OceanicThai

Art Scapes of Thailand Here are 2 of my favorite portraits that he has done.

It always happens to me, coming or going, I have culture or reverse-culture shock. Whether it is going to Thailand or coming back to the U.S. there is this adjustment period. It really does feel a little like going into shock for a few days. I am just getting over it now, after being here for almost a week. We've only been gone for 6 months or it would probably take me longer to get over. It feels like I am putting on my "American" self, now. All the social rules change, our role in society, our status and social responsibilities change. For example, in Thailand we are at a higher economic and social level than the average Thai, which means, in that culture, we have more privileges, but also more responsibilities. Expectations change tremendously from 1 country to the other. As we board the plane I must change mental gears, and usually once we arrive, I feel disoriented and like isolating myself. This is just normal stuff, though, most folks go through this, some more th

We are back, for just 4 months, if all goes as we wish it to. We are here to finish some business with our new mission organization and to raise more support. We can't return unless we raise more support. Finances has been the hardest thing about joining this new mission. Our old mission let us squeak by on whatever funds we decided were sufficient. This mission has a far better healthcare coverage, it just costs a lot more. We are also required to raise 70% of the suggested budget for Thailand. We are so eager and anxious to return, so we are praying the funds will come in quickly so we can return in August.