The Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Trip to Malaysia
Tan and I went on a trip to Malaysia for three days. We just got back. We went with a tour. We saw the island city of Panang, the entertainment city of Genting, and visionary city Kuala Lumpur. We flew into Panang but we didn't stay there very long. There was a lot that we didn't see. The tour company flew into Panang rather than KL to save money. We got into a bus and rode for a really long time. We finally made it to Genting. It's a city built on the top of a hill. Winding roads can take you to the top, but our tour took a ride on a cable car lift to get to the top. The lift goes right over a rainforest. The first time we went up at night and saw the lights of the city in the distance. The second time we came down in mist. The city is one big amusement park, mall, casino and hotel combined into one. I watched the opening world cup match on a giant screen with a large crowd. Most of them were supporting Germany.
The next day we went to KL. On the way we stopped at the new capital Pejara, which is still under construction. In KL we went to the Petronas towers and then we met some Malaysian friends that Pai, Tan's friend knew. They took us around the city and then we went back to Genting. Pai's friends were very nice. They took us to a few shopping places. They spoke English fluently. They introduced us to their friends. Oddly, I noticed the trend is to wear collars up. So I followed their example. When in Rome ... I've been asked what it was like being in a Muslim country. I never felt in danger in any way. Malaysia seems to be a very tolerant country. Besides large mosques I saw many churches and even a few Buddhist temples.
Our tour stopped at a chocolate factory. We bought lots of it and sent it to people. The food in Malaysia was good. I tried some chicken with rice and coconut. I really like it. Our trip back to Genting was like being in a nascar race. The curves on the road up the hill make the cars do hairpin turns. And we were going fast. I prayed more than once on the way. It was also very cold at the top of the hill where the hotel was. The hotel does not have air conditioning because it is so cold there.
The next day we went back to Panang and flew home. Overall, I was impressed with how modern Malaysia looked, especially KL. I would have liked to see more. Tan and I were disappointed that lots of the time was spent riding in the bus. I'll upload some pictures.
The next day we went to KL. On the way we stopped at the new capital Pejara, which is still under construction. In KL we went to the Petronas towers and then we met some Malaysian friends that Pai, Tan's friend knew. They took us around the city and then we went back to Genting. Pai's friends were very nice. They took us to a few shopping places. They spoke English fluently. They introduced us to their friends. Oddly, I noticed the trend is to wear collars up. So I followed their example. When in Rome ... I've been asked what it was like being in a Muslim country. I never felt in danger in any way. Malaysia seems to be a very tolerant country. Besides large mosques I saw many churches and even a few Buddhist temples.
Our tour stopped at a chocolate factory. We bought lots of it and sent it to people. The food in Malaysia was good. I tried some chicken with rice and coconut. I really like it. Our trip back to Genting was like being in a nascar race. The curves on the road up the hill make the cars do hairpin turns. And we were going fast. I prayed more than once on the way. It was also very cold at the top of the hill where the hotel was. The hotel does not have air conditioning because it is so cold there.
The next day we went back to Panang and flew home. Overall, I was impressed with how modern Malaysia looked, especially KL. I would have liked to see more. Tan and I were disappointed that lots of the time was spent riding in the bus. I'll upload some pictures.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Goodbye School
This will be my last week to work at CD school. I will miss the students and teachers. Amy and I had dinner with the family of one of my students. I tutored their oldest son and Amy tutored his younger brother. It will be sad to say goodbye. I hope I make as many friends at the next place that I work. I'm still job hunting.
Today Tan and I went to Ice's graduation ceremony. The ceremonies are always held a long time after students have graduated. Chris and Derrick also went. Chris is a long time friend. I met him two years ago. He's Thai. Derrick is a new friend. He is an exchange student from Holland. Ice and her family invited us to have dinner with them to celebrate.
Tomorrow's date will mark 14 months that Tan and I have been together. We will go out to eat and then watch a film from the Bangkok International Film Festival.
Today Tan and I went to Ice's graduation ceremony. The ceremonies are always held a long time after students have graduated. Chris and Derrick also went. Chris is a long time friend. I met him two years ago. He's Thai. Derrick is a new friend. He is an exchange student from Holland. Ice and her family invited us to have dinner with them to celebrate.
Tomorrow's date will mark 14 months that Tan and I have been together. We will go out to eat and then watch a film from the Bangkok International Film Festival.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Just eat cake
Do you ever have one of those nights when you wonder who you are? Or who you are becoming? It happens. A realization hit me. What can I become? I'm 24 years old. I've been teaching two years away from America. What's next? Will I live each day for a purpose. Or will it seem like a boring routine? One day, I could be that person that I sometimes see, a man that knows what is important. A man who is content. A man without regrets. A friend named Tim said, "If you want it all, you'll never be happy." I know that. He also said, "Just eat cake and the rest of life is frosting." That's true. I should focus on what's important. But what's the cake? My cake this year could be my relationships with God, with Tan, with family, with friends and my career as a teacher. Frosting might be traveling, playing guitar and other things. These were just some thoughts I had at 2 a.m.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Trip to Lampang
The Baylor teachers went to Lampang to visit Kirk and Suzie Person's village. The Persons have worked with the Bisou (spelling?) hilltribe for about 15 years. They are linguists. They helped develop a written language for Bisou and have taught the people how to read and write it. I'll share more about the trip soon.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Time flies by
I haven't written since the end of last month. January has gone by fast. My latest news is that I have a part-time job as a creative writing teacher. It starts next month on the weekends. My other big news is that I am interviewing to enroll in the CELTA program. I will interview on Friday at 5 pm. CELTA is an ESL certification program that lasts for one month. I hope to begin the course at the end of February.
I'll write more soon.
I'll write more soon.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Visitors
Professor Mueller takes an annual trip with students to see Cambodia, Hong Kong and Thailand. She is the Baylor professor who runs the Baylor in Thailand program which brought me and other Baylor Alumni to teach in Bangkok, Thailand. Professor Mueller treated us for a dinner at Great American Rib Barbecue. It was good to see her and the Baylor students (and one Longhorn). It was fun to talk to them about what life is like in Bangkok and the places we've been to in our travels. I was surprised to see Jon Mizuta was with them. We worked together from Fall 2003 to Spring 2004 as community leaders (resident assistants) in Brooks Residence Hall. That was my senior year and his sophomore year. It was good to see him again.
The group also came to see the school we teach at, and I went on a tour of the Grand Palace with them. They may see us again this weekend before they go back to America.
Life after College
Thinking about their visit has caused me to reflect on my life nearly two years after I left college. I have lost contact with lots of college friends. I accept the blame. It's hard to think of what to write after being away from America and away from college. Sadly, TheFacebook.com is my only connection to lots of them. Life has changed dramatically. I realize it would have changed no matter where I chose to live. I wish I thought more about books I read in school. I don't spend as much time reading or writing now. I find it much harder to just soak in knowledge. I miss that. On the other hand, I feel like I have learned a lot of lessons I would never have learned without leaving college. I am still learning how to manage my time and money. I'm learning to handle frustration and anger in better ways. I'm learning to handle different challenges that come from being in a relationship with Tan. Personally, college life was complicated, but it was much simpler than life is now. May God give me wisdom to face these new challenges.
The group also came to see the school we teach at, and I went on a tour of the Grand Palace with them. They may see us again this weekend before they go back to America.
Life after College
Thinking about their visit has caused me to reflect on my life nearly two years after I left college. I have lost contact with lots of college friends. I accept the blame. It's hard to think of what to write after being away from America and away from college. Sadly, TheFacebook.com is my only connection to lots of them. Life has changed dramatically. I realize it would have changed no matter where I chose to live. I wish I thought more about books I read in school. I don't spend as much time reading or writing now. I find it much harder to just soak in knowledge. I miss that. On the other hand, I feel like I have learned a lot of lessons I would never have learned without leaving college. I am still learning how to manage my time and money. I'm learning to handle frustration and anger in better ways. I'm learning to handle different challenges that come from being in a relationship with Tan. Personally, college life was complicated, but it was much simpler than life is now. May God give me wisdom to face these new challenges.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Visa
I didn't have to go to Cambodia. Last Friday I finally got a letter to submit to the immigration office. They extended my visa to March 31st. I apologize for not saying this sooner. I hope no one was worried.
Take care.
Take care.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
A Busy Christmas and 1st Anniversary
Merry Christmas everyone! Here is a summary of what I did on the Christmas weekend.
On December 23rd, I attended a Christmas Party at the Person family's place. They had a white elephant gift exchange. They invited teachers from my school and Tan and Ice and others. This is their first year living in Bangkok. They lived in Chiang Mai for 15 years. They went to Baylor and met in Thailand and became missionaries. Suzie's parents were there. That was some of the best home-cooking I have had in a while. Turkey, stuffing, fruit salad and more. It really made me miss Christmas in Texas.
On Christmas Eve, I attended a service at Evangelical Church of Bangkok and then went to a Christmas party at an art gallery run by the Davies family. At that party, I led Christmas carols. That was lots of fun!
On Christmas morning, I awoke and went to Rori's room to a secret santa gift party with the teachers from Baylor who work at my school. Rori played Santa Claus. She bought stocking stuffers and was an excellent host. Then I went to another Christmas service. The message was good. Pastor John talked about how Jesus did not come to bring Peace. In fact, Christ divides the world. Brothers will fight against each other. But for those who really believe in Jesus, they will find peace in their hearts.
Then I went to another party at the Gray family's home. They also had a gift exchange. They have lived in Bangkok for 8 years. They host the Men's bible study group every Tuesday night. I help lead the group. Mark has been a wonderful host and mentor for the men that come. We have recently been studying I Peter. There was excellent food there. Japanese curry (Marie, the mother, is Japanese), turkey, mashed potatoes.
That night Tan and I saw King Kong. I really liked it. It was a bit long though, and my friend Andrew had a good point when he asked,
I had to go to work the next day. On December 26th Tan and I celebrated our one year anniversary at Tony Roma's. Last year, had our first date on the 23rd at Larry's, spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day together, and then exactly one year ago I asked her to be my girlfriend. (Coincidentally, December 26th is the anniversary of the Tsunami as well.) We had ribs and barbecue chicken. Tan picked eating ribs over my suggestion of a fancy buffet in a hotel. This shows she would fit right in if she came to Texas. :) We mostly talked about our families. Her family does not celebrate Christmas. She is the only Christian in her family. Most Thais, including Tan's family, celebrate on New Year's by giving gifts and spending time with family. We also watched a horror movie. Sometimes she covered her eyes and asked me when it was okay to look again. I can't really say enough about how wonderful she is. It was our second Christmas together, and it was very special.
Tan and I will go with a group of friends from church to a Thai national park in a province called Prachuap Khiri Khan. It's in the south. The park is called Namtok Huai Yang. We'll spend two nights there. On New Year's Eve we plan to sing songs and do a devotional to welcome the Lord into the New Year.
I asked Tan if it was a big deal that she wouldn't be with her family on New Year's. She said that she wouldn't be the only one that wouldn't be there. Her sister has exams to finish. So the whole family couldn't be together anyway.
I'm still job hunting. I'm applying for ESL/ EFL teaching positions. I have had one interview for a part-time job. I would be teaching creative writing on weekends at a library. It sounds fun.
I found out today that I will have to go on a "visa run." If I leave the country and come back it will extend the time I can stay in Thailand. I wasn't planning on taking a trip. I thought I could go to the Immigration Center and apply for an extension, but the man who notarizes the request letter will not be back at school until January 12th. My visa expires on the 8th. If it expires I would have to pay a big fine. So I'm planning to go to Cambodia on the 6th and come back on the 8th. I have wanted to see Angkor Wat in Siem Riep for a long time. I'm excited about going. Tan and some friends might come with me.
Since I probably won't write again for a few weeks, I'll go ahead and say: Happy New Year Everybody!! Sheesh. I'm lazy sometimes.
On December 23rd, I attended a Christmas Party at the Person family's place. They had a white elephant gift exchange. They invited teachers from my school and Tan and Ice and others. This is their first year living in Bangkok. They lived in Chiang Mai for 15 years. They went to Baylor and met in Thailand and became missionaries. Suzie's parents were there. That was some of the best home-cooking I have had in a while. Turkey, stuffing, fruit salad and more. It really made me miss Christmas in Texas.
On Christmas Eve, I attended a service at Evangelical Church of Bangkok and then went to a Christmas party at an art gallery run by the Davies family. At that party, I led Christmas carols. That was lots of fun!
On Christmas morning, I awoke and went to Rori's room to a secret santa gift party with the teachers from Baylor who work at my school. Rori played Santa Claus. She bought stocking stuffers and was an excellent host. Then I went to another Christmas service. The message was good. Pastor John talked about how Jesus did not come to bring Peace. In fact, Christ divides the world. Brothers will fight against each other. But for those who really believe in Jesus, they will find peace in their hearts.
Then I went to another party at the Gray family's home. They also had a gift exchange. They have lived in Bangkok for 8 years. They host the Men's bible study group every Tuesday night. I help lead the group. Mark has been a wonderful host and mentor for the men that come. We have recently been studying I Peter. There was excellent food there. Japanese curry (Marie, the mother, is Japanese), turkey, mashed potatoes.
That night Tan and I saw King Kong. I really liked it. It was a bit long though, and my friend Andrew had a good point when he asked,
"Why didn't they bring back a dinosaur from the island instead of a giant gorilla?"
I had to go to work the next day. On December 26th Tan and I celebrated our one year anniversary at Tony Roma's. Last year, had our first date on the 23rd at Larry's, spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day together, and then exactly one year ago I asked her to be my girlfriend. (Coincidentally, December 26th is the anniversary of the Tsunami as well.) We had ribs and barbecue chicken. Tan picked eating ribs over my suggestion of a fancy buffet in a hotel. This shows she would fit right in if she came to Texas. :) We mostly talked about our families. Her family does not celebrate Christmas. She is the only Christian in her family. Most Thais, including Tan's family, celebrate on New Year's by giving gifts and spending time with family. We also watched a horror movie. Sometimes she covered her eyes and asked me when it was okay to look again. I can't really say enough about how wonderful she is. It was our second Christmas together, and it was very special.
Tan and I will go with a group of friends from church to a Thai national park in a province called Prachuap Khiri Khan. It's in the south. The park is called Namtok Huai Yang. We'll spend two nights there. On New Year's Eve we plan to sing songs and do a devotional to welcome the Lord into the New Year.
I asked Tan if it was a big deal that she wouldn't be with her family on New Year's. She said that she wouldn't be the only one that wouldn't be there. Her sister has exams to finish. So the whole family couldn't be together anyway.
I'm still job hunting. I'm applying for ESL/ EFL teaching positions. I have had one interview for a part-time job. I would be teaching creative writing on weekends at a library. It sounds fun.
I found out today that I will have to go on a "visa run." If I leave the country and come back it will extend the time I can stay in Thailand. I wasn't planning on taking a trip. I thought I could go to the Immigration Center and apply for an extension, but the man who notarizes the request letter will not be back at school until January 12th. My visa expires on the 8th. If it expires I would have to pay a big fine. So I'm planning to go to Cambodia on the 6th and come back on the 8th. I have wanted to see Angkor Wat in Siem Riep for a long time. I'm excited about going. Tan and some friends might come with me.
Since I probably won't write again for a few weeks, I'll go ahead and say: Happy New Year Everybody!! Sheesh. I'm lazy sometimes.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
The lights are up in Bangkok
Merry Christmas! I know it's early.
I have some news. I didn't get the job at the SAT preparation center. I'm hopeful that something else will turn up.
The Speech
The 5th of December was His Majesty the King of Thailand's 78th birthday. He gave an annual speech the day before which was similar to the State of the Union speech that our President delivers. I was one of the many guests present. I saw the King drive himself and get out of his Lexus. My friend who is a missionary translated some of the speech while we watched it on TV.
The most important guest was the Prime Minister of Thailand, but he received a few sharp remarks. The King said he himself is not infallible, and that he welcomes comments and even criticism. In fact, it is against Thailand's law to make negative comments about the monarchy. However, the King pardons people who comment all the time. The King told the Prime Minister to drop the lawsuits he filed against people of the media who criticize him. I'm waiting to hear if the Prime Minister dropped them. There are rumors that he will.
There are lots of lights up in Bangkok to celebrate the King's birthday. There are also decorations for Christmas. Bangkok's malls have picked up the capitalist spirit of the Christmas holiday quite well.
Take care.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Thankful
While I've been in Thailand, Thanksgiving has snuck up on me. I haven't thought about it much. I actually scheduled an interview for the same day. Then the lady that works for the company called me yesterday to see if we could reschedule. She's American, and she forgot too. So I said, "Oh yeah. Okay. How about Friday?" So I made reservations for my friends and I to eat at Outback Steakhouse that night.
Americans are passionate about Thanksgiving. We love spending time with family, eating turkey and passing out from drowsiness caused by eating so much while watching sports on tv. Thai people and others wonder why we want turkey so much. It's not a holiday that will be adopted here anytime soon. And without the non-stop onslaught of commercials advertising the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Dallas Cowboys game, I forgot about it until now. But Thanksgiving isn't just an American thing. Did you know that Canada has it's own Thanksgiving? It's the second Monday in October. The harvest time in Canada is earlier and the holiday has a different history than the American one. If you would like to know the history check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving
Maybe next October I'll try watching some Candadian football and eating a turkey sandwich. Sounds good, ay?
I wish I could be at the dinner table in Waco. It's not possible to eat turkey with my family this year, but I'm thankful for them and many other things. God bless you.
Americans are passionate about Thanksgiving. We love spending time with family, eating turkey and passing out from drowsiness caused by eating so much while watching sports on tv. Thai people and others wonder why we want turkey so much. It's not a holiday that will be adopted here anytime soon. And without the non-stop onslaught of commercials advertising the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Dallas Cowboys game, I forgot about it until now. But Thanksgiving isn't just an American thing. Did you know that Canada has it's own Thanksgiving? It's the second Monday in October. The harvest time in Canada is earlier and the holiday has a different history than the American one. If you would like to know the history check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving
Maybe next October I'll try watching some Candadian football and eating a turkey sandwich. Sounds good, ay?
I wish I could be at the dinner table in Waco. It's not possible to eat turkey with my family this year, but I'm thankful for them and many other things. God bless you.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Job interview and other things
I am going to interview for a job at a SAT preparation center in Bangkok called Elite of Bangkok. www.eliteprep.com The interview will probably be on November 24th. I have sent my resume to an online database on Ajarn.com as well. I have also been looking at the UN Volunteer site, and I offered to help a newsletter published by a non-profit group called D-Pal. They will e-mail me a rough draft, and I'll make corrections by e-mail. I won't get paid for this.
Tan will interview for a flight attendant job on Saturday. She expects hundreds of other girls to also tryout for Quatar Airlines.
My friend Robert, who is a refugee from the Congo, is going to move to America, Lord willing. He has been disappointed before, but this might be the month he finally gets to go. All the paperwork has been processed. He is waiting for Congress to sign a Bill to let more refugees enter the country. They usually sign it every month, but they didn't last month because of the refugees created by the hurricane.
Tan will interview for a flight attendant job on Saturday. She expects hundreds of other girls to also tryout for Quatar Airlines.
My friend Robert, who is a refugee from the Congo, is going to move to America, Lord willing. He has been disappointed before, but this might be the month he finally gets to go. All the paperwork has been processed. He is waiting for Congress to sign a Bill to let more refugees enter the country. They usually sign it every month, but they didn't last month because of the refugees created by the hurricane.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Church Retreat in Saraburi
The Lord really moved! The church retreat for LIFT, the 20s and 30s community at Evangelical Church of Bangkok was a great experience. I won't forget it. I was priviledged to play a part in it. There were about 36 young people who attended. We learned about how to grow deeper in faith by following the Christian disciplines. We talked about more than prayer, fasting and Bible study. We talked about the cost of discipleship: dying to ourselves. We have to give Christ everything: heart, soul, mind and strength. I feel energized. I want to do more and be a better witness of the love of Jesus Christ and the hope that lives in me.
The highlight of the retreat for me was that a friend accepted the Lord. Ice and I talked about what it means to be a Christian, and then she made the decision. Tan and I have been praying for her for a long time. We are so happy that she has decided to claim Jesus as her Lord and Savior. This is not easy to say in a country where about 98 percent of the people claim to be Buddhist. Please keep Ice in your prayers. It will not be easy, but it will certainly be better. Please keep all Thai Christians in your prayers. In a sense, they are foreigners even in their own country.
The highlight of the retreat for me was that a friend accepted the Lord. Ice and I talked about what it means to be a Christian, and then she made the decision. Tan and I have been praying for her for a long time. We are so happy that she has decided to claim Jesus as her Lord and Savior. This is not easy to say in a country where about 98 percent of the people claim to be Buddhist. Please keep Ice in your prayers. It will not be easy, but it will certainly be better. Please keep all Thai Christians in your prayers. In a sense, they are foreigners even in their own country.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
World Series!
I can't believe it! I remember when the Houston
Astros were called the "LASTros" cause they were
always the worst in their division. Maybe it's time
for them to win the Series.
I'm going on a church retreat this weekend. I've been
helping organize it. We'll be talking about spiritual
disciplines and how to grow deeper in Christian faith.
Please pray for us. There will be about 40 young
adults attending the retreat for three days.
Love,
Steve
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Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Chinese Acrobat Show
The Chinese Acrobat Show was the most impressive thing I have ever seen! They kept doing things which are impossible until you see them happen with your own eyes. The show started with young women spinning tops on strings. The tossed them in the air and kept them spinning. Then they flipped and caught them. They jumped on top of each other and caught them. They passed them to each other very quickly.
The next act was two young men doing tricks with pots. They balanced them skillfully. They dropped one on purpose to show how heavy it was. Then one of them would throw it up and catch on it his back and then on his head. Then he balanced it for a long time.
After that a man and woman suspended themselves by tying a ribbon around them that was hanging from the ceiling. They flew around the stage doing amazing tricks.
Then a contortionist came onto the stage. She did a headstand while balancing burning candles that girls put on her. Then there was a juggler who was very good. He also walked up and down stairs bouncing balls on each step. He had six going at once at the end.
The most impressive act was a man who balanced on a board on top of a cylinder. He did handstands and flips before landing on the board again. Then he put another cylinder under the board. Then he put another. He ended up with four of them. Then he put the board on top. Then he balanced and rotated the board around 360 degrees. That was incredible! I would watch it again if I get a chance.
The next act was two young men doing tricks with pots. They balanced them skillfully. They dropped one on purpose to show how heavy it was. Then one of them would throw it up and catch on it his back and then on his head. Then he balanced it for a long time.
After that a man and woman suspended themselves by tying a ribbon around them that was hanging from the ceiling. They flew around the stage doing amazing tricks.
Then a contortionist came onto the stage. She did a headstand while balancing burning candles that girls put on her. Then there was a juggler who was very good. He also walked up and down stairs bouncing balls on each step. He had six going at once at the end.
The most impressive act was a man who balanced on a board on top of a cylinder. He did handstands and flips before landing on the board again. Then he put another cylinder under the board. Then he put another. He ended up with four of them. Then he put the board on top. Then he balanced and rotated the board around 360 degrees. That was incredible! I would watch it again if I get a chance.
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