March 15, 2009

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.

 

  • aaaa:

    Links…

    [...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

  • how to mount scopes:

    Cool sites…

    [...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……

  • Snow Removal 47406:

    Cool sites…

    [...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……

  • Chase Online Logon:

    Online Article……

    [...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……

  • hair extensions:

    Visitor recommendations…

    [...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

  • Sleep Apnea Treatment:

    How To Stop Snoring…

    [...]as a result of past products we think this url may just be intriguing for your requirements[...]…

  • car parking games:

    Related……

    [...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……

  • Best acne medication:

    Recommended websites…

    [...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……

  • vibrators for Women:

    Interesting, stay in touch……

    [...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……

  • anniversary rings:

    Related……

    [...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……

  • Cost Effective Video Marketing:

    Links…

    [...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

  • concrete saw:

    Visitor recommendations…

    [...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

  • webhosting:

    Recommeneded websites…

    [...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……

  • msn cam girl:

    Websites worth visiting…

    [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……

  • Lottery Winning Formula:

    Links…

    [...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

  • Backyard Water Features:

    indoor wall waterfall…

    [...]just below, are some totally unrelated sites to ours, however, they are definitely worth checking out[...]…

  • militare-ordine-del-collare:

    Sites we Like……

    [...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……

  • jan-olov von wowern:

    Websites worth visiting…

    [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……

  • puma air compressor:

    You should check this out…

    [...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……

  • online Halloween costume:

    Superb website…

    [...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……

  • simvastatin side effects:

    {Recent|Latest|Current|New|The latest} Blogroll Additions……

    [... ]usually posts some very interesting stuff like that. If you’re new to that site[... ]……

  • Villas Ile Maurice:

    Our Trackback link…

    [...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……

  • make more money:

    Read was interesting, stay in touch……

    [...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……

  • sawtrax panel saw:

    Sources…

    [...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……

  • Bankruptcy:

    family solicitors…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  • Smart Posters:

    Visitor recommendations…

    [...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

  • Pool Table Light:

    Websites you should visit…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

  • all home appliances:

    Home Appliance Service…

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth a read, so have a look[...]…

  • Insurance:

    insurance policies…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]…

  • This:

    Check this out…

    [...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……


March 4, 2009

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…

 

  • exotic car rental Miami:

    Links…

    [...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

  • Snow Removal 47405:

    Links…

    [...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

  • Chase Online Logon:

    Gems form the internet…

    [...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……

  • Feather hair extensions:

    Cool sites…

    [...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……

  • Healthy Vending:

    Gems form the internet…

    [...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……

  • 454 casull:

    Blogs ou should be reading…

    [...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……

  • china travel adaptor:

    carrier luggage basket…

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth a read, so have a look[...]…

  • host with cpanel:

    Awesome website…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……

  • Irrigation Drip Systems:

    Drip Irrigation Systems…

    Neat info thought I would link to this wow have you learn about Eygpt has now got more issues too :(

  • cheap shutter:

    Online Article……

    [...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……

  • Video Marketing:

    Cool sites…

    [...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……

  • webhosting:

    Websites worth visiting…

    [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……

  • types of rats:

    dumbo rat…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]…

  • How to pick Winning Lottery Numbers:

    Great website…

    [...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……

  • militare-ordine-del-collare:

    Online Article……

    [...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……

  • Wall Waterfall:

    Wall Waterfall…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]…

  • jan-olov von wowern:

    Websites worth visiting…

    [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……

  • online Halloween costume:

    Blogs ou should be reading…

    [...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……

  • Location Villa Ile Maurice:

    Awesome website…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……

  • man and van london:

    Awesome website…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……

  • msn addy:

    Websites you should visit…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

  • Smart Posters:

    Blogs ou should be reading…

    [...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……

  • Bankruptcy:

    Advocates…

    [...]we like to honor other sites on the web, even if they aren’t related to us, by linking to them. Below are some sites worth checking out[...]…

  • pooltablelightspot.com:

    Superb website…

    [...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……

  • tasco telescopes:

    Related……

    [...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……

  • vindskydd:

    Online Article……

    [...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……

  • consumers energy appliance service plan:

    Home Appliance Service…

    [...]we like to honor other sites on the web, even if they aren’t related to us, by linking to them. Below are some sites worth checking out[...]…

  • Insurance:

    Life Insurance…

    [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]…

  • relationship problems:

    Check this out…

    [...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……

  • web design company:

    Best web design company in Northern Ireland…

    [...]you’ll find some great link to sites below, have a quick visit[...]…


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.

  • aaaa:

    On the internet Marketing Article…

    [...]The details mentioned within the post are a number of the most effective out there [...]……

  • cupcake bouquet instructions:

    Check this out…

    [...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……

  • how mount riflescopes:

    Sites we Like……

    [...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……

  • Snow Removal 47402:

    Superb website…

    [...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……

  • Chase Online Login:

    Recent Blogroll Additions……

    [...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……

  • Hair extensions:

    Links…

    [...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……

  • Healthy Vending:

    Check this out…

    [...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……

  • 454 magnum:

    Websites worth visiting…

    [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……

  • car games:

    Websites worth visiting…

    [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……

  • cheap exterior shutters:

    Superb website…

    [...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……

  • Accu Tab:

    Accu Tab…

    [...] Fantastic post thought I would like to link on it dont stop. [...]…

  • Effective Video and YouTube Marketing:

    Visitor recommendations…

    [...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……

  • hairless rats:

    fancy rats…

    [...]just below, are some totally unrelated sites to ours, however, they are definitely worth checking out[...]…

  • msn cam girl:

    Sites we Like……

    [...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……

  • Lottery Winning Formula:

    Recent Blogroll Additions……

    [...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……

  • jan-olov von wowern:

    Recent Blogroll Additions……

    [...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……

  • Backyard Water Features:

    outdoor wall fountain…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  • night vision:

    Read was interesting, stay in touch……

    [...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……

  • Mauritius Self Catering:

    Websites you should visit…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

  • man and van london:

    Gems form the internet…

    [...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……

  • vertical panel saw:

    Gems from the internet…

    [...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……

  • Smart Posters:

    Websites you should visit…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

  • vindskydd:

    Websites you should visit…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……

  • Health insurance:

    medical insurance…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  • metas:

    Check this out…

    [...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……

  • virgin credit card:

    Credit Card Services…

    [...]just below, are some totally unrelated sites to ours, however, they are definitely worth checking out[...]…

  • Auto Financing for Bad Credit:

    car Financing for Bad Credit…

    [...]we like to honor other sites on the web, even if they aren’t related to us, by linking to them. Below are some sites worth checking out[...]…

  • backpacks for travelling:

    molle backpack…

    [...]we like to honor other sites on the web, even if they aren’t related to us, by linking to them. Below are some sites worth checking out[...]…

  • best auto insurance companies:

    best auto insurance companies…

    [...]just below, are some totally unrelated sites to ours, however, they are definitely worth checking out[...]…

  • Property Solicitor:

    Competitive Conveyancing Quotes…

    [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]…