It’s true. I’ve slacked. So much to tell, so little time. Today’s post will highlight some of the people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting over the past month.

Speaks for itself, no?

Yaay! This is the grandmother of P’ Air from Siam-Care Mukdahan. I bet she hides mad snacks in her wrinkles… I would.

This boy was SUCH a sweetheart. His mom recently died from HIV/AIDS, and he’s now living with his grandmother. Their “house” sits over a completely polluted river, and no one knows how much longer g’ma will be around. He’s an inspiration.

Please pray for this child… he suffers from ridiculously-cute-chubby-baby-syndrome!

We were unfortunately invited to a funeral. This was the temple where it was held.

Buddhist practice of lighting incense to honor the dead. 

This was another grandmother upcountry picking mangos from a tree for us, with just a long stick. They don’t have much, but they certainly make things work. Genius.  

We attended a Thai drama. The princess of Thailand was there, too – holllla! 

Another family Siam-Care supports. This little man was CHEE-KY!

Last month I had the opportunity to spend two full days with a large group of students. They were great, and these are my boyz!

A group working on an activity.

Ok, seriously though? I’ve never come remotely close to figuring this out, and THaREEE kids were able to finish in under a minute… WHAT?! Sorry it’s sideways… I’m good with pickies, not vidies.

WOW! from Gina Meola on Vimeo.

This picture makes me laugh. First of all, I’m convinced I’ll get carsick until I’m 80. P’Leng took this picture of me because she was utterly confused as to why someone nauseous would fall asleep smiling. I too, find myself perplexed.
 

HAPPY SUNDAY! God Bless.

I’m intimidated. I’m confused. I’m elated.  It’s 8:34 p.m., and I’m tightly curled in my hideously florescent, but pleasantly comfy, seat on Thailand’s “VIP” overnight bus to Mukdahan. I look out my window to watch thousands of Thai bodies making their way through the masses. They swerve to avoid passing monks, sprint to catch departing vehicles, and walk as though the hundreds of buses, yelling men, and flashing signs are a simple routine. If Adrienne weren’t here to guide my overweight backpack, and me, I don’t think I would have left the taxi.

My first adventure to Bangkok’s busy bus station is a noteworthy event in my world. But to the sea of those surrounding me, tonight is just another long trip home. It’s funny how life becomes familiar, and things once so exotic and exciting become mundane and habitual. I can’t help but think life’s excitements are more important than we make them out to be. In our work, in our relationships, in our spirituality – it’s almost too easy to let things go and lose interest in what was once a beautiful mystery or passionate interest. Maybe it’s more effort, but finding an alternative angle to life’s ordinaries seems like a feat worth undertaking.

Eat, sleep, sleep, toss, turn, sleep, eat, sleep, sleep

Now 6:27 a.m., we’re arriving at Mukdahan’s bus station. It’s small and empty – Quite a difference from the nonstop noise and movement of Bangkok. Oh Bangkok, Bangkok, the city I call home. Hello rice fields, buffalo, and bamboo huts.

I’m disheveled, I’m perplexed, I’m elated…

Noi’s limbs were weaker than a newborn’s. His skin was discolored, his feet were enlarged, and his body lied defenseless. His legs and arms wore the scars of gnawing insects and his hands curled over with scabs. His belly convulsed with every movement and he gasped for air between coughs.

The parents of this 39-year-old gem hardly accept him because he is HIV-positive. His daughter is brilliant and his wife, also infected, has stayed by his side. Through all this suffering, somehow, Noi made jokes, practiced some English, and sang to us… Thus proving his smile was equally as radiant as his attitude. Why. Why is Noi dying.

I have never held the hands of death. But if I’ve watched shows, listened to speakers, and read books on infinite human suffering around our world, shouldn’t I already understand how painful life is for so many? Was it because I had not looked into their eyes, listened to their whisper, or clasped their fingers that everything continued as normal? I’d like to think Noi has changed a piece of me, which is the least he deserves.

The amazing characteristic I find in death is that it can sometimes be more powerful than life. Every step of my Savior’s walk on earth was flawless, with every action done in love. But it was His death that saved me, forever later, from my sin and myself… ultimately offering us all life eternal.

Today was hard, as much of my experience here has been, but it was unforgettably significant. Death is one of the only certainties we face, and that alone seems reason enough to prepare for it. Noi did.

His 12-year-old massaging his legs.

A relative trying to feed him. 

His laugh was contagious, and as we shared stories, I could tell what a precious soul he had… 

Noi’s liver failed and he’s unable to take anymore medication. He was released from the hospital and given three days to live. That was February 19th, and he’s still with us. With his fight comes hope. PLEASE join me in prayer and lift up Noi’s health and his family.