We're Back!

I have sat down many times to write and catch everyone up on our lives, but have felt at a loss for words. Sooooo much has happened since I last wrote I hardly know where to start and how much to include, but here is my attempt to fill you in.

We ended 2016 in America, visiting our supporters, family, and friends in Michigan, Georgia, Tennessee, Washington, and Oregon.  My health was on the decline before we flew to America and it continued to spiral downward our entire trip. Before we left for the states I had unusual symptoms: swollen glands, fatigue, mental fog, and shortness of breath.  I visited the cardiologist before our flight to ensure all was well, and it was.

We were busy in Michigan, preparing presentations to share what the Lord was doing in Thailand through the ministry he gave us.  Each time we shared, I felt thankful that we were able to be a part of His story in Asia.  Sharing what God's done reminded me of the many times He answered our prayers.

Our family in Michigan circled around us and helped with the kids, cooked meals for us, shopped for our family, and loved us like family and friends do.  This was a huge help to us!  I tried to rest and heal and Ken and I sought out people and churches to partner with us financially in order to continue working here in Thailand.  (Thank you to all of you who support us!  We couldn't be here without you.)

Headed south: Back home in Ringgold, GA was a sweet time of hugging friends we missed, meeting babies that were born while we were away, and saying goodbye to friends who also had been called to the mission field.  We met new friends and pastors, visited new churches and were encouraged by the interest people expressed in supporting us in prayer and monthly giving.

In the midst of this joy, my health was still off.   I realized how bad it was when I stepped into my favorite thrift store and didn't have the energy to shop.  I walked a lap and told Ken, "I can't do this." I had some bloodwork drawn, but it only showed a sinus/chest infection.

The Lord has given me the best husband.  He took care of the kids and did the laundry. I laid around during the day, wanting to visit more people and visit parks that we missed and push Max on the swing outside, but I was drained.  I just thought I was exhausted from the chest cold, but as the cold went away, the other symptoms didn't.

We flew to Washington state to visit Ken's family..it had been 2 1/2 years since we had last seen them!  Max wasn't even walking during our last visit!  On the flight I felt awful.  I felt like I might collapse and told Ken we might need to go the hospital when we land.  I had never felt so weak.  We made it to his parents house, had lunch, and I slept from 2pm until the next morning.

We had 2 weeks to play with cousins, lose at card games to my in-laws, and share stories of what the Lord was doing in all of our lives.  We enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner with SWEET POTATOES..oh how I miss sweet potatoes.  The grandparents and aunt/uncle spoiled our kiddos with outings and toys.  I slept a lot, but was able to knit slippers for all of the ladies in the house, which I loved!  Making time for crafting for people I love is a rare treat, so I soaked in the yarn aisle at Hobby Lobby.  I also picked up craft supplies on clearance to take back to Thailand.  I teach a group of Thai girls who were rescued out of human trafficking. Part of their healing is craft-time.  I am grateful to be a part of that ministry~

Before we left Washington, my knees began aching, then other joints followed..my right ear started ringing continuously and I felt cold all the time.  Back in Michigan I met with my parent's doctor who helped me get lab work done.  I was convinced it was my thyroid, but that was normal.  My liver and kidneys were normal. I did more research and my symptoms matched something called Epstein Barre Virus. (95% of Americans get this as a child.  But in some people it reactivates and comes back with a vengeance.  EBV is what leads to mono).  I was tested for it and my levels were high..really high.  It's a tricky virus because you can't really treat it with medicine.  It also opens the door to autoimmune diseases, which run pretty high in my family, and there isn't a clear-cut test for many of the diseases.  Some think EBV is the gateway to Chronic Fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

It was now December.  I got to speak at a ladies Christmas dinner at our church.  I was nervous because there were over 100 people in attendance, but my mom and I spoke together, teaching from Psalm 101.  I could write a whole blog post on how the Lord orchestrated that..but that's for another time.

Christmas in America is like none-other.  Our whole family delighted in the lights.  Christmas lights illuminating everything, everywhere, shouting, "Jesus is the light of the world!"  I realized how much I missed Christmas lights.  We had fun outings with family to see a Christmas play, watch It's A Wonderful Life at an old theater and meet the woman who played the little girl "Zuzu" in the movie!  She was 6 in the movie...the same age as Callie.

The kids watched God answer their prayer by blanketing the ground in snow!  Sledding and hot cocoa for them...when the snow melted, God froze the lake and they ice skated.   I joined in when I could and had some days with lots of energy, and others where I just wanted a heating pad on my joints.

Christmas morning was celebrated at our home church in Michigan with songs of the hope of Christ and a message to proclaim Him!  It's such a privilege to sing and worship with a body of believers.  We opened gifts at my sister's house and played games.  It was really fun and we laughed a lot, but I was so worn out that I went to bed.  Not gonna lie, I felt sad that my body was failing...but the Lord was teaching me.

I realized that I needed God to get me through. I was leaving in 10 days and it would be me and the kids at home in Thailand everyday without much help at all....and wow, the Lord has shown me that He will provide. My strength started coming back 3 days before we left.

God showed me my pride....how I thought I could do it all (because I kind of did until I got sick).  Now I know it is HE who sustains me, HE who gives me the strength to hand-wash dishes 3x a day and make biscuits from scratch because we can't crack open a can of Pillsbury Grands here!  I just praise Him for the work He is doing in me.  It has been God all along who allowed me to do all that I have so far.  I have repented of my pride and continue to ask Him to sand away my sin so that my life better reflects Him, not me.

So, we are back in Thailand.  Ken is busier than ever. He is still the director of the outreach to help support missionaries in the education of their kids, but he is also sharing the role the Deputy Superintendent after the man in the position suffered a stroke in the fall.   I am homeschooling the kids, on the teaching rotation for kids church, and working with the teen girls.

Apart from that we are focusing on language study.  We are 75% of the way though the reading and writing program.  Our handwriting is similar to that of a 13 year old.  A Thai friend came over and saw my homework asking if it was mine.  I nodded and she smiled, telling me in Thai that it was beautiful!  What?!  Such an encouragement and knowing we're making progress is worth the tears I've cried over language study.   We have a looooong way to go, but we'll pause to celebrate the successes along the way.  Our days are full and they are exhausting, but God will provide for each day.

If you are still reading, thank you.  Here's my health update: my doctor here in Thailand says I have "Re-activated Epstein Barre Virus."  I need an MRI to rule out other illnesses and will meet with a Rheumatologist in March.  I have had on-and-off nerve pain in my arm and joint pain that comes and goes.  Sleep makes a big difference and that is a battle for me.  My right ear still rings continuously but it is usually only noticeable when it's quiet...so Max does a good job keeping our home not-quiet, hahaha.

WAYS TO PRAY:
1.  Praise God for the work He is doing in my heart and in my health.  Praise Him for our time in America to connect with many people and for the safety in our travels. Thank Him for the little girl in our neighborhood who came to my window while I was cooking and asked to play with my daughter.

2. Ask God to keep us diligent in our study of the Thai language.

   Our Thai series is a 2-3 year program, but we are doing it twice a week in the evenings.  Ideally we would do language school the first 2 years and then start ministry involvement full-time, but we aren't able to do that. So pray that we can juggle it well.  Our teacher comes to our home, which is helpful.

3. Financial Support: Our incoming monthly support is still below our monthly budget and we are pulling from our savings account to cover the gap.  (We'd like to leave the savings alone in case of emergency.)  We ask you to pray about supporting us.  If you'd like a copy of budget we're happy to send a copy to you.

4. Pray for Ken.  His work load has significantly increased!

5.  Pray for my health and for diligence to avoid/reduce sugar, gluten, and dairy...sigh

6.  Max...pray for this 3 1/2 year old, intense, feisty, clever, lovable little boy who needs Jesus.  He has hit the "I don't want to nap" stage and has been really defiant the past week.


Thank you, friends.

 "May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of our God, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

It's a wrap!

The 2015-1-2016 school year recently came to a close, but there is much work to do! 

I bought this puzzle at a yard sale and it wasn't easy!  

Ken works as the Director of a homeschooling service offered through Grace International School.  The school is moving and Ken has the enormous task of moving the school to the temporary campus. His responsibilities include: coordinating volunteers, ordering and arranging the packing supplies to be delivered, (like 2,500 boxes!), checking in with moving companies, coordinating with I.T. and helping to ease the responsibilities of the facilities department.  This summer he will help to see that the school is moved to the new location by mid-July! 

Ken has been working extra hours at school and many nights at home working on the details, trying to make this a smooth transition.  I'm thankful that he is able to take some days off to spend it with our family who flew in to visit!  Next week, he'll be back at it again.

Tents are always fun.  Snack in tents: even better!

Here on the homefront, the kids and I have ended the homeschool year, but started on next year's work to get a jump-start and to keep their minds engaged in learning.  

We had fresh peaches at the market!  They came in this box
which became a fabulous dollhouse for this crafty gal.

Callie is very proud to be a first grader now!  She is growing up faster than the boys it seems.  She is an emotional, creative little artist who twirls and skips through the house.  

Jack earned his pocket-knife earlier this year and recently
used it to make a spaceship for Max out of boxes.

Dry erase markers are fun....NOT!  Thankfully they wiped off the
rattan easily.  He said, "I thought you would think it was
beautiful."  Look at the face:)

Jack just wants school work to be done as quickly as possible.  Right now he's really into reading Calvin and Hobbs and asking to eat the candy my family brought us from America. 

 Max is living up to his name. He does everything to the max!  The Thai people still love him, and he still makes a hundred crazy faces and says things like, "Mommy, Callie is being obnoxious," and yes, he's still only 2!  He keeps me on my feet while he's awake and on my knees before the Lord when he goes to bed.

I really enjoy teaching these kiddos!  They were so shy
at first, but now we laugh and they are speaking in English.

I am still teaching English class twice a week.  I try to use a lot of hands-on object lessons for my students, because they seems to retain the info better this way. I've been writing my own lessons, so if anyone has resources they could pass along, please share!  I'm also slowly progressing in my Thai vocabulary.  When we shop at the market I am able to ask questions, and do a better job negotiating prices.  I am still far off from fluent conversation, but I am celebrating the small victories.  One day I will share the gospel in Thai.  That is my goal.  

Prayer requests:

Language study for all of us

School:  We would like to enroll our 2 youngest in a bilingual school this summer to learn more Thai.  It is an extra expense that we hadn't planned for, so please pray with us for the Lord to provide.

Neighbors:  We are the only believers on our block and beyond.  We have neighbors who are becoming friends who don't know the Lord...please pray for the Lord to open their eyes and for us to share in a way that they can understand.  (Culture is a challenge and affects everything).

Ministry: I am meeting with a house-mom to discuss working with a group of girls.  More details to come later.  

Children:  Callie has been homesick for America.  She misses her cat (at here grandparent's house) and her family and friends.  Praise:  2 little girls moved into our neighborhood and they can speak some English!

House:  We will ask to renew our contract for another year.  This should be fine, but you just never know...

Financial Support: Please pray that we can be fully supported so that we can stay and continue the work here.

Health: Praise!  We are all doing better.  Thank you for praying and please keep praying for me (Summer).

3 unexpected things

Unexpected situation #1
In February I checked into the hospital here in Chiang Mai after waking up with my throat nearly swollen closed.  My lymph nodes were swollen the night before and I visited my primary care physician who said it was just a virus and sent me home.  By morning I felt like I may lose the ability to breath if I waited another day to see if it would get better.  Ken stayed home with the kids and I drove to the hospital.

Bible reading before bed. 

I checked in and they said an ENT specialist was in the hospital finishing a surgery and would see me in 30 minutes.  Thank you, Lord!  He looked in my throat, gasped and said, "You have bad infection.  Stay here 1 or 2 days."  While I waited for my room and lady from my Bible study sat down next to me.  She was a sweet gift from the Lord to remind me that I'm not alone.  I stayed in room 617, which was comfortable, and very clean, with kind nurses.  They hooked me up to andIV and gave me 2 different antibiotics, throat spray, and a fizzy drink.  I could barely swallow water.  By the next morning I could talk!  I ate some breakfast and the doctor said my infection was still bad but that I could go home.  So, here I am, at home with a happy little family:)  Ken's a champ and I love and appreciate him so much.

Unexpected situation #2

This was Christmas dinner at our house.  Turkeys were over $100
so we made a pork roast.  It was all delicious and we got to share
it with a few families!

Our neighbors are retired and visit for 90 days every year.  They have a daughter, Oy, who speaks a little English.  She is a sweet woman who loves our family.  She randomly brings the kids popcorn and snacks.  While her parents are in Thailand she comes up from Bangkok to stay with them.  I stopped over to drop off some muffins and she met me in the yard, "Summer, I go Bangkok, accident nit-noy (Thai for "little bit).  Her mother came out to explain that a relative had passed away and that she was leaving that evening to go back to Bangkok.  I hugged her and had to leave for a Thai class.  I wanted to cry.  The next week I prayed, "Lord, send someone to tell her the gospel" (I am still learning Thai!)  The next day I took some bread to her parents and she opened the door!  SHE WAS BACK!  My first thought was, "Lord, that was fast!!"  Her mother had a mini-stroke but had no lasting effects so she came back to care for her. I am still in shock at this!  I am so excited that a friend had a copy of the "Jesus Storybook Bible" in Thai!  We gave it to Oy before she headed back to Bangkok.

Unexpected situation #3
We planned to come back to the states to update all of you on that the Lord is doing and to raise support to continue the work out here!  We want to hug you and share how the Lord is answering your prayers to further the work here in Thailand. Because of a Visa restriction our plans have been changed.  We know this is the Lord's doing and now plan to fly back to America towards the end of the year.

So, life is unpredictable for us, but not for the author of life.  I am trying to leave my worry with him...but I often ask for it back.  Please pray for health for me (Summer) and for the rest of us.  Pollution season is still lingering and it has been 104 degrees or above for a month now (not typical here).  We are grateful to be here and thank the Lord for his beauty all around us, but our hope is that his most beautiful creations, people, will know He is their maker. 

Merry Christmas!

December 25th...It's just another day here for most of Thailand.  99% of the people here won't celebrate the gift of Jesus today.

 My prayer often is, "Lord, help me love the people here the way you love me."  He's answering that prayer but the outcome is different than I anticipated.

We were at a neighborhood block Christmas party and were the only believers there.  The Lord opened conversations for both Ken and I .  We came home and exchanged stories and I felt such joy at seeing God move...but I hurt.  Loving people hurts.  

My neighbor friends!  I'm so thankful for them.  The lady on the left is becoming like a grandmother to me.

My neighbor, "Roy" asked me if I went to church that day (he was making fun of me in asking.  But I joyfully shared what we were learning at church).  "How about you?" I asked, "Did you go to church?"  I learned that he is a-religious.  So I asked him why.  I'll keep that private, but it goes back to the question, "How could God be so loving and let horrible things happen?"  I nodded, "It's a question we all ask at some point, isn't it?"  I shared how sin entered the world through 1 man, but by 1 man Jesus, we are rescued!  He told me I was sharing a bunch of B.S. and asked, "What are you hoping for?"  I smiled, "One day all of this will be made right!  I will be with my maker. Forever." 

 He told me he was happy I found something that made me happy.  I said, "What if you're wrong."  He got irritated, by not mad, "See, that's the same B.S. you Christians say.  You just want an insurance plan, just in case you're wrong!"  The Lord gave me this to say,"If I wanted an insurance plan, wouldn't I add a bit of Hinduism, Buddhism and some Muslim beliefs?   I leave all of that and follow Jesus alone."  He was quiet. "Roy's" comments didn't hurt my feelings.  I hurt because he is going to hell.. a bitter, angry man, shaking his fist at God.  I hurt because no one should talk of the King of Kings the way he did...but I too was an enemy of God.  It didn't look like Roy, but it was sinful rebellion against God.   

Another neighbor, "Edward" shared his delight in many programs that are helping him cope with life. He listed off the benefits of each: this one has such a strong teacher and role model, this other TM therapist has peace, and on the list went.  "Roy" overheard this and said, "Summer doesn't care about any of that."  I quickly answered, "That's not true.  Everyone is looking for all of the things you he's searching for, aren't they?  That's why so many people visit Thailand.  I see what you're looking for, Edward, and God is all of those things. He's strong and loving and so much more."  "Edward" is so kind and smiled, "I'm so glad that works for you.  I want that for you and you should keep doing that."  I'm praying that we have many more conversations.  

God is at work.  Always.  Sometimes we can watch it unfold.  Thank you to those of you reading this, praying for and financially supporting us.  Our community is dark, but we have the privilege showing off the light in us.  Merry Christmas.  God is with us!  I'm not searching for another hope.  Messiah has come!  He's coming again.   

1 year ago!

A year ago we were on a plane traveling to the other side of the world.  Smiles and praises to God fill me as I reflect on how far he's brought our family.  We didn't know how to drive here, find food, know what to eat, communicate, know my phone number, locate our house, and the list goes on.

I am taking Thai lesson and slowly learning.  We can order our food in Thai, ask a few questions to make small talk.  I know where to grocery shop and even know what a good price is on many of the things we eat!

Thinking about people over the past year makes me teary-eyed.  There are so many that we said "I'll see you later" to and we miss them.....we miss you, who are reading this:)  We have friends battling cancer, struggling with new babies and sleepless nights, people who need someone to cook them a meal....my first response is, "I wish I was there to help."  God continues to remind me that he doesn't NEED me.  He uses me.  He will use someone else to care for our friends and family state-side.  I can rest in that!

I also think about the people he has brought to us here in Thailand.  One friend was brought literally to my doorstep.  We were able to build a friendship and teach each other about different foods and recipes.  Most importantly, we talked about eternity.  Ken and I shared the Gospel message with her a few times but she felt secure in her beliefs as Buddhist.  We were in America for 8 weeks and after not hearing from her and not having my messages returned, we drove to her home.  It is empty and her house is for rent.   I felt crushed, but the Lord picked me up quickly, reminding me that I had shared the most important thing: Him.  I'm so thankful for that....many encourage us to build relationships of trust before we share the Gospel (which is true and time-tested advice).  I felt urgency with her and shared on Day 1!  The Holy Spirit speaks to His children- that was His leading and His words, not mine.

Tears can't be held back when I think of our kids.  We were informed that time on the field goes quickly, because of the many ways you are busy and emotionally exhausted.  This means your kids grow up quickly.  Callie was just 2 when the Lord called us overseas, now she's 5 and grew about 5 inches in our first year here!  These pictures were taken a year apart!

 She is growing in the Lord and it encourages me as her sister in Christ!  She said, "Mommy, don't you love being a Christian?"  "Yes," I agreed, "But why do you?"  Thoughtfully with a smile she answered, "Just that, we learn how to love the right way, and that....we're chosen.  That's the best thing."  It has been such a blessing to hear the Lord speak through her.

I love my boys too:)  I will share some of their stories in the future.

I wanted to give you a glimpse of our life in Asia, just in case you don't keep up with us on Facebook. We are always seeing and learning new things.  Example:  Tonight the people next to me at dinner (an outdoor food stall by the road) ordered a huge plate of fried crickets!

On the flight to Thailand.  It takes about 24 hours to get here. (12 hour time change)

Lunch after church at a food court.  

Green Curry for me!

Homeschooling fun.

They love their Thai tutor!

Ken's co-workers and their families.

Our dryer;)  

Playing together:)

Feeling accomplished that I can make a pizza from scratch!
BONUS: The kids said it's as good as "real" pizza!

Keeping this guy busy!  Cut off a plastic bottle and rubberband
a piece of washcloth over the bottom.  Dip in dishsoap water and blow!

A birthday party for the 5 year old!

HUGE butterfly that passed our home.

We found a huge snail in our kitchen! We set him free...

Thanks for reading and caring!  Will you please pray with us?

• We are starting a Home Group/Bible study this week.
• Learning Thai is hard!  Pray that it "clicks" and sticks!
• Pacing.  It's easy to take on a lot, but it is not sustaining.
• Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel!
• The number of homeschooling families we help/support has DOUBLED!  Pray for Ken to know how efficiently and effectively guide them.
• Support: Our monthly support is still lacking.  Please pray for more financial partners so that we can stay.
• Praise God for sustaining us!  He has equipped and grown us.

Happy Fall Y'all!

In the waiting room

Today Ken and I went to the doctor's office to get our health approval to obtain a driver's license.  (This consisted of a few basics like checking our blood pressure and weighing in- which isn't so bad here because you get weighed in kilograms which is such a small number, so there is no guilt...as long as you don't convert the numbers!)

While in the waiting room a young couple from England sat next to us.  I asked them if they lived here.  I learned that they were touring many countries together and just arrived from India and planned to visit Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, then returning to England for a wedding, and possibly moving to Australia!

Although our family isn't traveling we had a lot in common with this couple: they too sold their house and car and lived with her parents for a while!  I asked them why they were traveling and their reasons were quite different, "Just to see different parts of the world.."  The Lord prepared me for what I would say next.

 As my kiddos were in bed the night before I was lesson planning for the rest of the month.  Jack and I read portions of "Window on the World" each week, which highlights people groups all over the world, how they live and worship.  I flipped through pages seeing people bowing to stone, gold, wood, other people....

"Isn't it interesting, that no matter where you go, people choose to worship something?"  The 27 year old British lady agreed with me and I continued.  "It is within every person to know that there is something that we should worship, so there must be a right way."  She again smiled and agreed, "Yeah, I guess that's true."  I went on to tell her that it is Easter weekend but you wouldn't know it here is Chiang Mai.  We talked a bit about what Easter is like in England.  I wish I could tell you I was able to lay out the Gospel, but it didn't get to that far.  Instead, I was called back for my appointment. 

I pray that they learn about the importance of today: Good Friday, and why Sunday, Resurrection Day, changed the world.  That couple wasn't supposed to be in Chiang Mai.  She mentioned they weren't able to catch the train to their desired destination, so they came here instead.  Can you see the Lord at work?!  Please pray that the Lord places someone else in their path to continue the story.  I have to trust that they heard what they needed to hear and not kick myself for what wasn't said...

 Please pray that the Lord readies you (and me) to always be ready to share the hope that we have!

Today reminded me of an Easter weekend a couple years ago:  This happened (click on that link and scroll about half-way down if you'd like to read the story).

   A friend from the states reminded me that I have a blog....and I need to update it!

Outside a large temple packed elbow to elbow with people.

I have learned so much about the Thai culture and sometimes I don't even realize that it is changing me.  The feet are the lowest and dirtiest part of a person (that is the perception here). Just 6 months ago I kept reminding myself and the kids to take their shoes off before entering a home (and some stores ask you to take your shoes off before entering to shop!)  But now, it is a habit to remove my shoes as soon as we come to the porch or front steps of a house.  I still have the desire to use my foot to scoot a Lego piece out of my way, or to push a bottom drawer shut, but I remind myself to bend down and use my hands (well, most of the time at least). 

My day to day routine is similar to back home, but more labor intensive:
We wake up, have breakfast, and start school work.  Sounds simple, but breakfast is usually made from scratch, (it is cheaper to make our own biscuits, pancake mix, etc.)  and dishes are all hand washed. I should also mention that Max is 1 1/2 and full of energy! 

We take a mid-morning break and the kids usually play outside.  This is a fun time for them to play and for the kind lady who sweeps our street to come by and visit.  I try to hang my laundry out at this time so that it will dry by the end of the day.

Back to school, a snack, and lunch (usually sandwiches or some sort).  By this point in the day I have swept the floor 3x and sang the "clean up" song with Max too many times :)  The boy loves to play in the water and our water cooler is just his height.  He once emptied a ton of water onto the floor just by pushing a button. Fun times!  For him at least....

I will channel this love of water into something useful: dishwashing ;)

After lunch we go for a walk.  I push Max in the stroller and Jack and Callie ride their bikes.  We meet  people along the way (I once met a Thai woman who asked me a lot of questions and then she shared with me that she was a believer!!!)  God's beauty is always in bloom here to enjoy!  It's easy to teach science with so many interesting plants and insects....and occasionally snakes! 

A real leaf!  This was on a hike with friends:)

After lunch, Max naps and the kids and I have a chance to do some un-interupted reading and grammar together.  I try to fold the laundry (if it's dry) and make plans for dinner.  I cook a lot more now that we have a toaster oven!  We still eat Thai food from the market or from street vendors though.  Ken is at work until about 4:30 and then we have dinner.  (He is such a wonderful fit for his role and it's exciting as his wife to see him utilize all of the gift the Lord gave him, and life experience to serve in this way.)

We have our favorite vendors: a sweet elderly couple that makes fun "bubble waffles" as we call them. They don't speak English but I want to hug her every time I see her.  She has a warmth and smile that makes you feel like she is your grandma. I love the Shwarma (seasoned chicken wrap) from a Thai Muslim woman and her 2 daughters, and Jack loves pork on a stick.  We all crave sticky rice and have found a place close to home that usually has it.

There is so much in my head to say and I am trying to figure out how and what to share...

I find that we have many acquaintances here but we desire close friends. I have shared my feelings with others who have been here longer than me and their responses have been similar: "Welcome to Chiang Mai- that's how it is here."  Many of the people who moved here for similar reasons as our family, are busy in their outreach....or their families and school, sports, etc...so they don't make time for anything else.  Our goal is to be available to grow with other families serving here and to connect to the people around us.

  Sometimes it eats at me..."How can I share you with them, Lord?"  What do I do?  What does it look like here?  My answers about the culture have come slowly, but I am gaining understanding:

• This. takes. time. 
•  People are not projects to be completed.  They aren't an item on the check-list.   
• They are to be loved.  We love because God first loved us.  

 Buddha museum at the temple on the mountain: Doi Suthep

  Pursuing God means pursuing those He loves: our neighbors.   So, again I am reminded to quit overwhelming myself with how to do this. Today it was simple: I made cookies.  I took them to a neighbor a short walk away who I haven't seen in a long time...but she didn't answer the door.  I felt defeated.  Not quite sure what is going on in her life, but she is avoiding me... So, I turned the other direction and walked to a different neighbor that I had recently met and took Max with me. 

She opened her gate and greeted me by saying I had been gone too long. (She was glad I was back to visit).  I learned about her and her family, and as she shared I realized that they had needs...now I get to pray about how the Lord would use our family to serve them.  I enjoyed our time there.  The woman's sister lives with her and she is a widow who doesn't have children.  She loved playing with Max and I got to sit and have a conversation without chasing him around:)

Our neighbors gave us this tree.  The kids are watering it...with water guns.

I came home and smiled to see the boy (from my previous blog post) that we met at the music school next door.  He was here to play with Jack.  Later his mom came by and joined us for dinner.  Callie prayed this long and sweet prayer of thanksgiving.  The mother asked if her son could pray like that.  We shared a bit with him about what prayer is and he said he might try that next time.  It is fascinating because the mom is a Buddhist! 

There is so much more to share, but I will save it for another day:)  The Lord is faithful.  When I fail, he doesn't.  When I fear, question, or neglect Truth, He is constant and at work.  I find myself breathing a sigh of relief as I type that.

Thank you for praying for us, supporting us, and encouraging us.