The Plague of Frogs

I had my first culture shock moment last night. Kat, Berkeley, and I went downtown to have a bite to eat at the Tex-Mex Restaurant. That ended up being too expensive, so we decided to go have Lao food across the street along the Mekong River. What a beautiful night it was! The sun was setting, the air was clear. We had just ridden our bikes, so we were all happy with endorphins running through us. The appetizer came and oops, somehow we ended up ordering two dishes of spring rolls, which happened to be cold. Then the plague struck. Frogs were coming out of the woodwork! I noticed them, and they noticed me. Suddenly, a frog lunged forward and suctioned himself to my ankle. I jumped up, kicking (and maybe screaming). Cool, calm, and collected I sat back down in my chair grossed out, but ready to eat. Before I could even begin to comprehend what happened, another frog leaps up onto my arm and promptly takes position on my plate of food. Lovely. “Can we move to a table in the middle” I said to my friends who were frog-slime free. They kindly obliged. There was a frog in my chair at the next table. Berkeley came to my rescue (and Kat tried really hard) flinging the frog off the chair. Together we thought we had conquered the frogs. But no! There was one frog just waiting for his moment, I waited and watched. Yep, he jumped on me too. This was not such a pleasant experience for me, but the rest of our food came and I tried to calm myself down. I tried a bite of my food and yum! Then I stuck a carrot in my mouth ready to savor…not a carrot. Ow!!! Red Pepper, HOT RED PEPPER! SPIT OUT THE HOT RED PEPPER! Uncontrollable laughter burst from my mouth as I turned a shade of red typically reserved for fire engines and the tears began to flow. Here is where I knew it was time to go for a walk, forsaking the food set before me. My mouth, throat, and chin burning I told my friends I would soon return.
All this said it turned out to be a really good thing. I had just received a package, and found some money I had forgotten about and was thinking, “yeah, I am a joyful person generally, but it seems today is exceptional. I need to be like this when things aren’t so great too.” As I walked around I found myself actually thankful all this happened and that it ended with laughter!!
PS When telling three of my new friends that have each lived here for a number of years about the frogs they all said separately “I have never seen or heard that happen.” Oh, did I mention the worm that was crawling on me? I need a shower just thinking about it!

Laos: Day 1

Yesterday, my first day in Vientiane, was a day to not be forgotten. I knew before that this was going to be my home for a few years, but suddenly as I was riding in a tuk tuk with a friend, I realized that this is my home. I live in this amazing place.

The people here (not including the children) are very quiet and gentle. We went shopping for traditional skirts at the market. I got some material and we also got some lemon juice. It was a great first day to see the people interacting and noticing the mannerisms they use in order to communicate well.

In comparison to Hanoi, it is like a ghost town here. There are 6 million people in the entire country of Laos. That number is apparently not much bigger than the single city of Hanoi, and only twice as big as Tai Yuan, the city that I lived in when I lived in China. There are still people all over, just in smaller portions.

As I was walking to the Babcock’s (our team leaders), I realized that I hadn’t spent any time with the Big Guy. As I walked I began to lift up the people of Laos. They are people who need him. I had almost an instant love for the people. I can not wait to get out and make relationships. Something that struck me as I walked was how privileged I am that I get to be here serving Him. Not because I am such a great person or have all the talents, gifts, and abilities that are needed (in fact He chose me in spite of and because of these things), but because of His great love for Lao people.

He loves them so much, that he would coose to work in a person like me.
I hold onto these attainable hopes: that I would love with His love, and that I would never forget why He chose me. May I, even when times get tough keep these things in focus.

Hanoi

Here’s the thing about Hanoi: the first time I came here I hated it. I felt ripped off at every turn, the people were loud and brash, and I wanted to go home!!! This time I went, however with a thoughtful heart, just hoping that I would find a love for the people and the country. This was a successful quest and to prove it, I will share with you all the things I loved about my second trip to Hanoi.

The new SEA teachers!

When in a taxi, you WILL be in an accident. Short side note: when our taxi hit a motorbike, the driver got off his bike and opened our driver’s door. Imagine our surprise when he started wailing on him! When he was finished he got back on his bike and we all just drove away! One of my friends actually ran into a bicycle which was going the wrong way down the road.

Your students will talk about being naked in class.

If you mispronounce your students name, you might just call them a springroll.

Bun cha, nem, my xao, and other yummy foods.

When crossing the street, slow and steady is better than fast and sporadic! The traffic in Hanoi is crazy with all the motorbikes.

Karaoke!

Ha Long Bay is amazing.

If you play your cards right, people might just rap for you!

Yay, for getting the TEFL certificate!