“Have a soda.” Gordon dangled an orange-flavored soft drink in front of him. “It’s on me.”
“Oh . . . uh, thanks.” With a grin he accepted it.
The youth director leaned against the seat next to Bucky’s. “How’s your ankle?”
“Oh, it’s fine. Feels good as new.”
“That’s good.” Gordon took a sip of his own drink. “You guys did a great job. Boy, I never thought we’d finish on time.”
“It was fun.” Bucky looked over to where Benny was just practicing another Thai expression on a startled passerby. “Pretty hard work, though. You’re right.”
“Well, I just wanted you to know how much 1 appreciated it, Bucky.” The director put a friendly arm around the young man’s shoulder. “I think you cranked out as much work as anyone on the team, and I’m real grateful.”
Bucky shot the minister an appreciative look.
The night in the too - short sleeping compartment dragged by this time. No sleeping position was comfortable for very long, and two compartments down, Benny and Ricki seemed to be engaged in a never - ending argument about some extremely insignificant point.
“Can it, you guys!” Bucky’s whisper seemed to quiet them at least for the moment.
• • • • •
“Where to?” Benny surveyed the pile of luggage on the Bangkok train platform. “Now that the heavy stuff is done, what do we do for the rest of the trip?”
“I got a surprise for you.” Gordon waved to the hospital’s bus driver who had just entered the terminal. “Grab your stuff and let’s go.”
Despite the group’s persistent questioning, the youth director refused to offer any hints. The crowded bus snaked its way through the hot and hazy mid-morning Bangkok traffic.
“Man, this is worse than California freeways even,” Bucky marveled, watching a city bus lurching by. The crowded blue vehicle was jammed with human cargo, mostly standing in the aisles and on the boarding steps. “Can you imagine going to work like that every day?”
The little hospital bus eased down a side road and pulled into a large complex shielded by a large wall. “Where are we, man?” Benny poked his head out the window.
“After hard work in the mission field, it’s customary to enjoy some ‘R and R,’” Gordon beamed. “How does some swimming sound to you?”
“All right!” In the relentless August heat the huge Olympic-sized pool looked like paradise to the eighteen fatigued young people.
“How’d you line this up?” Bucky dived into the cool water and surfaced next to Gordon.
“Well, this is kind of an exclusive club here, but we managed to work it out. When the management heard about your trip to Chiang Mai to help their people, they said, ‘Come on over.’”
“This is great.” Bucky waved to Carl who was perched on the ten-meter board high above the surface. “Go for it!”
The shy youth hesitated, then executed a perfect one - and - a - half tuck somersault, cutting the water’s surface with barely a ripple.
“Wow! Did you see that?” He turned in time to spot Vasana coming out of the ladies’ locker room, clad in a simple one-piece suit that accentuated her slim figure.
The relaxing hours slipped away as the students basked in the luxuries of the club. In addition to the full-length pool, it had badminton courts, ping pong, and even a full golf course.
“I’d shoot a round of golf, ‘cept I haven’t got any clubs,” Benny complained, eyeing the vast expanse of closely - cropped green grass.
“They’ll rent you some,” Gordon responded.
Benny shook his head. “Naaah. Too hot and muggy. I better stay here and be lifeguard in case some of our girls want to drown or something.” He laughed.
The sun was nearing the horizon as the happy mission team climbed back on the bus and rode through town to the Christian hospital. Dr. Geltje welcomed the boys into her living room once again and set out a feast of doughnuts and tropical fruit.
“How long have you worked here at this hospital,” Bucky asked her as he polished off the last bite of the pastry.
The woman pondered. “Let’s see. I came here from the hospital in Singapore back in . . . I guess I’ve been here just about ten years now.”
“Are you kidding?” Bucky shook his head. “Don’t you miss home?”
“This is my home,” she said quietly.
“But what about . . . what is it, Denmark?”
“That’s home, too,” the doctor conceded. “But when you grow to love the people here, you find yourself thinking of this country as home. When I go home to Denmark on furlough, I end up missing Thailand.”
Carl cut himself another slice of mango. “It’s an awfully hot place to live.”
Dr. Geltje’s face crinkled into a smile. “That’s what our visitors always say. There’s an old missionary joke that says there are three seasons in Thailand: hot, hotter, and hottest.”
“Really.” Benny nodded in agreement. “And we all came during ‘hottest.’”
“Yes, you did.” The doctor glanced up at the ceiling where the spinning fan blew a gentle breeze down on them. “But we soon learn to adjust. My bedroom, at least, has air conditioning in it. So it’s nice and cool in there. And we dress for this kind of weather.” She laughed. “I can’t remember the last time I wore a pair of nylons. We just never do around here.”
The next morning Bucky and the boys met the girls at the door of the hospital church. The fully enclosed building was air conditioned and quiet, providing a spiritual haven from the shimmering tropical temperatures and the incessant traffic grinding by on the street just outside the compound.
The church superintendent beamed when he saw the two rows of American students. “Welcome to Bangkok! We are glad to have so many visitors.”
Gordon stood and briefly explained the group’s recent mission. “We return home to the U.S. next week, but we’re happy to enjoy a weekend here in Bangkok before leaving.”
The superintendent whispered something to someone else on the platform before responding. “We are hoping . . . maybe you could do something special for our worship program today. Sing a special song, perhaps?”
A reluctant murmur came from the pews, but Gordon nodded his head with a big smile. “I’m sure they’d be delighted!” Everyone laughed.
“No way!” Benny shook his head in protest.
“Oh, you guys. Come on.” The youth director reached for his guitar. “We’ll just sing one of our praise choruses for them.”
Putting on a smile, Bucky went up to the platform with the others, nudging Benny as he turned to face the congregation. “Just shut up and sing,” he whispered.
Benny scanned the largely female audience made up of student nurses. “Yeah, I just changed my mind,” he replied.
The student group managed to sing a passable version of one of their vesper favorites and even came up with some good harmony on the chorus. Nods from the nurses rewarded the singers. Bucky saw one of the younger girls blush and whisper to her seatmate as she eyed the guys in the back row of the singing group.
After church Gordon called the students together. “They’re going to give us a traditional Thai lunch in the cafeteria,” he announced. “Then I thought we’d maybe do just a little bit of singing for a few of the patients here in the hospital, and afterward you can have some free time. OK?”
“I didn’t hear nothin’ after you said the word ‘lunch,’” Benny declared. “Let’s do that first.”
• • • • •
It was after the singing that Vasana approached Bucky. “There is a temple very near the hospital,” she said. “Noelle and I want to see it. Maybe you could come?” Somehow the week in Thailand had brought back some of her Asian reserve. The invitation seemed to spring from a reluctant shyness.
“Sure.” Bucky pulled off his necktie. “You don’t think Gordon’ll mind?”
“Could you ask him?”
Bucky explained the brief excursion to the
youth director.
“Oh, I think that’s OK. But you kids watch yourselves. Don’t go more than a couple blocks off . . . and stick together. If anybody got separated, it could be real tough.”
“Vasana says it’s real close.”
“Sure. Have a good time.”
After changing into more casual clothes, Bucky met the two girls in front of the hospital. “Where to?”
“Down here.” Weaving through the crowded sidewalk traffic, Vasana led the two Americans to a large walled-in compound where tourists and nationals alike crowded together.
“What’s in there?” Bucky craned his head.
“Many Buddha figures,” Vasana said solemnly. “Many people come to worship here.”
The smell of incense was strong in the air as the three students slipped into the main temple. Rows and rows of shoes lined the entrance. “Do we . . .”
“Yes.” Vasana reached down and unbuckled her sandals, signaling the others to do the same.
Fascinated, Bucky watched as the Thais reverently knelt and meditated in front of the huge golden Buddha sitting stolidly at the front of the temple. One small woman, gray hair pulled back into a tiny bun, held trembling hands together in prayer, rocking slowly back and forth.
“Do they really think that he can answer their prayers?” Bucky whispered.
Vasana nodded slowly. “Some, yes. Others think, ‘Buddha is dead but his words are good for people to live by.’”
“What about, you know, sin and someone dying for them and everything like that?”
“No. Buddhism has nothing like that.”
“Are most people here Buddhists?”
“Almost all.” Vasana gave Noelle’s sleeve a little tug, indicating it was time to go. “There are very few Christians in Thailand.”
Bucky thought about a recent teen article in Christ the King’s youth web magazine that had described the church’s goals of penetrating every culture in the world with the gospel. The images of those hundreds of worshipers bowing low to a dust - covered piece of gold troubled him the rest of the day.
• • • • •
That evening the hospital bus drove the group down to one of Bangkok’s busiest sections of town. Milling crowds jostled the teens as they gawked at the crowded shops and street vendors.
“Man, look at all these movies!” Benny pointed to a booth where all the latest American DVD hits were on display. He pointed to one. “Tao rai?”
The diminutive salesman brightened. “One hundred baht.”
“Man, three bucks for a video. How do they do it?”
Gordon gave Benny a nudge. “It’s all pirated stuff,” he murmured.
“Stolen?”
“May as well be.” He gestured at the rows of tapes. “Somebody takes a U.S. film and just cranks out a hundred copies with video equipment. Then sells ‘em out here for four or five bucks each. Problem is, it’s all illegal. The movie company, producers, nobody back home gets the royalties they’re supposed to.” He pointed toward another stall. “Same with music CDs. Two bucks apiece, all pirated.”
“Man.” Benny shook his head. “‘Course, I don’t feel bad much for the movie companies. They got plenty of money, but it still ain’t right.”
“Yeah. Come on, let’s eat.” Bucky tugged at his friend’s shirt sleeve.
Minutes later the students were seated at three booths in one of Bangkok’s finest Pizza Hut restaurants. “Home sweet home,” Ricki announced as she took a huge bite of her cheese / olive / pineapple special deluxe.
“Seems dumb to fly all the way out to Thailand and then eat at Pizza Hut,” Bucky grinned.
“Hey, after a week in the jungle, some good old American food sounds just fine to me.” Benny rubbed his hands together as the little Thai waitress slid a big pizza in front of him. “Thank you, honey.”
“You are welcome.” The restaurant employee had been carefully trained to reply in the appropriate English expressions, Bucky noticed.
Gordon came over to where the boys were gulping down their fast-food meal. Behind him was a young Thai man with a confident smile. “Listen, fellows, I want you to meet Chai. He’s a lab technician at the hospital here.”
“How ya doin’?” The boys responded in chorus.
“Chai tells me there’s a Thai boxing match over at some stadium near here that’s very interesting. Costs about a dollar to get in, and it’s quite an exhibition. You know, kind of like martial arts – kick - boxing and everything. He wants to know if any of you are interested.”
“Yeah!” Benny, of course, was the first to speak. He looked over at Bucky. “What about it, Stone?”
Bucky glanced to where Vasana was eating with two of her friends. “I . . . don’t know.”
“Come on, man. This is Thailand. Let’s see some Thai boxing.” He feinted with his left fist. “Don’t make me have to persuade you.”
With a sigh, Bucky nodded. “Yeah, sure. I’ll go.”
“All right!” Benny scanned the row of boys. “Any of you other guys want to go?”
Carl shook his head. “I don’t know. What are the rest doing?”
Gordon signaled for the bill before answering. “Oh, just looking around right here. There’s lot of little street shops and everything. We’ve got to stay real close to the bus so we don’t get separated.”
“I think I’ll do that.”
Benny wadded up his napkin. “Nobody else? Bucky, I guess it’s just you and me and . . . what was your name?”
“Chai.” The older student spoke with a pronounced accent.
“Let’s check it out.”
“Now wait a minute.” Gordon put a hand on Chai’s shoulder. “You three guys stick close together. This is a big, mean city, ‘specially at night. I don’t want anybody getting lost. Chai, you’re sure the three of you can get back to the hospital without any problem.”
“Oh, yes. Bus ride to hospital is very simple. City bus, five baht.”
“Hey,” Benny said easily, “anything goes wrong, I just hop in a taxi and say, ‘Take me to roangpayaban mitchun.’ Mission Hospital.”
The youth director glanced at Chai. “Well, keep these two guys right with you. They don’t know the language, so . . .” He gave the Thai student a pointed look.
“Yes, yes.” The young man’s head bobbed in agreement. “We will stay together.”
Chapter Nine: Thai Boxing
The crowd roared in frenzy as the two wiry athletes in the ring darted and jabbed at each other. Bam! With a swift kick, the Thai in the red trunks sent his opponent staggering.
“They can really do that?” Bucky couldn’t believe his eyes.
“Yes, Thai boxing rules very different from U.S.A.” Chai took a sip of his soda.
The red-trunked attacker bore in hard, but with a flurry of stinging jabs, his rival drove him away. A second cheer went up at the counterattack. A group of Thais sitting nearby jabbered excitedly among themselves, passing bills back and forth.
“What are they doing?”
Chai eyed the men. “Betting, I think.”
The atmosphere in the stadium was electrifying, almost intoxicating. The smell of Thai beer was heavy in the air. Bucky shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
“Dhai lao!” A shriek went up from a man near the front as one of the boxers staggered and fell heavily. The fan rose to his feet, gesturing excitedly in victory.
“Is that it?” Bucky turned to Chai, hoping the bout was over.
“Yes. First match only. Two more to go.”
Bucky winced. “Listen, I . . .”
“What’s the matter, Stone?” Benny craned to see the referee indicating the winner. “You OK?”
Shaking his head, Bucky said, “Man, I don’t like this.”
“How come?”
“I . . . well, look, it’s awfully violent and everything. Plus half the people here are drunk. Look around.”
Benny started to say something, then nodded reluctantly. “Yeah, I guess you’re
right.” He turned to Chai. “What do you say, Chai? Let’s go.”
The Thai glanced at the ring where two new fighters were being introduced to applause. “Good fight coming,” he said hopefully.
“Yeah, but we just . . . we’re just not into it.” Benny tried to be diplomatic. “Look, let’s go for some ice cream or something. I’m buyin’, boys.”
Bucky gave his friend a thankful look.
Outside Lumpinee Stadium the air was cool and clear, free from the heavy cloud of tobacco smoke. Bucky took a deep breath. “Sorry,” he said. “But that just wasn’t . . .”
“Hey, no problem-o.” Benny tried to get his bearings. “Chai, we’re looking for the nearest ice cream depot. Help us out.”
The Thai youth pointed to a small restaurant across the street. “Good ice cream there.”
The three young men savored the tart, creamy dessert. “You like mango ice cream?” Chai asked Bucky.
“Yeah, it’s good.” The young student looked in fascination at the throng of shoppers going by the outdoor restaurant. Set up near the table was a huge display of watches. “Are those any good?”
Chai shook his head. “Rolex,” he laughed. “All fake. Last maybe three months. Six hundred baht.”
Benny shook his head, laughing. “Man, twenty bucks for a fake Rolex. Too much!”
“Time to catch bus.” Chai finished his ice cream cone and beckoned to the others. “Over here.”
Bucky quietly patted his wallet as he stood and followed the two other boys. The crowd looked harmless enough, but a tourist from California could never tell.
At the bus stop sign the boys waited along with at least eighty other people. “You sure we can get on?” Benny grinned.
“Several buses stop here,” Chai responded. “Not all of them ride our bus.”
“Good thing.” Bucky watched as an overloaded bus rumbled by without stopping. “What about that one?”
“Not here.” Chai peered to see the destination sign on the front of the bus. “Only one bus goes to hospital.”
“They come along every few minutes?”
Bucky Stone: The Complete Adventure (Volumes 1-10) Page 49
