Sunrise & Sunset

    

                                    

With the big kids off to school, Evie got to implement her plan to tote Grandmoni in a tuk-tuk to Mr Jones Orphanage for brunch. We have no idea from whence came the name of this whimsical establishment, but both the culinary delights and the charming atmosphere are magnetic for children of all ages. Resembling a fantasyland inspired, perhaps, by the likes of Willy Wonka and Paddington Bear, this delightful find was nestled into a nondescript street full of vendors, towering structures and throngs of people. Evie and Gigi indulged in strawberry pancakes alongside a dollop of ice cream. They hugged teddy bears (the resident orphans, maybe?) and scampered up steps to the attic library scaled to just their size. Purposing to return with all the sisters for tea, I think that it would also be fun to replicate this venue in the States. Surely, we have a bin full of orphaned teddy bears and there is cause  for a cute-in-up-cumming campaign! 

        

                                  

                                  

                                  

                                  

Views of the lobby of the apartment and the swimming pool. Grandenny is so proud of his li'l Thai "fish".

                                  

                                  

Friday evening, Mandy and Chad navigated us through a maze of train, tuk-tuk, and taxi connections to a high-rise hotel where we watched the sun set and Bangkok's lights go on for the night. Elaborate Buddhist shrines and extravagant Christmas displays were juxtaposed on adjacent street corners creating a cultural cacophony of celebration. The perfect setting to share conversation, to absorb more fully the culture our children are living, to be updated on prayer requests for the ministry and family, and to just bask in the joy of the present moment.

                                   

       

                              

                              

On to a shopping spree (mostly window-shopping, if there were windows) via boat on the river. As we approached the twinkling lights and sparkling ferris wheel of the Asiatique, all I could think of was Pleasure Island in Pinnochio. This glittering mall is open only at night and boasts restaurants, night clubs, and upscale vendors. Phipps Plaza would pale in comparison. Our first stop was  dinner where the proprietor welcomed  Mandy and Chad ala  face recognition. Determined that I was  going to take my turn at the karaoke mic, the owner, who I think may have been hitting the cooking wine quite enthusiastically, was deterred only when I responded, "maybe later". In a last ditch effort to thwart him, I asked him if the band knew Georgia on My Mind. When he began telling us the dates of Ray Charles's most recent trip to Thailand, humming the tune and  heading  for the bandleader, we made a fast get away. 

                                 

                                 

       

                                  

Shopped-til-we-dropped took on a whole new meaning while weaving our way through a myriad of stalls and booths into the wee hours. The Thai people are a gentle lot....kind, accommodating, unassuming, respectful and non-violent. I went to sleep with many faces, sights and  sounds swirling in my head....wishing there were a way to get inside the system....to effectively share the gospel... to implement fair-trade while promoting local industry... to minister to those in poverty. The enigma is complicated.