Preparing for Thailand 2

We are getting closer and closer to our departure to Thailand and still believing the Lord for the provision of funds. Our team has already received donations large and small from so many people and we are thankful and excited to go.

Recently, my sister-in-law sent us a list of don'ts in Thailand:

Don'ts
*Do not show physical affection between guys and gals…even married people- no hugging, no kissing, no holding hands, no touching in intimate way of the opposite sex- at the home of blessing men do not touch the girls at ALL…in prayer times only have women lay hands on the girls
*Do not show anger- anger is very offensive. Not something they show.

*Do not argue with leaders or elderly.
*Do not show the souls of your feet and do not point with your feet, do not step on money (because the king's face is on the money)
*Do not speak against their government and especially the King…they are extremely loyal to the King and love him
*Do not speak against our own government
*Do not mock other religious people or the temples- show respect and kindness
*Do not compare how Americans might do it
*Do not give money away to children at the home of blessing, or to beggers on the street- if you feel led to give money away then give it to the leaders of the home of blessing
*Do not touch people's heads or point to people's heads
*Do not shake people's hands unless they offer it first, try not to use your left hand for anything
*Do not show disgust with bugs, food, housing situation, or city. Do not complain.
*Do not make eye contact with people of other sex on the street
*DO NOT DRINK THE WATER!!!! Even for brushing teeth…unless you won't to make new friends with the toilet

It seems as though we are in for quite a culture shock. I think the biggest problem for my 5'10" stature will be to wai (bow respectfully). The goal is to be lower than the elderly or respected person and Thai people are not known for their height. :)