***This one discusses our work with organizations that address sex trafficking throughout Asia -- please be advised about the nature of this post.***
Ping. Pong.
Everyone was feeling a bit tired, so we decided to see a bit of Bangkok at night. Khao San Road. Where the hippies hang, and all the Western tourists find themselves. Here you can buy random trinkets, find two-for-one drink specials, and indulge in henna tattoos and hair locks on the street.
Our guesthouse had a staff person flag down a tuk-tuk for us. It was a chance to ride in the Thai transportation of choice, to have the pungent open air fill our lungs as we took in the splendor of the royal city at night.
For only 100 baht, we sped around corners and down sidestreets, allured by the colorful lighting of temples we did not understand, enticed by the endless multitudes of street vendors preparing the delicious fare we could not recognize.
We arrived. Leia's locks caught the attention and admiration of the Thai Rastafarians. We had already become accustomed to the noticeable lack of presence of black people in these parts. We were a commodity, folks openly staring, gaping, even tripping over themselves as we walked by.
Down Khao San we went. Picking up the random bangle here, examining the silk purse there, watching the traditionally-dressed women hawk little wooden frogs that, with the help of a small instrument, imitated the call of their real-life counterparts. I had my eyebrows done for one dollar. We stopped to have some gelato. We walked around a bit more, then were off to negotiate our tuk-tuk home.
"250 baht," he said. I eyed him in disbelief, before asserting that 100 baht was my final price. A cardinal rule of negotiation is to always begin lower than your actual price, but I knew I was fair, and I hate feeling cheated. He tried to bargain me up, but I refused (some of you know my stubborn side).
"I am only a student," I insisted. "We came here for 100 baht, we are going home for 100 baht. That's it."
I was tired, and not having much trouble remaining firm. I conspicuously glanced over toward the row of tuk-tuk drivers, all eagerly positioned to serve one of Khao San Road's rich, naieve patrons.
"Ping-Pong," I heard the man say. He repeated it several times, but I had no idea his meaning. As I began to walk away, he followed and handed me a card. In neat, bold face type, I made out the phrase to which he pointed:
PING PONG SEX SHOW
Startled, I knocked his hand away in disgust. The man was upset at such an affront, an unusual response of agression and emotion from me in an uber-polite culture. He immediately arranged our tuk-tuk home. The price: 100 baht.
The moment of anger lingered but soon passed as we found ourselves again riding through the windy streets of the city, away from all of the madness. I had been so offended by the man's proposal. A Sex Show?!?!?? Who did he think I was? Leia quietly shook her head (as she tends to do), and quietly responded, "I wonder how many people answer 'yes,' though?" I didn't want to think of the answer.
A little ways ahead, we saw some tourists, all women, taking pictures in another tuk-tuk. All smiles, they laughed and waved, as our tuk-tuk drivers passed each other back and forth along the open roadways. They shouted to us and yelled, American-college-style, in our direction. We waved and yelled playfully back - it felt good to be in Thailand on tuk-tuk.
Until we came to the stoplight. The girls' tuk-tuk made a sharp right turn away from us. Our driver smiled and pointed after them, saying the words that broke my heart; "Ping-Pong Show."
This time, I didn't need any card to spell out the scenario for me. Leia and I looked at each other with a deep sense of sadness. The girls in the tuk-tuk had probably been excited to see us because they had assumed that we, too, would see the ping pong show that night. Those girls, had, like thousands and thousands of tourists come and gone, answered "yes" to the invitation to participate in the first lair - sex shows - of what is one of the most renown sex trades and trafficking industries in the world. While at their open bar and show on the first floor of the tall buildings you find in Bangkok, they would probably be offered menus from which they might choose sexual acts to watch or participate in. For men, some may even be invited to the upper floors -- working brothels -- or whisked away to where the youngest, most vulnerable victims of sex trafficking - children - would be held captive for the enjoyment (ie, abuse) of tourists from around the world.
Ping. Pong.
Do we not know that lives hang in the balance because of the games we choose to play?
(from Amey's journal, June 19)
Monday, June 30, 2008
Lucky Buddha
(We're playing catch up here, as we haven't had much Internet access ... but I'll be posting a few reflections and working on posting some pictures soon! Thanks everyone!)
"How did you get here? You must be very lucky."
Lucky indeed.
A morning of headstrong wayward travels via tuk-tuk, negotiated by broken English and a hint of pristine ego led us on an adventure through Bangkok. Early on I understood the scam in play - if we could be convinced to look, or better yet buy, at the stores our drivers casually drove us past, they would then be compensated with coupons for petrol (the rising cost of which we all share both burden and disdain).
I couldn't blame them. Everything I'd ever read or heard indicated that our drivers were only one of thousands of men working to support their families in the nearby slum villages. So I didn't mind too much being hasseled. I take advantage of resources and privileges that I didn't earn - rather, that I was just "lucky" enough to be born into - each and every day of my life. So what if my, our, playing the novice and naieve helped a struggling tuk-tuk driver catch a break?
It was a little too much too soon, through. Hot, tired, and frustrated, our group obliged briefly before we all caught on. At any rate, we found ourselves, after having just had a discussion of how we chose not to enter or casually peruse religious sites not our own, doing just that -- being driven around to various temples and shrines of Buddha. One in particular, known as "Lucky Buddha."
"Lucky Buddha"'s outer court was nondescript. Through two small doors, we could just make out the form of the oversized gold-leafed Buddha laying peacefully on his side, the lucid flames from incense offerings dancing across his sacred belly. One lone dedicant knealt on the deep burgundy carpet, reciting prayers at Buddha's feet. The statue took up the entirety of the narrow space.
We had no idea where we were. That is when our local guide found us. Curious as to such strange-looking visitors deep in the heart of Bangkok, he asked first if we were Buddhists. We gently shook our heads "no." Now even more piqued at our hodge-podge of pilgrims, he inquired further, shocked that we were completely ignorant of the ground upon which we stood.
According to our eager informant, we were at one of the most sacred sites in all of Thailand. I again glanced around hesitantly at the secluded ordinariness of our location. Apparently, "Lucky Buddha" is only open on one, occasionally two days each year. That week, thousands of monks and pilgrims had traveled to offer prayers and thanksgivings to the Buddha who, so calmly reclined, could bring them closer to good fortunes and the kind of nirvana we are all guilty of associating them with.
Not only were we dumbfounded tourists in the presence of rare opportunity - we had paid very little to get here, and were worthy of deep envy from even the most devout of followers.
"You must be very lucky."
I wouldn't call it luck. But, I was honored. Even in the midst of "working us" to earn coupons, our taxi drivers had arranged our alighting upon such a holy place. The frustration and simply annoyance at being taken to see something so unimportant for our faith (like, a big ol' golden Buddha), was understandably too much for some. At the next site, we abruptly abandoned our tuk-tuks, who refused to comply with our wishes to simply return home.
Still, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of sacredness, blessing, honor, and in the Buddhist tradition, "luck," at our finding Buddha. For Buddhists, this was a jewel in a crown. And for me, a Christian, this was a point of entry into a people and a land that I have not known. A rare, real glimpse into the life, love, and tradition of those I seek to know as my neighbors. A moment to realize the grace and sacred reality hidden behind the nondescript facades of the slums, the brothels, the sites of oppression that I was here to engage. If we were willing to peer into the heart of such dark places, and give room for our eyes to adjust, we might be able to make out the form of Christ illuminated by the dancing flames of love and hope, service and sacrifice, heart and humanity, all unearthed from a broken existence.
Perhaps we, too, could sense in our temple encounter the significance of a most sacred, most holy treasure, resting before us, even if we were not yet "enlightened" to know, or fully see, what was before our very eyes. That the steps our feet traced throughout southeast Asia were indeed treading upon holy ground.
Lucky Buddha. I am not Buddhist, or Buddish, or anything related.
But, I do Believe.
To be in this place - right here, right now - is divine appointment. Beyond planning. Beyond coordination. Beyond what my eyes can see. To be in this place - right here, right now - is to find treasure in clay jars, in earthen vessels. To be in this place - right here, right now - is a pure gift. And as the doors to Buddha were opened as if just for us, Lord, I pray that You would open the doors to Your heart just for us this summer. May we not most this moment. May we not hesitate to be drawn into Your love. May we not fail to marvel at Your beauty.
We are very lucky. Lucky indeed.
(from Amey's journal, June 20)
"How did you get here? You must be very lucky."
Lucky indeed.
A morning of headstrong wayward travels via tuk-tuk, negotiated by broken English and a hint of pristine ego led us on an adventure through Bangkok. Early on I understood the scam in play - if we could be convinced to look, or better yet buy, at the stores our drivers casually drove us past, they would then be compensated with coupons for petrol (the rising cost of which we all share both burden and disdain).
I couldn't blame them. Everything I'd ever read or heard indicated that our drivers were only one of thousands of men working to support their families in the nearby slum villages. So I didn't mind too much being hasseled. I take advantage of resources and privileges that I didn't earn - rather, that I was just "lucky" enough to be born into - each and every day of my life. So what if my, our, playing the novice and naieve helped a struggling tuk-tuk driver catch a break?
It was a little too much too soon, through. Hot, tired, and frustrated, our group obliged briefly before we all caught on. At any rate, we found ourselves, after having just had a discussion of how we chose not to enter or casually peruse religious sites not our own, doing just that -- being driven around to various temples and shrines of Buddha. One in particular, known as "Lucky Buddha."
"Lucky Buddha"'s outer court was nondescript. Through two small doors, we could just make out the form of the oversized gold-leafed Buddha laying peacefully on his side, the lucid flames from incense offerings dancing across his sacred belly. One lone dedicant knealt on the deep burgundy carpet, reciting prayers at Buddha's feet. The statue took up the entirety of the narrow space.
We had no idea where we were. That is when our local guide found us. Curious as to such strange-looking visitors deep in the heart of Bangkok, he asked first if we were Buddhists. We gently shook our heads "no." Now even more piqued at our hodge-podge of pilgrims, he inquired further, shocked that we were completely ignorant of the ground upon which we stood.
According to our eager informant, we were at one of the most sacred sites in all of Thailand. I again glanced around hesitantly at the secluded ordinariness of our location. Apparently, "Lucky Buddha" is only open on one, occasionally two days each year. That week, thousands of monks and pilgrims had traveled to offer prayers and thanksgivings to the Buddha who, so calmly reclined, could bring them closer to good fortunes and the kind of nirvana we are all guilty of associating them with.
Not only were we dumbfounded tourists in the presence of rare opportunity - we had paid very little to get here, and were worthy of deep envy from even the most devout of followers.
"You must be very lucky."
I wouldn't call it luck. But, I was honored. Even in the midst of "working us" to earn coupons, our taxi drivers had arranged our alighting upon such a holy place. The frustration and simply annoyance at being taken to see something so unimportant for our faith (like, a big ol' golden Buddha), was understandably too much for some. At the next site, we abruptly abandoned our tuk-tuks, who refused to comply with our wishes to simply return home.
Still, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of sacredness, blessing, honor, and in the Buddhist tradition, "luck," at our finding Buddha. For Buddhists, this was a jewel in a crown. And for me, a Christian, this was a point of entry into a people and a land that I have not known. A rare, real glimpse into the life, love, and tradition of those I seek to know as my neighbors. A moment to realize the grace and sacred reality hidden behind the nondescript facades of the slums, the brothels, the sites of oppression that I was here to engage. If we were willing to peer into the heart of such dark places, and give room for our eyes to adjust, we might be able to make out the form of Christ illuminated by the dancing flames of love and hope, service and sacrifice, heart and humanity, all unearthed from a broken existence.
Perhaps we, too, could sense in our temple encounter the significance of a most sacred, most holy treasure, resting before us, even if we were not yet "enlightened" to know, or fully see, what was before our very eyes. That the steps our feet traced throughout southeast Asia were indeed treading upon holy ground.
Lucky Buddha. I am not Buddhist, or Buddish, or anything related.
But, I do Believe.
To be in this place - right here, right now - is divine appointment. Beyond planning. Beyond coordination. Beyond what my eyes can see. To be in this place - right here, right now - is to find treasure in clay jars, in earthen vessels. To be in this place - right here, right now - is a pure gift. And as the doors to Buddha were opened as if just for us, Lord, I pray that You would open the doors to Your heart just for us this summer. May we not most this moment. May we not hesitate to be drawn into Your love. May we not fail to marvel at Your beauty.
We are very lucky. Lucky indeed.
(from Amey's journal, June 20)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Khap Khun Kha ...
Greetings, everyone, from the beautiful land of Thailand, and now from southern India!!
Internet seems to be quite rare, and with so much travel, we aren't in the same place for long. However, we thank you for keeping up with us, and for keeping us in your prayers!!! We are encountering difficult work, and will be able to post more often (and with pictures!) in the upcoming weeks. For now, though, please know that we are safe, well-fed, loved-on, and encouraged as we enter the heart of Christ through some of the poorest of the poor in our world.
Just as an itinerary update ... we spent our first week in Bangkok, where Word Made Flesh has previously established and is now newly establishing a community. We had an amazing time (ya'll know we love Thai food!), but were encountered with stark realities of the slums and the commercial sex industry in the city (more reflections later ...)
We were super excited, though, to meet Tim and Amy Hupe, along with baby Ella and soon to be born baby Ariel, who have JUST moved into the city to begin ministering and working there. They were so awesome -- while they have been planning this for quite some time, they picked up and moved with all they could manage to bring. Baby Ella is quite possibly the most amazing baby on the planet, and Amy and Tim are blessed with positive spirits in the midst of EVERYTHING (did I mention that Amy is 8+ months pregnant?!?) Please keep them in your prayers as they find a place to live in one of the largest slums in the city, prepare for the new baby, and simply enter into a state of deep learning and listening - from the Thai language and culture, to the needs and cries of those whom they will serve ...
We have landed now in Chennai in southern India -- it is almost completely untouched by the West, and we have seen almost NO foreigners in our area of town (as Chris Heuertz, director of Word Made Flesh who is traveling with us describes each place we visit ... "Just a heads up, this is real LOCAL ...") So, while it is difficult in ways (from the heat, to almost being run over, to the constant staring), we are really blessed to enjoy and experience such beautiful lands.
We will be in Chennai for another few days before taking the train to Kolkata, flying to Kathmandu, visiting Delhi before heading back to work in Kolkata for the remainder of the summer.
There is so much that we could say, and it is hard to know where to begin ... but we thank you for your thoughts and prayers toward us through it all. We will write again soon ...
Love,
Amey & Leia
Internet seems to be quite rare, and with so much travel, we aren't in the same place for long. However, we thank you for keeping up with us, and for keeping us in your prayers!!! We are encountering difficult work, and will be able to post more often (and with pictures!) in the upcoming weeks. For now, though, please know that we are safe, well-fed, loved-on, and encouraged as we enter the heart of Christ through some of the poorest of the poor in our world.
Just as an itinerary update ... we spent our first week in Bangkok, where Word Made Flesh has previously established and is now newly establishing a community. We had an amazing time (ya'll know we love Thai food!), but were encountered with stark realities of the slums and the commercial sex industry in the city (more reflections later ...)
We were super excited, though, to meet Tim and Amy Hupe, along with baby Ella and soon to be born baby Ariel, who have JUST moved into the city to begin ministering and working there. They were so awesome -- while they have been planning this for quite some time, they picked up and moved with all they could manage to bring. Baby Ella is quite possibly the most amazing baby on the planet, and Amy and Tim are blessed with positive spirits in the midst of EVERYTHING (did I mention that Amy is 8+ months pregnant?!?) Please keep them in your prayers as they find a place to live in one of the largest slums in the city, prepare for the new baby, and simply enter into a state of deep learning and listening - from the Thai language and culture, to the needs and cries of those whom they will serve ...
We have landed now in Chennai in southern India -- it is almost completely untouched by the West, and we have seen almost NO foreigners in our area of town (as Chris Heuertz, director of Word Made Flesh who is traveling with us describes each place we visit ... "Just a heads up, this is real LOCAL ...") So, while it is difficult in ways (from the heat, to almost being run over, to the constant staring), we are really blessed to enjoy and experience such beautiful lands.
We will be in Chennai for another few days before taking the train to Kolkata, flying to Kathmandu, visiting Delhi before heading back to work in Kolkata for the remainder of the summer.
There is so much that we could say, and it is hard to know where to begin ... but we thank you for your thoughts and prayers toward us through it all. We will write again soon ...
Love,
Amey & Leia
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Guess Who's Back!?
It's LEIA!!!!!
Tired from a long journey with the Middle East Travel Seminar, we just want to give a huge WELCOME HOME to her :) For those of you don't know, Leia had the opportunity to travel with students from other seminaries throughout the historical-biblical lands: Syria, Jordan, Egypt (Sinai), Israel, and Greece ... whew!
There's plenty more posting to come on this trip (and yes, we leave in less than a week for south Asia! Talk about a full passport!), and lots of reflections for the website, so stayed tuned. Also, you can look forward to some very special posts this week of our last few photoshoots before heading out for good!
So, welcome back to Leia ... here's a "self-portrait" of Leia on top of Mount Sinai at sunrise (they rode a camel and hiked to get there!)
Tired from a long journey with the Middle East Travel Seminar, we just want to give a huge WELCOME HOME to her :) For those of you don't know, Leia had the opportunity to travel with students from other seminaries throughout the historical-biblical lands: Syria, Jordan, Egypt (Sinai), Israel, and Greece ... whew!
There's plenty more posting to come on this trip (and yes, we leave in less than a week for south Asia! Talk about a full passport!), and lots of reflections for the website, so stayed tuned. Also, you can look forward to some very special posts this week of our last few photoshoots before heading out for good!
So, welcome back to Leia ... here's a "self-portrait" of Leia on top of Mount Sinai at sunrise (they rode a camel and hiked to get there!)
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Koinonia Coffee House: Open for Business!
Koinonia.
It's the Greek word for fellowship, but in West Jackson, Mississippi, the word means so much more. In a place where "hope" doesn't come in pre-wrapped packages, co-owners Alexis Spencer-Byers and Lee Harper (**who happens to be the mother of Leia Adelle herself!!**) have forged a new path for change, casting the vision for a bustling venue that serves up far more than your average latte. From the spacious layout and comfortable seating, to the sense of warm hospitality and cheerful greeting you are met with at the door, Koinonia is doing what was once thought impossible in west Jackson - cultivating community.
With the grand opening of Koinonia Coffee House happening today, we are thrilled at the promise of this new endeavor. Though still in her infancy, Koinonia will undoubtedly grow strong - we can't wait to watch her as she grows! There are good things in the air, and in west Jackson, the bottom line is clear. Whether its coffee or community, at Koinonia, your cup is sure to overflow.
Here are some promotional shots we took a few weeks ago as the final touches were coming into place:
Congratulations, Koinonia!!! Keep a fresh cup brewing for us!
If you're in Jackson, don't hesitate to stop on in - you won't be disappointed!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Chrisann: Fabulous Event Planning!
Meet Chrisann.
It was starting to do ever-so-slightly-more than "drizzle" that Saturday morning. Though the forecast declared clear skies for late afternoon, we arrived at the site for our morning, outdoor wedding with a hint of worry. We weren't sure that there was a backup plan.
But Chrisann came through like a champion! Through moving the wedding in an unseen, unplanned for Conservatory, pulling together beautiful directions, changing the entire flow and layout of the wedding, dealing with less-than-helpful site staff, keeping the bride comfortable (who, once they double-booked her room, was forced to change in someone's office!), and still keeping a beautiful smile through it all!
So, if you're ever in need of a wedding coordinator or event planner in the MD/DC/VA area, call Chrisann. She owns her own company, kenBtaylormade (a sweet combination of her daughter's names!). She loves what she does, loves to work with people, and she wants to see you happy and stress-free on your special day!
Thanks so much, Chrisann, for keeping us on top of things and just being awesome! We love people who are so passionate about what they do!
It was starting to do ever-so-slightly-more than "drizzle" that Saturday morning. Though the forecast declared clear skies for late afternoon, we arrived at the site for our morning, outdoor wedding with a hint of worry. We weren't sure that there was a backup plan.
But Chrisann came through like a champion! Through moving the wedding in an unseen, unplanned for Conservatory, pulling together beautiful directions, changing the entire flow and layout of the wedding, dealing with less-than-helpful site staff, keeping the bride comfortable (who, once they double-booked her room, was forced to change in someone's office!), and still keeping a beautiful smile through it all!
So, if you're ever in need of a wedding coordinator or event planner in the MD/DC/VA area, call Chrisann. She owns her own company, kenBtaylormade (a sweet combination of her daughter's names!). She loves what she does, loves to work with people, and she wants to see you happy and stress-free on your special day!
Thanks so much, Chrisann, for keeping us on top of things and just being awesome! We love people who are so passionate about what they do!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Michael and Lanette: Married!
To think it began with two broken hearts.
Finding themselves both frustrated after dealing with respective breakups, good friends Mike and Lanette knew that something in their lives had to change. Fed up with the drama of breaking up, they both realized that what the other one needed was simply a break. And so, two friends, committed to being open and honest about themselves and their relationship habits (so easy, since nothing romantic would ever happen between them!), formed what came to be known as "The Pact."
Mike and Lanette committed themselves to remain single, dating no one, for 6 months. An entire half a year dedicated to prayer, reflection, and journaling together about communication, struggles, hopes, disappointments, and desires. The Pact began on November 18, 2006. Needless to say, it took far less than six months for them to realize how much they had in common, how much their friendship had grown, how much trust and respect they had for each other, and how, somewhere along the journey, the slowly realized they were falling in love. In each other's eyes they saw vision and promise for a blessed future together. In each other's hands they found the strength to pick up the pieces and begin again. In each other's presence they found the serenity that they had been looking for.
We are all amazed and thankful they finally found what was always right in front of them.
And so, it was an honor to photograph the intimate moments of commitment between two best friends. in the midst of all sorts of "technical difficulties," from rain to sound to seating, all that mattered on this day was that two would become one. And in the presence of the closest family and friends, that is exactly what they pledged to always be.
A few details ...
One of our favorites ...
Mike and Lanette had their own logo! It was on the stationery, the invitations, the buttons, everwhere! To include, the runner that Lanette made herself ...
Lanette's father is one of the sweetest people we've ever met ... he kept her hidden from view while the flower girl walked down the aisle, and Lanette prepared for her grand entrance:
After so long, now pronounced husband & wife:
A beauty shot of Lanette - isn't she just stunning?
The bridal party - they were so supportive and loving and encouraging! We love them!
A few more lovely details:
Congratulations, Mike and Lanette ... may your lives be long and prosperous!
Finding themselves both frustrated after dealing with respective breakups, good friends Mike and Lanette knew that something in their lives had to change. Fed up with the drama of breaking up, they both realized that what the other one needed was simply a break. And so, two friends, committed to being open and honest about themselves and their relationship habits (so easy, since nothing romantic would ever happen between them!), formed what came to be known as "The Pact."
Mike and Lanette committed themselves to remain single, dating no one, for 6 months. An entire half a year dedicated to prayer, reflection, and journaling together about communication, struggles, hopes, disappointments, and desires. The Pact began on November 18, 2006. Needless to say, it took far less than six months for them to realize how much they had in common, how much their friendship had grown, how much trust and respect they had for each other, and how, somewhere along the journey, the slowly realized they were falling in love. In each other's eyes they saw vision and promise for a blessed future together. In each other's hands they found the strength to pick up the pieces and begin again. In each other's presence they found the serenity that they had been looking for.
We are all amazed and thankful they finally found what was always right in front of them.
And so, it was an honor to photograph the intimate moments of commitment between two best friends. in the midst of all sorts of "technical difficulties," from rain to sound to seating, all that mattered on this day was that two would become one. And in the presence of the closest family and friends, that is exactly what they pledged to always be.
A few details ...
One of our favorites ...
Mike and Lanette had their own logo! It was on the stationery, the invitations, the buttons, everwhere! To include, the runner that Lanette made herself ...
Lanette's father is one of the sweetest people we've ever met ... he kept her hidden from view while the flower girl walked down the aisle, and Lanette prepared for her grand entrance:
After so long, now pronounced husband & wife:
A beauty shot of Lanette - isn't she just stunning?
The bridal party - they were so supportive and loving and encouraging! We love them!
A few more lovely details:
Congratulations, Mike and Lanette ... may your lives be long and prosperous!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Sneak. Peek.
I plan on posting all of this tomorrow, but in the meantime, here is a sneak peek of Mike & Lanette's wedding ... if you were in attendance, you should be seeing this on a card soon! What a cute idea :)
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