jim larson's thoughts

Fun with language

I found this on a friend's Facebook page. 

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too  Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can. i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Fascinating--I can read that easily, but this, John 5:19 in Thai, to me is laborious:
And Sunday I hope to give a whole message in Thai for the first time. Sigh. We'll see if I make it.

My day before Easter

I was hoping for a light day including some time with Sam but here we don't hope too much for that sort of thing.  Here are yesterday's main activities, roughly in order of occurrence: 

Lent 1000 baht (about $32) to a student who called at 7am asking for help to get to a doctor. He'd had a nasty stomach ache for a few days, getting worse.  We tend to take Jesus literally when he says to give to people who ask to borrow from us, unless they develop a bad track record.  Hardly anyone has.

Did some straightening around the house, collected dirty clothes for laundry.  We have a helper who does laundry and general cleaning for a few hours on Saturdays. Judy and Jaimie were away at the beach with Heather and Hannah Hook, visiting from the U.S.   

Tried unsuccessfully to fix our front sliding screen door, which had fallen off its track and was scratching the floor.  We rent, but tenants here are generally responsible for most home repairs.

Worked on financial stuff for Monday night's board meeting.

Walked Marquita out to the main street (about 10 minutes) to get a taxi to school, to practice with friends for an upcoming lipsync contest. 

Worked quite a while with Pear on learning to play the djembe, an African hand drum.

Talked for a while with 2 girls from Center 3 who came to study but were waiting for the teachers to show up.  Every Saturday a few of our teenagers do remedial study here to prepare themselves to get back into school.

Biked to 7/11 to put funds into my prepay phone account.  Here most people use prepay, which is quite affordable.  This particular phone has unlimited calling for about $12/month.  It can be somewhat unreliable, but works well at home and saves a lot of phone cost.

Discussed upcoming class scheduling by phone with Bee, our Center 1 coordinator. 

Judy, Jaimie, Heather and Hannah returned from the beach, Jaimie with bad sunburn from apparently bad sunscreen.

Helped Judy move a monster 8ft. long fish tank cabinet in our entryway so we can open more windows--it's getting hot.  The tank is empty but the massive cabinet was still impossible to lift.  It fortunately slid well and didn't scratch the stone floor.

Dusted off my bass and Strat guitars and tested out amplifiers borrowed from Center 3 in preparation for Sunday.  The Strat actually had a broken string from just sitting in the case for I don't know how long (I've had no amp).  We've done sort of informal outreach groups on Sundays for a year, but are now launching a definite church plant.

Talked with Heather, Khio and Judy about inventory management changes for our products sold in the U.S..  Heather has been managing our home-based marketing completely as a volunteer.

Lent 500 baht to another student who called needing help for her mother. 

Talked with Dao and her boyfriend/fiance, and fellow staff Khio about future plans for them and Dao's 4 children and neice. 

Helped Sarah Bennett, a photography student visiting for a couple of weeks, get started shooting product shots of some cards.

Spent a while with Pui, who returned after running a way a month ago for whom she hoped would be the guy of her dreams.  He turned out to be more interested in his friends and video games than in her. 

Worked with Pear some more on the drum.

Onn called--a woman she knew from bars where she used to work called asking for help for her two teenage neices.  She wanted them to come talk to me.  They showed up last night at 11:30.  Only one neice came, whose right eye was stuck closed from apparent pink eye.  She was also exhausted, and lay down on a couch and went right to sleep.  Her aunt came and picked her up at 6 this morning to take her to a doctor. They are all undocumented from Onn's country, so have limited options.  They also reported that the younger neice, 17, has worked as a maid for 2 months with no pay, apparently being taken advantage of for working illegally.

One of our teen students called after midnight, saying she was trying to get home to her province of Surin but was stranded at the bus station there, that her mother wasn't sending anyone to pick her up and everyone else she tried to call wasn't answering.  I said I'd be happy to help however I could but Surin was a good 6 hours away.  She said to never mind, she'd figure something out.

Overall, a fun but busy day, but bummer that there was almost no family time.  Spring break is coming soon--hope to get some good time with Sam then. 

Beyond borders

Head bashing

Yesterday when Plah went to visit her family in Bangkok, her aunt sprung the news that there was a Western guy ready to pay good money for her.  Plah is an intelligent, 92-pound 17 year-old with bright round eyes and full lips setting off an oval baby face.  She would hold her own in a cuteness contest with anyone on the planet. 

Plah came to Bangkok with her family not long ago and was taken to work at a bar.  It only took a day on the job for Plah to decide it wasn't for her.  She came to The Well, followed shortly after by her 16 year-old sister. 

Once again Plah was faced with standing up to her family--an incredibly tough task in East Asia where family loyalty is everything.  She flatly turned down the offer, prompting her aunt to fly into a rage.  Plah's aunt threw her down, fell on her and whacked her head against the floor, causing a minor concussion.  Then she ripped off Plah's shirt and called the neighbors to take note of her disobedient niece.  Thank God the concussion was mild enough that Plah was able to run away and get back to her home at The Well Center 2.  She had some vomiting and of course a nasty headache, but she will be fine.  Plah says her family doesn't know where Center 2 is, but even so we will need to be on our guard.

I don't know what to say.  Why are people so mean?  Why does this stuff happen to innocent girls in so much of the world?  We all know it does, and it's why human trafficking is getting so much interest.  And to be honest, if I posted an image of adorable little Plah, those big eyes would no doubt cause more than a few readers to click the Donate link here.  Maybe someone might even click Contact Us and offer to come serve.  For privacy reasons I won't post a photo, but if you wanted to do either or both of those things of course I wouldn't mind.  Maybe I'm twisting arms here, but it's not manipulation when it's the awful truth, is it?

Seeing Plah last night sitting up on her mattress, her voice weak and round eyes saddened, I imagined doing some head bashing of my own, Chuck Norris style.  But Good Friday is coming up, reminding us of the fact that following Jesus calls us to defeat evil through suffering under it.  So instead I pray desperately and write a blog post.

Miracles

I promised an update about the fun things Prang and Michaela are seeing at The Well Center 4 in Buriram.  Michaela thankfully has written it for me .

We now have close to 60 enrolled in 4 centers.  The latest newcomer--a 19 year-old whose boyfriend took off just when their son was born 2 months ago.  Without a miracle we're soon going to have to start turning people away--out of space, short of workers, funding getting tight.  It's a nice problem to have, but we're praying for that miracle.

Forced rest

I started getting a scratchy throat 2 weeks ago.  That turned into a fever and I think the worst, most persistent sore throat I've ever had, lasting 3 days.  Swallowing was torture--I was actually learning to avoid it.  Only a double dose of ibuprofen made it tolerable.  It looked irritated, not infected, but I started on amoxicillin just in case. The sore throat went away, but I've still been fighting bouts of low-grade fever for the last week.  All together I missed 5 days of work, and was only 50% when I was working.  I know that calls for medical attention, but to be brutally honest I am not much for going to doctors.  I'm better now.  

So for better or worse, while I have had some forced rest over the last 2 weeks, it only meant Judy had to work harder.  Last night she exclaimed, "The Well is my entire life."  Yeah, I know. 

There have been some extra discouragements lately.  We've been hit by some bouts of extra immaturity with some of our students.  One teen left a few weeks ago for a parent's nightmare in his upper 20's with a 6th grade education, ample tattoos and no solid work record.  What does she see in him?  We don't know.  Then last week Pui, the 16 year-old who was gang-raped in November and has been staying with us, ran off, or snuck off, for a guy as well that we have never met.  At The Well Center 1 we've seen some disheartening meanness and rudeness, prompting Judy to suggest that maybe we should shut the place down and make everyone rent rooms outside.

None of this is new--it's just one reason why things never stop for us.  Yet even in discouragements like this there is always light.  Pear, who turns 14 on Tuesday, is growing more solid and adorable each day.  Gai and Miaw, a young couple we've worked with for 3 years, most of that time separated, are doing great and were remarried last Sunday.  Another student we love very much returned last week after a 9-month absence.  The young husband of one of our teen girls became a Christian 2 weeks ago.  Prang and Michaela in Buriram are seeing amazing things happen practically every other day.  More on that in another post, maybe tomorrow.

And of course, sickness makes one especially grateful for health.  Pain-free swallowing is a beautiful thing.

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sallipod
Posts: 18

n
Reply #18 on : Fri January 29, 2010, 01:48:08

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<a href=http://www.google.com> http://www.google.com </a>

John
Posts: 18

Bangkok Prostition on the Rise
Reply #17 on : Tue January 20, 2009, 20:39:34

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As a foreign teacher in Thailand I came here to help children to improve their education in a developing nation but of late I have become increasingly concerned at the massive increase in prostitution especially in the tourist areas of Bangkok. It has clearly been here a long time but recently I have been totally stunned to see the massive increase in the number of girls stretching themselves in desperation to get money by any means possible. I have witnessed thousands upon thousands of women in these areas, especially Nana and the Sukhumvit around the Arab quarter, desperate to survive.
Forget the nonsense about stereotypical crack whore - oh no, these are Tesco girls, salon workers, beauticians, florists, fat girls, older women, short women, tattooed girls, ladyboys; every walk of life, desperate for money for a multitude of reasons. But nearly always the same basic reason - desperate for money and usually not themselves but their family. The price that many young girls pay, especially from Isan, is extremely high; attempting to live out the dream of coming to Bangkok to earn money for a desperate family is just all too familiar. The credit crisis really hits home here at the bottom of the pile-so many poor suffer for gross negligence of governments and big business. The human suffering at the other end has to be seen to be believed.
I find it incredible just to see bars filled to overflowing with women of all ages and less farangs than ever, as many tourists have cancelled flights (although the numbers of Arabs and other non-Anglo Saxon groups seems to be stable). Definitely less money from tourism, even if sex-industry based, increases the need for money for others as many poor lose whatever income they had and inflation continues. The money flow slows and causes a knock on effect for so many others. The result is a deep psychological impact on women.
I reject their claims of "oh it's just a job, or just don't think about it too much". Especially in highly conservative Thai society, these girls must suffer greatly. Yes it MUST be shameful to them when others find out, whilst they attempt to keep everything a secret to everyone else. If you push these girls to speak truthfully, then all the emotion comes out -none of them really want to do this work, they just hope they will get enough to overcome whatever problem they have. But the real problem appears for the long term effects especially in standards of their mental health and social status. Once they get used to the cash for “big” money (big by their standards, real cheap by farang standards) they get locked into a cycle.
Now the answer; well there is no quick fix! A police crack down is definitely not the answer and is open to all forms of corruption in any developing nation. No it has to be a combination of cultural change and governmental initiatives. The reality is until the Thai government manages to stabilize its long term political instability, improves rights and standards for low class workers, increases their leadership to look for visionaries not just bureaucrats, and then looks at improved fiscal policies with long term job improvement schemes; the poor, most of all will suffer. Combined with no real welfare system, it’s fairly obvious where especially desperate women will end up. I therefore applaud the actions of outreach workers who at least aim to assist in the interim and I can only wish them the best as my heart is heavy when I see Thailand going backwards in this area and hope the suffering of these women will truly one day be less.

Jeremy
Posts: 18

Project Rescue
Reply #16 on : Mon May 26, 2008, 08:33:14

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Ever heard of Project Rescue? I just heard about it from a friend who went to college with the founders' daughter. Seems very similar to what servantworks is doing!

http://www.projectrescue.com/frontpage.php

Earn
Posts: 18

the latest postcard
Reply #15 on : Tue April 01, 2008, 13:12:41

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I'm Thai and support The well a ministry of servant works through my pray, money. I am really appreciated what you are doing for those who have no opportunity in their live and live in the darkness. I am still support your ministries. But one of my concern and it is bothering me a lot is the latest postcard which I just received couple weeks ago. I truely understand what happen in Thailand about women and teenager. Of course they are disrespect to their body, mind, soul and God by exchange it through sex for money. Can you use another word instead of Thailand's sex workers. It's sound harsh and it is hurtful. I understand that you want to wake people up through this postcard but I think there is some way else to do it.
One more thing, in the picture I see young innocent teen. I don't know who they are. They can be one of them who exchange their body with money or may not. But if it is, they already have a poor live and why you make it worse by put their picture openly!! What going to happen when they grow up? We are adult suppose to protect them, aren't we?

Jan
Posts: 18

Concerns
Reply #14 on : Sun March 30, 2008, 13:18:43

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Hi

My name is Jan. I'd like to thank God and you all( The Well ministry) for a wonderful work for Thai woman and children who are from dysfunctional families. I've been supporting The Well for the past 2 years, and also had a chance to visit The Well in Bangkok twice.

However, I have a concern. I have received 2 postcards of the Well Ministry. I came to my mails couple weeks ago. The first time I saw the card, I did not feel anything much. But the second time I received the same post card, there is the thought that came to my mind. I saw the picture of a mother with her two beautiful daughters. They are beautiful children. Then I read the card...Thailand sex workers! I know the intention of this postcard is good. However, I think the language is too strong. Although, it is the truth for most cases. I am concerned about these children in the picture. Unfortunately, the children have to suffer from parents' poor choices and decisions. They've already been damaged and wounded. We should try to protect them. I don't think the language is appropriate, especially when there is a picture of children on it. If they can read and understand English, I can't imagine how much damage it can do to them emotinally and psychologically.

Blessings,
Jan

alan
Posts: 18

God of this city...
Reply #13 on : Wed March 12, 2008, 11:32:09

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hey buddy,
have you heard the new song, "God of this city"?

see
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk&feature=related

for u-tube version of tomlin singing it...the band Bluetree from Ireland was actually in Pattaya not too long ago, and they somehow were invited to perform in a brothel...while they were doing a 2 hr. worship set, they said God gave them this song. it is POWERful!

miss ya dude,
alan

edwin
Posts: 18

awsome comiing
Reply #12 on : Tue March 04, 2008, 20:26:18

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im with ya Jessica!
i really wanna be involved! i hate being lazy!!!

jessica
Posts: 18

hopefully coming
Reply #11 on : Tue March 04, 2008, 00:46:56

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My name is Jessica Wood my sister and I are in contact with servantworks about coming to bangkok this summer. Thanks for all your hard work and the genuine way you approach people... I lay awake at night thinking about this stuff....i really think God wakes me up so I will pay attention to his prompting for me to do something or say something for those trapped in the sex trade...i want to help and not just so that I can sleep easy..but because there is no other option..and becuase i deeply loves Christ and believe he sets people free....anyways just wanted to show encouragement and introduce myself

Edwin
Posts: 18

Re: jim larson's thoughts
Reply #10 on : Sun January 13, 2008, 13:54:02

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for "Win"

you are more than right..... those that follow Christ's really lay themselves low for other people... that is LOVE!

*hugs*

win
Posts: 18

=
Reply #9 on : Tue January 01, 2008, 03:40:30

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i'm da random...n i'm a thai gurl,,n i saw ur friends or sumone who knows u post bout wt u did in thailand..it's gd mannn...


i donno wt to say bt i never heard bout whites do stuff for helping ppl who isn't white b4


most of them jt drop sum shit here destroy enviorment...


anyway keep it