between grief and high delight: baby elephant walk

Another 90-day visa expired so the YAGM Malaysia crew went to Thailand. I really needed a distraction. Lately my mind has been occupied with thoughts of going home and my imagination can only do so much especially when going home might not be all it’s cracked up to be. My imagination has, for the first time ever, become my worst enemy; something I never realized was possible.

In Thailand we talked about ‘action’ in terms of what to do after you’ve observed and reflected on your observations. We had an amazing visit to the New Life Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The center is for girls who have become victims to human trafficking, of all types, in the area. The ELCA supports this center so we had a connection with them that way. I really appreciate what we learned that day and I’ve walked away with a new understanding and a reignited passion for art therapy. I got so excited when I found out they utilize art therapy at the center that I almost asked if I could work there. It got me thinking of how useful art therapy can be for all groups of people, globally. I should probably get some higher education in the field first, before I start asking places (even Seri Mengasih!) to have an art therapy program.

The members of the Malaysia crew like to assume the role of tourists when we go on our visa trips, so we did the touristy things as well. We went shopping in the street market, bought ‘Thai pants’ and ate sticky rice. Some even tried the bugs (cockroaches and crickets) but I was definitely not adventurous enough for that. We went to this amazing elephant camp where we rode on these little chairs on top of the elephants and then watched a show with all the elephant tricks you can think of! This camp is especially known for its artistic elephants. The trainer hands the elephant a brush with paint on the end and the elephant knows what to do with it! They made some beautiful pieces of art and we got to watch! There’s an entire gallery for the artworks and it’s super legit! I wish you could have seen it. We went to a different location where you can pet and hang out with tigers. Again, not adventurous enough for me to try but beautiful animals, and fantastically touristy!

We spent the 4-5 days at the Juniper Tree in Chiang Mai, which is this awesome place for missionaries of all types from all places to feel welcomed and get some rejuvenation time. The meals were very ‘western,’ to my surprise, and the facilities were superb for that ‘distraction’ I mentioned earlier. We did our group discussions in the library (no kids allowed!!) every night. These discussions were perfect for me. They helped me to visualize the mental locations of the crew members, our relationships, and think more concretely about what it will take to ‘finish the year strong.’ I really do enjoy our group so these retreats are stupendous! The only problem is that we probably joke around a little too much. Very dry, sarcastic humor too.

After the retreat Molly and I took off to Bangkok, Thailand for a few days. But before we left Chiang Mai we went bungee jumping!!!! It was amazing!! That’s another story for another time but it was my first time bungee jumping and it was totally worth it.

The best part, though, about going on these retreats, has always been coming ‘home’ to Seri Mengasih. Everything welcomed me back. I could smell Malaysia, feel its weather, taste the chili sauce, and hear the airplanes. This homecoming felt really great. It’s frightening that the other homecomings had three months before travel again and this one has only two months, but it is what it is. It serves as a reminder of how critical these two months will be. It smells better than ever!

Thanks for reading! Peace.