Day 28 BLOG

Back to Bangkok

Karen

Today we all rolled out of bed at the crack of dawn (without the aide of roosters, off-key choirs, or painful tarp beds) to leave by 6:30 am via Party Bus for Bangkok, Thailand. We call it the Party Bus as it has the added benefit of a karaoke machine, complete with a plethora of assorted music, from Thai pop to Linkin Park. Mournfully kissing the amazing breakfast buffet goodbye (they have French toast in Thailand!), we divided into two buses and made a break for it. The 7 hour ride was uneventful, except for the unparalleled road rage of our bus's driver. Duane assured us that driving on the right (wrong) side of the road down a winding mountain above the speed limit was perfectly normal, as was honking at any drivers brave enough to drive in their own lane. And when our driver pulled up alongside a truck we had almost disemboweled and promptly started screaming in Thai at the (off duty police officer) driver, Duane also advised us that he was merely "discussing traffic rules and regulations." And I thought Michigan drivers were bad.

Regardless, we made it here to the Christian Guest House in one piece, (the same one in which we originally began our trip), and some of us quickly discovered the Pizza Hut located in the basement of the mall across the street. The little American food we have ingested thus far has not set with any of us very well, and we're kinda concerned about what exactly Americans put into their food that it has this strong of an effect on us after one meal. What exactly DO we put in there, MSG and other cocktails of pharmaceuticals? Hopefully we will not have to eat rice and noodles for the rest of our lives to combat this.

The group then all caught the skyway to see Hancock, with Thai subtitles. At the end of the previews, the entire theatre had to stand at attention as the "king's song" was played, complete with montage of random Thai people's homes with the king's photos displayed predominantly in them. Feeling patriotic, we sat down to enjoy Will Smith in all his majesty. Decent movie, Will Smith looks much more attractive with facial hair, but it was good to just have a quiet evening after the long trip down here.

A few of us have had gastrointestinal difficulties these past few days, please pray for us that we will overcome these added stresses, as we leave Thailand in less than three days now for the long journey home!

INTERACT. Want to comment? Log in.

At 12:13 AM on Saturday, July 12th, sharon Ooms wrote ...

Dearest Karen-
I was so excited to read your narrative of your thrill ride - and to read you own words- to know that you are thriving on your travels! I cannot wait to hear all of your experiences. Mama and Papa have missed you so much, and we are all more proud of you then words can express. I continue to lift you and team up in prayer...
Love, Penelope

At 04:58 PM on Thursday, July 10th, Marie Humenczuk wrote ...

I really hope that David had a chance to sing karaoke to everyone on the bus! I'm looking forward to whats in store for the team in the next few days and beyond.

At 06:38 PM on Wednesday, July 9th, phillip moschenrose wrote ...

Karen, so glad to read your blog. I can tell that you are doing great with this xtreme adventure. You have your quick wit and astute articulation. I could ride down the mt with you. I miss you so much, and at the same time I am so pleased and proud and filled with satisfaction. I will be waiting for the moment when we can hear all about the mission xperience and get with you on all of its significance for your life. I love you, darling daughter. papa

At 01:45 PM on Wednesday, July 9th, Jim Dingwerth wrote ...

Leeches, rain, slips & falls, throaty roosters at 3 AM, more rain: all of this I understand. But karaoke? Someone must draw the line there. Otherwise sounds great.

Jim Dingwerth, comfortable reader

At 11:52 AM on Wednesday, July 9th, Tim & Alice Kolbasa wrote ...

Karen,

I am sure it seems like you just got there and have been there forever - all in the same breath! What a trip! What a blessing! The stories and pictures have been wonderful!

The Xtreme Team will continue to be in our prayers, even after you get back home, as your work for God will have just begun. What an opportunity and “springboard” for far greater work for God’s kingdom! I know His blessings are on this special group of people!

We love you and cannot wait to hear all the excitement first hand.

Love,
Tim & Alice Kolbasa

At 09:21 AM on Wednesday, July 9th, Jane Moschenrose wrote ...

Karen: It is great to hear from you. The trip down the mountain sounds identical to the experience I had going down (and up) the mountain in NE India - I think they all go to the same driver's ed school! Your recounting this trip brought back all those fond memories, as Dan Buttry and I met just an hour ago to plan our 2009 India Conference...
You all remain in our constant prayers, and look forward to seeing you in Medford! Love, Mama