Thailand in Mourning

Wednesday, 29 December 2004

Last night, Ajarn Ong-Ard and his family and other administrators took me and Christy and her parents out to dinner. Of course, we went to the fancy German restaurant in Phuttamonthon, which I have been to now five times. It's where they take all guests and foreigners because it has nice ambience and German food, although we always order Thai food. It was delicious! On the way to dinner, P'Oi, an English administrator and parent of one of our EP students, called to say that her father had just lost his battle to cancer. Turns out, this week is a week of mourning for more reason than one. Today and tomorrow, we are wearing black and/or white to pay our respects for those that lost their lives in the tragic tsunami disaster in southern Thailand and surrounding countries.

On our drive home from the restaurant, Christy recounted again her experience this past weekend, and she reflected on how they were so lucky and blessed to not be on the beach. She is convinced that had they not had to leave for her mother's emergency the night before, she would have most likely been sunbathing on the beach that morning. She wondered why God decided to spare her life instead of so many countless others, and is still amazed by everything that happened.

Tonight is our school's Christmas dinner and party that has been planned for while. But, it may be a somber one considering the events that have occurred this week. Many friends who have emailed me have compared this time to being like the aftermath of 9/11. It is interesting because when I first arrived in Thailand, one of my parents told me how she was so shocked and felt for America when 9/11 happened. Now, the tables are turned. As many Asian countries deal with the destruction and loss of lives of thousands of people, people all over the world are reaching out and sending their condolences, prayers, and thoughts. It is surreal to be living here and experiencing this right now, but also comforting to see so many Thais come together in unity for each other and their family and friends.