The Adventures of Loy Krathong

About a week ago I found myself sitting on my knees, in almost 2 hours of silence, surrounded by a couple thousand Thai's, all listening to the monotone chants of a Buddhist monk. I don't remember the last time I was so STILL. We were told to "empty ourselves" and "make a wish" (among other suggestions) as we pictured the "light within us" and then metaphorically, lit a giant lantern that would float into the sky as a symbol of ridding our life of the past year's troubles. That light floated beautifully into the sky and thousands others with it...only to burn out and fall to the ground just a few miles of floating later. This memorable holiday is Loy Krathong.
Similarly, candles are set afloat on the Ping River while thanks is given to the goddess of the river symbolic of "letting go of all one's grudges, anger and defilement's, so that one can start life afresh on a better foot." They hope it brings them good luck, which is the hope that many of them cling to...karma and luck, although some will tell you they go hand in hand.
I have asked many Thai friends what they think about this annual festival that we are in the midst of celebrating..."i don't think it works but it's tradition".

Life here has shifted to the fast lane which we are not so disappointed about. I'm an American, of course I want fast pace in order to feel successful or productive. Haha. I would say the good news is that there seems to be some ongoing pruning within Sarah and I as to what "success" looks like anymore and it's quite a roller-coaster of a journey. Needless to say, I feel "successful" when ordering my coffee in the morning with no sugar...We'll take the achievement of being able to communicate the little things because right now, it feels like quite the accomplishment. As of late, we have the privilege of visiting sick children in the hospital, playing with "street kids" from the slums, teaching English to University students, networking with ministries, and building relationships with women in a very dark district of town. We are continually surprised by the opportunities that we get to encourage someone from such a drastically different cultural background than our own. When it feels like you have nothing in common, there is still comfort to give. It's amazing how only a few words can go such a long way when communicating hope to the oppressed. The fact is that WE are encouraged by their receipt of our nominal efforts to love and get to know them...and that feels like success right now.