The Truth vs. Dramatic Heroes

Several years ago I read the book The Road of Lost Innocence: The true story of a Cambodian Heroine. It's a very wowish book in which a Cambodian lady went through awful, awful things at the hands of brothel owners after being sold and trafficked.  Eventually she found her freedom and began a foundation for rescuing other girls. 

It's an amazing story really.  An amazing woman!  The only thing I always wished was to hear that Samoly Mam had somehow learned to know Jesus. 

None the less, Samoly Mam is a hero.  She spent about 20 years helping others, rescuing them from brothels and giving them a better life.  I kept telling myself, if I ever go back to Cambodia I must look up Samoly Mam. When Nicholas Kristof and Half the Sky made a documentary in which he took celebrities into different countries to raise awareness of the oppression of women around the world, I was delighted that Samoly Mam was included.  Yes, Nicholas took Meg Ryan to visit and interview Samoly Mam.  In watching the documentary I again felt a tinge of sadness that no recognition was given to Jesus who is in the business of changing lives. 

Then recently I heard that there are allegations out that Samoly's story may not be entirely true.
So why would she make up such a story?   And what about the many girls who are being helped through the organization that she founded? 
Yes, she raised tremendous awareness to a real problem.  Human Trafficking.   Some may say that although her methods might not have been the best at least awareness has been raised and good has come from it. 

Does the end justify the means? 

On the other hand is it possible that WE THE PEOPLE and our love for dramatic success stories could be part of the problem?
We like to hear about the rescued girls who are simply overjoyed that we would share a few dollars so that they could have a better education.   We like to hear how our donations to good causes are feeding the hungry, saving lives, and transforming their futures.

Having lived overseas with the hope that I might be able to help a few young people have a better life I know some of the stresses of  wanting to tell supporters what they want to hear.  Sometimes it is just plain hard to know what to write in newsletters.  Life is normal. The dramatic seems to be happening to others, not so much for me.   Youth you are working with don't seem to be listening to what you're saying.  And believe it or not there are some who don't want to be rescued...or even know they need to be rescued.  There are those whom you try to teach new ways, who simply return to the same old ways.  Furthermore, I am selfish, I get very annoyed (I don't want to use the word mad, because that would sound really bad), have bad attitudes and wonder what in the world is wrong with these crazies who aren't listening to me. These are things you really don't want to write home about.  Sometimes the stories of failure happen way more often than the successes.  And what?? People are sending you money to fail?! 

I say that during my 5-1/2 years in Asia I believe that God taught me more than I taught anyone else.  This can be a bit disconcerting when you meet me and realize that I'm still a basket case.  Really I spent all that support money on language study, housing and food for me, to succeed at what??

So...WE THE PEOPLE... Let's learn to be okay with the truth.  The truth that life is not always dramatic or filled with dramatic success stories (although granted there are a few).   And let's do our best to know The Truth.  Which by the way, is the best part of what I've been thinking about for this post.  

What is The Truth?   Or maybe a better question would be Who is The Truth?  
For Jesus said "I am The Truth".  John 14:6
And in John 8:32 He says; "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free".  Maybe, just maybe we should capitalize The Truth and make it a proper noun.  I'm not trying to change scriptures or take things out of context but...Jesus did say..."I am The Truth".   And I know that there is freedom in knowing HIM.   

So my hope...my dream...is for Samoly Mam and all her girls to know The Truth.
I also hope that someday when I get to heaven I'll learn that some of my failures where not so much failures but some how, in some way The Truth has turn them into success stories (complete with some drama). 

And to my faithful supporters over the years.   Thank YOU!  Thanks for believing in the power of The Truth.   Thanks for not giving up on me.  Thanks for allowing me to be real, for allowing me to fail and believing that in the end The Truth will bring freedom for many. 
And Please...continue to support others by allowing them to be real, allowing them to fail, and believing that although sometimes your support might seem to fall upon failure there are a few...a few lives changed, a few rescued from slavery, and best of all a few more beautiful people whom we'll meet in heaven because of your promotion of The Truth.

Geckos, Ants and Other Ordinary Things

Isn't it amazing how what is ordinary depends on where you are? 

For example, ordinary in my life now involves - shoes, cars, tomatoes, strawberries and ordinary weather.

A few years ago, ordinary in my life involved - flip flops, motorbikes, lesson plans, mangoes and HOT weather  + roaches, lizards and more. 

To this day when I catch a glimpse of anything long and skinny that might or might not be moving my first thought is still "Gecko".   But really Geckos should cause no alarm.  The small ones are a little annoying because they can tend to get in the way.   They simply don't move fast enough.  I also didn't really enjoy cleaning up after geckos but for the most part they were just a part of the household decor.  Occasionally I'd invite one to move himself out of the cupboard, or need to clean a smashed one out of the refrigerator door but nothing too stressful.  

In my first year in Laos I lived in a house that was well blessed with the super sized, high speed spiders.  That first year I would not be surprised if my neighbors thought I had fits of insanity as I would take to chasing spiders which caused much crashing and banging.   At some point I learned...these spiders are basically harmless, unless of course you hurt yourself trying to kill one.  After that upon sighting a spider I might have tried to scare him out of sight but chasing a high speed spider was just too much trouble to be bothered with.

Ants also became a part of everyday life.  If you dropped a crumb anywhere ants would arrive.  It might be the little fast black ants, it might be the tiny, tiny, tiny ants, it might be the bigger ordinary ants and it might be all of the above.   The one thing you could depend on was that ants would arrive.  Again, you could tell who the new comers to the country were by the alarm factor they experienced with the ants.  After being in Laos for awhile, without thinking I refilled my unwashed Pepsi cup with more Pepsi only to realize I now had ants swimming in Pepsi.  Trust me, Pepsi is way to precious to be wasted because of a few ants. 

Roaches - they really weren't a problem as they usually disappeared when the lights came on.  Sure, I'd enter the house and hear and see them rushing for the dark corners but give them a few seconds and they would be gone.  Really not a problem until...

One day I dashed out of school, hopped on my motorbike and took off for home.  As I was driving along with the Vientiane traffic I felt a slight brushing of something against my hair but just sorta figured that the lining of my helmet was loose. I keep driving, the lining of my helmet seemed to keep moving.  Then the realization hits me, something is walking on my head.  

SOMETHING IS WALKING ON MY HEAD!  

This is a problem! A very real problem. 
I'm driving, in traffic, and my helmet is fastened down to my head and SOMETHING IS WALKING ON MY HEAD!  I am grasping, clawing and doing my best to get that helmet off of my head, get myself out of traffic and my bike off of the road.  I managed to get the helmet off and the bike off the road at pretty much the same time as a very large roach found his freedom and took flight. 
For many days after this event I would always stick my hand in my helmet before putting it on my head. 
To this day I do not like roaches.  No I really DO NOT like roaches.  I don't care how ordinary and every day they are, I really don't like roaches.




 

Of Lao and Of Buses

Today when I read this article, http://jclao.com/night-bus-adventure-laos/ , it brought a smile to my face and flooded my mind with many memories.  I myself have made that trip to Luangprabang by bus no less than 6 times, usually by VIP bus. Of course I usually opted to take the day bus instead of the night bus as I always felt there was a greater chance of the driver staying awake, plus there's some pretty awesome scenery along the way that would be totally missed in the darkness of night.  (you also get to actually see the great heights from which you could fall should your driver fall asleep or simply miss a turn)

To be perfectly honest by the end of my 5+ years in Lao my relationship with buses was probably a bit shaky, but regardless of the relationship I had with them it does at times make for a good story.  And if traveling a distance (beyond the reach of my motorbike) was probably the most economical.

I learned my tricks for dealing with buses.  When beginning a trip there where times I was a little confused as to which bus to get on.
My policy was - if the helpful men took your bag and put it on a bus always make sure that you get on the same bus.   This way regardless of where the bus itself ended up you would at least have a change of clothes when you got there.

Also if traveling by night bus get yourself settled into your seat, carefully wrap the straps of your backpack around your leg (this insures that should someone decide to take it they will either take you too or wake you up trying), take a healthy dose of Dramamine and maybe top that off with Tylenol PM and hope that whoever sits beside you doesn't feel it is their duty to wake you every time the bus stops.

And if traveling to Luangprabang or almost anywhere in the north be prepared for the passing out of the plastic bags and retching noises that will happen along the way.  A strong stomach and extra prayers are a plus.  I personally don't get bus sick but apparently a lot of people and some dogs do.  Oh, and dogs don't use bags.

It does at times seem that I had a special knack for not realizing there may be danger ahead, beside or just around the corner when traveling, and I'm really glad that I always traveled with a someone to protect me.  Sometimes I may have said I was traveling alone but trust me when I say, I was NEVER alone.

On one such trip my friend and I where headed for Phongsali.  To reach Phongsali involved numerous buses and many hours.  I'm gonna guess driving straight through in those days would've maybe taken 24-30ish hours.   At least with our type of buses and luck.   One day we encountered a landslide.   Landslide on one side, steep drop off on the other.  I was so fascinated by the scenery below me that I didn't even realize the rest of the passengers on the bus where on their feet either heading for the door or at best the opposite side of the bus.   My claim remains - If we were going down that hill I wanted to see the scenery on the way.  (truth is I might, or might not have been too terrified to move).    

Learning Through Song

Sometimes I wonder why I feel the need to keep songs such as this on file somewhere.

Maybe it's because I've never quite left my childhood behind. 

Or 

maybe it's because I've been an ESL teacher.  Maybe after having been a teacher it takes years to get the appreciation of kids songs out of your head.  Personally I think that if I would have been introduced to this Fruit of the Spirit song while still teaching I would've most likely taken it to the classroom.  

And

This thought brings back many memories. 

One thing that is so awesome about teaching English as a Second Language is that you can take kids songs into a classroom full of adults and get full participation.  

Well, sometimes you get full participation and sometimes they get a teacher that looks like a fool.  But really, take some simple words, put them to a catchy tune and I bet your students will remember them.    

I remember many a day walking through school and hearing strains of  "Hello. Hello. Hello. What's your name?" Drifting through the air.   

Yes, most likely that was a student from my class.  I'd say at least 75% of my students have heard that song at some point in their English Education.   

(I have no idea why this video clip has a Japan Airline picture on it)

Thank You Phaivahn for being my student! 

And yes, when I think of Mr. Phaivahn putting his heart into it his line of "My name is Phaivahn", amid the laughter of the rest of the class, it still makes me smile.

Of course there were also songs such as "Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and the "ABC" song which could be brought out to liven up life a bit as well as teach important vocabulary such as body parts and...well... the ABCs.  

Somehow "The Ants Go Marching One by One" made it into my classroom.  This was inspired by my friend Linda who pointed out just how much English Vocabulary could be learned from this simple song.   Think about it...Verbs and Nouns. Think of all the everyday activities that littlest Ant does.   He sucks his thumb, (this is not an everyday activity for me), ties his shoe, opens the gate, climbs a tree, shuts the door and many other important things. 

Then there was Jesus, Love is a Bubblin' over.  First taught by my dear friend Jess, and later brought back into the classroom for students in the following years.  Ya gotta love songs with motions and very few words.  

But my favorite experience of all... Okay, I'm gonna brag just a little.  I'll admit I got a little bit of a big head over this experience but I've just gotta write this story down for snowy days when I need to remember that my students really did like me.  So sit back, relax and enjoy.   

Once upon a time, in a far away place, there was a group of about 20 students who all had this deep desire to learn English.   You see, English is an International Language and if they could only learn this rather difficult language they might possibly be given an opportunity for a better paying job. 

By an act of God these students became my students.  Ajaan Ann they called me.  Now Ajaan Ann had a curriculum to follow but she would randomly come up with things that really had no connection with the curriculum. Songs such as I've already mentioned.  Songs that involved marching like ants, or waving arms and making strange noises, or doing a little 'rap' such as this.  (okay so maybe it doesn't qualify as rap)

Basically I figured that my students were in a state of confusion when I appeared with my songs.   

Then one day I arrived at school to discover an IGo team had arrived.   Now I'm not at all sure IGo teams really appreciated when I gave them things to do.   I'm know to put them to painting rooms or cutting grass with hand clippers in the heat of the day.  In this case I noticed one of them carrying a guitar.  Since none of the other American staff had arrived at school yet and these poor IGoers really looked like they needed something to do (In actuality they were probably walking around with glazed eyes looking for a place to lay down and sleep They had just traveled all night by bus) I pointed out the guitar I asked if they liked to sing.   

They did.   

I handed them a song sheet and asked if they would teach my students this song.  Class starts in a few minutes.   (I'm sure their dreams of showers and sleep quickly vanished but this story is not suppose to include concern for the IGo students, this story is about my pride and me feeling like the most honored teacher)   

The IGoers readily agreed and showed up in my classroom to teach the song. They did an excellent job of it too.   Then they departed so that I could continue teaching all the good things I was actually suppose to be teaching.  

My students sat and quietly watched this tired team of IGoers file one by one down the steps.   As soon as everyone had disappeared the students all looked at me and said, "Now you teach us this song".   

Yeah, it made me a little proud.   

Yeah, I think they liked me.  I kinda liked them too!!     

Reflections!

08/08/07 - was it not just yesterday?   (Or maybe it was 100 years ago.)
That's the day I made my very first stop at the Vientiane International Airport. 

I had no idea what I was doing.  
No idea what I was getting into.  
No idea how much my life would change over the next few years.   
I had no idea how much I would learn to love the people in this little country or how frustrated I'd get with cultural differences I couldn't understand.  
I had no idea how much I would change and grow.   

Looking back it can feel like 100 years ago.   Never mind the fact I was 28 when I arrived I'm pretty sure I was still a kid.  

Looking back it feels like yesterday.  Wasn't it just yesterday I took that first all night bus ride to the south?   Wasn't it just yesterday I arrived LATE to that first language class because I got lost? 
Wasn't it just yesterday - Oh wait - that was 100 years ago I taught that first class with much fear and trembling.   

Wow, so many thoughts, so many things, so many feelings, so many...

I'm at a loss for words!   

I'm  speechless!  

Random Things

 So the recent past (okay so maybe not as recent as yesterday) I've had several experience which I considered blog worthy.   As a matter of fact during the events I've thought, "Now this is going to be a good story".  Unfortunately, remote mountain trails, tiny airplanes, and mini-vans are not exactly the best locations for wi-fi.  

That's right, I don't even own a SMART phone with which to access the internet.   I am proud of my phone though.  (I had no intention of writing about my phone but now feel the urge to add a small blurb about it)   My phone is now over 5 years old.   Was the cheapest one I could find back in those days and it still works.   No, you can't really see the numbers (more importantly the letters), and yes, it is cracked and the buttons sometimes take extra effort to push but I don't want to hear anyone bad mouthing my phone.   My only regret is I never gave him a name!  Yes, I am quite proud of my special little phone and it's very sad to think I may have to give him up soon.   But I've heard it said, don't cling to your friends too tightly.  

Anyway, as I was saying - In the recent past I've actually felt like I may be living up to my blogs name.   Sunshine - I've seen it, I even saw a sunrise.   That is a fairly unusual thing for me, therefore picture worthy! 

Rain - I've felt it.   Traveling at dusk by dirt bike on fairly rough roads.   It sorta stings the face but hey, I was just the passenger so the driver got the worst of it.   I'm not complaining 'cause that was one of my best trips yet!  

Dust - This picture may not do justice to the dust but check it out.   There really was a pretty good supply of dust on my face.

And Potholes - Well, I actually don't know if potholes is actually the correct word for what was involved in this trip but I got a real close up look at a large rut in what might someday be a road.  
Possibly the reason I could no longer focus at the time of the picture taking (no idea where I was looking) was the fact that my toe was throbbing from the pain of the dust caked inside of it in places that dust and dirt was never intended to go.   (again I'm not complaining - I could've lost a toe)    So this is just a group of amazing people who went on an amazing trip where most of my friends have never been.  

(forgot to mention that most of the rugged roads we were on was by accident but I really think it was a pretty good accident.) Pretty sure I can now say I've been places you've never been!  

And now... friends are arriving at Cafe Nomad so I'll have to save the super small airplane and the mini van stories for later.  

Sometimes I wonder, of all the people in the world why am I so blessed to be able to see so many places in this great big world!  

Tuk Tuk's, Guesthouse's and Shattered Glass

It's amazing what might await a person who simply wants to do a small get away to relax.   Upon arrival at my small destination town I dig the crumpled paper with my guesthouse name and approach a Tuk Tuk driver.   Ok I lied - I didn't approach a tuk tuk driver, I entered the excited mob who all wanted go give me a ride to my awaiting guest house.  
Since I had a good idea (but not a 100% idea) as to where my guesthouse might be located I sorta had in my head how much I would be willing to pay for this little ride.   The price in my head and the price given to me did not match.   I would maybe pay 30 baht but I'm not even considering 60 baht so I began walking.   About half way to my destination I meet more Tuk Tuk drivers - Guess what the price is still 60 baht.   And these guys even got a good laugh for our little conversation as I said, "If I knew exactly where the guesthouse was, I'd walk."  
Among their laughter they said the equivalent of "You don't know so you can't walk".  

Guess what?!

I kept walking!!  

Guess what else?  

I found the guesthouse very nicely on my own!

As luck would have it, upon arrival at my guesthouse I was ushered up 3 flights of narrow steps.  Have I mentioned yet that I have my small pull behind suitcase, and my computer backpack and it's 100degress outside so I'm hot and sweaty and pretty sure all signs of beauty have long disappeared. 
Yet what's 3 flights of narrow stairs after dealing with tuk tuk drivers and walking from the bus station.  I am starting to wonder when the relaxing will start.  

Enter - nice room, complete with a refrigerator larger than my own person fridge at my house and lovely TV Channels.   Complete the room with rather mismatched lace curtains and an equally ugly lace table cloth covering the coffee table.  
In this particular case I should have looked under the lace before sitting down.

But after 3 flights of stairs a person has to take a load off their feet, right?

Down I went - Then begins the shattering of glass.  
I really expected to hear knocking on the door very soon as the noise from that broken table could/should have been heard very far away.  

Since no one arrived to check on me I decided to wait until morning and try to explain to the staff why there was much glass spread around their once clean room.   But even in the morning by the attitude of the staff you could imagine that they are used to cleaning up glass tabletops.   After paying my 600 baht to get it replaced you almost have to wonder if the glass table tops are actually a money making scheme.

Hmmm, I'll have to keep that in mind when planning for my own guest house someday.  

The only other thing I managed to break that week was one of the blood red glasses that was kept on top of the LARGE refrigerator.   How was I suppose to see that it was partly on the door when I swung the door open. 

I wonder if these people ever want to see me again?  

I don't give the Tuk Tuk's business and I break things in the guesthouse.   What better way to relax?