20 THINGS IM LEARNING IN BANGKOK | People of the Second Chance

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Posted by Mike Foster:

Tomorrow marks the 3rd week my family and I have been in Bangkok. 5 more weeks to go. Here are some things I’m learning:

1. Skype is a beautiful thing. 5am meetings on Skype…not so much.

2. The Thai people are amazing. Generous. Kind. Full of love.

3. If you’re not paying attention to what’s happening in Asia, you should start today so you’re not left behind.

4. Fox News and MSNBC are embarrassingly irrelevant here. CNN and BBC actually broadcast what I consider to be REAL news.

5. It’s better to follow your heart and passion then follow the “rules.”

6. I got a haircut today. I told the stylist I was from the United States. I think she thought I said UNITED STATES MILITARY! Holy cow they cut it short! Well I guess my hair will eventually grow back…by January. (See pic above)

7. My wife and my kids are studs. Took them about 48 hours to adjust to a completely new way of life. Btw, Thai women are seriously crazy in love with my 8 year old daughter. It’s fun to watch.

8. Excited to be connecting with so many great social justice organizations doing incredible work in this city.

9. In September we are traveling to Chiang Mai to meet Kirapaw. She is one of the 4 beautiful children we sponsor through Compassion International. I’m super excited!

10. Bangkok is a city of extremes. You can buy a $250,000 Lamborghini at the most beautiful mall I’ve ever been in. Then you walk out of that mall and see a Mom and her newborn baby begging for spare change.

11. I’m worried that I’m not going to see a NFL game until I get back.

12. I have very little to offer the Thai people. That’s why I listen intently, watch closely, and take good notes.

13. It is true that Bangkok has evil and darkness in it. But it is also true that this city is full of light and life and great hope. We sometimes can lose sight of that truth.

14. I’m very thankful to work with such an incredibly talented and capable team back home.

15. Everyone has a cell phone. And I mean EVERYONE! A lot have 2 phones. Forget E-commerce. They are going to go straight to Mobile Commerce.

16. Heading to Hanoi, Vietnam next week for some meetings, learnings and to speak. Then to Beijing in 2 weeks.

17. I’m 6 foot 4 inches tall. Nobody else is. So I work hard at being a gentle giant.

18. Respect for others translates in every culture. So if you are not familiar with that idea, you better learn it.

19. The Newsong Bangkok community has been great for my soul and restores my hope in the future of the church.

20. Thai portions of food are smaller than the US. That’s probably why we are fat and they are not. Also, no free refills on drinks.

Have a great weekend!

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http://www.mohan37.com/ mohan37

Ah I hope you write more about the beauty. I've had such a hard time convincing other Christians of that. They only know about the bad stuff.

I spent a few days I'm Chiang mai. You can hire a tuktuk for the day for a good price, right off the street, much cheaper than in Bangkok.

Are u going to see the temples or skip them? I wasn't a Christian when I was there, so it didn't make any difference to me then. I think Id still go now anyway did u see wat pho?
http://twitter.com/MikeFoster mike foster

definitely seeing the temples…saw wat pho! reclining buddha,etc…its crazy how ornate they are…
http://www.mohan37.com/ mohan37

Isnt it wild that, in the past, society's most provocative art was produced in honor of someone's god? seeing the reclining buddhas, or cave sculptures in India, or Notre Dame, reminds me of that. It's not really like that anymore, I think. Sometimes I wish I could paint or sculpt…

have fun!
http://www.tonyjalicea.com Tony Alicea

Enjoy your time in Bangkok, it is an amazing city. I was there in January and I am dying to return. You have to do a boat ride on the river, its a great experience. Also, I'm sure the mall you're talking about is Siam Paragon, right? What an amazing place.

Thanks for sharing and I can't wait to hear more updates. Oh and re: #12, you have love dude. They need that more than anything.
http://www.roccocapra.com/ Rocco

If more Americans would leave the country at least once in their lives (for a few weeks) they wouldn't be so “Narcissistically American”. (Especially Christians, dare I say.)
jaycaruso

Great post Mike. You still going to be make it to Catalyst in October? I see you're scheduled as a Lab speaker. I'll be there doing some behind the scenes stuff. Would be nice to stop by and say hello.
http://felizadriana.wordpress.com Adriana

Nice to know there aren't free refills… being that we kept getting them at their seven elevens. Nobody said anything!
Enjoy Hanoi, beautiful (and incredibly hot -40* celsius about a month ago) city!
kenyongerbrandt

I love the statement: “Fox News and MSNBC are embarrassingly irrelevant here. CNN and BBC actually broadcast what I consider to be REAL news.” Seems to alleviate the nausea in my stomach.

In case you've “missed” it the media is in the midst of a frenzy about the President's religious beliefs. “Thailand take me away!”
http://twitter.com/MikeFoster mike foster

definitely will be at catalyst! see you there!
Albee

Great updates Mike….truly glad you guys are getting a lot out of the trip. If worst comes to worst, you can always catch the Bolts on Justin.tv or something….
http://twitter.com/MikeFoster mike foster

i hope it doesnt come to that…but if i must in order to catch some Chargers football, i will
http://twitter.com/MikeFoster mike foster

i saw that poll about Obama being a muslim…and hearing things like that makes me wonder if we have officially gone nuts! geesh!
http://twitter.com/MikeFoster mike foster

busted!
http://twitter.com/Biscuet Biscuet

Hey man, saw that you're coming to Beijing. Would love to take you to dinner/lunch/coffee if you have time. Or just let me know if you need anything.
http://twitter.com/Biscuet Biscuet

Hey man, saw that you’re coming to Beijing. Would love to take you to dinner/lunch/coffee if you have time. Or just let me know if you need anything.

Aug 20