During my 3.5 weeks away in Thailand I found out a lot about myself, as well as experienced some wonderful events/turning points. A tropical spot is the place for me; the country is beautiful, and I am a lover of hot weather. I sat in on translation and translation check (one of my favorite parts). I went to a conference for translation consultants in training, ate many spicy things and tons of rice at local Chiang Mai restaurants (and entertained the staff as we tried our Thai on them), took Thai lessons (it was hard, y'all), met some brilliant people, made some good friends (the team) who were a blessing to be with, learned that God does not give us bolts of lightning or bright neon signs (usually), but rather we have to listen in the still quiet moments and go forward in faith. You cannot erase it from the equation. Did I figure out if translation is where I want to go or not? It was definitely informative on what this life involves, and I still feel that I am meant to be involved. I know that I would prefer being a NT scholar to an OT scholar now. So, right now I'll focus on finishing my last year at Covenant, and perhaps put in an application for Payap for kicks, even if I know I can't afford it now. It never hurts to apply.
Here's the team at our favorite lunch spot for the first week and a half. The glass case in the back ground holds tasty fruits and/or desserts such as palm seeds, jujubes, lotus seeds, etc. all served in ice and coconut milk. One side is open so dozens of bees are attracted to the sweetness.
The Group.
Where I ate breakfast at the wonderful Riverside House B&B every morning.
The Iron Bridge on the Ping River
Looking at some literacy materials at FAL.
The Mekong!
I did get fabric at the Tapei night market, and sadly, did not have time to visit the actual fabric market. The green is the first that caught my eye, and the purple was chosen after long amounts of horrible indecision because all the options were incredibly ornate. So, with that ornate fabric I attempted to make some traditional Thai skirts. It was a breeze except that my pleats won't stay pleated, and I didn't want to iron them so much that I damaged the silk. I tried a 1:1 vinegar/water mist and ironing and I stitched some small chains at the inside hem to see if weight would pull them straight. Alas, there was just a little change. Cotton twill cord was used for the bit that ties around the waist. If you have any suggestions they would be appreciated! :)
