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?