{DAY 6} May 27th 2009 - WEDNESDAY

Today's agenda seemed like a relatively easy day when we set out. We gathered with several other groups/organizations within the city, all fighting for one common issue. This meeting was a prayer meeting for the city of Pattaya. There is something very calming, powerful and hopeful seeing and hearing so many, from all areas of the world - caring for, loving and praying over this city.

For the first time since being on the ground we were scheduled to have a bit of down time in between our morning meeting and doing some bar ministry that evening. We opted to see if we could visit a local orphanage during that time.

As orphanages goes it appeared clean, well organized and overall quite nice. Again, all relatively of course. Little did I know this unplanned visit would have such a grand effect on me...

We arrived during nap time, a sea of tiny beds holding sleeping toddlers in one area visible from the outside. After an overview of how the place was run, while talking with the directors, nap time was over!! Walking back into the room of fifty two year olds waking up was rather entertaining. Most were crawling out of bed and others were stirring awake. Those that weren't were being awoken by an aunry little tyke. She would jump on them and rip off their blanket. As I made my way through the room, I came to a sweet little girl still sleeping and next in line to be terrorized by the wild hair cutie pie. I tried to gently fend off the telling disruption this sleeping angel was in for. As she groggily looked up at me, she looked terrified of ME. Feeling awkward, knowing my own children are sheepish when they wake and definitely not looking to make friends with a stranger at that moment. I smiled, turned around a took a step away. She began to sob, as I turned back around, she jumped into my arms. Wrapping her arms and legs around me, she was not about to let go. Neither. Was. I.

After nap time the routine is potty, snack and PLAYTIME! The aids make their rounds taking each child to the bathroom and supplying a snack before playtime. 'My' little girl went bananas when the aid tried to take her from me to use the bathroom. SO, naturally I took her. We played a little with the kiddos during snack time, as best I could with a monkey attached to me. Our little maniac friend stole my headband and proudly paraded around with it on her head. She looked absolutely adorable with her crazy hair. We finished our visit outside, playing with the kids on the playground. The kids were crazy about the swings and once they realized all the camera action they were ALL. OVER. IT. Carlee and Amy were teaching a few how to 'shoot'. So precious. All the while I tried to crack a smile from 'my' monkey while swinging and playing with the others. At one point I asked a worker if she was okay or maybe just not feeling well and perhaps that was due in part to her clinging to me? Then came the blow, the worker said she had just arrived three days ago. THREE days ago this precious 2 year old girl had been brought to the orphanage with her 1 year old baby sister. I don't know the circumstances and I try to keep my mind focused on the positive for these two little girls. Rather than the constant image they may hold of their Mommy walking away. My heart is broken in two at this thought. I'd like to think that the Mother did the better option for her girls. It is not hard to notice the boy to girl ratio in the orphanage, which is no mystery. I've already seen all these 'little' girls ALL over the city. When the time came to say goodbye my heart sank. As you can imagine a worker had to peel her off of me as she cried hysterically. It took every fiber in my being to no react the same. I will never forget that moment. I pray she and her sister feel loved, secure, will come to know Him and may someday be my daughters.

Later that evening Phet lead us down Soi Six (Street Six) - claim to fame, 24 hour brothels. As if Walking Street wasn't enough, this street literally made your skin crawl and your insides churl. It was difficult to look most of these girls in the eye and unlike Walking Street we were NOT welcome and clearly did not belong. While walking the back alley of this seedy street on the way back, I was stopped dead in stride as we heard a young women screaming out in a 'room' above us. We learned that Soi Six not only plays host to brothels but the underground brothels that are home to innocent small children. I can't even explain the sensation in my body, knowing I was walking on the ground that separated us from these children.

From there Phet took us into one of the bars to talk with some of the girls. They all seemed so excited to see us and even chat, although considerable broken English. As a whole everyone seems to light up when they see foreigners. They all want to learn and know the language so much. Obviously the more fluent the better business opportunities for them. There were two girls in particular that seems quite shy and more reserved. It took a little more to get them to open up. While 'talking' with them, we learned through tears how long they have been in the "business" and the average men they service in a month. They were clearly broken about this, yet still holding onto whatever integrity they could. We decided to pay for these two girls bar stools, 300 baht each - less than $9.00 American. We invited them to join us for dinner. They were so sweet and cute, seemingly giddy at the opportunity to get out of the bars. As dinner came to an end, they completely broke down, sobbing into the arms of Patti & Kara. I imagine the thought of having to go back to that would be daunting. They have no idea how heartbreaking it was for us to have to drop them back off at the bar that evening.

{DAY 5} May 26th 2009 - TUESDAY

Tuesday morning started off with a fun skype call to all our boys and one girl, Haley. :) It didn't take us long to figure out the Marriott's lobby across the street provided FREE WI-FI! Of course we were all over that. Everyone happened to be over at one house gathered for a BBQ and comparing 'war stories' AKA life as Mr. Mom. :) It was a blessing for all of us to see each other and our kids little faces. So far so good, everyone looked well fed and regular clothes - meaning not their pj's. :)

Off to meet up with Phet, the pastor of True Friend church - a church, OCC supports. Phet was a fantastic tour guide during our time in Pattaya. We met Phet at the church office and talked with her and several long term missionaries, Mark & Becky about the church, their outreach and progress.
After a quick lunch, Phet and Becky lead us out to the villages to take in the day in the life, hear personal stories and pray with those. On our way out it was crazy to see elephants in the fields on the side of the road. Much like we would see random cows or horses grazing in the US. As we arrive into the village the foreigners housing is quite evident. Huge, monstrous, beautiful homes. Adding too, or rather possibly beginning the false idealist hope that foreigners are their glamorous ticket out of there. Clearly not so.

We meet with a couple gals, one had gone into Pattaya for work and recently returned realizing it is not what she hoped. She has two teenage boys, the older is constantly angry with her. He is verbally and physically abusive to her, while the younger takes this all in. I imagine it's only a matter of time before he treats her the same. She struggles for work within the village doing "massage" as she says. She had a very soft and open heart, willing and waiting to be saved - by something...someone...

Another gal was much more reserved and unsure. She ran and outdoor bar of sorts for the village. She had several spirit houses set up. Spirit houses are everywhere in Thailand. They are little shrines set up with all things considered good to invite the good spirits. They usually consist of food, drinks, candles and photos of the King. Who is highly revered in the country. It is actually against the law to speak negatively of him. This women told us her daughter had just recently left to visit her father who lived in the states. Of course my mind wonders, I hope and pray he is a honest man and good father to her.

The third village we visited, was a working farm. Great Grandmother, Grandmother, Mom & Aunt passing the afternoon playing cards on this platform.

We were pretty much toast by the end of this day, delirious and in need of a laugh. Marisa and I took it upon ourselves to hold a few yoga poses. Quite inappropriately I might add, just behind that "wall" were the sweet ladies playing cards. :)

On our way home Phet took us an alternate route, which led us through the countryside. She told me, "there is so much horrible in this city, I want you all to be able to see some of the beauty." It was indeed absolutely beautiful.

Buddha carved in gold into the mountain side.

{DAY 4} May 25th 2009 - MONDAY

Today we met with Eve, a gal that runs the Tamar Center. Walking into the first floor of this building was a breath of fresh air. An Americanesque coffee shop, serving up Western baked goodies and sandwiches. Tasty coffee drinks. Yum!

Eve walked through the process of the organization. Each week they do 'bar ministry', going out to the bars and talking with the girls about an opportunity for a better life. This new life includes training on baking/food prep/barista, card & journal making, jewelry design (Freedom Stones) and even hair design and color. Their salon is right next door, part of the building. The center holds three trainings a year, all teaching these young girls and women a new respectable way of life. One that is filled with true friendships and love, all the while understanding their true purpose in life through Christ' love for them. Strict rules accompany the program. All the women live near each other in safe housing, away from the danger and temptation of their past. Upon completing training, some will continue work and training at the center. While most with be placed in jobs outside Pattaya city.
At the center we had the chance to view card making and jewelry design. The handmade cards are so intricate and beautiful. One gal shared her story with us, she primarily makes these gorgeous journals. So beautiful I had a hard time choosing. We ended up buying them all for others here!
Later we sat miserably through an open air lunch. You truly don't understand the appreciation for AC, until you experience the heat and humidity in Thailand. Ugh, it's quite miserable at times. You can imagine how strange it was to see many Thai in coats and sweaters, as this is the time of year it starts cooling down for them.

Beautiful chicken curry presentation. I was just thrilled to not be eating baby, I mean BABY shrimp. Or something that tasted like their beloved fish oil. I can still smell it when I think about it! :(

During lunch we had a view of the beach, which from that distance is beautiful. But a closer look at this particular beach, Jomtien (gay beach) proves otherwise. Ironically Thailand plays host to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Jomtien is known as the gay beach, for the obvious reasons, which is where they all gather. The beach is packed with young and old foreign men being serviced inappropriately by young boys. The only word I can use to describe is sad, as we walked through and saw these young boys. Many of the boys are homeless and live on the beach, some are HIV positive and others have been without food for days. It felt heart warming to feed a few of these guys and pray with them. They were incredibly thankful for this and it seemed apparent through the joy in their smile. It brings me to tears remembering this day, this moment. As a whole our team felt so covered at all times. Here we are walking through this wretched city seeing what we are, here I am holding hands...touching a man with HIV and I have no fear, no anxiety, just utter compassion and broken heartedness for who he is a child of God. And yet we all are, even the despicable men causing so much damage and heart ache to a broken city.

Do you see a pattern here??

Non stop in appropriateness, is that a word?

One of the young homeless men we prayed with and provided their first meal in days.

Courtesy of Amy Cheng Photography or Kara Hicks, can't remember. :)

Journal through Thailand

How does one describe a horrific, life changing, yet hopeful experience? Here is my attempt to share moments throughout each day of the journey in hopes to convey what has utterly rocked me to the core and will forever haunt me...

{DAY 1 & 2} May 22nd & 23rd 2009 FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Long day...night, day and night of traveling. 10.5 hours from Seattle to Narita (Tokyo). Thanks to Jenifer (sister in law) we, well four of us (don't worry we shared) :) received some sweet upgrades. All of which make flying for almost 11 hours straight quite lovely.
The Japanese are very friendly (as least the ones I encountered) masked and all, for fear us Americans will contaminate them all!
Another 6.5 hours to Bangkok, not as cushy as the first flight but we all slept the majority. It was a HUGE plane, double decker and one of the roughest flights I've ever been on. Hmmm...
The Bangkok airport is incredible. Think Jetson's, futuristic with amazing architecture. As we snake our way through this monstrosity of an airport, customs, baggage and out the doors for transportation, I am greeted with the smell of Thailand and intense heat. Along with crazy humidity at midnight!
After negotiating our van ride from 1700 bat to 800 bat, we settle into our hour and a half drive to Pattiya. One would think it was Friday evening in the US. The city is alive with activity and very much awake as we bump along in zombie mode. Make shift shacks, selling this and that. Stray dogs wander aimlessly, children out playing, eating and watching tv near ram shackles on what appears to be the side of the road. We finally arrive at our hotel and hit out first real bed in over 24 hours. Lights out!

{DAY 3} May 24th 2009 - SUNDAY
Our first real day begins with breakfast, which was mildy interesting, but sustaining. Given everything is cooked in fish oil.

Courtesy of www.amychengphoto.com this little girl's mother is learning Freedom Stones, while battling HIV. Which makes her daughter a high risk for being trafficked.
We head to the slum ministries where many are gathered learning the art of jewelry making (Freedom Stones) We are greeted by the most precious lil guy, all of two. He along with many other children are there with their mothers, one with his parents. As the children all play, their parents create beautiful jewelry. Several gals share their stories, one of which eagerly invited us out to see her house in the slums. We quickly learn this young mom of two boys (15 & 2) has sold herself and her oldest son in the past. Her oldest son has since developed an infection from a sports accident. Sadly this was a saving grace for he and his mother. She has been regularly attending the center with her two year old. Her ill son now lives with his uncle for better care. I pray the little two year old never falls prey to the mothers past.

Courtesy of www.amychengphoto.com this is the precious 2 year old boy I speak of above, pictured in his 'home' looking out the 'window'.

Courtesy of Kara Hicks Photography while this little girls mother made Freedom Stones, she played with the other children, learns English and loved playing with my hair. :)
How do I begins to describe the slums, when I'm still in process myself. This mother guided us through tall grass, along a small dirt track. Various waste littered the entire area, inviting all creatures and insects to salvage any rotting garbage. I carefully wind my way through, strategically placing each step. Approaching this woman's shack I am distracted by the two baby bottles sitting on the ground, dirt. Each containing a small amount of rancid milk, covered in flies and literally baking in the 100 heat. Does the baby boy drink from that? How do they not get sick? Are they immune? The little boy wanders around munching on a fistful of what looks like a chunk of ramen noodles. He is a little guy and I wonder if that will be his only meal today?
A water source of sorts stands alone with a handful of toothbrushes that have seen better days.
Her home, a ramshackle at best, she is very proud of. Inviting us in, I carefully step through the doorway, over the mound of tiny ants threatening to overtake it. The shack is composed of various woods, cloths, concrete, mud, sticks...various cloths and fabrics decorate the walls and ceilings. It's surreal, movie like and I'm moving through it. A mosquito net hangs from the ceiling to cover the bed at night that she shares with her baby boy. In the midst of such poverty the women offers us a rumbutan, which is a common fruit in SE Asia. I was so touched by her kindness and giving spirit in the midst of what seemed like uncertainty, sadness and chaos.

Courtesy of www.amychengphoto.com this area in the slums the children gather to sing and play games, while providing a little shade relief from the soaring temps and humidity.
That afternoon, we had the privilege of attending a Christian Thai church service. Everything is translated from Thai to English, although the worship was one for all and absolutely beautiful to hear two languages coming together to worship as one.

Later that evening we took a walk down the famed Walking Street. I've only been to Vegas once and that was on business. However Walking Street felt a lot like Vegas on crack. The street is packed shoulder to shoulder with open air bars on either side of the street. Literally hundreds of scantily clad girls line the outside inviting and soliciting anything, literally. Men and boys push various "shows" which I'm trying to forget, much less utter the words. Women, girls and "lady boys" dance just inside these bars, hoping...waiting to grab the attention of the many foreigner men (mainly American and European). This all occurs on the 1st floor, street level. You can only imagine what takes place on the 2nd and 3rd floors of these bars. It truly felt like the pit of hell. Everything about it assaulted my senses. Ironically within the last month prostitution has become illegal. So I had to laugh when we saw the big police van at the start of the street, when not five feet away were rows and rows of that very thing. Just reiterating how corrupt their government is, tourists or not, it's all part of their lively hood that they participate in as well.

Gimme' a break

When the sun shines in Seattle, we all smile. I've been thinking it would be fun to take advantage of the many trails nearby and bike to somewhere fun like Redhook Brewery in Woodinville. So the boys and I, along with a friend set out today. The goal was to leave in the morning, which ended up being more like noon. Three hours, 10 miles and a bug in my tooth later, we arrive back home mildly delusional. Seriously, my vision was a little blurred and I felt dizzy. Never mind we apparently chose the hottest day of the year thus far, 90 degrees and I was pulling nearly 60 pounds in the bike trailer. I pulled Greyson out of the trailer, who had fallen asleep the last 20 minutes and Levi hopped out saying "Whoa, I need a break!" Seriously kid, your awesome! :)

P.S. I promise to post Thailand soon, still trying to pull myself together and wrap my mind around the entire experience. It's coming...