Festival

We went downtown Chiang Mai for dinner and to have some fun at the Yee Peng Festival here. This is a beautiful tradition with sad roots. The Thais make these hot air lanterns and release them in the air containing their sins hoping that the gods will take them away. The skies are full of them! They also float banana leaves down the river with incense and money to please the river gods. Fireworks are also part of the celebration rejoicing over sins forgiven.
It was fun for us to participate with the kids telling them that our sins are already forgiven and that we are pleasing to the one and God only through Jesus. We turned it into a symbol of "the light of God (His son)" rising in His ascension to the right hand of the father.

 

Thai Thanksgiving

We spent our first Thanksgiving in Thailand by having 40 people over to our home. Half of those folks were from England! Our UK friends had never experienced Thanksgiving (Duh!) but were able to put all historical differences aside in giving thanks to God for His provision in our lives. We played "Two-hand touch American football" and a little UK football (soccer) as well.



One of the many things that we are enjoying here is the small group that we host at our house on Wednesday nights. This group of 8 couples are quickly becoming our dear friends. We are currently studying the book of 1 John and sharing our life stories with each other. The missionary community in Chiang Mai is pretty tight which really helps us all to stay connected.
 

Thai Military & Police Fellowship Conference

I just returned from a 3 day annual Conference that is put on by the Thailand Military and Police Christian Fellowship organization. We support this group with training and discipleship, as well as serving on their board as advisors. It is really important in Thailand that we stay in the background and continue in an advisory role, which we are happy to do. Col. Surasak is actually a Cadence staff member and serves as our country leader. Maj.Gen. Chaikorn (pictured with his wife next to me at the table) is the chairman of the organization and we are very close with him as well. More than 150 military members, representing 5 regional groups, were in attendance. It was a wonderful time for me to network with and encourage these men from all over the country. I also got to practice my Thai.
They have asked us to start several conversational English groups around the country. Please pray with us that we can find the folks able to come and do this. Ron Wilson and I will probably start one in area but need about 2 or 3 more people.
 

Coup in Thailand

As the picture to the left here shows, the troops exercising martial law here are not too worried and seem to be in good spirits. We have seen tanks and other armor driving around but things remain really calm. The kid's school was canceled for one day but got right back to business the next day. San and I also missed a day of language school. When I went into pay the bill for last month's lessons I asked about making up the missed day and was told that we could not make up the day because the school actually has a written policy stating that in case of a Coup we still had to pay for any missed classes. I had never imagined in my life that an organization would need to have a written Coup Clause. All in all our friends in high places tell us that things will continue as usual with a few added policies until a new government is in place. We are praying for our friends and brothers in the military and police here, will you join us? 

Holding a bible for the first time

I don't think I can remember the first time I held a bible in my hands but I actually still have the first bible given to me by a fellow U.S. Navy Seabee some 23 years ago. I remember reading it and feeling like I was digging through a treasure chest full of wonderful things, some of which I recognized, many I did not. Watching Cambodian Army officers asking for help finding passages and seeing them discover these treasures brings me back to my early days of learning about the Lord. What a special time that was. I still dig around in my very first bible often and I have long since lost count of how many sermons I have preached out of it but the treasure is still as wonderful as ever. As a matter of fact it has become more valuable to me each year I follow Him, the treasure that grows with knowing Him deeply. 

Brothers in Arms

It's funny how much joy animals can bring to a family. Really, our two kittens are like little friends that bring so much levity to our home. They run and play all the time then crash on top of each other and sleep. Both Shasta and Snickers have very loud purring motors and they are easily pleased to start them. When all around seems to be going crazy, I can pick one of them up and be transported to a simple exsistence where pleasure is obtained with just being with each other. Cat theology of a different kind?

Monster Bug

We are not sure what in the world this thing is but it looks like a giant fly. This bug must have flown too close to a nuclear power plant somewhere. I feel like a little kid here sometimes being so facinated with bugs, smells, and crazy looking food items. Who can blame me though when creatures like this keep showing up at our doorstep?

Fathers, Sons, and Fireflies

Every once in a while Tyler and I have one of those breakthrough moments in our relationship that just seem to open up a passage to deeper things between us.
Tonight, on the front porch of our house, we had one of those conversations where we really connected and it left me longing to know him more.
It really is amazing that even though these moments are often short and sweet, they can have such an impact on us.
While we were talking we began to notice the fireflies coming out, and being guys, we were naturally drawn to try and capture one of these incredible creatures. It took us a few minutes but we finally we able to catch one and decided to try and photograph it. Because it is pitch black dark out I had to leave the shutter on the camera open for a long time to capture the light coming from the fireflly. Seems a little prophetic that, given the chance, even the smallest of lights can impact its environment. 

Rainy Season in Thailand

As you can see, we are making the most of the rainy season here in Thailand! The kids had a blast today riding their bikes in the rain. Last night, we had a major lightening and thunder storm. We turned off the lights, turned on the music, and watched the show! It was beautiful.

On Saturday, we moved into our new home! We've gotten quite a bit done already--it's livable and I can cook--but there is still much to be done. Of course, everything is much more laborious due to the language barrier. But that's all part of the adventure!

Our partners have given of themeselves above and beyond the call of duty to help us get settled and find our way around. I ventured out alone today to a western market in town that someone told me about. I only got lost twice and returned with just a few of the things I had on my list!

Thanks for your prayers. Please pray specifically for the Lord to open doors for our kids to meet and make new friends. Kahprun ka! (Thank you)

Sandra for all of us 

We made it.

This is a picture of Jared doing his Tom Sawyer impression on Cash Creek near my sister's place in the Capay Valley of Ca.

Greetings from Chiang Mai!

We made it! After a long trip that was somewhat reminiscent of the movie, “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” we made it to Chiang Mai. We were greeted at the airport by a welcoming committee—a whole gang of folks that made us feel very loved. We’ve been doing some initial settling in (as much as can be done without being in our home yet), waiting for our luggage to arrive (it never made it out of San Francisco!), and having some fun cultural experiences. We took the kids to the local market a few days ago. We tried some unusual looking fruits and saw fried frogs, live eels, and other interesting things.

Paul is flying down to Bangkok today for a quick trip to get our container of household goods through customs. We’re hoping to have them by the end of this week, and then we can move into our home!

We will only have spotty internet access until we get settled into our house. Once we get in and DSL installed We will be blogging as often as we have fun things to share with you all.

Thank you all for your prayers of these last days.

Sareth, our Cambodian country leader, came from Phnom Penh to greet us as well and said that the new church up in the northern province has now added another 100 people making the total somewhere around 500. 

Rattlesnake Training

It is rattlesnake season in northern Ca. My sister owns a B and B in Capay Valley near Sacramento. Uncle Kevin keeps examples of rattlesnakes and Gopher snakes frozen in a chest freezer located in their barn. The snakes look remarkably alike, can you tell the difference? The snake on the left is a Gopher snake, all the rest are Rattlers. It is really important for our kids to know what the enemy looks like, how he acts, and where he likes to hang out. Sounds like a sermon illustration waiting to be apllied.
We have only 5 days left in country. We just heard from the shipping company and it looks like our stuff is going to arrive a day or two after we get there, great timing.
Jared asked us yesterday when we were going to go back to Denver. He also asked where we will live when we get back there. He still is trying to grasp our homeless situation. Please continue to pray for our family transition which is going to really kick into high gear in the next week.
 

Disneyland 06

Sandra's parents decided that they wanted to treat us to Disneyland while we are in California on our way to Thailand. This may be the only chance we ever get as a family to do this so we spent two days with Mickey and friends.
The kids had a blast and we were able to get some much needed family time. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Watson! 

Last Play Time

I took the boys to play with our neighbor boys for the last time on Sat. They had a great time at McDonalds and then at the park near by. Only 4 days left here and we are really feeling it.

Went to church last night for the last time as well. Wow, we really have fallen in love with our fellowship there and will miss the "Bride" at Lookout Mountain Community Church.

We closed on our house on Tuesday so that is done.

My truck sold yesterday and so we only have the van left to get rid of.

We are down to right at $200 a month left of our support as well.

Saying Goodbye

Well we are packed out! Yep, it took 20+ people only 2 1/2 hours to pack out our house here in Denver. What a blessing it was to have so much help. Many stayed behind to help clean as well and so we were completley out by 4pm! We are staying in the basement of the Spragues who are in our small group until the 11th of May. I have leadership meetings all week coming up and we still have 2 cars to sell.
We have not really been able to slow down enough to really feel the impact yet of leaving but have felt some pockets of sadness. I think when we get on the plane out of here that we will feel it most.
Pictured left are the kids with their favorite babysitter, Kerith Schroeder. 

Back from Cambodia/Thailand

Pictured right is me with my study group in Phnom Penh. We turned a hotel room into a classroom where I taught bible study methods and studied the faith of the centurion in Luke 7. These officers are very hungry and we had a very lively discussion.

These men continue to indicate that the open door in Cambodia may be closing. Please pray for these men as they make a stand for their faith.



Pictured below is a retired Col. who has been hospitalized for stomach cancer and is recovering from surgery to removed a blocked passage. This man has led many officers to the Lord in the last year. They have a cooking stove in the room that his wife uses to make food for him. No air conditioning. I found myself vowing to not complain about western medical care ever again. Plese pray for his recovery.


Support Update: We only have $337 a monthly pledges left to go and $3500 in start-up. What an amazing God we have.

You all are very dear to us and we continue to be thankful to you for being our friends and allowing us to represent you in SE Asia.

On my way

Made it to Tokyo so far and one hour ahead of schedule! Great chance to study on the flight over for a couple of teaching times I will be doing in Cambodia. Wanted to ask those of so inclined to be praying for Sandra and the kids as I am away these two weeks.

Paul's Schedule - Prayer

March 31st head to Cambodia.
3rd April 06 /Morning at 9:00 to 11:00 training in Light of life church (14 trainees)Afternoon: 2:00 to 5:00 Classroom in Queen Hotel, (12 trainees)
4th April 06 /morning at 9:00 to 11:00 PM Visit and sharing Unit 1 Special forces ( Gen. Prum Peng with some of his men)
Afternoon: 2:00 to 5:00 pm Classroom in Queen Hotel, (12 trainees)
5th April 06 /Morning at 9:00 to 11:00 Visit and sharing in Tank unit
Afternoon: 2:00 to 5:00 pm, Classroom in Queen Hotel, (12 trainees)
6th April Paul heads to Thailand and try and find a home for us to move into. He will also be trying to arrange other things in preparation for our arrival.
13th April Paul will head back to Denver.

not SOLD

With very little in the way of an explanation the people who contracted with us to purchase our house back out of the deal. Our house is now back on the market and we are once again trusting the Lord for His timing. Please pray for Sandra and the kids as they are back into "leave the house in a moments notice" mode.

Axle Swap

Ever driven along and then heard a sound coming from your car that you just knew was going to be expensive to fix? That is exactly what happened to me last week. I was driving along and then heard this "clunk, clunk. clunk, bang!" and immediately the truck stopped with a jolt and I could not go forward anymore. I knew at that moment that I had broken the rear axle. This was soon confirmed as I crawled under and saw oil pouring out from the front seal. Yikes! Well, a trip to the junk yard, 5 hours of wrenching, a smashed thumb, three skinned knuckles, and $500 later I am back on the road. My neighbor took the day off to help thus redefining the term "good neighbor" to me. Randy, thanks so much for the loan of your truck and 5 hours of help!

Support Update

Well, here are the figures as of March 16th.
Start-up remaining = $5000
Monthly remaining = $750
We continue to be encouraged by the way things are moving for our transition to Thailand.
I feel like I say this a lot but... Thanks... to all of you who pray and give sacrificially. The military and police families of South East Asia are a great investment.

SOLD

Guess what? God sold our house! And in less than 3 days! That may not seem unusual for some parts of the country, but for Denver that's pretty amazing.

Our House went on the market on Sat. and on Monday there was an offer made. The offer was for the asking price and is a cash deal. We will be moving out on April 24th. Our realtors were amazed... they told us they have quite a few listings and nothing is moving... they are kinda scratching their heads about the whole thing. Paul was able to share with them how we prayed as a family and asked the Lord to sell the house to just the right folks.

We feel so grateful. God is good - not just because he gave us what we asked for - Indeed He is good even when things don't go well. But we are certainly grateful for His movement on our behalf. Sandra 

Transition

Our kids have been real troopers so far in this season of transition. They have travelled well and delt with the deep cleaning and packing up around our home. Many discussions around the house have to do with moving to Thailand and it has caused the kids to ask all the time when we are actually leaving. I am amazed that they are not falling apart. It is a real reminder to me that home is where our realtionships are and that ultimatley this is not our real home. Please pray for the Bradley kids as they are uprooted from the U.S. and transplanted to a place where they have never been. We are praying that we will find a place in Chiang Mai that has kids their age near by and that they they will establish friendships quickly. 

Update

We are putting our house up on the market this week and are holding an Open House both Sat. and Sun. this weekend. The kids have been officially accepted into Grace International and I have been sent the visa applications for us to fill out and send into the the Thai embassy. We continue to take a step at a time trusting the Lord to open the doors and provide the resources as we go. Thanks for all your prayers and support.

Financial update

Many have asked about how our partneship development (fund raising in the for profit world) and so I thought a quick update might be in order:
We started out needing $2000 more in monthly pledges and now have only $900 left!
We started out needing $25k in out going transition/setup costs and have only $9000 left!
Another FAQ is how long we are planning on staying in Thailand and the answer is 7-10 years.
A huge thanks to those of you who continue to pray for us and have financially supported Cadence and the Bradleys.

California Trip

We have been out in California visiting friends and supporters. We have been very encouraged by the response as we share the What, Where, and When of our move to Thailand.
Great things continue to happen in SE Asia and we feel a little like we are missing out on the action. We have been invited to teach English at the Thai Royal Army Academy and have seen some 20 Thai Army Col. come to christ in the past 3 months. This week the regional leadership is getting together at the Wilson's home in Chiang Mai for a Pray & Plan. Ron has told me that I am planning and leading the next one. Please continue to pray as we fininsh our trip here and look for the additional support needed to be released to the field and join the Wilson's. 

Kid Pic

Madelyn and Jared taking a break from the packing and cleaning as we get our house ready to put on the market. With boxes pilling up in the garage our move to Thailand is feeling close already. We will be spending the next 3 weeks in Ca. seeing our support team and catching up with family.