Loy Kratong is a Thai festival based on asking the river for forgiveness for polluting it all year long. This is done by releasing little floating lanterns like these into the river. People also release lanterns into the air and set off lots and lots… and lots… and lots… of fireworks. One of the nights I went down to the river with some friends to […]
Yibeng!
Last Saturday I went to Mae Jo University with a friend for the annual Yibeng festival event. Thousands of kom lois (lanterns) are let off simultaneously. There is quite a ceremony as it is seen as a prayer for peace and goodness. Yibeng is a northern Thai word for part of the Loy Kratong festival and holiday, which is November 2, but celebrated October 31-November […]
Happy Mother’s Day!
I would like to wish everyone and especially the moms out there a Happy Mother’s Day! In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the Queen’s birthday, which is August 12th. It doesn’t matter what day the 12th falls on, that is Mother’s Day. This year, it is Wednesday. Today was a holiday and most people had off from work. The same idea goes for Father’s […]
The Long Road Ahead
Some days I wish I were in Thailand so much it hurts. I want to smell the air, feel the heat, ride my motorbike, eat the spicy food, shop at the local market… but more importantly I want to see my friends — I want to be like Christ to Phung and Prem who don’t know Jesus yet; I want to pray and worship with […]
Happy Valentine’s Day, the Thai Way!
On Valentine’s Day, Thai school children exchange heart stickers and decorate their uniforms to celebrate the holiday and appreciate their friends. At our Valentine’s Day party last Friday, we gave each other stickers in true Thai fashion. Here, Wor and I are dressed in red for the holiday. June on the left gives Evie a sticker Saa shows off her hearts P’Opal and Apple and […]
Motorbike 101
This is a usual sight – three people, book bags, anything. Little kids sit up front and hold on to the mirror bases like handles, or sit in back with someone. Dogs ride in the basket or in the back. Driving with just one other passenger takes enough balance, I can’t imagine two or more! Not exactly a car-seat friendly mode of transportation!