Pastor Carol in Thailand #1

UPDATE #1

Dear Friends, family and church folks,

Sandals…check. Sermon….check.

Anti-malaria medication…check.

It’s packing time for my flight tomorrow to Thailand . I am going with a group of American Baptist leaders and pastors to deepen our connections with Karen Baptists from both Thailand and Burma . We will especially be learning about the Karen people and the refugee to resettlement process they are experiencing. The Karen brothers and sisters at North Shore (refugees from Burma/Myanmar) are very excited for me to see their former homes, schools and churches, and have sent me off with fervent prayers.

As I complete my trip preparations, my incredible excitement is tempered with a bit of sadness. We received word a few days ago that due to changes in the political situation, we would not be able to sleep in the Mae La Camp during our 3 day visit there, but would stay in the nearby town of Mae Sot . That’s disappointing, as evening is a good time for casual conversation, and I was looking forward to the deeper experience of camp life that spending the night affords. But I am more sad after hearing from one of our Karen leaders the details of the new reality. Some years ago an important commander in the armed Karen resistance was enticed by promises of wealth and power to join the Myanmar military forces in fighting against his own people. His defection divided the Karen army. On February 3 this leader was assassinated. Those responsible remain at large, but the Myanmar military blames the Karen people and have threatened retaliatory attacks against the Mae La Camp. Such attacks, more common in the summer months, have always been repelled by the camp security guards. But obviously those responsible for our group are concerned about the heightened risk. What saddens me is that there are 50,000 other people in that camp who don’t have the choice to sleep someplace where it is more safe.

I hope to send a few updates during my 11 days in Thailand . I do not know how much computer access I will have. Any updates I do send will also be posted on North Shore ’s website, www.northshorebaptist.org

When asked “What do I need to know before I go to Thailand ?” the first thing my Karen friends said was: “You don’t need your coat.” So wish me well as I leave Chicago ’s snow and cold for a sunnier, warmer place!

Grace and peace, Carol