Walking with a Stranger

Posted on January 10, 2016 by mamieolive

March 21, 2015

Chiang Mai, Thailand

I like to smile and make eye contact with people that I pass by on the streets.

99.9% of people will acknowledge with a greeting and a smile back.  I was walking home from our local grocery store, bags in tow, walking along the Iron Bridge over the Ping River. A tall man was approaching me walking his bicycle. As he got closer, I smiled and said, “Hi!” He replied with a cheery, “Hello”, back at me. I walked along feeling ever so grateful to be experiencing the gift of living internationally, feeling especially blessed this day… I soon notice that this same tall man with the long white beard and crystal blue eyes that seem to pop out from his tanned face, is now behind me. I move to the side of the bridge walkway so that he can pass by me, but he chooses to walk along with me and begins chatting.

I am not uncomfortable with this in the least. Conversation with strangers is my favorite thing! Everyone has a story and my curiosity is always peeked. This man appears to be a rugged, road weary, Scandinavian looking, maybe 60ish, back-packer.

As we’re walking, we are talking. He has just arrived to Chiang Mai after spending four months traveling throughout India. He would like to obtain an English Teaching Certificate here, to earn additional money to supplement him financially. He was originally from Iowa, but said that he left the U.S. many years ago as he, “saw many bad things.” He had spent several years in Israel and then made a life for himself in Norway – had previously been married and has two sons. He said that his name is Jacob. I asked if this was his birth name and he said no, he changed it from “Jeffrey”, when he was 18 years old.

We arrive at my condominium with my favorite security guard tending his daily post. I tell Jacob that I knew of a four week, English teaching course that friends of mine had taken. I asked him for an e-mail, so that I could send along the info. He pulled out a business card. It reads…

”The Lord Jesus Christ is God”

Jacob (xxxxxx)

Follower of Christ

What??!! Now, I’m really curious!  “Wow… I’m a Christian, too! I’d love to hear your story… do you want to have coffee?” “Yeah, sure, but I’ll tell you that many people find my beliefs in Jesus to be unlike traditional Christian views”, warned Jacob. I was too excited to hear Jacob’s faith story to be deterred. “I’ll go up and drop off my bags and ask my husband if he would like to join us!” Jacob waits with my friend, Gorn, the Thai speaking security guard. I burst into our condo and begin showing Wiley the business card of the man that followed me home! “Do you want to go have coffee with him? I’m so curious about this man… he says that he’s a Christian – but, he looks so different from all of the Christians that I’ve ever known! C’mon, let’s go!” Wiley looked at me with a frown on his face, “No, I don’t want to go and have coffee with this guy!” “Well, do you mind if I go?” Seeking permission from my husband in this strange set of circumstances was important to me. “You go ahead, I just don’t want to go.” Wiley is used to his wife’s journalistic interests in people. Smiling, I said, “Okay, I’ll take him to the French Bakery around the corner and I’ll be right back – see you later!”

Jacob is still waiting outside as I descend down the long flight of granite stairs past the watchful eye of Gorn. I smile at Gorn, as I tell him that Jacob and I are going to have “tea”, even though, Gorn does not speak a bit of English. I lead the way as Jacob follows along the narrow and broken sidewalks of Chiang Mai. We soon arrive at the bakery as the French Bakers Thai wife, Paean, greets me in smiles. I feel the need to explain as she is used to seeing Wiley and I together. I order two glasses of iced tea as I tell her that I am here with Jacob to talk about religion! She smiles as we take a seat.

I am filled with questions for Jacob about his faith and Christian beliefs. His business card tells me that he is a member of, “United Church of God”. He claims that he follows in the footsteps of Christ, just as Christ had founded the church in the early first century. Following the same teachings, doctrines and practices established then as in Jewish traditions. He said that Sunday church attendance is from man-made religion. He observes the Sabbath on Saturday. He also observes the same eating restrictions as Jews. Jacob believes in God the Father and Jesus as the divine son of the living God, however, the Holy Spirit is not part of the “Triune God” beliefs as in common Christianity… “The Holy Spirit dwells with-in us,” Jacob said.

Jacob’s beliefs are similar to mine, but it appears to be with a Jewish twist? I’m a bit confused.

I ask him more about his travels to India as I explained that my son, Michael traveled extensively there last year. Jacob spoke of his travels through Hampi and also the beaches of Goa. According to my son, these are great party destinations for backpackers. I ask Jacob about this. Yes, he travels with many young people and stays in hostels… occasionally smokes hashish with them. … WHAT??!! I try to remain calm and straight faced as I can sense anger bubbling up inside of me. (Don’t be messing with my back-packers… but, of course how is Jacob to know that due to my son being a part of this life-style, that I hold these kids near and dear to my heart.)

“I feel the need to tell you, Jacob…  I am judging you right now.” I wanted to be honest in how I was feeling in that moment. Jacob looks a bit surprised at my sudden need to confess this unusual statement. I continue, as I am now quite upset by the fact that he is sharing my Jesus, to the many lost kids out there that are looking for truth and receiving a twisted version of it while under the influence of a mind altering drug such as Hashish.

“You are a false prophet, Jacob.” I continue… “As a card-carrying, representative of Jesus Christ… you are representing the same God as me. In these difficult times around the world, we’re going to need people with sound minds and teachings … not someone smoking a hash pipe off in a corner!”

Jacob’s reply was, “Well, I had a couple of beers last night and smoked a cigarette. Do you want to judge me on that, too?” I was now uncomfortable and wanted to close the conversation. I told him that I would need to be getting back home. I got up, shook Jacob’s hand and told him that it was very nice meeting him and I wished him well in his travels. As I walked away, I smiled and said, “God bless, you.”

Wiley, was watching television as I walked through the door, and was only mildly curious about my encounter. I shared with Wiley everything that was said as we looked up the website to Jacob’s church. As we’re looking, Wiley and I talk about judgmental attitudes. I asked Wiley if he saw a difference between smoking hashish and drinking wine or beer, as inclusively, they are mind altering substances. (Wiley and I enjoy an occasional glass!) We both agreed that we saw them the same. What about gossip… lying… over-eating… what about murder? Is there a measuring stick for sin?

Long after Wiley went to bed, I was awake and troubled. I began to pray that The Lord would speak to me as to why my spirit felt confused. Was I right in reprimanding this vagabond? Or, was I the pious, judgmental Christian lashing out words of anger in place of the kind and loving words that Jesus would have said had He been there in my place.

I grabbed my Bible and prayed for an answer. I was led to read the third chapter in James…

“…But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessings and cursing, My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.”

Upon a quick Google search, I discovered more background info on Jacob and learned that he is truly living his life as a traveling servant to mankind. Living simply and humbly often dealing with criticisms and judgements of others, especially tradition Christian folk. I would assume that the backpacker community is least judgmental of all. Mainstream communities often have invisible markers and expectations. Jacob wanted nothing to do with human recognition or accolades, but rather to serve his Creator by spreading the Gospel as Jacob believed.

I do not know who Jacob is. I don’t have a window into his past. I am not responsible for Jacob. I cannot see into his heart. Only one thing was clear to me…

I had judged a man.

I confessed my sin to God. After several days of contemplation and prayer, I had E-mailed an apology to Jacob.

I’d like to believe that The Lord had arranged the conversation between Jacob and myself that day.

Maybe we both learned a lesson.

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Empty Tank of Happiness

Posted on January 10, 2016 by mamieolive

March 23, 2015

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Mind, Body & Spirit.

Our mind dictates to our bodies. “I need a vacation.” “I’m hungry – feed me.” It’s Friday night – let’s celebrate!” “I feel deserving – let’s go shopping.”… Our mind looks through our eye, spots what it wants and creates desire.

Wiley and I were talking with Robert… the man enamored with“Thai Ladies.” We were on the topic of religion, and I had mentioned that I believe humans are made up of; Mind, Body & Spirit… and how our Spirits are starving! We feed our minds with reason and our bodies with the mind’s desires, but our Spirits sit empty and ignored. We can feel the emptiness in our souls and try to fill this void with monetary purchases, food, substance enhancers, entertainment, or often by receiving recognition through our achievements. We, as humans can also try to fill this spiritual emptiness with another person. An unhealthy relationship… relying on another person in our life to fill up our weaknesses… giving them the keys to our happiness tank. If they should fail at this grandiose expectation, we are devastated. We can easily put our spouse on this precarious pedestal of expectations and as mere humans themselves, they fail us and we become unhappy once again.

Happiness is an insatiable desire. You can never fill up that tank. Happiness is a feeling. Feelings are not to be trusted. It’s eternal Joy that we long for, yet, unknowingly settle for fleeting happiness. Joy is one of the nine fruits of The Spirit, as written in The Bible; Galatians 5:22. Christians believe that The Bible is the inspired Word of God. We, as Christians, believe that we can place our trust in this Book. We can trust our Creator to speak truth into our souls/spirits. Trusting in Him to teach us about our own hungry spirit is the first step. He is waiting for us to ask Him.

Start a conversation with God. Ask Him to show you that He is for real. Then watch and see… your soul will awaken and it will be starving for spiritual nourishment. Be cautious as to what you feed it as there are many false gods more than willing to take up space in this area of your life.

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Puppies, Pontoons & Pakistani Refugees

Posted on January 10, 2016 by mamieolive

March 16, 2015

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Puppies, Pontoons and Pakistani Refugees…

I am in the middle of two worlds. It struck me hard on this day, as I was having a light hearted conversation with my daughter back in America. She and her husband had purchased a new pontoon boat and are looking forward to a summer filled with family fun on the lake… oh, and a new puppy too! Their family had just returned from picking out a golden-doodle puppy from a litter of warm bellied, fluffy balls of fur. She sent me pictures as I oohed and awed over my soon-to-be grand-dog!

An email from a new friend living here in Chiang Mai had arrived earlier that day. Pastor Ali and his family had fled from their homeland of Pakistan a year ago. The persecution they experienced as Christians finally became unbearable. Radical Muslims who read in their Qurans to “kill the infidels” take their religion of Islam seriously and believe they are doing the right thing by executing and tormenting Christians.

Today’s e-mail read, “Dear Deb and Wiley, please pray… there are over 1,200 Pakistani Christian Asylum seekers located in detention centers in Bangkok. My wife’s sister and her three teenage children will be arriving by train to Chiang Mai later tonight. We are looking for one room for them at the back side of (the local Christian Café). Please pray that The Lord Almighty will have mercy upon them. They were not able to bring anything with them. Your prayer is extremely needed.”

Extremes. One family is elated with thoughts of the arrival of a new puppy and a pontoon boat… while another family fearfully runs for their lives from the country of their birth, with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

What a world.

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Would I have listened to my older self?

Posted on January 10, 2016 by mamieolive

 

March 10, 2015

Chiang Mai, Thailand

I saw an old picture of myself recently. I was in my early twenties. Fresh faced, young and oh, so naïve. But, I didn’t think so then! I was married at 19 years old for heaven’s sake… I knew what I was doing. By that time I had already dropped out of high school the spring of my senior year. I had fell miserably behind in my studies and rather than push through, I quit! The lure of making money at the local life-jacket manufacturing company was what I had in mind. That, and my boyfriend, John! In fact, I remember the deciding moment in that 17 year old brain of mine…  John was picking me up after school on that spring day in 1975, and it had been a day filled with frustration and embarrassment… of incomplete assignments in most of my classes. That’s it… I quit. I threw my books and notebooks into my messy locker, slammed the skinny locker door knowing that I was never coming back. I ran out to meet my boyfriend who was waiting in his red El Camino.

John was six years older than I. He was already working and making money at another manufacturing company in town. He had started and failed college three separate times. His parents had paid his way to college all three times but had finally told him that it was up to him next time – he’d have to pay his own way, so John decided playing in his local rock band and working at the freezer plant was just fine.

John and I decided to live together and found a mobile home on some acreage to rent. We worked and we partied. John grew marijuana in the back yard next to a few vegetables. We worked, we partied and we fought! After a few months in the trailer, I’d had enough. I grew tired of this lifestyle and knew that there was something more for me out there. I called my mom… “Mom, can you pick me up? And, bring the big car because I’m moving out!” She was thrilled! But, I knew now that with this decision I would have to change my ways… and her ways included Jesus. I was ready. I had heard and read enough to know that I did not want to be “left behind”! John was a part of my past now… or so I thought! We took a long break from each other as I cleaned up my life. I got a job at our local high-end Department store and it felt good to dress up to go to work! I attended Bible Studies and met new friends. The old ways and old friends were the ones left behind.

John began to call me again, but I was not budging from my new stance. Our telephone calls would include his questioning me about my newly found faith. I would share as much as I could as a baby Christian. I began to pray for John. He became more and more interested and began to attend Bible Studies and even a Billy Graham crusade with me. Soon we were back together – as boyfriend and girlfriend. John had changed dramatically. He had stopped drinking and even stopped smoking cigarettes. He was done with drugs and he had also made the decision to quit his house band gig at the local college bar as it was an unhealthy atmosphere for the new Christian that he was. His band-mates saw the change in him as he was now a loud witness for Christ. John wanted everyone to see how Christ had changed his life for the better and become changed themselves!

He was a new man. He wanted to get married. I was just 18 years old and not really sure that it was what The Lord would want. I needed confirmation. My mother’s Christian friends were now also our friends. We all attended the same large Presbyterian Church. There were two families of pastoral missionaries that served the church; Bill Barr Sr. and Bill Barr Jr. were instrumental in the formation of our family’s faith. John and I counseled with both pastors as to what The Lord had in mind as to if we should be married. “Yes, my children, you are to be married…” came the prophesy during a heartfelt prayer session. Well, it was confirmed through that long and prayerful prophecy. We were married on April 15th, 1976.

Our first year of marriage was blissful! And, after much thought and prayer, deciding between Bible College or State College for John to attend, we decided SCSU – the state college, to be the best choice. He finished college in record time and also graduated Cum Laude – with honors! Two degrees; Environmental Science and Micro-Biology.

Uhmm… back to the old photograph… Upon looking at that old photo of myself, I barely recognized the pretty girl in the picture. I tried to think back to who I was…

I remember that girl to be naïve and stubborn to change her ways. She was rebellious as a teen, innocent as a young Christian woman lacking education, who then grew into a consumer driven narcissist, putting her faith in God on the lowest shelf of her life.

“Self” had reigned for both, John and myself. Fast-forward 15 years… the marriage died. Selfish ways won out. Today, as I Iook at that picture of myself, taken almost 40 years ago, I see a stranger that I barely remember. Seeing it makes me feel sad.

It reminds me of all the mistakes that I’ve made in my life. My life is good. But, how would it have been if John and I had toughed it out? He was willing to, I was not. Always the rebellious one. I guess, always the quitter.

(The following day)… I have a new perspective on that old photo.

I am NOT that girl any longer. I no longer look like her, nor do I think like her.

If I could speak to the younger version of me, what would I say?

“Listen to the voice of your heart and not your head. PRAY every day. Your Creator knows you far more than you know yourself. Listen to Him. Crack open that Bible and READ it – everyday, for at least five minutes. It’s for real!”

“You are smart and far more talented than you ever gave yourself credit for. Step out unafraid.”

“God’s got you. He can take you places beyond your wildest imaginations. Trust Him!”

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Thai Prison Visits

Posted on January 10, 2016 by mamieolive

March 6, 2015

Chiang Mai, Thailand

It’s Friday once again. It’s become a favorite day for Wiley and I as it’s the day we go to prison!

As visitors that is. Today’s visit with “young Ali”, was very moving to me. In the short 10 weeks that I have been visiting Ali, I have seen him grow spiritually by leaps and bounds. In January, he was on the fence between his Muslin beliefs as he was raised, and Christianity. When he left Pakistan, he met a young woman from the Philippines who was a Christian. She became Ali’s girlfriend. I’m not sure how Ali found himself in Thailand, but it was here that he was convicted of on-line hacking into a bank. He’s been in Chiang Mai’s Men’s Prison for the past seven months. An older prison inmate Ali/Paul, around 45 years old, also from Pakistan, has mentored young Ali and spoke to him of Christ.

This prison ministry is over thirty years old. Thanks to one woman by the name of Kathryn. She is a Missionary, originally from New Zealand but has lived in Thailand for close to forty years. She acts as liaison between the foreign prisoners and the legal system of which she has become nothing shy of an expert. Kathryn is a God-send for these foreign prisoners. The seeds of prayer and good works that she and her small and ever-changing team has sewn, has now been seeing a harvest of souls. It’s actually quite clear, that for some of these men, it took incarceration and the loss of their freedom to find peace for their searching souls and confidence through the leading of The Holy Spirit to guide them the rest of their lives. This is what I see in young Ali! He prays that he will be strong to hold fast to The Lord when he is free. He told me today, that it is easier to cling to this new Christian faith while “protected” inside the prison. But, to be outside – free and subject to temptations… that will be the test.

Young Ali, has asked me to re-name him. He would like to have a Christian name, a Biblical name. His birth name is Mohammed Ali. There are several “Ali’s” in prison, so I have nicknamed him “young Ali”, as he is only 22 years old. Today, Ali shared with me a telephone conversation that he had with his Pakistani father. His father told him that if he chooses the Bible over the Koran, that it would be the last conversation that he would have with his son. This is serious. Two Christian Pakistani men from our church have told me that Ali should not return to his hometown as Ali’s life would be in danger.

Young Ali is looking to me as his spiritual “mama.” He’s making a stand for Christ. He is a new creature in Christ – born again. Yes, he should have a new Christian name. The pressure I feel is tremendous! What name will this be? How much prayer and reading is required for such an honored task?

Oh, Lord… help me.

Never, did I see this as something that I would be doing… visiting men in prison in Thailand – wow!      Step out… be available… The Lord can take you places that you could never dream up on your own!

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Karma vs. Blessing

Posted on January 10, 2016 by mamieolive

March 4, 2015

Chiang Mai, Thailand

National Holiday today in Thailand. Banks and schools are closed. Each holiday turns into a festival day at the Buddhist Temples. Especially the Temple that I look over from my 6th floor balcony, Wat Chai Mongkol. Today, there is a constant stream of people… young and old alike… families… all coming to “make merit” and create good Karma. Buddhists believe that by doing a good deed will create good Karma, which in turn brings good things in this life and also in the next life. Purchases are made; doves in cages and minnows in plastic buckets… all to be released in exchange for good merit. Of, course this happens every day at this local Temple, but especially on holidays.

I watch this all in awe. Saddened by the fact that we as Christians seem to take our own faith so casually. We can barely drag ourselves off to church on Sundays, let alone give up a Labor Day, or 4th of July Holiday, to attend a church event! These lovely, Thai people are having good clean fun at their “church”on this holiday, as they invest their lives into “good luck” and of keeping away bad spirits. They come in droves to do their good deeds, and to teach and pass along these practices to their children. Upon earning merits, happy children can be seen skipping along in front of their loving parents, toward the treats that await them at the vendor carts selling ice cream or balloons… it’s an atmosphere of festivities and fun! 

Good memories are made here. Pictures are taken as candles are lit in the name of Buddha… wafts of incense drift by while background sounds of monks chanting and soft bells are ringing in the gentle breeze.

Wat Chai Mongkol, is over 600 years old and one of the largest monk monasteries in Chiang Mai.

Of, course the sacred temple grounds is not only home to many golden robed monks, but also home to 5-6 “temple dogs”. These stray, filthy dogs wander freely about, paying little attention to the people around them, just as people pay no attention if any, to these soy (alley) dogs. It’s all one harmonious, peaceful location… as I look at it from afar, typing from my balcony.

In a way, it’s as if Buddhists confess their sins on a daily basis, which in turn clears their conscience to go about their day in a happy-go-lucky way. Thailand is called the, “Land of Smiles.” People here are peaceful and happy in what they do and where they are in life. “Striving for more” is western philosophy. Generally speaking, Thais are peace loving and gentle souls. In my six months of living in Thailand, I have never witnessed anger! No road rage. No impatience. Just smiles.

This is a way of life. Karma. Good luck/bad luck. Superstitions. Keeping the spirits happy.

I believe in evil spirits. What do I do on a daily basis, as a practicing Christian to keep evil away from me and my family? I pray every day for my family. And, on a good day, I will read aloud Ephesians 6:10-20; “Putting on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil… for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places… Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, having done everything to stand firm.”

Buddhists take their faith in Buddha seriously. Christians should take their faith in Jesus seriously.

I’ve heard it said that Buddhism is not a religion but a life-style.

Take the man-made religion out of Christianity and you have a life-style. It’s a 24/7 relationship with the Son of The Most High God, Jesus Christ.

I do know that when I begin my day confessing my sins to The Lord in prayer and fill up my heart with His Word… I too, can go skipping out into my day – peaceful and free to be available for the blessings He has in store.

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Baptism or Reincarnation?

Posted on January 10, 2016 by mamieolive

February 15, 2015

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Today, I write from the French Bakery. Sitting on a little wooden cafe table outside, I’m enjoying a latte with my husband. People are walking past us along this busy street on Chang Clan Road.

John, a fellow resident of our condo building has walked by and he stopped to chat. Wiley and I invited him to join us. John is American; raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. But, he spent most of his life in Australia. Funny how the subject of religion can appear in a conversation without me bringing it up. John’s heritage is Swedish and is a man in his early sixties but could pass for forty-five with his full head of blonde hair and aqua blue eyes. John is always smiling and good natured. He claimed to have been raised Baptist, and at 12 years old, refused to attend church. His mother made a deal with him that if he would be baptized that he could stop attending. Done. John was baptized and never returned to church. He told us if he is any religion at all, that it would be the “kind and gentle” life of Buddhism. He laughed as he thought that maybe he’d be reincarnated in his next life as a “leaf or a bug”!

I suggested to John, “Maybe that act of baptism has “stuck” with you, and just maybe you’ll decide to turn back!” He laughed as he said that his plan is to be cremated and his ashes poured over a sacred mountain here in Thailand where he would reside next to an ancient tomb of a past king, and people would be charged admission to come and visit.

Hmmm… time will tell.

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The Unconventional Orthodontist

Posted on January 10, 2016 by mamieolive

February 14, 2015

Chiang Mai, Thailand

An unexpected knock on our door today around 4:00 PM brought an interesting guest.

“Robert,” is a fellow resident from our condominium building. We have spoken to Robert quite a few times in the lobby or outside of our building. Robert is a French Canadian, retired orthodontist in his late 60’s, who has been traveling to Thailand for the past 10 years. He had been married for 30 years before divorcing his wife. Wiley and I have had previous chats with him about his “Thai lady girlfriends”. His blatant penchant for young Thai women is his favorite topic of conversation. Today, Robert is very open in our conversation and the “Diane Sawyer” in me kicked in and wanted to hear the perspective of a middle-aged, western man’s interest in young Thai women – as these unlikely couples are everywhere here in Thailand! A very common sight is a man in his 60’s and 70’s, arm in arm with a beautiful, young twenty-something Thai woman. I have always wanted to get inside BOTH of their heads! The Why’s, the How’s. (Not the details, mind you, but is there a deeper understanding to this behavior than what is the most obvious?!)

According to Robert… Thai women look for money first and love or affection later. Devotion to parents and family is a first priority for Thai women as they need to think of financially supporting their families as well as themselves. “Can this “farang” (foreigner) afford to pay for me and my family?” “Show me the money,” is interpreted as, “Show me you care for me.”

What began as a general conversation with Robert, about Thai culture and morays…. turned quickly into personal experiences. He began his story by going back thirty years. Robert had been devastated upon learning that his wife had had an affair with a co-worker. (Although, during our conversation, Robert also admitted to Wiley and I, of office affairs of his own.) Robert and his wife went to a marriage counselor who suggested that they take a three month separation. This leads to Robert jumping on an airplane to Bangkok. His spent the next three months painting the city red! He told us of befriending a taxi driver whom Robert had hired to pick him up at his hotel at 8:00 PM every night. Night after night, Robert found new discos and girly bars. He told us how inviting the Thai women were and after a few drinks, a “soapy bath” and sex, he would walk away feeling like a new man. Karaoke bars would be filled with gorgeous, Thai models from magazines… you could choose from a menu of pictures… meet them, talk for a few minutes, decide if she’s the one, pay for an hour and “do your thing”. Robert had become hooked on Thailand.

After his three months in Bangkok, Robert returned to Canada, gave his orthodontist practice to another dentist for a clean break. Now, newly divorced, Robert moved to Phuket, Thailand. Flush with cash, from previous years of hiding money from his wife, he purchased beach property and a large boat from which he had delivered from Australia. He lived the “high life” of surf, sand, girls and fast boats for three years.

Robert has since sold his properties and boat, yet still maintaining a large home back in Canada, he is now residing six months out of the year here in Chiang Mai. Robert spends his time seeking female companionship in younger Thai women, searching for “the one” whom he can develop a long term relationship with.

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BE AVAILABLE!

Posted on January 10, 2016 by mamieolive

February 13, 2015

Chiang Mai, Thailand

BE AVAILABLE!

Much has transpired since my last entry. I have a new spring in my step and what seems to be a new purpose… or is it the same purpose all along only with a new title?

“Be Available”, seems to resonate inside of my spirit. That was the happiest season of my life thus far, maybe 10-15 years ago… stay-at-home mom, I was. I had time to be available to each family member or friend and also time to be with my aging mother. Every day was new and different from the one before.

But, presently… “Be Available”, here in Chiang Mai? Yes, of course! This is my calling! I am truly a relational type person. Many, many confirmations for me have popped up in just this past week. Call it, “Mentorship”, “Friendship”, “Spiritual Apprenticeship”, “Encourager” … it was all pointing at me to step out and BE AVAILABLE!

I have praised The Lord for this revelation and even made kind of a “deal” with Him. I will stay obedient to Him in my daily, “Reading/Praying/Journaling, Eating Healthy & Exercising” routine, while I trust in Him to provide the people that He chooses to enter into my day. I will be watching and available. Trusting in Him to use me as He wishes and to put the words of encouragement into my mouth to share with others. Also, I have pondered long enough about “providing income” and I will ponder no more! The Lord will provide for us – abundantly. Period. I will just show up and, “Be Available”!

Yesterday began as our Friday’s usually do here… 9:00 AM: take a 45 minute drive to the Men’s Prison along with the other Prison Ministry Team members. We have one hour to talk with and encourage as many foreign prisoners as we can while talking through a telephone and looking through a glass panel. Usually for me, it’s only two young men; one from Pakistan and the other from Malaysia. In their early twenties, they are like my sons. I care deeply for them and pray for them and try to boost them up as some weeks they are very sad and lonely.

Later in the day, Wiley and I were walking past our favorite French Bakery and decided to stop in for coffee and a pastry. The French baker’s wife is a beautiful Thai woman in her thirties. She has told us at a previous visit that her hours consist of opening the bakery at 7:00 AM and closing the doors at 10:00 PM – only still to complete the day’s book-keeping… SEVEN DAYS A WEEK! To me, this is a different type of prison. She looks exhausted and must work for her husband who appears to be a Frenchman twenty years her senior with a temper. I want to be available to her. She is too busy to even meet me for coffee… but, I can sit at her Bistro and be available. Praying, smiling and just be present. (I figure this is a great place to type my daily journal entries!)

Kate, is a young mother in my Women’s Bible Study who sent me an e-mail, inviting me to have coffee with her. She had mentioned an interest in “mentorship”. Okay… I’m available!

We’ll be meeting next week – I’m excited!

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And so I wait…

Posted on January 10, 2016 by mamieolive

January 17, 2015                                          

Chiang Mai, Thailand

As I put on my make-up in the morning light of this exotic city in Southeast Asia, I can hear the sounds of motor scooters and Tuk-Tuks, roosters and bells from the Buddhist Temple across the street. The image that I see in my mirror is that of an aged woman.  I have recently concluded that my biggest fear is no longer cancer, but to leave this earth without knowing that I have served out the purposes of my Creator. I seem to have an insatiable desire to search for meaning to this life of mine.

I tend to think maybe a bit too deeply. I seek guidance from God as to where, what and when…

There have been times in my life that I have felt contentment… knowing that I was in the center of God’s will. They were glorious times of both peace and excitement. But, then comes the big blank space of endless days. I fill them with praises to God for good health, knowing that I am taken care of by Him as I wait for the next set of marching orders, be they happy or sad. And so I wait.

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