the Thai jungle and my experience in Chiang Mai.

There is something very poetic and romantic about Thailand’s culture and the Buddhist faith.  I was at the back stairs of Chiang Mai University’s building one day between classes, looking at the gathering of endless trees surrounded by bright flowers on a canvas of mountains, and began to connect this sight with some of the principles of Buddhism which values simplicity, beauty and truth.  However, I couldn’t understand this landscape with the ideas of human independence and importance.  Beauty, simplicity, and truth are not man made, and human capacity could certainly not create the scenery I have seen, from the jungles of Thailand to the prairie plains of Canada.

I don’t know if I can pinpoint drastic and noticeable changes within myself from the first day in the Philippines to the last day here in Bangkok, but I know that my heart and mindset will continue to be molded and transformed by the experiences I have had during these two months in Southeast Asia.

Ithica Atlast..

March 24, 2009 – 10:48 pm
By Cara Lehocki | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

Well here we are
It’s our last day in Bangkok,  tomorrow we will board the flight home.
This whole trip I have been thinking about what home really means because every new home-stay and hotel we lived in instantly was referred to as “home”.
Beth and I even called our home-stay family members “Dad” and “Moooooooomy” when we were really homesick or literally sick.
Now I refuse to get all sentimental and say “home is where the heart is”…regardless of whether that statement is true or not I hate how corny it sounds…for the record I do believe it but again, coooorny.

I will miss Thailand.

I never thought I would find myself back here and I feel extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to visit again. Chiang Mai is a great city and the University campus far exceeded my expectations. Chiang Mai is one city in Thailand I would hope to see again, perhaps to even study at Chiang Mai University. All the professors we got to meet were wonderful. My favorite lecture and prof was an old, old man whose name I cannot remember. He taught us about Buddhism as he had been studying it all his life and even wrote a book for us “Falangs” to better understand. I will never forget when that frail, hunched over man came into our classroom with the help of a cane and another faculty member. When he spoke I listened intently, hanging off of every word he said. Maybe it was his age (85, I believe) or experience…whatever it was, there was something about this old man that made me think he was very, very wise and that I should hear what he had to say.

Now I bet your wondering what he said? If I brought my notebook I would have been able to share my favorite parts of his lecture…

Just believe me…it was wise and good and although I am not currently Buddhist nor do I plan on converting, it was still helpful to me as a human.

So, today we say goodbye to our time in Asia and journey back to Ithaca or home or whatever you want to call it.

Why all the white people?

March 24, 2009 – 10:32 pm
By Alex Henderson | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

It seems to me that it is a very popular thing to travel to Thailand. Out of the three countries we visited (the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand), Thailand had by far more tourists.

So what is it about Thailand? Is it really hyped up or something? Then again why isn’t “the Philippines” as exotic sounding as “Thailand?” They are in South East Asia too.

I believe Thailand is unique because it is proud of its history, arts, culture and national monuments (namely temples). The citizens of Thailand then have this clear and distinguishable identity that they esteem as good. This was very evident in my home-stay family who kept asking for my opinion of Thailand. They were extremely pleased to hear that I loved the food here. They also displayed great pride for their Buddhism and temples.  This, I believe is one of the main reasons why Thailand is such a cool place -those good things which make up the identity of the country and its people.

I think the attractiveness of identity has some deep truths to it. As people we want to experience and be near to that which we describe as good. When we understand a nation’s identity or a person’s to be good it means we would either like to draw on aspects of it for ourselves or stand back and appreciate it and value its worth. When people think Thailand’s culture is cool they may be doing this. For example, they may really want to replicate or buy some of its traditional art, or they may just stand back and appreciate aspects of family values in Thailand. Perhaps some of the attractiveness of identity comes from pure God-given curiosity. For example, I personally may be interested in Thailand because the country’s myths all sound just plain strange to me. So attraction to identity can have different dimensions.

There’s another level to this topic too. Attraction to identity as people of God. How are we attractive to others or not in our identity? What exactly makes up our identity as a people and as an individual Christian?  Do our history, culture, art, family values, myths and monuments make us attractive in the same ways Thailand is attractive or not? Another question is whether or not we should be attractive like Thailand is attractive. I mean as Christians we are not out there to attract tourist dollars. We are out there in the world to attract God seekers.. or make people want to be God seekers.

Thailand isn’t perfect, and its family values can deal bad cards to females, history can be filled with petty political moves and fights, and its art can be sub-par (I should mention that’s the same for us Christians too).  My question is how does that make sense that Thailand still has an attractive identity? There is a lot of hype to Thailand I think. But for anything to be hyped or become a fad, someone had to genuinely appreciate that thing in the first place, and maybe it just gets blown out of proportion later. Therefore, even with the shady aspects to its character Thailand remains a place many long to go to. This is something we could take courage by if we ever think “how will anyone in the world want to be saved from their sins if they know many things about Christianity?”. A simple suggestion I have to make is that we don’t have to be perfect to still be attractive.

I Just Dont Understand the Thai’s

March 23, 2009 – 10:14 am
By Jonas Martin | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (1)

I thought for my blog dealing with Thailand, I figured the best place to start would be with the Thai people. They are a strange bunch, and a lovely people but I really do not quite understand them.  My family was wonderful but I really cannot get a grasp on when they were angry, sad, or happy. I was told before I came  here that Thais don’t show much emotion, which is far from the truth, it’s just impossible to figure out which emotion they are showing. Ajaan Rien was trying to say “pork” to a lady on the phone, and she couldn’t understand the tone on the phone and it sounded like egg. It’s crazy. Our homestay mom was yelling on the phone really loud and sounded very angry, but then every once in a while would throw out a gut busting laugh. I just don’t get it.  Our homestay dad seemed sad or angry all the time, but then out of nowhere would be positive or happy, I just don’t understand. I could make guesses or assumptions but I am gonna stick with the fact that I just don’t understand. So I have really enjoyed the strange and lovely bunch that are the Thai’s, but I definitely do not understand what makes them tick.

Fighting for Freedom from Fear

March 23, 2009 – 12:19 am
By Dan Snyder | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

During our study abroad term here in Southeast Asia we have had a lot of great lectures on a variety of issues. Although a lot of the issues we’ve discussed have had an impact on me, the one that has affected me the most has been that of Myanmar (Burma).

Amidst the tyranny of the military junta ruling the country, there has been a voice of hope: Aung San Suu Kyi. For the past two decades she has been championing the cause of basic human rights and dignity for the Burmese people. It is not an easy fight, and as she says:

“It is not easy for a people conditioned by fear under the iron rule of the principle that “might is right” to free themselves from the enervating miasma of fear. Yet even under the most crushing state machinery courage rises up again and again, for fear is not the natural state of civilized man.”

She embodies this courage that she speaks of by backing up her words with her actions. She has been under house arrest for most of the past 20 years with extremely limited contact with the outside world. She has sacrificed her freedom and liberty for her fellow people and for a cause that she believes in so passionately.

She has been able to communicate her message through writing books which can in turn garner worldwide attention to the plight of the Burmese people. Unfortunately, her advocacy is needed now more than ever because not much has changed in recent years. The military junta is still receiving funding from nearby countries who are eager to capitalize on Myanmar’s extensive natural resources.

What can be done in a seemingly hopeless situation? Suu Kyi puts it this way:

“I would therefore like to call upon those who have an interest in expanding their capacity for promoting intellectual freedom and humanitarian ideals to take a principled stand against companies that are doing business with the Burmese military regime. Please use your liberty to promote ours.“

During this trip, Aung San Suu Kyi has truly been an inspiration to me, and I hope that I too can have the courage to back up my ideas with action.

Bangkok and Beyond

March 22, 2009 – 12:15 pm
By Geoff MacNeill | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

So the ship’s about to sail and this SE Asian travel term is coming to a close (plane leaves march 24th).  Soon we’ll all be back in the comforts and familiarity of the big yellow house in the river side town of  St. Stephen’s, N.B.  This has been a journey to remember.

On Feb 3rd we left the cold and probably snowy weather in the Maritimes and were welcomed by greenery, palm trees and hot sunshine in Manila, Philippines a day or two later. That alone was awesome.  It was also great to go on the many adventures that would soon await us.  This included an island hopping beach day, white sandy beaches, snorkeling, mountain hike, 4×4 sand dune jeep runs, jungle adventures, waterfall swims and so on. Yes, most of us got to do all of these things and much more throughout our time in SE Asia! But hey, this is the agenda of most run of the mill tropical tourists. We came here for other reasons.  And though I’ll remember those experiences with joy, and gladly partook in it all, I valued what I consider the heart of this trip more so: cultural exposure, education, God and community – not sure how to properly order that list.

This included: living with home stay families (different cultures doing life together, including spending 2 days in a Muslim village), eating their local/ethnic food.  Attending SE Asian universities, learning about their political and economic struggles, and observing the effects of these first hand. Seeing the aftermath of European colonialism, its benefits and catastrophes. Venturing out into the agricultural lands, seeing an organic jungle/forest farm operational and producing well, going against popular thought. As well, researching and doing presentations on  current events/human rights issues that are  impacting this region.  Being exposed to extreme poverty and riches all in the same neighborhoods.  Exploring the remains of ancient kingdoms, sitting down and talking to Buddhist monks, walking through historic churches, visiting orphans, group devotions, and standing under the stars on hotel roof tops contemplating how God is moving in these foreign lands. Experiencing it all with good friends and leaders.

I think it’s fair to say that in life people have experiences that change their lives, and for me, this has definitely been one of them. Praise the Lord, and thanks to SSU for valuing this form of education.

P.S. I hope the puck is still dropping this Thursday in St. Stephen’s.

Those Fat Americans

March 22, 2009 – 11:23 am
By Tira Ingersoll | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (1)

*footnote: when I say “American’s” I am referring to those who come from North America.

I was at the hospital with my homestay dad – Nui ; I had a bad cough and he was taking me to get it looked at and hopefully something to help it. The nurse had to do some general “test things” such as blood pressure and weight. The blood pressure was fairly smooth; she had to do my left arm twice, but other than that…flawless. It was when I stepped on the scale that the hospital experience here in Thailand truly became a cultural experience. My homestay dad was standing behind me, translating (the best he could) what the nurse was asking and my answers. I stepped on the scale, and up the numbers went from “0″ until they stopped. As soon as they stop I hear the voice of Nui: “O MY GOD!!!!”, at a considerable volume and with laughter following his outburst. I smiled at him, stepped off the scale and walked back to my seat.  I was more amused than offended, and since we had been warned of episodes such as this one, I was not surprised.

Comments about weight or size are not unusual here in Thailand. People have had vendors tell them not to try clothes on because they’ll “break them.” Even some of the homestay families requested to have only one student because they didn’t think that two would fit into their house. It’s strange to be in a place where weight is dinner table conversation, and calling someone fat, or making comments that suggest it are acceptable. Thai people are so small, in height and size and I cannot imagine how big we look to them.

I am looking forward to my next Big Mac.

Tomorrow Becomes Today

March 22, 2009 – 11:20 am
By Lindsay McKay | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

At the beginning of the trip, I struggled with various sicknesses. Being sick made it difficult to really enjoy myself while I was in the moment and at times I felt like I was never going to get better. How is that for melodramatic behaviour? All I wanted was to be better, it would be then that I could enjoy this trip, or at least that is what I told myself. Now that I can look back on the experiences I had while being sick, I did enjoy them and they were valuable. What is the lesson that I have learned through that? I have learned in a new, practical way how important it is to remember to live in the moment, roll with the punches and “seize the day.”

Now I find myself in a similar place. I look back and see that these last six weeks have been packed full of event after event, lecture after lecture, airplane after airplane, and airport after airport. All of the experiences have added up to a time that I will never forget.

I have enjoyed my time in Thailand immensely. Chiang Mai University was great and my homestay family was an incredible blessing. There are still a few days left that promise to be loaded with fun, new things. As we draw the trip to a close, many of us have grown quite tired and weary. Home is beginning to look very good. I would not mind being in that big yellow house on the hill, surrounded by well-missed friends. However, I want to experience the rest of this trip as fully and as present to the moment as possible. I need to remember lessons learned; to remember to live in the moment, roll with the punches and sieze the day. I have decided that the following will be my motto for the rest of the trip: Patience is a virtue; tenacity is purposeful; experience is invaluable. Before I know it, tomorrow will become today.

Changes?

March 22, 2009 – 11:17 am
By Angela | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

It’s funny really. Here I am sitting in Chiang Mai, Thailand, a city I never thought I would see again.  When I fist came to this city 5ish years ago, I was told that the experiences that would come would change me in ways I’d never thought possible.  Well, I’ve been to Thailand, home and back again and though I was told the same thing about this trip, I still don’t see it.

Sure, maybe it’s because I’m still in SEA,  still too  close to all the experiences that are supposed to bring about these massive changes of my being, but I don’t feel any different. Sure maybe I may look a bit different, but that’s what happens in  fair-skinned person vs. THE SUN! But really now. Maybe it won’t be me who notices, maybe it’ll be my friends or my family at home, who have to listen to me talk and talk over and over about the things that have happened here.

Sometimes I wonder if people are too worried about change.  Yes, I’m sure it’s almost impossible to go through an experience like this one and not come out changed in one way or another, but it doesn’t have to be the huge, monumental, life altering change that is ‘expected’.  Maybe, just maybe, it’s in the smaller, seemingly indiscernible changes that end up making the difference.

Peanuts and steak?

March 20, 2009 – 7:48 am
By Katelyn Avery | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

I have now travelled the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and parts of Hong Kong. Do I feel like a traveller? Not really. It’s like the experiences are still too close for me to examine them clearly. I don’t really feel any different. I’m still paranoid about being out in the city at night and I’m not a huge fan of ethnic food. I mean, come on, Canadians do not mix peanuts and steak. But at the same time, I get the feeling that I have changed. I’m more confident about acting on my own. I’m not afraid to talk to someone who does not speak English (although confusion and hilarity may ensue). And I know the SSU people on the trip far better than I did before, which is a huge bonus.

Thailand is great. I am looking forward to the trip down to Bangkok and the Khon Dance should be great. But my heart says that all this time in great countries down here only reinforces my love for Canada and the people in it. To be completely honest, I want to come home to snow drifts and my quiet room in the Cave so that I can think really hard about all the new and exciting things that have buzzed past my eyes in Asia.

Hopefully then I’ll be able to organize the whole experience into coherent thought. I’d really like to know why they put peanuts in Pad Thai. It’s just too much crunch!

Ev’ry stranger’s face I see reminds me that I long to be Homeward bound

March 20, 2009 – 7:28 am
By Lucas Walters | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

Homeward bound is a good way to describe how I feel at this very moment.  Don’t get me wrong, I have really enjoyed this trip. It has stretched me and presented many challenges so in a way that has been really rewarding. But there comes a point when you are just ready to sleep in your own bed,even though it’s not really your own bed, it is SSU’s.

Being on this trip has really taught me to appreciate the small things, and a further appreciation for those who have to travel for a living. Before coming on this trip I had a very romantic idea about travel. Now that I have experienced it the rose coloured glasses have been removed and I am able to see the world for what it really is. Travel is not always easy and cultures are different than the one that is my own. Being able to grasp such ideas has been a challenge that I have had to overcome. Coming home to Canada is going to be awesome, having things that are comfortable  will be wonderful, I am sure that it will be the little things that will make all of the difference.

Being able to experience a trip such as this is a privilege that most do not have so I feel blessed to have been able to experience  so many different cultures, Thailand has been my personal favourite out of all the places that we have been. I think that I have enjoyed it the most because it is a place that I dreamed about visiting for such a long time. It is a culture that I have sought to understand for some time, a place that it deeply rooted in tradition and honour, a place that has held on to its heritage, yet the technological advancements are still present.

Looking toward the end of a trip like this has also been wierd. It seems like just yesterday I was packing my bags in great anticipation for what these eight weeks would hold. Now that they are almost through I again set my sights on the journey home adjusting back to life at SSU. With that thought I will conclude by saying that I am very thankful for St. Stephen’s University and the leadership that has been on this trip. And I am really looking forward to landing in Toronto and seeing the familour sights of the airport and city skyline, Homeward bound is a very very appealing thought.

Endings and Beginnings

March 18, 2009 – 6:57 pm
By Kendall Kadatz | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

Our final days in Southeast Asia are upon us. Chiang Mai University (CMU) and the city of Chiang Mai have been our home away from home for most of the past month. But on Thursday, March 19, the SSU team leaves northern Thailand for a three day journey south, via the historic centres of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, to the frenetic capital city of Bangkok, home to some 10,000,000 people.

By contrast, Chiang Mai has a population of just 300,000. Sometimes referred to as Thailand’s second city, it stretches between mountain ranges across a wide plain in the northwest part of the country. Not far away are Burma and Laos. There is evidence of Chiang Mai’s medieval past in every direction. The “old city” is encircled by the remnants of a defensive wall and a still-intact system of moats. The Ping River flows through the city-centre. The other day a local friend told us that the Ping River is “very rich.” He went on to explain that it was because it had two banks! (an example of Chiang Mai humour.)

Chiang Mai is punctuated by food and craft markets, dominated by dozens of elegant Buddhist temples and “tuk-tuks” and “songthaews” serve as the main modes of public transport–the local taxis. The former is an extended motorcycle that sits 2 or 3 passengers; the latter a small open truck that can sit up to 10 people. The locals appear proud of their identity as Thais. They value the heritage of their exotic city. Close by are herds of Asian elephants, orchid farms and a bounty of tasty tropical fruits including mangoes, pineapple, coconuts, guava and papaya.

But through our classes at CMU and our fieldtrips we have learned that just under the surface, modern Thai society faces serious political and economic strains, issues that North Americans hear little about in the suppertime TV news. In conversation with local people we have discovered much about Thai society. There have been opportunities to talk with Buddhist monks, Thai students, local educators, members of the Christian community of Chiang Mai, and the students’ home-stay families. And no account of Thailand would be complete without mentioning the food. We have been savouring Thai cuisine — duck, catfish, squid, prawn, noodle soups and curries and much more.

Early on in our time here, we discovered the Thai greeting — the “wai.” This is a prayer-like gesture made by a gentle bow of the head and the raising of the hands to the top of one’s chest with fingertips placed under the chin. It serves as a near universal Thai greeting. The “wai” can mean “hello,” “goodbye,” or it can be a sign of respect or gratitude. A traditional Western hand-shake is rare. We have not only learned to practice the Thai greeting, we are also learning to speak the Thai language at CMU. Distinct from the other tongues in Southeast Asia, the Thai language is tonal, with five different tones used — low, middle, high, falling and rising, so that the meaning of a single word can be altered in five different ways. Many in our group are now able to make themselves understood when ordering a meal or when talking to merchants at local markets.

And now as we near our journey’s end, we have much to be thankful for. May there be good endings and good beginnings. Additional prayer requests include:

– God’s provision of safety and good health day by day for each of our students as we prepare to depart for Bangkok and onward to many hours of air travel back to Canada;
– Continued unity within the group as we prepare for the final week of this learning adventure;
– Energy, diligence and inspiration as students work on their final academic assignments;
– And most of all, may we ponder our many experiences in Southeast Asia with discernment inspired by the Holy Three — God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

(Gregg Finley for the leaders’ team)

The Comforts of Peanut Butter

March 16, 2009 – 5:58 am
By Brianna Kocka | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

The dictionary defines  comfort as:

1. A person or thing that gives consolation OR to soothe, console, or reassure; bring cheer to (thanks, Dictionary dot com).

Some would say that “comfort is complacency disguised” (thanks, Shandra O’Connell).

Both are right in part.  However, personally, I say comfort is found in peanut butter.

Okay, okay. It seems childish, right? However it is just the opposite. Comfort is clearly important. Each of us seek it out in our own way and in our own time. Maybe it is a baby blanket or teddy bear (both of which I still have to this day). Maybe it is God, a husband or wife, a close friend or a wonderful cup of coffee first thing in the morning. These simple pleasures remind me of something I once had or desired. They are familiar, and often it is familiarity that brings for us comfort. And, despite this trip throughout Southeast Asia going amazingly well, small comforts are always needed.

Tonight my comfort came to me in a bag of Lays potato chips, some chocolate and a bottle of Coke along with, of course, the aid of a good book; Owen Flanagan’s The Problem of the Soul (this I know makes me a geek). Last week it came through saltine crackers sandwiched with peanut butter melting through its edges in perfect, gooey bliss. Maybe tomorrow it will consist of going to the Irish Pub down the way here in Chiang Mai and enjoying a Strongbow; something that takes me back, something that is familiar.

Travel has a way of tugging at the deep, weary parts of you. It teaches you what is important, what can be left behind and forgotten and what you always want to bring with you. And peanut butter of course, can only help along the way.

Beyond Four Walls

March 15, 2009 – 1:14 am
By Katie Ironside | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

It seems almost unbelievable that in less than two weeks, our team will be in St. Stephen once again, revelling (or resenting) the cold Canadian climate. I myself can hardly believe that our trip is almost over, that our time in South-East Asia is truly at an end. As I sit down to write this blog, I find that I am at a complete loss for words. Not that I don’t have anything to talk about- I would be a pitiable creature indeed if I had nothing to say about my experience on the other side of the world. Rather, I find that I am unable to sum up in just a few paragraphs all the amazing things that I have experienced and learned.

I feel as though I could talk for ages about the people I have met, how we have interacted, the way they live in their country- and how they are not so different from myself.

I could attempt to describe to you the ancient architecture from the North of the Philippines to the Lanna region of Thailand, and how each nation we have visited has astounded me with their ruins, their colonial churches, and their breathtaking landscapes.

What else? I could try to relay the inside jokes, the awkward moments, the ‘what happens in Asia, stays in Asia’ memories. Laughter has been a pretty important part of this trip.

And I could, if I had the chance, share with you the interesting facts and insights from our lectures, from each nation’s history to those things that hit closer to home. What I have been taught about the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand has not only expanded my academic reservoir, but has also challenged my perception of  the world as a whole.

The way I think, it seems, has once again been remolded.

the Philippines revisited

March 10, 2009 – 12:40 pm
By Matt Frise | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

Some more photos from the beginning of the trip in and around Laoag City and the greater region of Ilocos Norte, the Philippines.

Photos courtesy of Alicia Farnham.

Tales from Thailand

March 9, 2009 – 11:36 pm
By Kendall Kadatz | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

We have been in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for over a week, but it seems much longer than that.  Currently we are embracing yet another culture, distinct in many ways from that of the Philippines and Malaysia.  There are new people to met, new foods to savour, new ideas to ponder, a new city to explore, a new language to learn and new living arrangements to sort out.  All in all, this term abroad in Southeast Asia confronts our students with diverse and demanding cross-cultural experiences — heightened living and heightened learning.  For more on Chiang Mai visit http://www.roughguides.com/website/travel/destination/content/?titleid=72&xid=idh272227328_0334

Home-stay adventures

As in the Philippines and Malaysia, here in Thailand our students are with local families for part of their time here.  The home-stays are arranged through CMU and are designed to give students a rare opportunity to learn about the customs of Thai family life and the nuances of society and culture in northern Thailand. They learn by living out the down-to-earth realities of daily life.  The families are responsible for providing students with breakfast and supper as well as transportation between the Thai family residence and CMU.  Not surprisingly, SSU students report a wide range of experiences living with their Thai families. In some cases this means trying to communicate with people who understand little English.  Some students stay with well-to-do families in large and luxurious houses.  Other students are placed with families in more modest surroundings. Read more detail from the words of the students themselves on the SSU SEAsia Blog http://www.ssu.ca/traveltheworld/

SSU and CMU working together

SSU has been in partnership with CMU for the last five Asia study-abroad programs.  With 40,000 students, CMU is — shall we say — a little larger than SSU.  We have arranged a program of classes anchored by the Humanities Faculty at CMU.  A typical day sees SSU students arrive from their home-stays for class before 9:00 a.m.  They are required to dress as most Thai university students dress–white shirts or blouses, dark pants or skirts and proper shoes, (i.e. no sandals or flip flops).  Fortunately our classroom is air conditioned, because the outside temperature often reaches close to 35C. SSU has full access to much of CMU’s sprawling campus, including a computer lab for internet, as well as various libraries and cafeterias, etc.  Most days see morning and afternoon lectures (two hours/lecture) usually with lots of questions posed to the Thai professors by the students.  We hear lectures on Thai history, literature, politics, Buddhism and its impact on Thai culture, the Thai language, etc.  As well, the program at CMU includes tours to local historic sites, e.g. Buddhist temples, museums and archaeological sites.

Prayer requests:

So the journey continues.  Today as we gathered for Sunday worship, one of the readings was from Colossians 3,

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts … and be thankful. …And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus…”

-may the students’ personal devotions and our group worship be filled with the peace of Christ, with thankfulness and with God’s favour.  In all things, may we be faithful to the wisdom of Jesus;

-may students’ experiences with their home-stay families be rewarding with rich learning that is consistent with the aims of the SSU curriculum;

-may we continue to travel and study in good health, safety, unity, and as we near the final weeks of this (ad)venture, may we maintain good health and finish well.

(Gregg Finley, for the leaders team)

Those Rasenberg boys…

March 9, 2009 – 9:50 am
By Matt Frise | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (1)

SSU students and brothers Jonathan and Aaron Rasenberg are often found exploring and adventuring whether at home or abroad. Here’s a gallery of some of their latest adventures in South East Asia with friends Laura Copping and Nicola Gladwell.

(Photos courtesy of Jonathan Rasenberg)

Experiential Learning

March 9, 2009 – 1:55 am
By Kyle Jaster | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

I had a good talk with Gregg Finley at one point during our time in the Philippines about the importance of experiential learning and the idea that experiencing something has a much bigger impact on a person than just reading about it or receiving a lecture on a specific topic. Especially when it comes to 3rd world poverty/injustice issues for a first world person. Though the media is filled with propaganda, news, and pleas for help from around the world, it is still surprisingly easy to ignore. It seems to be only the people who are already interested in the issues and those somewhat informed who pay any attention to foreign activities. However, it is a lot harder to ignore an international crisis if one has experienced it first hand. When you meet someone who is in a terrible situation and take the chance to talk with them, bond with them, and hear their story, a personal connection is made between you and that person/issue. The situation becomes much more real and personal. So what am I suggesting? I am suggesting that in order to get people motivated to make a difference in this world and to become concerned with the issues of this world, the most productive way to accomplish this is for some kind of personal experience to take place. If that isn’t enough to motivate people to do something about this world we live in then we truly live in a cold world. I’m also going to suggest that when this takes place I wouldn’t recommend going into the place thinking that you are the solution to all of their problems and that you are going to be some kind of saving grace because you will probably take more from them than you will give (I know this from personal experience). An idea that I’ve been focusing on a lot since being in SEA is that of the attitude of the people I meet here who are living in conditions much worse than my own. These people have an indescribable joy despite their circumstances. Where does this joy come from?

One final note that I want to point out is this: ‘westerners’ have a very skewed idea of the Islam world and the Muslim religion. Most of our information is surfaced and biased coming primarily from the media. And I just want to point out that out of the two countries and four villages that we have been to, consisting primarily of Christian people with only a small part of our stay being with Muslim’s, I have seen Jesus’ example most in the Muslim people.

People and their influence

March 9, 2009 – 1:08 am
By Geoff MacNeill | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

We leave for Thailand today. We have visited the Philippines and are now about to say good bye to Malaysia. Time is going by so fast, there is so much to take in -it’s cultural overload. The focus of this blog will be about the people I have encountered and what I am learning from them.

Filipinos are very warm and happy people. As soon as we landed in Manila and got on the bus to Laoag, everyone was constantly staring,waving and smiling at us. They have lots of joy, and it’s contagious. Yet, as a people group, they have had their challenges. For one, they don’t really have a sense of national identity – the effects of Spanish and American colonization- Their government is the 2nd most corrupt in South East Asia.  And many of them live in extreme poverty (70-75%). Yet joy is something that remains a part of their lives. One Filipino teacher mentioned that it’s because of their faith in God (Christian) and their willingness to choose to be joyful. I find myself very attracted to joy and hope to have more of it in my own life.

In Malaysia, we landed in Kota Kinabalu on the Island of Borneo.  The day after arrival, we were off for a 2 night stay in a Kampung (Muslim village-approx 1,400 people). I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Though I have spent time with Muslims before, it wasn’t in SE Asia and I had never lived with them. Yet I was excited to see what the outcome would be . Upon arrival, they had a welcoming banner ready for us as well as a band of drummers playing away on their instruments. I think we all felt very welcomed.  Our first meal was eating inside of a fan cooled room, as the locals and hosts ate outside in the hot, mid-day’s air. They’re very hospitable and humble people.

Ali was our homestay dad’s name (Lucas, Alex, Dan and myself). We got to spend a lot of time with him.  He was a very humble man, even though he spoke fairly good English he constantly apologized for bad pronunciation, and wouldn’t accept our assurances that he spoke our language quite well. Ali was also very tender hearted, when we asked him questions about his culture he would just sit there and answer them to the best of his ability; wow, he was a great listener.

He also showed us around the city of Keningau (5 minute drive, approx 30 thousand people) and pointed out the churches that we passed by. In Malaysia, Muslims and Christians get along well together. It’s encouraging to know that the two faiths can exist in peace here in Malaysia. In Kampung I saw the hospitality and humility apparent in the village and in my home stay dad and mom. I admire them for these qualities and hope that they become more evident in my life as well.

Villages, Mountains and Airports

March 4, 2009 – 10:00 am
By Kendall Kadatz | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

SSU in Malaysia – the journey continues

On February 19, we travelled north from the Moslem village near Keningau to our second Malaysian home-stay experience in Tambunan.  Villagers welcomed us with performances of traditional music and dancing and a meal of home-grown vegetables and other local delicacies. In Tambunan we got acquainted with the host-families, had guided treks into the jungle, and hands-on experiences with the villagers focusing on local crafts and customs.   SSU students harvested bamboo, learned about growing ginger and were introduced to rubber tree farming.

A highlight of our time in the village was a lecture by Australian anthropologist and ethno-musicologist, Dr. Jacqueline Pugh-Kitingan of the Universiti Malaysia—Sabah.   She spoke to us about the cultural history of Sabah, and then illustrated her lecture with selections of indigenous music and dance performed by local villagers in their traditional customs.

Catching our Breath in Kota Kinabalu

Three days were based in Sabah’s capital city, Kota Kinabalu (KK), located halfway up the northeastern seaboard of Malaysia.  Decimated in World War II, the city has been completely rebuilt and is a bustling tourism hub and home to some 300,000 people.  The city is dominated by imposing Mosques and a spectacular harbourfront.  Other attractions include fish markets, the Sabah State Museum and a cluster of nearby islands with white sand beaches and coral reefs. Most of the students experienced some R&R here, snorkeling in the warm waters of the South China Sea.

While most of us settled into KK, twelve from our group left for a two day expedition up Trusmadi Mountain. The trail to the peak is completely natural, and the group spent the climb and descent stepping on and using roots and branches to assist us all along the way. When the clouds would part for a second, the beautiful trail would combine with the idyllic jungle spread before us and take our breath away.

On to Chiang Mai via Hong Kong

On February 26, we began our journey to Thailand, but it took a while.  First there was a flight from KK to Hong Kong (HK); then a night spent on the floor of the HK airport; then a 5am bus tour of HK sites and a Chinese breakfast; then a flight from HK to Bangkok; and then a third flight from Bangkok north to Chiang Mai.  We were very happy to finally arrive and check into Chiang Mai’s Mountainview Guest House around 10pm.   And so the Thai-chapter of this Southeast Asian saga has begun.

Prayer Items:

-for students and leaders as we seek a continuing sense of God’s closeness in the next weeks
- for safety, unity, and physical stamina–especially relief from colds, sore throats, and upset stomachs.
-thanks for good connections, safe flights and for our luggage arriving on time in Chiang Mai.
-for our Chiang Mai University program organizers as they finalize the details of the SSU study program in Thailand.
-for God to prepare the hearts of the Chiang Mai home-stay families who will be hosting our students for two weeks  starting March 1.

(Gregg Finley for the Asia team leaders)

Experiences Experiences

March 4, 2009 – 12:53 am
By Raymond Funk | Posted in Uncategorized Comments (0)

The challenge seems the same whenever I travel somewhere new. How do I take my experiences I’m gaining and make them a part of how I view the world and the way I live within it?  I’m finding that as I have been traveling through the Philippines and Malaysia I’ve been having so many experiences, but somehow I seem unable to take it all in. I’ve climbed a mountain, wandered through the rainforest at 3 am in the darkness and rain, I’ve helped make a bamboo fence, have stood in the back of a mosque for evening prayer. I’ve spent hours discussing politics and history with my homestay family in the Philippines, I’ve spent hours  in broken communication trying to describe my home-life in Canada.  I’ve had the opportunity to live in opulence and the opportunity to live in simplicity.  Sometimes I feel extremely comfortable and familiar with the strangers I’m with and other times I feel like a tourist and a foreigner, someone who is on the outside.

I’m also struggling with balancing the academic with the experiential.  Much of this trip is experiential in learning and we are to take what we experience and communicate it effectively for our benefit and knowledge as well as for others understanding.  I haven’t yet found a balance “experiencing” and taking the time to “communicate” my experiences for myself.

We’re on our way to Thailand and I’m finding that I’m longing for more personal time to myself rather than looking for more and more to experience. I think this final leg of our trip will be the time when I will be able to begin sorting through my experiences and drawing out conclusions.