June 6: Arrival at Mai La

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Well, I made it. The past week has been travel (and some sightseeing in Bangkok) and I arrived last night at dusk. It was an evening of confusion. I trailed behind people through the warrens of the seminary in the semi-dark not knowing where I was going. There was a worship service and a kids talent show with young girls doing Karen traditional dance and boys doing hip-hop street dance. They graciously gave me a small metal cot with a bar in the middle - I've moved to the floor. Last night was a hard bed and strange sounds. The crickets were a comfort, but the other rustlings and voicings are still a mystery. The people are warm, but shy which, added to my shyness (and yes, i am too shy) has made us hesitant. The "bathroom" is a long way from my bed over ramps and down very steep steps which definitely rules out evening drinking. It wasn't till morning that I found out where I can wash my face, and I still haven't found clean drinking water. Everyone is pretty much leaving me along. I need a Marty to help me know where to go and what to do. I followed the music to morning worship and afterwards joined the crowd at breakfast. Karen food is very spicy, and it's eaten with your hands. There's a break until morning meetings (classes start on Monday). I don't know what that is, but I'll go. I haven't started taking pictures yet...next time. This is my dry-run journal. With all of the uncertainties of the past week, my prayer life has been strong.

Marcia

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