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