Come What May

The Calm Before the Storm...

First of all, I have been thinking a lot about this blog. All of my posts have been long and detailed (although there are far more details I am leaving out) and I started to worry that it's not what people want to read. But I am using this blog as a journal of my experiences for the next three months, and so I am going to record as much as I can for myself. Don't feel obliged to keep reading my novel-long posts if you are short on time. But if you do continue to follow, realize that you are getting a glimpse not only into the fun and crazy stories of this Thailand adventure, but into my thoughts, feelings, and reactions. So with that said, I can begin with my breakdown of today.

We went to the Chiang Mai branch for church today. There was probably around 40 people there today. 40 super friendly and warm people. There were missionaries that were translating for us throughout all of the meetings. The gift of language is so amazing. For them to be translating so quickly...it just blows my mind. The people here are so faithful and their testimonies are so strong. I learned a lot at church today and I was so grateful to have the opportunity to worship with them. And that's also the beautiful thing about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, it is the same no matter where you go. It could be in Hillsboro, Provo, Cork, or Chiang Mai. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the same.

After church we grabbed some food, which was stinking delicious. We had sticky rice and papaya salad, beef waterfall stuff, and some sort of barbecued chicken wings (Buffalo Wild Wings got nothin on these!). It was all excellent. What's weird though is that I don't really have an appetite here. I guess that's normal for people not used to the heat. But I was thinking that I would go hungry because the Thais wouldn't account for my big American appetite. Well, I eat less than they do! I know my body is taking in enough calories and nutrients to stay strong, but it's weird to be eating such tiny portions. Plus the food is so good here I want to eat more! Once I get adjusted I'm sure it will come back.

With full bellies we headed over to a wat/monk university where we had what's called a "monk chat". So there was a monk waiting for us in a room (a nice air conditioned room I might add) and he taught us the basic beliefs and principles of Buddhism to us. Oh my. I fell in love for so many reasons. This man was just so full of wisdom. And he had such a calming yet happy aura about him. I already believe in many of the principles he was talking about. Throughout my years in school I have learned "lots" about Buddhism. But this monk opened my eyes. Buddhism is not a religion, it's a way of life. And not just any life, but a happy one. I would really encourage all, no matter what religion you are or are not, to explore the principles of Buddhism and true happiness. Later on, in a couple of weeks I think, we are going to stay with the monks for a couple of days and learn how to meditate. I'm stoked for that.

After the monk chat we made our way to the forest wat in Chiang Mai. It's the oldest wat in the city and it was very cool. There were tunnels and statues that are a few hundred years older than the United States of America. Very interesting thought. I enjoyed this little trip but I didn't snap too many photos. I was just so dang hot. I think the weather actually made me a little sick today. It was roasting, and then it rained (which felt nice in the moment). But once it stopped it became unbearable for me. I felt like I was trapped in a sauna. The only thing I can compare it to is when I take really long hot showers and I come out and I feel light headed and just sick to my stomach. Not too fun.

After the forest wat we hit up the Sunday night walking market. It was huge, and since I wasn't feeling well, very overwhelming. I got some stuff, but I'll have to go back again. We came home and had dinner (pad thai...yum!) and then have just been relaxing. It's kind of the calm before the storm right now...

I say that because here I am sitting in a nice house, with a clean shower and little to no bugs. I am about to go back to the jungle and start working for real. I won't leave the orphanage until friday night. I know I can do it, I just get a roller coaster of emotions all day long. I'm very nervous and to be honest a tad bit scared, but as a wise prophet (Pres Monson?...or maybe an apostle? I don't know, someone important) once said, "come what may, and love it". So that's the attitude I am going to go into this week with. Or at least I will honestly try my best to do that. It will be an adventure for sure and I am just going to put on my game face and soak it all in. Come what may, and love it.

Peace out.