In just a few weeks I will be embarking on my next overseas creative adventure. My art backpack is packed and ready to travel with me across the Pacific Ocean. For the first time in my life I will travel to Asia.
I get to go listen in on some of the conversations that God is already having with people in the South East Asian country of Thailand. And if I am lucky I'll get the honor of entering into those conversations through creativity.
I've been invited to come along side friends who are living in Lampang and Chiang Mai and also connect with people in Bangkok.
I don't speak Thai, but I have found that creativity is a language that all people are fluent in around this world. Part of the fun with these art travels is the creative process in learning to communicate and collaborate in creative ways with those I get to connect with along the way. I enjoy the collaboration between myself and God and the art and my hosts and those we get to connect with and all those around the world who are praying and supporting and encouraging and being a part of the conversation. We are all connected and a part of this fun.
So yes...in a few weeks I will be setting off on my next adventure and you get to come along with me!
BEFORE
This is the backpack I am using for this trip to carry all the art supplies that will accompany me on this adventure. All of the supplies were donated for this trip...and yes they all fit into the pack!
AFTER
One of the fun things I get to participate in is the art backpack I get to take with me on my travels. I love that these trips are a collaboration. The pack and the supplies are usually provided by faithful supporters and those who are compelled to donate towards these trips. When I go purchase them, I know that I am never to return home with them. Yes, the supplies are meant for me to use during my trip (for art activities I might do with people, for collaborative projects with others, for paintings I might create live or art that I might create as gifts)...but they're never meant for me to keep. I listen very carefully to the Spirit and will give the remaining supplies not used during my trip, along with the backpack, to someone with whom they will encourage and inspire and aid. I only return home with my own personal supplies (which are usually my paint brushes and my easel). This truly is one of my favorite things about these trips...getting to pour out creative love lavishly on others. So will you join me even now in praying for whomever this pack and supplies are supposed to go to? May God prepare their heart(s) for the gift of creative supplies that He has already planned for them. Thank you!
Stay tuned as I will continue to post here about this trip.
I head out on these art travels at least once a year. But rarely have I traveled to a country where I needed to pay attention to my international vaccines. The last time I got vaccinated was back in 2010 when I traveled to South America.
I must admit...this year has been so full for me that I had forgotten all about checking to see if I needed vaccines for this upcoming trip to Thailand...until last week (just a few weeks away from my departure date). Upon inquiring I found out that not only had a couple of my previous vaccines expired (and I would need to renew them) but I would also need a couple more for the region I am going to. Wow! So glad I checked! Talk about leaving something to the last minute!
And then it hit me...vaccines cost money. A lot of money. More money than I actually had on hand for when my appointment would be. I didn't know if I was going to be able to pay for my vaccinations (at such short notice). And then I was reminded...
The day before I had just received a check from someone who purchased an original painting of mine. The person surprised me with the sale and had let me know that they had wanted to purchase the painting for a long time and was finally able to do so and wanted to do it right then. As they wrote me the check there seemed to be an urgency about it. They said they wanted to make sure I had money for Thailand (and truly they didn't know what my finances looked like nor did they know about the need for the vaccines-which I didn't even know about that at the time!). I thanked them profusely for the transaction (and honestly I was more excited about knowing how much the painting itself was speaking to the person and that they would now own it and be able to look upon it daily, than I was about having more money in my hands).
So the next day...after finding out about my urgent need to go get my vaccines...I realized that God had my back! He had provided the money before I even knew I needed it! That check was meant for my vaccines to Thailand (just as the person had said...money for Thailand!) It was a miracle! I was able to deposit the check from the sale of the painting and make my appointment.
Well...today I had my appointment to receive my immunizations...and guess what....an even greater miracle was revealed to me...the total I owed was exactly only $10 over what the person had paid for the painting!
It brought me to tears.
It was a beautiful example of listening in on the conversation that God is already having and being obedient when He compels to enter into that conversation.
The person who wrote the check was listening and that was confirmed. God has me and this trip in His hands...and as I am listening in on the conversation that He is already having with those in Thailand that I'm going to be coming along side and meeting and connecting with in creative ways...others are also listening in and getting to be a part of the conversation. We are all a part of this and we each get to listen in and play a part. It's a collaboration.
Maybe to some, vaccines aren't that big of a deal (I know some people don't agree with vaccines and others can't be bothered) and yet to others they very important...but none of that is really my point in this story...
I wanted to tell you this story because not only was it encouraging to me to know that God provided for something for me for this trip before I even knew I needed it (and in a way that was doubly blessing someone else) it was also encouraging to the person who purchased the painting (confirming their hearing God and the urgency to purchase)....but I also hope it's going to be encouraging to so many of you and to those I will be connecting with on my trip. God is in the details. Even if we are unaware. He wants to partner with us daily. And I believe He takes joy in getting to involve as many of us as He can. He really is all about relationship...and journeying together.
And get this...the nurse who administered my vaccines today was also a part of this conversation without even knowing it!
I love what we get to do!
So I'm working on the kind of preparations one makes during the week before an overseas trip...
I phoned my bank to make them aware that I will be traveling out of the country so they can track my debit card usage (alerting them that I will be in Korea and Thailand).
I've been continuing to correspond through email with my friends and contacts in Thailand about all kinds of various last minute logistical questions and cultural questions. And each email launches me into personal preparations (whether it be planning art activities/lessons/workshops or whether it be purchasing/packing things or whether it be writing stuff down and journaling).
I've been trying to figure out what snacks I want to take for my travel days.
I made copies of my passport, drivers license, my flight itinerary and other important info to place in my bags for safety precautions.
I've been updating my travel journal as things come to me. I like to write about & include emails ahead of time about things leading up to the trip-like write down what people have been praying and speaking into the trip about, etc. (I love that...these trips are a collaboration-it's not just about me-God includes many to be a part through all kinds of various ways). And I like to plan/prep in my journal any of the art activities or lessons I'll be leading.
I've printed off some Thai vocabulary pages (basic words and phrases along with foods). I can practice on my long flights and layovers.
I gathered all my daily vitamins, supplements, and medications (and after reading the directions to my malaria pills I found out that I can't take my calcium & magnesium pills with them per the warnings on the label).
Pray that my stomach will be able to handle the 2 weeks eating the different foods in Asia, but also as I take the malaria pills for 50 days! that they don't cause me any stomach problems (which the label warned there may be some side effects).
Last year I suffered greatly with severe stomach pain after a trip and after a lot of struggle finally found out that I needed to take probiotics and other nutrients (like calcium and magnesium) to help my stomach heal from some of the damage I had done to it through various medication usage and lack of vital nutrients. I had depleted my stomach of the good bacterias. Since then, my "plumbing" has been working well this year and I really don't want to experience those problems again. So I welcome your prayers for digestive health on this trip.
AND I did a FIRST DRAFT PACKING tonight.
I already have the art backpack packed (see 2 posts ago).
I worked on packing my clothing backpack tonight.
It took me 3 hours...but I did it!
It all fit and weighs well within the limit for a carryon bag. And it has my painting easel and my paint brushes in it too! I pack it that way because I won't be bringing the art backpack home (I'll give it away), so everything I'm coming home with has to already be able to fit in my clothing backpack (clothes, shoes, toiletries, and the easel and brushes). So that's how I pack.
See photo above. The all black one is my clothing pack (carryon that goes in overhead compartment), the black-gray-orange stripe one is my art pack (I will check this bag), and of course the red-orange one is my little daily pack (personal item that goes under the seat).
I've been traveling enough to know that even with packing as little as I pack in my clothing bag...I will have packed too much. Seriously. It always ends up that way....I didn't need that pair of pants or that shirt or whatever. Why does this phenomenon happen? It's crazy. I pack and repack and repack (taking out things each time, trying to Tetris everything as best I can-learning from past trips what to bring and what not to bring). I've been told by friends that I'm a superhero when it comes to packing. "Bag Lightning" was my nickname on the trip I took to Ecuador with some fellow artists-for being able to stuff sleeping bags into their carry bags in record time. I like to think that the name also covers my abilities to pack my bags. But it never ceases to amaze me that each trip I do (no matter how much I work at reducing what I take) I end up taking more than I need.
But truly for this trip, I feel confident that it's all good...there's even some room in my bag to fit anything I might purchase to bring home. :)
In a few days I will unpack it and spray all my clothing with a heavy duty mosquito repellant that has deet and then repack the bag. It's gonna be a bit of a chore...I gotta hang em all up and spray em and let em dry. It's what I was instructed to do...it's supposed to really help with giving an initial barrier. I also have mosquito repellent with deet that I will put on my skin while I'm over there. I'm all about NO BUGS. So as much protection as I can gain for myself...I'm all over that!
It feels good to know that I'm almost there.
I'M IN THAILAND!!!!
I made it! After 5 years of planning and waiting for the right timing to be able to travel to Asia and connect in with the culture in creative ways, I am finally in Thailand!
My friends The Passchiers, are living in Lampang (in the north) and have invited me to come and share in ministry with them. I'm really excited to be staying with them and getting to see Thailand through their eyes.
It took me 3 days of travel half way around the world and several time zones (from Idaho to Seattle to Korea to Thailand). Upon exiting the airport I was hit by the incredible heat and humidity that Asia is known for...and I was welcomed in with a good ol' rainy season downpour.
My friends made me feel welcome with flowers and fruit in my room and the comfort of mosquito netting over my bed (since it is coming into mosquito season with the start of the rains). I enjoyed going to sleep by the sound of the every present cicadas outside.
After a not so long night sleep I awoke to my first day in Thailand hit by jet lag (feeling a bit numb physically and as if I was moving in slow motion and people can sometimes sound like they're in a tunnel). I faded in and out throughout the day (sometimes being able to engage fully in conversation with excitement and other times straining to concentrate trying not to close my eyes knowing they may not open again! I'm blessed to be with friends who understand how it feels with long travel and also the unfamiliarity of entering into a new culture. We spent a good chunk of the day relaxing at their house and reconnecting in deep conversation. I really enjoyed the more leisurely approach to my first day.
At one point midday we got the spontaneous opportunity to pray for their housekeeper (a lovely Thai woman) who had been sharing a concern with my friends and was open to us praying for her. My first thought was (when we were surrounding her and conversing with God on her behalf)...Wow! Thank you Father for allowing THIS moment to be how you want to start this trip (listening to your heart and loving on people)!
One thing I am really looking forward to is experiencing the food here Thailand! So for lunch we walked down the street to a local restaurant to enjoy a meal together.
Thai food in Thailand! and YES...it was a taste explosion in my mouth! SO YUMMY!!! Oh and I learned how to use the spoon and fork method of eating that is cultural for Asia.
In the afternoon Kelly took me to some art supply stores so I could pick up some canvas and a roll of large paper (for projects that I will be doing while I am here) and I was able to see some of the city of Lampang.
I enjoyed zipping through the streets and experiencing the look and feel of a different culture. They drive on the left side of the road (like in the UK), so as a passenger I sat in what would normally be the driver seat in the States. It was an odd and familiar feeling at the same time.
One thing I noticed was the amount of electrical wires hanging throughout the streets everywhere. It astounded me!
In the evening I was taken to an open air market so we could purchase our dinner from vendors. I enjoyed the smells and flavors of the market and listening to the Thai language being spoken amongst people.
More Thai food in Thailand! Amazing flavors!
And I braved it and tried a Durian fruit!!! It's known to be the stinkiest fruit EVER! If you can get past the smell and into the sweet inside to taste...some people really love it. Me...well, I can now say I tried Durian. But I didn't like it.
I apologize for this post being somewhat short and not as story filled. I am still trying to push through jet lag, its late, and I am typing this before I head to bed. I wanted to at least post though and let you know that I am here in Thailand and already enjoying my time with my friends, getting to know the culture and the people, and listening to God as I enter into the conversation He is already having with people.
Over the next few days I will be meeting lots of people and try my best to engage in conversation, eat lots of good food, paint live, facilitate some collaborative art projects, and get to see some sights around the city. I'm looking forward to sharing more with you...through photo and story, so stay tuned.
A Weekend Full of Flavor, Friends, Fun, and Faith
The sign says in Thai: "YOU ARE IMPORTANT"
This is the theme of message for this trip.
It's been a full weekend for sure!
SATURDAY
Saturday started out with a horse drawn carriage ride through some of the older parts of the Lampang City where I was able to see a couple of Buddhist Temples and tour a Historic Museum.
It really was lovely to go through the city by horse.
I'm enjoying my time with my friend Kelly and getting to experience Thailand through her eyes.
This is a Buddhist Temple that we were able to walk around at.
This is another Buddhist Temple that we past by.
I really like dragons and there were several golden dragon statues.
This is a statue of an elephant...I'm hoping to get to go see some real elephants while I'm here.
These bells were huge!
I was told that the gong is rung for prayers.
This is a Historical Museum that we were able to tour.
These are pictures of the 9 kings of Thailand.
I really enjoy textiles from the different countries and cultures that I travel to and I thought this was a beautiful one.
These are intricately carved chairs.
We made it back to the house in time to have lunch with the rest of the family and one of their friends.
I'm allergic to pork, so everyone is being so wonderful to make sure that there are foods I can eat. They are having great fun trying to get me to try new things (especially spicy foods). Back home when I eat Thai food I can eat maybe #3 in spice. But here in Thailand I can barely eat #1! I am really enjoying the food and so far haven't had any troubles with my stomach.
Saturday afternoon and evening we invited many people over that Peter and Kelly connect with for a party to help build community.
I asked everyone to engage in a collaborative art project while they spent time conversing with each other. This is where the message "You Are Important" was spoken. I wanted everyone to understand that who they are matters (individually but also corporately). We created side by side together on the same surface as a way of illustrating that.
Set up for the party.
People gathering around creating and conversing.
Some people knew each other, and others were being introduced.
We also ate together and enjoyed lots of laughs and photos. I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know people, to try and learn some Thai words and phrases, to love on them and receive love from them...it was all such a good experience. This was a wonderful memory made!
SUNDAY
On Sunday we started the day by attending a worship service at a church pastored by some friends of Peter and Kelly's.
The pastor taught a Bible lesson and then led the people in musical worship. There was a guest speaker from Canada who gave the sermon.
Here is a video of some of the singing in Thai.
We ate a delicious lunch together after the service. And while we were eating our lunch it began to rain. And when I say rain...I mean Asian rainy season downpour!
It was crazy!
There was no way to not get wet while trying to get to the car to leave.
The rain did let up eventually and we were able to hold our second party of the weekend for those who were unable to attend on Saturday.
We did another collaborative art project.
And enjoyed conversation and food together.
Everyone got involved.
And we created a colorful reminder that we are all important and we matter to community. It was fun to get to know people through conversation (and the creating art part...that was just a way of getting people together).
After the party Peter and Kelly wanted to take me to one of the biggest nighttime outdoor walking markets (where vendors have stalls and sell everything from food to clothing to trinkets).
The busy walking market
Meeting up with friends
Tiny shops
We also toured an art gallery that was along the route
And I was able to see some beautiful watercolors of traditional Thai landscape
One of my highlights of the evening was accepting a dare that Peter challenged me to...
TO EAT A SILKWORM!
AND, YES I DID!
I have to admit...I've only been in Thailand a few days...but the amount of things I've experienced and the people I've met already has been INCREDIBLE! I'm having a blast!
Stay tuned for more!!!
Small Groups, Art, Food, and Shopping
The last couple of days have been a bit slower paced but still filled with connecting in community, creativity, and culture.
MONDAY:
On Monday I was able to join Peter & Kelly, and their friends who are also ministering with them in Thailand, for a prayer meeting and an opportunity to have them engage in Personal Prayer Art with each other.
This was a fun time to hear their hearts and get the chance to see them encourage each other through creativity. It's the simple act of asking God for a word or a picture or a Scripture or a song or whatever else that might encourage the other person when praying for them, listening to God's heart for the other person, and speaking that out (through art). I first did this for them as a group. Then they paired up and prayed for each other in this way and it was really cool to see how quickly each of them heard from God for each other and how encouraging it was to each of them.
Afterwards we all went out to lunch to a Thai restaurant that serves the food "family style". I got to try some new things and it was all very delicious.
Throughout the afternoon and evening I spent time in my room, making it into a temporary art studio so I could create a couple of paintings. One for the couple who pastor the church we attended on Sunday and one for Peter & Kelly.
"Love Overflowing"
24x36 mixed media on canvas
This is the painting I was able to do for the pastors of the church. It represents God's living water...His love, His Spirit pouring into them and that same life, love, and Spirit overflowing to others. It's based on the Scripture that was spoken on Sunday (John 14 & 15). And here's a cool story behind it...this image was given to me by someone who prayed for me (through personal prayer art) before I left Boise for this trip. I've been praying and asking God who the image (and message) was for...and it was on Sunday at the church service during the pastor's teaching that it was confirmed I was to paint it and give it them. I was able to present it today to the wife and she let me know that she connects with it on a very personal level.
"Light Reflection"
24x36 mixed media on canvas
This is the painting I created for Peter & Kelly as a thank you for hosting me on this trip. It represents that we are a reflection of God's light. It's based on Psalm 139. God is light and love and we are like mirrors for each other...reflecting God's light to others. The theme of light in darkness has been huge for them and when I presented it to them they were both really touched by how personal this was.
TUESDAY:
On Tuesday I was able to facilitate a Bible lesson through an art activity in clay with the women that Kelly meets with on a weekly basis for Bible study.
Although some of the women understand a little English and can speak a little English also, Kelly was my translator in Thai so that I could just speak freely. I've always appreciated the unique relationship (that feels almost like a dance) that I get to have with those who translate for me (my words into the native language and also back to me in English what others are saying).
This lesson was about identity...how we see ourselves compared to how God actually sees us. After sharing some of my own personal story...I had them create in clay how they see themselves and then each share what that creation was and what it meant to them. Just this act opened up for lots of conversation and sharing. Then I spoke about how God delights in who we are. I talked about how he cares for us and understands us and wants to be involved in our lives. It continued to spark conversation and questions...and some Bible reading and prayer.
Afterwards we all shared in a lunch together. It was fun for me to listen to their conversations in Thai...I enjoy hearing their language a lot.
In the afternoon Kelly took me shopping for more art supplies and then we took a detour with a couple of the aunties that I met over the weekend to go shopping for traditional Thai clothing (like many Asian cultures and Pacific Islander cultures , older people or teachers or those in authority are called Uncle and Auntie-even I am being called Auntie by some!)
I'm finishing up the first part of this trip and heading into the second part of my trip. Tomorrow Kelly and I will fly down to Bangkok to attend a Women's Retreat (where I have been invited to teach a couple of lessons through creativity).
We'll be in Bangkok on retreat for 4 days. So my blogging will be on hold until I am back in Lampang.
Stay tuned! :)
Finding My Tribe in Thailand
So something really cool was revealed to me this weekend while I was in Bangkok attending and creatively ministering on the OMF Thailand Ladies Retreat. Though I have been traveling as an art minister around the world for the last 6 years...it has only just dawned on me that I am a missionary to missionaries.
When you really look at what I do out here on these trips...though I get the wonderful opportunity to meet local people and interact through conversation and creativity with them, and often have the chance to directly connect...my main ministry is within the relationships that I have with my hosts (those who are based somewhere and who are actively, daily connecting in with people in their community and the culture that they live in). I come along side them in what they are already doing and connecting with those whom they are already connecting with and through conversation and creativity I get to encourage and enhance their ministry.
This weekend I had the honor of being invited to attend and facilitate a couple of art workshops at an annual retreat for some of the ladies who are serving with OMF in Thailand. These ladies (along with their spouses and children) are from all over the world and are living full time throughout Thailand, connecting with Thai people on a daily basis. The retreat was meant for them to have a few days away from their daily responsibilities to soak up rest, fellowship with each other, and be filled and refreshed by the Spirit of God.
I had the privilege to not only meet these women and hear their stories, but to also interact with them on intimate levels as we worshipped together, ate together, studied the Word together, laughed together, and shared our hearts with each other. It was a wonderful experience to be invited in to such an intimate setting and be welcomed into their Tribe.
Yes...I went to minister to them through creativity...but they also ministered to me through their lives.
Here are some photos from the retreat.
Flying from Lampang to Bangkok on Nok Air (Nok means Bird)
Upon arriving in Bangkok we took the local public transport (I forget what the name of this is...basically you ride in the back of a pick up truck).
Here I am excited to be in Bangkok
I had such a fun time traveling with Kelly for this retreat. We enjoyed some really great deep conversations throughout the weekend as we both verbally processed through what God was doing with us.
This is the street you turn onto to go to the OMF headquarters in Bangkok.
This is the OMF Bangkok House where the retreat was held.
It's the first stop and the gathering place for so many missionaries who come to Thailand. Quick background...OMF stands for Overseas Missions Fellowship and was originally started by Hudson Taylor. They have missionaries serving people's all around the world.
Here is my new Tribe!
I love these women!
These ladies are amazing! Not only are their life stories and their stories of being called to the mission field incredibly inspiring...but they are so beautiful within and SO MUCH FUN (we had many moments of hysterical laughter mixed with tears)! I felt honored to be included in with them. There was so much I had in common with them, I'm still marveling at the convergence of our lives!
We enjoyed delicious meals together (and yes there was lots of coffee...so I felt right at home!)
We worshipped and prayed together...and we heard each other's stories (the real and raw struggles of choosing to obey and follow the Lord wherever He sends us).
We studied the Word together in small groups (the retreat's theme was "Come To Me" from 1 Peter) allowing us to to connect and relate on more intimate levels with each other and the Lord.
On Thursday I facilitated a small art workshop having us explore our Identity in God.
I got to attend an art workshop where we created small memory books to display photos of our loved ones in (compact enough that you can take it with you easily).
photo taken by Michelle Goh
I also was able to attend a clay workshop that explored our Identity in God. I'm so tactile! And I have always loved getting clay on my hands, so this was really fun for me!
On Friday I facilitated a collaborative art activity for the entire group that explored mark making and contemplative prayer.
photos taken by Michelle Goh
Here are the final collaborations we created.
We also spent time affirming each other by writing special notes in little notebooks for each one of us.
It was hard to say good bye to these women with whom I live half way around the world from!
It's a special thing when you find new sisters...new members of your Tribe. I'm blessed to have met these amazing women!
May God continue to reveal to them who they are in Him and may they know how deeply they matter.
Now I'm back in Lampang and ready to embark on my final leg of this trip...just a few more days here in Thailand...more art ministry to come!
Artist to Artist, Side by Side, it's Never About the Art...it's always going to be About the Heart
The last couple of days I've gotten the wonderful honor of connecting with artists here in Thailand.
A few years ago Peter and Kelly introduced me (via Facebook) to an artist named Kennedy who is living and working in Thailand with his wife Wendy and their children. They are partners with OMF.
Kennedy and Wendy
Over the years we've had conversations back and forth about what it's like to be working artists and also to be art ministers. It's been valuable to learn from each other gaining insight in how to engage and relate to the artists with whom we are connecting with.
Kennedy specifically connects to Thai Buddhist artists and works on building relationship with them. He also paints and tells stories with his paintings (sometimes Biblical stories) as a way to start conversations with people.
Kennedy with his self portrait
It was really a cool thing to finally meet Kennedy after so many years of only knowing him via social media. And I had the privilege of ministering with him for 2 days here in Thailand.
SUNDAY:
We held an art exhibit event at Peter and Kelly's house for many of the people that we had invited the weekend before for the Art Parties. It gave Kennedy a chance to display some of his paintings and talk about his art and it gave me the chance to paint live and talk about my creative process.
Kennedy has a very illustrative style that allows him to tell stories through his art.
He is influenced by a lot of the Thai Buddhist art...in color and narrative style.
People gathered to view the art, take part in some collaborative art, watch me paint, listen to Kennedy to talk, and share a meal together.
Kennedy sharing about his painting.
Me painting live.
I included Boy in on collaborating with me on my painting...I had him write "You Matter" in Thai.
I got to explain my painting (and Boy translated for me).
"You Matter"
24x36 acrylic painting on canvas
The shoes at the door represent each person in how they are important to the community.
MONDAY:
Peter and Boy and I traveled to Chiang Mai to meet up with Kennedy for the day. We went with him to meet a few Thai Buddhist artists that he is connecting with....to have conversation with them and get the chance to encourage their creativity.
Chiang Mai is about an hour away from Lampang.
Our first stop was at the studio of Panya Noisong, a young Thai Buddhist artist who is a very prolific full time working artist.
I love getting to see other artist's studio space and asking questions about their creative process.
Panya enjoys painting impressionistic landscapes from his home in eastern Thailand.
We all enjoyed an authentic Thai lunch together.
This is a typical local Thai restaurant. The kitchen and dining area is open to the street.
After lunch we met up with a second Thai Buddhist artist that Kennedy has been having conversations with, who took us to The Forest Buddhist Temple, located in ...yep, a forest.
We first stepped into a building that had a lot of murals painted depicting various beliefs from various world religions.
Then we went into the temple.
It had ancient tunnels (catacombs) that had numerous shrines throughout with golden Buddhas.
Located at the top of the temple was a Chedi (a type of Buddhist pyramid that contains relics).
Though I'm not Buddhist, I do appreciate the art and architecture of other cultures and religions. I particularly was glad for the group that I was with (those who could explain things to me and give me understanding of the spiritual aspects of the various things we were looking at).
Then we went to an art gallery in the city called Rudra. It's owned by a young Thai Buddhist artist that Kennedy is getting to know.
Again, I enjoyed being in another artist's studio and asking questions about creative process (with Kennedy translating).
This guys paintings combined traditional Thai Buddhist imagery and concepts with more modern contemporary styles.
He used various mediums...these in particular are charcoal on canvas and an eraser was used to lift the charcoal off and create the image.
I particularly liked his abstract expressionist paintings.
After a day of conversations with artists and viewing all kinds of art, we met up with Kennedy's wife Wendy and his son and went to a local market to have dinner..
One thing about Thailand that I must note...there are so many motorcycles and scooters everywhere!
We all enjoyed our meal together (I had one of my favorites: SumTom with sticky rice and chicken...oh and I sipped coconut milk from a coconut).
It was a fun 2 days of ministering with Kennedy through creativity and conversation. I'm so glad that I was finally able to meet him and Wendy face to face and get the chance to enter into the conversation that God is having with him and those he is reaching here in Thailand.
GIVING ART AWAY:
A huge part of these art ministry travels is getting to pray about who I'm to paint imagery for (and what that imagery will be), along with praying for who I am to give the left over art supplies that I bring to.
I was able to give "Love Overflowing" to the pastor couple with whom I was inspired to paint this image for them (speaking into who they are as pastors...God's love overflowing into them and pouring out of them to their congregation).
I was able to give "You Matter" to Peter & Kelly as I've been inspired by the love I see flowing through their relationships with the Thai people they are connecting with on a daily basis. I also was able to give them another painting called "Light Reflection" that represents who they are as ministers. AND I am leaving them all the left over art supplies that I used for the various small group collaborative projects so they can continue to utilize them with the people they are connecting with.
I was able to give some art supplies (paints, paper, canvas, and other supplies) to Boy who has been inspired to get back into painting and drawing.
And I was able to give the rest of the paints, painting live art supplies, and the art backpack to Kennedy so he can continue his ministry through art.
I love getting to bless people in these ways! This is all a part of the fun of these trips...to love on people through creativity! And you have been a part of this. Your prayers, your support...it all is a part of the conversation that God is having with people here. Thank you for collaborating with me in this.
It's never really about the art...It's always going to be about the heart.
Thai Elephants and Thai Pottery
Today I got to be a bit of a tourist in Thailand...but the theme of the day was still creativity.
ELEPHANTS
I was able to tour the Elephant Conservation Center between Lampang and Chiang Mai.
The elephants showed us various things they can be trained to do (from carrying loads, hauling logs, and fetching things)
I got to pet an elephant and I was surprised at how hard and rough their skin is.
The baby elephants were so cute!
And yes...some of the elephants showed us their artistic abilities by painting pictures.
Kelly and I got to take an elephant ride!
I had so much fun!
We even rode through some water!
Look mom! I'm on an elephant in Thailand!
This was an interesting feature of the center, Elephant Poo Paper
One of the uncles showed us how he makes it. The dung goes through a cleaning/sifting process and they retrieve the fiber from it. We didn't see that part of the process, only the actual paper making process The paper making process is very similar to any other hand made paper process. Putting the fiber on screens that are set in water and then after making sure the fiber is evened out on the screen, the screen is lifted out of the water and set in the sun to dry.
And here it is after it's dry and ready to sell.
POTTERY
Then we also toured a pottery museum and a pottery warehouse. Both places make the famous Lampang Chicken Bowl.
Kelly and I enjoyed getting to learn about how the pottery bowls are made.
This is the famous Dragon Kiln that was used for decades to make the now famous pottery.
They had people at various stations showing us parts of the pottery process. This is the machine that shapes the clay into bowls.
These people are painting some color on before the glazing process.
This is a drying rack filled with the little clay bowls.
Here are stacks of bowls just out of the kiln.
Look Mom! I'm in a GIANT Chicken Bowl!
I had fun today getting to experience some of the Thai culture through animals and artisans.
Friends, Food, Fun...A Great Way to Finish My Trip to Thailand!
If I were to summarize this trip to Thailand I would have to say that it was a collaboration of quality people who have become good friends, amazingly delicious foods like nothing I've ever tasted before, and an incredibly fun time filled with conversation, laughter, and tears of joy. I love how Thai culture enjoys to eat together family style in community tasting and sharing the foods while engaging in conversation. It's all about the fun and it's all about the connection in relationship.
Here are some photos from throughout the trip...they don't even begin to depict the depth of friendship, the aromas and tastes of the foods, and the memories made.
I learned that though I'm a wimp when it comes to spice in the States...I'm an even bigger wimp when it comes to spice in Thailand! When they say it's gonna be spicy...it's like 3x as spicy as it is in the U.S. And when a friend in Thailand is struggling because they just ate a pepper...I know not to eat from that dish! I'm a wimp! BUT oh my goodness I love the flavors of the food in Thailand! Amazing!
I still don't like Durian Fruit.
But I love these women!
And these women!
And these women!
And these women!
And these guys!
And these guys!
And these guys!
It's a good good life.
Thank you Thailand for such a fun time!
Thank you for letting me come over and listen in on the conversation that God is already having with you and inviting me to enter into that conversation in creative ways through creativity and conversation and community.
Until next time...
Let us love much and love well.
Kop Khun Kha
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