Day "Jet" (Nine. The last of our days here in Thailand)

The last full day in Thailand and we used it to experience some of what Thailand and Southeast Asia is known for: Elephants and Tigers.

We were accompanied with a couple of the Centre's short term English teachers whom we have come to be friends with and began the day at the Elephant camp. We fed elephants bananas, watched the trainers bath them in a river, rode them, and watched a show where the elephants played soccer; painted pictures; threw darts; etc. It was quite a new and wild experience for everyone. Most of us had never felt their leathery, hairy skin and elephants became a greater reality for us who have had little if any real experience with them in the past. What grander among the beasts of the earth over which man has been given dominion.

After lunch we visited the tigers. The big ones could be watched outside and above a fenced area where they scrapped and swaggared and acted remarkably similar to the household feline pet. There was another area with younger, much smaller tigers that the youth walked amidst and were able to pet. It was that kind of 'once in a lifetime' experience that everyone had with a great smile on their faces. What majesty of the animal kingdom creation.

Afterwards we rested up a bit and were taken to a place for dinner with traditional Thai dancing. Near the end of the show, after all other dinner guests had already left, the performers came down and asked us to dance with them which many of us did and we all had a great laugh over. 

While it may be seen that the day was all spent on our selves, doing 'the tourist thing,' we felt honoured to witness this other viewpoint of the works of God in this area of the world, to see how ALL of creation has been formed for, and to proclaim, the glory of the Lord. Elephants are also a huge part of Thailand's culture and heritage. It's beautiful how something so simple can help build our understanding of another place and another people. It can allow for a point of connection and means to start a conversation. 

Sighs are in the air as people begin to pack. This was a very valuable trip for all who came and I pray it has been valuable also to those of you who have been supporting this work of God in various ways, but through prayer most significantly. Thank you oh so much and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Mark