Toy Thailand from joerg on Vimeo.

The smells and noises of Bangkok are quickly fading from our memory, as is the familiar, but not well understood, cadence of the Thai language.

What doesn’t fade is where our hearts have been impacted. We still have friends there- friends who are still pushing forward with the ministry and dealing with both the disappointments and joys that brings; friends we listened to and counseled struggling with things in their personal lives; friends still hanging around the church who have yet to know Jesus. We miss being part of their lives.
Our hearts were also impacted by needs we saw in Thailand. Really, there are so many needs in the world that it is easy to get overwhelmed by the scope of it. But when you’ve seen them with your own eyes, it is easy to feel those needs are the most desperate one. I have to confess, when the pastor was talking about the need for clean water in Africa on Sunday, my thoughts immediately went to, “But what about the children at risk in Thailand?”

So while we are no longer in Thailand, we find that our minds and our prayers often are. We continue to keep in touch with people who are working there, and we’d like to encourage you to do the same. Our blog has featured different people we met and worked with in Thailand, and I’d like to give you a quick recap of some of those ministries with links to their websites so that you can stay informed with what God is doing in Thailand. And consider choosing one of these ministries to support financially as well.

Our Home Chapel (aka WorldBase Thailand)

Angie & Kelly

This is where we were based, working under the leadership of Kelly and Angie Hilderbrand. If you would like to stay directly involved with the ministry in Bangkok or even teach English there yourself, you can contact Kelly through the website.

Tina & Andy

Another couple we worked alongside in Bangkok was Andy and Tina Opie. They are just returning from furlough to begin their fourth year of ministry at the Bangkok church. I encourage you to check out their blog where they write consistently about ministry and cultural observations.

Also in Bangkok…

Brook & Sara

Have you ever met someone for the first time and felt like you’ve known them forever? That’s about how it was when we first met Brook and Sara Sarver. We met them in Indiana and were happy to meet up with them again in Thailand. Even though we weren’t in the same city, throughout the year we found several occasions to hang out together. They have just finished their first year of language studies and have moved to Bangkok for the next stage of their ministry. If you miss “Food Fridays,” have no fear! Sara posts “Tasty Tuesdays” over at her blog

Up North

Paul, Lori & Abi

Our most beautiful pictures we posted over the year were probably from our trip up north to visit Paul and Lori Vernon and their sweet daughter, Abi. Their life is much different than what life was like for us in Bangkok. Follow their bamboo hut, parenting, teeth pulling, tea picking, hill tribe adventures at The Vernon Journal.

Diana & Neill

Mae Sot was our first trip out of Bangkok. There we learned about Home of Hope, a home for children at risk. While it currently houses around 20 kids, Neill and Diana Gilbert are raising funds to complete a building that would hold up to 100 kids. See their website for information on how you can get involved.

Zucchini Bread

Our little town has a market on Fridays where we can get a few things.  But the best market is in nearby Holland.  There are lots of vendors with all types of produce and other homegrown products.  And they have an awesome website if you’d like to see what I mean .

Going to a farmers’ market, you can talk with the people who actually grow the food and hear their passion for it and what (if any) chemicals they use.  And if you don’t know what something is, or how to prepare it, just ask!  They’re full of great suggestions.  The man we bought beets from today gave me tips on roasting them in the oven.  The man with sour cherries told me how his mom would store them for pie filling.

Local Blueberries on Lemon Cake

Another thing we’re hoping to get involved with is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).  These are popping up all over the country, and it’s an awesome way to eat local.  Basically, it’s a farm where you purchase a share.  You pay up front in the spring, and then receive vegetables (or whatever they produce) throughout the summer.  Many of them you can volunteer to work at as well.  Sure, there is some risk involved- if there is a drought or a freeze, you share the loss- but it supports local agriculture and gives you amazing farm fresh produce.  Unfortunately, we got here too late to sign up for the CSAs in our area, but I’m going with a new friend to volunteer at one this Friday and check it out.  Next year you can bet we’ll be one of the first ones registered .

Eating organic is all the rage these days, and while it is healthier for you, it isn’t always healthier for the planet.  Some of the organic products you see at the grocery store have traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to get to you.  Eating local is better.  Many local farms use organic practices but haven’t paid the money to be certified organic yet.  And if you buy directly from them, you can ask!

If you’ve been around us much in the past couple years, you’ve probably heard us talk about this before.  We’ve become very interested in it.  To learn more about where your food comes from, and how to eat better, check out the movie, Food, Inc., and many of Michael Pollin’s Books.

Click here to find markets or CSAs in your area

A week later, Jason had a job and we moved into an apartment.

It all happened so fast!!  We are so thankful!!

This area is so beautiful.  We are about 20 minutes from Lake Michigan, and 25 minutes from Grand Rapids.  The towns around here are cute and well kept up, and there are lots of berry farms and farmers’ markets nearby.  And there are a lot of community events happening all the time.  Last week we caught an outdoor concert and enjoyed listening to the music, feeling the soft grass with our toes, and watching little kids twirl around in front of the stage.

Lake Michigan!!

The Famous Red Lighthouse

Listening to the Ragbirds

The Concert

We are planning to get all our furnishings over the weekend and will finish putting our place together.  Meanwhile, I’m looking for work in the area and we’re looking for a church.  And once our place is furnished, we’ll be open for visitors!

Thanks for your prayers!  We have been blessed so much!

Our pace of life finally slowed down some this week, and we’ve found more time to spend job hunting on the internet, as well as doing some relaxing things like reading a book and baking cookies.  Oh yes, and blogging.

It’s been awhile since we’ve blogged about food, and I know you’re going through withdrawals, so here we go…

Thai Restaurant Reviews

We have been to four different Thai restaurants since we’ve been back.  Any time you visit the place where a food is originally from, and try to find the same thing at home, you’re bound to be disappointed.  Your best bet is usually to try to make it yourself so that you can adjust the taste to what you remember.  I was a harsh critic of Korean restaurants when I returned from Korea, and Thai restaurants are much more popular here, so there are many more to critique in the search for the most authentic taste.  Here’s where we’ve been so far.

1. It’s Thai – Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles

Seemed to be a popular restaurant in the area.  And really, the food wasn’t bad… it just didn’t taste like Thailand.  The flavor profiles were there on some dishes, but they seemed watered down.  One dish we tried was Tom Yum Gai.  And while it had the sour taste we knew, it wasn’t as spicy or rich as we hoped.

2. Bangkok Cuisine – Rochester, Michigan

First off, this restaurant has HUGE serving sizes!  We ordered three main dishes to share (aka. “Thai style”), and soup.  The platter of Pad Thai was the equivalent of at least three servings at our favorite place in Bangkok!  So expect to have leftovers.  The food was not bad here, either, but it was the most blatant example of “Americanizing” Thai food that we’ve tasted so far.  The dishes tasted like what you’d expect Chinese take-out food to taste like- lots of gooey sauce that is very sweet or salty.  I’m also pretty sure they used a good amount of MSG in their dishes, although I can’t be positive.  So basically, it’s not bad food, it just doesn’t taste like real Thai food.

3. Roseded – Lincoln Square, Chicago

A little hole-in-the-wall with staff that speaks Thai, Buddhist blessing symbols on the door, and pictures of the king posted in plain view, this place was obviously different from the ones we tried before.  And the food was different, too!  SO GOOD!  The Tom Yum was extremely authentic (and very spicy), and the Basil Pork was fabulous.  I wasn’t as thrilled with the papaya salad we ordered, but I was picky about that in Thailand, too.  If you’re in the area, I’d definitely recommend this place.

4. Aroy Thai – Ravenswood, Chicago

We visited this restaurant with two Thai friends, and they gave it the thumbs up.  Very tasty, authentic food, in a classier atmosphere.  The Basil Pork was very good here, although “fancier” than usual.  The Pad Siyiu was my personal favorite, although it was sweeter than I usually ate it in Thailand.  Great place if you want to feel a little more fancy, but Roseded is better for a closer to authentic experience.

Hopefully next time we’re in Fort Wayne, we’ll have a chance to check out our former favorites, Baan Thai and Switta Thai to see how they measure up.

Have you been to any Thai restaurants?  Where were they, what did you order, and how did you like it??

1. Sharing with Churches

Last weekend we were privileged to share with MapleGrove church in Michigan.  Tonight we shared with The Warehouse (Life Bridge’s youth group), and this Sunday we will be sharing at Life Bridge at the morning services and an evening reception…

For those of you in the Fort Wayne area, we’d like to invite you to join us for a reception all about Thailand!

When: 6:30pm, Sunday, May 23

Where: Life Bridge Church, 12719 Corbin Rd, Fort Wayne

This will be the most in-depth presentation we’ll give about Thailand.  We will share some, you can see some of the videos Jason produced, there will be time to ask questions, and of course, refreshments.

(And for all you LOST fans… the last episode doesn’t begin until 9:00pm.  We’ll get you home in plenty of time for that )

2. Traveling

We spent a couple days in Beijing on the way home, which was neat.  We spent a lot of the time comparing China to Thailand.  But we also got some great pictures (which you can see here).  San Francisco and Los Angeles were our other stops before landing in Michigan.

3. Visiting Family and Friends

In San Francisco we spent time with Jason’s sister and family, and their new kittens .  We also saw some friends in LA.  Our week in Michigan flew by with all of our visits with friends and family.  It was so nice to catch up with so many people!   And now we are in Fort Wayne for another week of visiting… and holding babies

4. Debriefing

The purpose of our visit to LA was to “debrief” with FMI.  We met with the staff at headquarters, talked about our experience and what we should expect as we settle back into American life.  They were extremely understanding and encouraging.

5. Eating

Yes, food.  It has been fun to eat so much American food.  And everyone we’ve been with has fed us so well!  Hopefully we’ll still be able to fit into our pants after all these visits

6. Job Hunting

Not fun, but necessary.  Currently we’re looking for graphic design positions for Jason somewhere in the midwest.  We’re interested to see what God has in store for us next…

7. Praying for Thailand

We’ve been talking about the Red Shirts in Bangkok for awhile.  At first they were very peaceful, but recently things have erupted.  There was some violence before we left, but nothing compared to what’s been happening since.  Apparently the leaders of the movement have turned themselves in, but there are extremists who have continued their protests by setting fire to various buildings in Bangkok.  And there have been fires set in other regions as well.  Several provinces are under 8pm curfews, and the public transportation system has been severely impaired.  Here’s an article detailing some of the latest.

Please continue to pray for Thailand

I think the best way to describe my feelings lately is tangled.  Like a big knot.  Some excitement, some sadness, some stress, some trepidation… a lot that I can’t even quantify.  It’s hard to say goodbye to those we’ve shared life with this past year, but we’re also looking forward to catching up with those we love in the US and stepping into our next stage of life.

From here we fly to Beijing for a couple days (thought we’d swing by the Great Wall while we were in Asia ), then to see family in San Francisco for a couple days, onto LA for debriefing with FMI, and finally back to Michigan.  A lot of traveling, but it will be a good time to reorient our minds to life at “home.”

So Goodbye, Thailand!  It’s been fun!  We’ll miss you!

Tom yum means boiled, with a lot of ingredients, and spicy. And that’s exactly what it is. A good tom yum is a balance of salty, sour, sweet, and spicy. You can make it with shrimp, chicken, fish… whatever meat you choose. But the most popular is shrimp (or goong), which is what we made.

Recipe, serves 2

Ingredients:

• Water – 5 cups
• Lemongrass – 6 sticks, lightly crushed.
• Galangal – 6 slices (2 tablespoons)
• Fish Sauce – 3fl oz., or to taste
• Oyster Sauce – 2 Tablespoons
• Chili Paste – 2 Tablespoons (or to taste)
• Garlic – 2 teaspoons, finely diced
• Birds Eye Chilis – 2 teaspoons, finely diced.
• Kaffir Lime Leaves – 8 leaves, with the stem taken out (what are lime leaves?)
• Onions – Half a medium onion, sliced
• Mushrooms – 8 mushrooms, Halved
• Tomatoes – 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
• Lime Juice – 6 Tablespoons, or to taste
• Raw Shrimp – 12, shelled and gutted

(Many of these ingredients are things we just don’t cook with in America. But you’ll be able to find most, if not all ingredients at an Asian grocery. For info on what these ingredients are, check out www.thaifoodandtravel.com.)

Instructions

1. Place the water, lemongrass, galangal, fish sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, chilis, and lime leaves into a large pan over a high heat and bring to the boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Strain. Then add the broth back to the pot.
4. Add the onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and lime juice. Let simmer until cooked. Add shrimp. Simmer until cooked.
5. Taste, and adjust ingredients as necessary to keep the salty/sour/spicy combo.
6. To serve, pour the soup into two bowls. Garnish with Thai basil, coriander and a wedge of lime.

Slicing onions

Kaffir Lime Leaves

Chili Paste (it gives it the sweet taste)

April tending the pot

Tom Yum Goong, the finished product

Top Ten Things We’ll Miss From Thailand

10. Sunny Skies

I think I’ve forgotten how many cloudy days the midwest experiences.  I guess during rainy season we had a few cloudy days, but it is very rare for the sun to stay hidden for the whole day.  Sunshine just seems happier!  Although, I must admit, I don’t always appreciate it like I should when it’s 98 degrees outside

9. Walking

With no car, we end up doing a lot of walking here. Even when taking public transportation (bus, boat, subway) there is a lot more walking involved. It provides automatic exercise without even thinking about it! Plus, we haven’t had to worry about buying gas, car repairs, scraping ice off the windshield, etc. Cars can be a headache sometimes.

8. Fewer Dishes

Our lifestyle here has been a lot of eating out. Street food costs less than what it would cost for us to cook a meal at home, and our apartment doesn’t have much in the way of a kitchen… Both cheaper and easier? Yeah.. easy choice. So that also means we have fewer dishes to wash! It may be a shock to my system to go back to washing dishes for three meals a day

7. Fruit

I have always been a fruit lover. You can ask my mom. Thailand has such a wide variety of fruits available everywhere at all times of the year! I love that we can stop at a street vendor and buy a little bag of cut fruit to eat while we walk. Even though we can get things like pineapples and bananas in the midwest, they aren’t as delicious after traveling so far.

6. Ministry

Watching people come to know Jesus, get baptized and grow in their faith has been a huge highlight of our time here. As with all ministry, there have been times of disappointment and frustration as well. But in the end, all the faces that are part of church who weren’t there when we first arrived are a testimony to the work of God in Thailand. We will miss being part of the “front lines” of evangelism.

5. Scenery

Sure, we live in a big city. But it doesn’t take too long to get to beautiful beaches or scenic mountains. I am a huge fan of tropical foliage, and Thailand has plenty of it. On any of our trips away from Bangkok, I can be thoroughly entertained by just watching the scenery go by… rice fields, coconut groves, quaint villages, rolling hills, forests, etc.

4. Flexibility

Time schedules and plans are much more flexible in Thai culture. So, if I take too much time getting out of the house and arrive late, or if I’m not feeling well at the last minute and have to cancel, I don’t have to feel guilty. Everyone is accustomed to that kind of stuff. Plans are very flexible and can be changed at the last minute. This is also a word of warning to A-type personalities planning to visit Thailand- things may, and probably will, change. Don’t be surprised.

3. Food

Thai food is tasty. And it’s fun to eat. Eating “Thai style” is to eat with all the dishes in the middle of the table and your own plate of rice. You use your spoon to collect bites of the things you want to eat, combine with your rice, and enjoy. This family style gives you a chance to try many different things, and also gives a friendly feeling of sharing food. Plus, eating outdoors on plastic stools is always an adventure

2. International Interactions

While sometimes frustrating, it is also fun to be immersed in another culture. There is so much to learn that you don’t know. It’s like being a child again and having to learn what is polite and expected. And you feel so successful when you’re able to communicate something in another language. Bangkok is such a big city that it’s not only Thai culture we can interact with. There are large populations of many different ethnicities residing here.

1. Friends

We’ve made some good friends here. Friends we can have fun with, and friends we can share our hearts with. Many of them we have seen almost everyday for a year! When we leave we won’t be able to just drive a few hours to visit them. Who knows when we will see them again. We are grateful for the wonderful people we have been able to know during our time here and we will certainly miss them!

On my first trip out of America on my own, I traveled to Scandinavia. My luggage is stuck somewhere in Iceland, while I’m somewhere in Norway (when you say “My luggage is lost in Iceland” out loud, you don’t expect to see it again). Then, I stupidly leave my carry-on in the bus while getting out. True story. With all of these things happening (keep in mind that I don’t know Norwegian), I stress out. So seeing the Golden Arches, it seems like the Promise Land, beckoning me. And the familiar taste of that nasty combo meal never tasted better, as for a few moments everything was normal.

We see this a lot when Westerners come through Bangkok. Some of the first places they visit are McDonalds, Burger King or KFC. When you’re other senses get overloaded, you need some way to cope, something familiar. Sometimes, it’s food.

Food is Escapism

Thai is a notoriously difficult language for the English speaker to learn. Often, I’m only slightly aware of what’s going on. The same is true for the Thais learning English. But nobody is required to talk while eating, right? When you don’t share a common language, sharing a common meal is one of the best ways to become better friends.

I had the chance to go to an elderly hill tribe lady’s home, where she made a meal for us. During the meal, she (roughly translated) said to me “We can’t understand each other, but when we share a meal together, I feel connected and happy in my heart”.

Food is Friends

Your friend visits _______(fill in the blank). Halfheartedly, you let him show you the photos. You hear the stories. But when he gives you something to eat from the place, and you’ve never tasted it before, you can almost imagine what that place is like. There is so much of a place or culture that can be expressed in food. Think turkey for Thanksgiving, cake for birthdays, even bread and wine for communion – thousands of foods tied up in memories, places, holidays, and cultures. Telling a local of any country that you love their food is probably one of the best compliments you could ever communicate.

Food is Culture

Food is a lot more, though. Food is risk, food is fun. It’s spiritual, symbolism, life, sharing, and desire… I could go on. This post just gives a few ideas on the topic.

What is food to you? I’d love for you to join in on this topic.