Lanterns & Noise

In a recent post, I showed a picture of what a burned out "balloon" (more properly lantern) looked like. I linked to Erika's blog about them. Look at Elainea's blog to see 2 very informative pictures of these lanterns, which are one of the features of Loy Krathong. It's a wonder this whole country has not burned up.

Tonight is New Year's, and eveyone is off today. In fact, since the King's birthday a couple of weeks ago, eveyone except the protesters in Bangkok (red shirts this time around) has been off quite a bit. I hear they get 5 days total for New Year's.

I mentioned the monk's devotions over a PA system. I may not have mentioned that they are not unique. It seems everyone cranks it up for whatever reason they desire. Many nights, especially weekends, I hear loud music from the village. At the school, and less noticeable here at the farm, there are PA announcements from the village cheiftains, or whoever they are, about various bits of village business (I guess). Last week, it was a woman who spent a good 15 minutes talking about free massages. Helicopters regularly fly low over both the Farm and the School. Gun volleys and/or fireworks of some sort (I only hear them, not see them, so I do not know) are a daily occurence. In general, there does not appear to be a presumed right to not be disturbed.

In my next post, I will share with you some information about Lal Lian's plans for an orphanage in his village in Burma. He is one of the graduates who is back here for additional Bible training. He is a joy to teach, and I believe that his heart is in the right place and that God will use him as a result.