Hey, There is No Maple Syrup Here!
by Abel Chen

The author is a high school student from Canada who went to CCEC of Northern Thailand for 4 weeks in the summer of 2013. The job of the mission team was to host 3 English camps for the 3 weekends and teach English for M1-M3 classes.

This first week in Thailand has been an amazing experience for me. I am glad that God brought me to CCEC this summer instead of letting me spend my summer in the comfort of my home.

First of all, I have come to realize just how privileged and comfortable my life is in Canada. Conditions here at CCEC are not spartan, but are a far cry from the homes of North America. For example, the toilets here do not have a flush lever. In order to flush, you need to pour a bowl of water into the toilet bowl to flush. Also, the toilets clog very easily so toilet paper cannot be flushed but must be thrown away into the garbage can. Running hot water is available...most of the time. I thank God that I can experience all this and have a heightened appreciation for even the most basic blessings I have readily available back home.

Secondly, the heat in Thailand is really hard to adjust to. The temperatures here are very similar to the temperatures in Las Vegas, to get an idea of how hot it is, but we do not have air conditioning here. Instead, fans are used to cool us down, causing papers to fly everywhere in all directions constantly. This is a continual source of frustration and annoyance for us. During the day, teachers are required to wear collared shirts and long pants. As a result, skin is constantly coated with sweat. Showers are a relief, but after a shower, you only have a matter of seconds before the heat gets to you again. With the night comes mosquitoes and other bugs/insects. I have already been bitten dozens of times, and they are unbearably itchy. When it is not hot, it is raining. And it is an immediate transition. One second it is bright and sunny, and the next second it is pouring rain. When you feel a raindrop, you will want to run for cover if you don't want to be soaked. The rains that come are both sudden and heavy. I thank God for allowing me to appreciate air conditioning and moderate temperatures.

But there is one thing about CCEC that is very easy to adjust to. The food here is absolutely delicious! Rice is a staple food, eaten during almost every meal. So far, we have only had 1 meal without rice present. This is not a bad thing though. Because they grow their own rice, the rice has no preservatives and has a natural taste. One day we had the opportunity to accompany students in some rice planting. We experienced first hand how hard it was to grow rice by hand, and we only worked for 20 minutes! I get a feeling of thanksgiving and appreciation every time I receive a bowl of rice, because I know how much work was expended to allow me to enjoy this rice. I also thank God everyday because most of the dishes we eat are not spicy. They are mostly vegetables and fruits; there is not much meat. Twice, there were some pork rinds to eat. Both times, I found them to be the best part of the meal.

This week, I have found that God really does provide strength when we need it and when we ask. That is why I have decided to change the verse in my signature. Previously, I relied a lot on my own knowledge and understanding, and so chose Proverbs 9:10 (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.) as my verse to live by. This trip so far has taught me that my own strength is not enough. I need to live my life relying on him who gives me strength.　

"I can do all things through Him who gives me strength."   Phillipians 4:13

If you are interested in joining the Short Term Mission to N. Thailand next summer, please contact CCM Canada for more details.