Loy Krathong

 

 By day, these statues were set up at the university near my house.  That evening, the party began...

Loy Krathong is a Thai celebration that takes place on the full moon during the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar (usually November.)  

Here are some pictures from the celebration, and what I have learned so far. (I'm definitely not an expert yet.)

 "Krathongs" are made out of many things.  Some I saw included, banana leaves,








newspaper (the one with the blue and pink flower), bread (the tan one),










and styrofoam/plastic.  (These are discouraged because of pollution.)








They are decorated with flowers, candles, and incense.  Often a clipped fingernail, a few pieces  of hair, and some coins are placed on the Krathong as well.  The Krathongs are held over the head while a prayer is said then they are placed in the water.  As they float away, symbolically, grudges and sins from the past year are taken away with them.  Many Thais believe sending a Krathong out will bring good luck for the new year.



Another aspect of the celebration is paying respect and thanking the Goddess of Water.  These turtles and bags of fish could be bought and released into the ponds during the celebration.

The festivities included traditional dancing and a parade.

























 
Then someone got the idea that it would be entertaining to see the foreigners try to dance Thai style. :)  Entertaining it was!




















We tried some traditional Thai desserts.  Most were delicious, some with sticky rice, some sweet and salty, some spicy, some with jello, and many interesting combinations of the above.

















 The day after, the university was almost deserted, but all the Krathongs were still floating on the pond.  (The coins snatched out of them by resourceful kids. ) It made me sad to think that these objects that were supposed to take away the bad from last year were still sitting on the water, the candles burned out, and the bread beginning to be eaten by the fish.  How grateful I am to know that my sin is taken by a perfect Savior.  There is no need to make atonement every year. 

Thailand's NDP

Question: What would cause an expected 3,000 to 5,000 people to walk 3.6 kilometers through Bangkok on a hot afternoon?  

Answer: Thailand's National Day of Prayer

 

Flags and music began the procession as thousands of people walked down the street. 

 

Yes, that's a Buddhist temple in the background.  We also walked by the Grand Palace.

As we weaved through neighborhoods, down sidewalks and along some streets closed off for the event, we passed 10 different "prayer stations." At each prayer station, a couple of people were holding a numbered sign that lined up with the prayer guide we were given before we started walking.   During the walk between stations, we prayed for what the guide outlined.  

 We kept walking until we got to the Rama 8 bridge.

At the bridge, everyone stopped and began gathering. We all ate dinner together (I'm sure glad I wasn't in charge of boxing 5,000 servings of rice.)

 

Then we enjoyed a time of worship and prayer.  What an amazing sight to see all these Thais gathered to give glory to our Father in heaven and interceding for their country!

Baptisms

Pattaya Beach

This past week we celebrated with 7 students from the dorm as they were baptized as an outward sign of their commitment to follow Jesus with their whole life. 

Here's a picture summary:

The bus ride was crowded, but we had fun eating snacks (wrapping a seaweed snack around your front teeth makes everyone laugh) and singing songs.

Our first stop was Pattaya City Hall where we filled about 2,500 bags with a Bible (in Thai), a note, and a cookie.  The bags were for an event, Pattaya Praise.  We stayed for a time of worship then headed to the beach.

  

 We enjoyed a lunch of chicken and sticky rice on the beach then played games in the water for a while. 

When it was time for the baptisms, we read a few passages from the Bible before praying and heading to the water.

Praise God for changed lives, faithful followers, and a loving community!