So, I am hiding in the air conditiong at my host family's home because I kind of (well, actually, I REALLY) lost my temper at some missionaries that came to the school today.
My friends know I have no respect and harbour quite a bit of resentment towards most missionaries. Disclaimer: not all missionaries are the same, I know. Many good good work for the communities they live with, and offer spiritual guidance should someone ask, rather than pressing beliefs on the people around them. These missionaries were NOT that kind.
These little white women danced up to me today and sarted chatting away about how they were excited to meet me, and how they miss the UK where they are from originally, and so on. That was fun. Then one brightly asked me why I was wearing a heathen symbol, and they had an extra cross if I wanted it.
Yesterday a girl from school gave me a beautiful beaded gold necklace with a large Buddha pendant on it. I abslutely love it, and everything it represents (Buddha's etachings, protection, unconditional love, serenity, etc). To say that that comment hit me the wrong way is like saying Thai red peppers are bland.
I don't know if it was the extreme heat, the fact I hadn't eaten in five hours, or being tired from being out late the night before, but boy did I let the missionaries have it (verbally of course). I don't remember much (I saw a heck of a lot of red), but I remember them referring to the people as 'savages in needs of God's guidance" and how they are 'damned' and so on. My own words were fairly strong- pathetic, demeaning, corrupted,shameful, hateful, and so on. I didn't yell, but if looks could kill....
Shortly after (when I was starting to feel really guilty about being mean), three local monks came up and bowed to me. That was odd, they always ignored me before this. I guess one of them is very good at english (he was a eachers in a University before becoming a monk) and had translated what I said. I did express embarassment over losing my temper, but they said they were glad I said what I did. They never interefere with the missionaries, but they are smart people, and know when others are being condecending. They told me to remember that enlightened people never listen to fools.
I definetly needed the reminder.
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