Austins in Thailand

It’s strange to not really belong anywhere. I live in Thailand - but I’m not Thai. No matter how hard I try or for how long I try, I’ll never be Thai. I’m an American, but after being out of the country for six years now, I’m not sure what that means.

This is a bit destabilizing. It also brings some things into sharp, culture warping perspective. I’ve now been back in the United States for 2 weeks. I’m in culture shock, and I hope I don’t get over it. Here are a couple of my more recent culture shock moments:

I can’t bear to spend $3 on a latte knowing that $3 is equal to a week worth of lunches in Thailand or approximately 2 days worth of pay for the average Cambodian.

What’s up with all the stores where trees used to be? Do we need 300 Target stores in the North Seattle area?

I’m not against shopping, lattes, eating good food, etc. But the materialism will eat away at the our souls until we are hollow. Moderation is a good thing. Living simply so others may simply live is a good thing.

I don’t want to be a materialist American. I want to be a Christian like John Wesley:

Making as much as I can to give as much as I can.

Living a life of enthusiastic outreach, helping all I can.

Doing everything from a heart of love.