Monthly Archives: March 2009

Ithica Atlast..

March 24, 2009 – 10:48 pm
By Cara Lehocki | Posted in SE Asia 2009 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 SE Asia 2009 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 SE Asia 2009 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 SE Asia 2009 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 SE Asia 2009 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 SE Asia 2009 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 SE Asia 2009 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 SE Asia 2009 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 SE Asia 2009 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 SE Asia 2009 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.