Stepping off the plane at 10:30 pm in the Bangkok airport, I felt my poor muscles try to obey my order to move. We (my friend and I) had been travelling since 7 am that morning from Winnipeg...3 different flights, 3 different airports. I perked up though, as we wheeled our baggage out to the taxi stand. I smelt warm, humid air, gas fumes, plants and mold, my b.o., we were finally in Asia! Breakfast the next morning was an omelette wrapped in noodle and chilis...yum! and only over a dollar. Close cement shops, Thai writing, narrow streets and mopeds, mangy dogs (can't forget that) and curly haired poodles staring out of hair salons...their tile floors scatterd with mounds of black hair. I feel at home, and when the frogs start errpping in the night along with geckos "chucking", I am amazed at how many memories flood back from our time in Burma. The time we found a dead gecko still squished between the door frame of our bedroom, the huge female frogs calling their smaller partners to "come make some eggs, baby". The constant chatter of nature, then traffic and dogs and human voices calling.
One of the sad things, when we arrived was to hear of how one of the student teachers from Canada died in a scooter accident. Our friend from Winnipeg's West End is here finishing his last year in a Thai school, along with other student teachers. Last weekend, his fellow student fell off the back of a scooter into traffic, and was run over and killed. The shock waves still affect this small body of Canadian students. The body is being sent home. The Canadian girl driving the scooter was advised to leave Thailand quickly, before she was charged by the police....this grieving probably guilt ridden girl left the country. So hard, so tragic. Praying for grace, and openings for God's comfort in a terrible situation.
Leaving for Yangon this afternoon, anticipating visits, memories flooding in...our kids grew up there and it will feel wierd not having them, and my hubby at my side this time. Perhaps they are enjoying ice hockey while I'm chowing on hot Thai curry! Let this day, be one that God surrounds me and my family in....I give thanks for this day, my travel and His protection.
