$2.4 Billion Loss and Counting…

I looked on the BBC today and was utterly shocked to find that shutdown of two major airports only a dozen miles away from where I live has already estimated to have caused a $2.4 Billion loss in Thailand’s economy.

I don’t know how loyal all of you are about reading up on the international news, but we are living in some very interesting times.

It seems as though it is only getting more interesting by every newsfeed.

Fortunately, I have been fairly unaffected by all the tumultuousness caused by the seizing of Bangkok’s two largest airports, but like most things, such events have a near web-like nature by weaving themselves into the mundane routine of life here in Thailand.

For example, all of us teachers have been forbidden to wear our Tuesday yellow uniform shirt (each day requires a certain official color) due to the color’s association with the PAD, the royalist political party which is responsible for its provocative move against Thailand’s established Prime Minister by shutting down the main airports by thousands of protesters. I truly believe that even if this crisis was solved come tomorrow (which I very much highly doubt), the devastating impact it will have on Thailand’s reputation and economy (where there is a direct correlation due to its tourist-industry lifeblood) will last for decades to come.

It is also interesting to here how my students feel about the situation. I put up BBC news clips in class to generate class discussion over the predicament. There always seems to be a silent tension in the room when this is discussed, because Thai families are fairly split about what side they take in this whole ordeal. Due to their upper-middle class demographics, it seems that most of my students are in support of the PAD, or at least agree that the current PM is a puppet government for the deposed PM, Thaksin, who is under heavy charges of financial scandal and embezzlement. However, most of them disagree with how the PAD is dealing with the situation and many of them believe that there is a less-destructive way of making your voice heard then putting the country into a state of emergency.

I tend to agree with the above view concerning the situation.

Sometimes I really wonder if I should just rent out a little bungalow on a deserted beach in the western part of Bali and simply wait this one out…. bringing a whole slew of good books to keep me company, ofcourse!

The Blisteringly Winter Weather of.. the Tropics

It seems surreal that, in retrospect, I was seated at a bustling internet cafe in West Bali for the most recent of my blogs- it feels as though months have edged past since that memory.

My hope is that you are well, refreshed, and enjoying the winter weather, however that phrase may translate within your region. Not to brag, but for me “winter weather” has meant an abrupt plummet in the outside temperature… to an approximate 70 degrees fahrenheit. I must say that the “farang” (foreign) teachers, including myself, have had not a few laughs at the expense of our native Thai students, bundled in their thickest sweaters and jackets to ward off the oncoming chills of the latter months!

Last weekend was definitely a stressful time for me- our school had its annual Overnight Camp, having approximately 160 students from 6th-12th grade transported to an activities camp roughly 2 hours outside of Bangkok. Basically, it is a weekend of outdoor activities, chapel messages, and group-oriented tasks. Among other responsibilities, my official role during the camp was the “Skit Master”. Before every chapel, I planned 2 skits to be performed by either the teachers or the students.

Overall, it was an enjoyable, even productive time- I was able to spend time with my ninth grade class during the group activities. I also spent the nights sleeping over at the 7th grade boys’ cabin… they openly begged me to sleep there after I told them one too many scary stories before they went to bed- my fault, I suppose:)

Unfortunately, the event was plagued with all the usual problems experienced on such outings: severe miscommunication between the Thai and Farang staff, alcohol found in several of the high school cabins, unexpected schedule changes, etc. anyhow, to quote myself, “It is what it is.”

There are definitely things to look forward in the oncoming weeks and months. During the next weekend, my church is having something off a resort/retreat far, far away from the city. The best part is that nothing is planned, I have no obligations (which is never the case in such situations), and our main objective is to relax and build relationships within the church family. As my friend Craig would say, “Yes, please.”

Also, my dear sweet mother will be spending Christmas here with me in Thailand. This is quite is exciting, especially considering that she was heading here as a single missionary in the days before she met my dad. I think it will be quite an experience for her to finally visit the place!

So life is as good as can be expected.

To be honest, I have been a little under the weather emotionally, my heart is just simply not in teaching, or really in anything at the moment. I realize that life really moves in ever-changing undulations, and I am at a place where my momentum is more akin to dragging the keel of canoe through a lake of mud. Think of me in your thoughts and prayers- I loathe self-apathy as much as the next one down.