It is nine years

Br John Beeching, a Maryknoller in action.

I arrived on 5th October, 2005.  I don't know why I remember the date but I do.  This means that last Sunday I have been here nine years.  Amazing!

I first came with Maryknoll, the missionary arm of the US Catholic Church, as a volunteer.  Br John Beeching was my connection and mentor.  I took on teaching English in a Buddhist temple  which was seen as an inter-religious project. As well, I ran their volunteer programme for ones coming from the USA.  That was how I began.

From the beginning with Maryknoll, I questioned why I was teaching middle-class Thais English for nothing and I asked how I could improve the teaching curriculum.  This was all too much for Br John and for the first time in my life I got the sack, with John taking me for coffee to tell me that I would be better placed somewhere else.  So Maryknoll Thailand introduced me to the then Fr Pibul in January 2006 and there began my new career with what was to become Caritas Thailand.

And here I am!

I sometimes ask myself why I am still here.  The answer is simple.  I am where I need to be.  I believe this is my place in the world and the Church for now.  I say this for a number of reasons.
1) I make a worthwhile contribution through my ministry and work here,
2) I am involved in a life-giving ministry to urban refugees for which I have a passion,
3) I serve a good purpose for my Order, allowing them entry into a cutting edge ministry with migrants and refugees in a part of the world where they want to be more and more present.

Yes, for now, I have found my little corner in world and Church.  My Bangkok may be a bit bizarre and intense at times but it is where I belong for now.  What more can one ask for in life?