ups and downs.

So this week has been quite a whirlwind. We had an amazing time watching Likay traditional Thai dancing and got to join in. You should google image Likay... pretty awesome. Also, on another fun/positive note it has been an absolute blast hanging out with the Lahu Bible students here on campus and some of us even went to a soccer game at Grace International School. However, life has not all been fun and games. Classes have been so intense. We are really learning about the most difficult things. Wednesday night we went to the red light district and went to a karaoke bar to hang out with prostitutes. There are so many thoughts, feelings, emotions, frustrations, and an overwhelmingly broken heart. I would love to sit and have tea with each and every one of you and tell you about all that I have learned and experienced. For now, this short post will do. Feel free to ask questions and seek more details and please pray.
Much love,
T

disconnected.

Well, I've literally been a bit disconnected from "the world" with a lack of internet and an extremely busy schedule. BUT here I am, back in action. Since we left off last... we planted rice which was probably one of the coolest experiences ever. I think there's so much beauty in created food at every level. Everyone knows my insatiable desire for eating and cooking, but it was so interesting being on this side, in the mud and dirt. It was also a blast hanging out with the Lahu Bible students we live with (and also jumping in the giant soaking rice fields with a foot of water on top of a lot of mud!) Every day is still filled with adventure and it's always invigorating traveling on public transportation and navigating the city. Today, for our Thai Cultural Arts class we learn Thai painting... and for my very low skill level.. I was quite proud of myself! Classes have gotten incredibly intense in content and in workload (reading and writing papers). We're dealing with some of the most difficult material concerning many atrocities of humanity. Stories of trafficking, war, genocide, forced migration, prostitution, and oppression loom over our heads each day. There are so many thoughts and emotions that overwhelm me constantly. While prayer is a key component, it's impossible not to wonder what more can I do? So when you think of me or here... pray.
Heavy stuff, I know... but until next time...
Much love,
T.Dukes

from distant observation to absolute participation...

Once again... it's been a good little while since I posted.

Last week we traveled up to Chiang Rai and stayed at a Lahu village for 4 days. The purpose of our trip was to do surveys and interview the people (a lot of them migrated from Myanmar (Burma) 30 years ago). When we first got the village we were surrounded rather quickly by bunches of kids. Our team quickly turned to a short-term-missions-summer-camp-counselor mentality of fun, games, and songs. The surveys were very informative, but the language barrier and crowded quarters were a bit overwhelming at times. Our lovely group of 9 girls was asked to sing in church on Sunday and it was hard to leave the village after spending so much time with them and the kids.

We took a few adventures while in the Chiang Rai area. Two highlights were the White Temple and elephant riding!! For more about the White Temple just google it because it is amazing and I don't even know where to begin! Honestly, there's just so much to write about everything that facebook pictures really are the best way to see what's going on here... And we literally rode the elephants through the river. AWESOME!

Also, in addition to all the class fun and adventure... everyone got really sick for a few days... we think it was due to making Mexican food and not washing our veggies enough (but in my defense my salsa was pretty darn awesome). We had Thai cooking class on Wednesday (which of course was the highlight of my life! love cooking, love Thai food.) This week/weekend we've been at Payap University for a film fest. I wish everyone reading this could be here and experience this and see these films and eat this food.

Well, much love everyone...