I recently returned from a trip to Thailand with one of the other volunteers, Kessi. At first it was looking pretty iffy if we were going to be able to get out, as a typhoon was predicted to hit Hanoi. We left hearing news such as "The death toll from Typhoon Rammasun -- the strongest typhoon to hit China's south in decades -- was raised to 46 on Tuesday, increasing the overall toll to 151 people dead in three countries just before Typhoon Matmo hit Taiwan and takes aim on China." But luckily, we got out of Hanoi safely. Its amazing how different it feels to think about a typhoon hitting the Phillipines when you live in Minnesota vs. when you live in Hanoi and it's coming right toward you. It prompts interesting morality questions reminiscent of my course entitled "Science, ethics and religion" from college.
Once Kessi and I arrived in Thailand, we headed for Kanchanaburi. (Traveling in Thailand was an adventure because they don't use the same Latin alphabet, which makes everything so much harder to recognize!) Arriving in Thailand was an incredible food adventure. Vietnamese food is pretty bland-rice or rice noodles with almost every meal, some sort of meat and largely new veggies. Thai food has got some kick to it though! So delicious. :D
On Sunday, we spent the day at Elephants World-a sanctuary for old or injured elephants. Did you know that elephants spend 16 hours per day eating 330 pounds of food?? We spent most of the day feeding them (whole watermelon, bunches of bananas, whole squash, rice balls etc), planting food, and harvesting food. And the best part? We even got to go swimming with the elephants!
*Next blog will include the rest of our time in Thailand!
You got to ride an elephant!!! Great to get an update on how you're doing and what you're up to. We miss you at City Hill and soccer. Take care and may God fill you with joy as you trust in him.
ReplyDeleteWow, SO cool you got to feed elephants and hang out and go swimming with them! The pictures are adorable!!!
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