From the Centre to the Fringe in a Week

Centre of Bangkok

 At the end of last week, I am at the centre of my bustling Bangkok with all its traffic.  Now for a change of scenery as I move to the border with Myanmar at Mae Sot.  

Rural North of Thailand

The change of scenery within my week was dramatic. After so long stuck in Bangkok during Covid-19, it was a pleasant and welcome change.  The shift in my life went from inner-city rush and crowds to quiet, rural beauty.  

The shift, however, touched me much more deeply as the trip was for our Caritas work with migrants at the border with Myanmar.  Here, many Burmese jump across for work at any cost, and some do pay a huge cost.  What I saw yet again was that no matter the cost, they wanted to stay put as here was at least a promise of opportunity, even if the promise did not eventuate.  Back home in Myanmar, they just do not see any promise.  

So my shift went from the comforts I enjoy in my Bangkok to being confronted by a diversity of peoples and their sufferings; from life cruises along each day to seeing how tough life really can be for some; from life offers us choices to there are people in this world who enjoy no choices.  I must say that this was a healthy change of scenery for me.  It reinforced my purpose in who I am in mission and what I do to carry it out.  

Meeting these people in their setting was a timely reminder of my focus and reinvigorated me.  I could remind myself that I am no expert or some visiting project manager.  Rather my role is accompanying these people and helping them as one sharing the journey.    

Then on the journey back to Bangkok, I was soundly reminded yet again of who I am, for I focused not on enjoying the journey but on reaching the road's end in my Bangkok.  This led to discomfort and impatience on my part. This was my doing and reminded me the road is long and it is shared by a rich diversity of peoples.  I am but one traveller.  Just enjoy the journey and the people I share it with.  No more is needed.  So here I am back in my Bangkok, richer for the journey.  Keep on travelling the journey.