HAPPY NEW YEAR! Well, Chinese New Year that is. I’m just sayin’, we didn’t get to celebrate OUR New Year because we were on a plane, so why not jump on that Asian bandwagon and celebrate now? Aaaand…who really likes Valentine’s Day anyway? Not this girl. Boyfriend or not, that holiday was made up by card companies to make bank…period. But that’s a whole ‘nuther soapbox that I’m not even tryin’ to step up on right now.
We went to the worship service at River of Life today, and that was awesome. The kids led their songs that they'd been practicing all week, and they sounded awesome. I ended up singing "Worthy is the Lamb" and that was a little outside my comfort zone. Normally, I'm pretty stoked about that kinda stuff, but it's been way too long. I've decided that I need to learn how to play piano (well) so I can do whatever on the spot. I hate relying on what other people know how to play; it stresses me out. But either way, the Lord blessed it and it was so good. Pat's message was about optimism and pessimism. AKA: Our trip in a nutshell. From day 1 in Thailand, Allison and I have fought pessimism tooth and nail, and it's worked out beautifully and made for an amazing trip! For every positive, there's a negative...and Pat for sure quoted one of our "positives" for sure. "Sure, you may have diarrhea and be throwing up, but you're losing weight!" HAHAHA. Too perfect. So yeah, good service for sure. I loved every bit of it.
So anyway, I had to say goodbye to Chiang Rai today…not fun. I would be perfectly fine staying there for the duration of our trip, but those elephants in Chiang Mai are calling my name. So, after saying goodbye to all the kids at River of Life, we hopped in the back of the truck and headed for the bus station. Mateo went with us, so that made me really happy. He’s my dude for sure. Bless him. Allison and I made funny “Chiang Rai misses you” videos for some of you guys back home…you know, the elite.
We’re kinda ridiculous, but we crack ourselves up and keep ourselves entertained, so it’s ok.The 3 hour bus ride to Chiang Mai wasn’t bad at all, minus the fact that the dude sitting next to me smelled like straight up CRAP. Other than that, I loved poppin’ the iPod in and staring aimlessly out the window at the beautiful mountains and picture perfect landscape. God for sure did work when he designed Thailand. Kudos God. So, 3 hours, a Thai hunny bun thing, a bottle of water, and non-stop crap-smelling later…we arrived safely in Chiang Mai. We successfully got a ride to the YMCA in a red turbo-tuk (the big red tuk tuks…I can’t ever remember the official name for them so I just make up my own) without getting jipped by the locals because we’re 3 white girls. We know the ropes now Thai people…don’t mess. Ain’t even tryin’ to play.
So in honor of Chinese New Year and Alyse’s 22nd birthday, we hit up the night walking market, spent lots of money on
you people back home, and ended up treating ourselves to Mexican food and the old faithful 9 baht McDonald’s ice cream cone. Now THAT’S the life. By the way, I have to say that while we were eating at the Mexican restaurant, this group of white people (probably Aussies...just a guess) kept looking at us. And when I say "looking at us" I don't mean just "hey what's up" kinda looking at our table. They were like "Awww...look at them" kinda looking at us. After they left, we were discussing why they acted that way...and I came to the profound conclusion that they totally thought that Allison had cancer because she was bald...and we were out for her last meal or something! Haha. (So this is Allison's picture to commemorate that one...)I’m also proud to say that I’m getting better at the bargaining at the markets. I sucked for real when I first started, but now I’m hardcore. I’ll walk away before I pay more than I want...so take THAT. Haha. So I got some pretty sweet deals tonight…can’t wait to haul it all home and get charged those wonderful overweight luggage fees, but it’s so worth it.
Well wonderful people, I'm going to go to bed and cuddle with Allison. We're sharing a twin bed for the last 3 days to save money. Haha...whatever works.
Love you all. See ya THIS WEEK!
I'm out.
Cwalk.
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