Beautiful Me

Thailand

Back to the original story...

By the time I was 4, our family decided we were going to move, a big one too. My dad always wanted to be a missionary since he was a teenage boy. He finished his Masters Degree and other sh-tuffs and finally it was time.

March 2002, the year of Korean/Japanese World Cup, we moved to Thailand so my dad can pursue his dream, being a missionary. We almost went to the Middle East because my dad wanted to go there. However, few months before we moved, my dad visited Thailand with some church members, and after he arrived he decided Thailand is the place we should go. I guess he heard God's calling to go to Thailand. To a little young boy, moving to a new place was just filled with adventure, especially moving to another country! I wasn't that mad or sad to leave Korea, probably because I was too young to understand and I didn't go to school which meant I didn't have to worry about leaving friends! I really loved the idea of becoming a Young Missionary Boy (Kid) so I sang a song called I am a Missionary Kid (나는 꼬마 선교사). Like all kids, however, I had no idea what it meant to live overseas.

For the first few years we had many difficult times. I (we) can't deny it because it is true. The first years of our lives in Thailand was tough and not pleasant. Of course, from a young boy's perspective I couldn't see it, but in reality all things weren't in cooperation to helping us.

Most of the time it was financially difficult, such as getting our money stolen. Because I was 4, I needed to go to kindergarten; however, because we didn't have enough money and lacked information of the best kindergarten to go to, I had to go to a local Thai kindergarten. (does that make sense... I don't think it does for some reason XP) Later, I moved to an international school, then moved to another international school; in fact, I believe I moved schools 4 times. The first few months were really tough in Thailand. There was one incident where we accidentally left our moneybag in the Taxi, and it wasn't just $1 or $10, it was $2000 USD!!! Back then, $2000 was a big number! We also had couple of cases where few Koreans tricked us and they stole our money, laptop, and couple of other things. But every first step is tough right? Gradually it got better to a point where this year is our 15th year living in a wonderful place I call home!

Living in Thailand wasn't very easy for all of us. It was arduous both physically and financially, especially because we were missionaries. Physically it was strenuous because being a missionary is not easy. You have to show love to local people and trying to convert other's people religion while not trying to hurt their feelings is not simple. Sometimes in our church, some of the attenders would leave taking with them half of the other attenders through gossiping about our lives as Christians. Being a missionary, I feel like, is a tiresome job. Financially, though, was not pleasant for us too for the couple of years. Numerous occasions where my sister and I almost could not go to school because we couldn't pay the tuition fee. We are still in debt and constantly paying the loans back.

Living in another country where you don't belong naturally is challenging. However, Thailand is one of the places that still gives me joy and happiness. Because I am sharing difficult times of our lives, doesn't mean I hate Thailand and you should be pity on us. XD XD I love Thailand and we are now living great! Its all the first step towards a goal that is tough. After a couple of steps, you realize you reached the peak of a mountain! Life in Thailand might have been hard sometimes, but it was fun and I love THAILAND!

PS: Sorry for publishing this so late.... In fact, I was busy with college sh-tuffs!!! This chapter will probably sound repetitive and makes no sense.... I didn't take the time to re-read it and proofread it (SORRY).... Also, for non-Christians out there, I won't be talking about Christian shtuffs a lot...so just enjoy!!!

By the way, I never got to tell you my name and my sister's name. Obviously, by the book cover, my name is not TinyTim XP It is actually just Timothy. (Reasons to why my nickname is TinyTim.... I will tell you later in another chapter...)

My sister's name is ****** :) She has her own wattpad though. Some of you guys might know her. She mostly writes Korean books, but also has one series where she teaches Korean. Her wattpad name is G********.