Listening to God in Chiang Mai, Thailand

It was my annual vacation but I went to the northern part of Thailand - Chiang Mai - not for adventures this time.  I went to listen.  I spent five days in The Seven Fountains Jesuit Retreat Center for a solo silent retreat.  This is just basically taking myself away from my chaotic overstimulated life.  No phone.  Just silence with my God, oh and all other animals like rabbits, lizards, squirrels, myna, owl and other bird singing at night.

Silent Retreat at The Seven Fountains

Everyday, at 8:30 in the morning after breakfast (yes breakfast, lunch and dinner were provided in the center), I had a one-to-one talk with a priest.  He was the one assigned for spiritual direction.  After an hour or more than an hour chat, he would always leave me with a reflection.

My spiritual director, Fr. Beda

My daily routine composed of the following:

• Pray my rosary around the block, in a chapel, garden of peace or the labyrinth garden.
• Go back to my room to read the bible and do some reflection.
• Mess hall for morning snack and Milo (aroy - delicious in Thai).
• Adoration in any of the chapels.
• Lunch.
• Wash clothes.
• Afternoon snack.
• Reflection in the garden swing.
• Eucharistic mass.
• Dinner.
• Bed time - so early (for my busy life) 

At night, at 6:00 p.m., there was a daily eucharistic mass in the wooden chapel of The Seven Fountains.  After the mass, dinner was served in the cafeteria. Did I also 'mention were also silent while eating, yeah had a hard time at first minimizing the noise of my eating and the utensil sounds but I was able to eat silently.

What I ate in the silent retreat

At the end of the five-day silent retreat, I did not only hear God but also refreshed my soul saying, "ready for two steps forward?"

If you ever wanted a different vacation, a rest and silence that speaks to your soul, I highly recommend going to The Seven Fountains Retreat Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

How to survive hemithyroidectomy - Week One

Today marks the first week of my right hemithyroidectomy.  I have been confined to my room the whole week.  I tried to walk a little further away from the entrance door or our building to the nearest grocery store in the same building but i was lightheaded and felt dizzy, so I went back to my flat immediately fearing that i might fall.  I have now less choking with clear fluids but still have some few incidences of choking.  It is hard when i cough or sneeze.  I still have hoarse voice.  But with all of these, I am optimistic that i am on my way to healing.

my patient ID during the surgery and confinement

How to survive the first week of post hemithyroidectomy:

1.  Relax.  All wounds heal in time.

2.  Take the time to totally rest.  Do not force yourself to do certain activities that can cause dizziness.  This is the first week.  Activity is as tolerated only.

3.  Take pain medications as necessary.  I took only take pain medication at night so i can have a good night sleep.

4.  Spray lavender mist, so you can have a good night's sleep.

5.  Sleep as long as you can to get back your lost energy.

6.  Change position slowly.  One time when i was kneeling while praying, i suddenly stood up but my knees and legs won't let me as if i am paralyzed.  Good thing somebody was at my back to support.  So, i knelt back and slowly stood up while holding on to something.

7.  Eat really nutritious foods for healing especially avocado.  Avocado gives extra energy. 

8.  Adult coloring book.  Colors helped me relax and felt the pain less.

9. Drink lots of water to help heal the hoarseness of voice.

10.  Pray.  As you stay confined, do not stop praying but keep on talking and listening to God.

Onwards to healing!  Tomorrow is my first follow-up checkup.  Claiming for negative biopsy result.