Christmas Activities Have Begun

Wow! Life is busy right now. But we wouldn't have it any other way. We just returned from a Christmas party at the IGo English Center. It was quite a time. 7 Children and one dad from our village went with us. We played games. Decorated cookies. Did a little skit to portray what the true meaning of Christmas is. Gave gifts to all who came. Ate snacks. It was a wonderful opportunity to build relationships with people, and show them the love of Jesus.

Jordan Flory giving gifts to children

Ben and his dad

Jean and Neuy enjoying hot chocolate

Plang, Jan, and Som coloring pictures

Yesterday was a Christmas party at my thai school. It was fun. It is good to get to know other students and find out why they are in Thailand. Also, good to be with the teachers in a less formal setting.

CLS Students bobbing for apples

This year Christmas time is quite different for us. We are homesick at times, missing all of our family and friends, and thinking about all the fun activities they are doing. But at the same time, we are in the midst of a million people who have no idea what Christmas is. There are so many opportunities to use this time for building relationships and sharing the love of Jesus. So, pray for us as we experience all of these various emotions.

Affordable Healthcare

I just returned from taking Titus to the hospital. He has had a bad cold/cough which worked up into his nose, and now, down into his ear. So, we decided to take him to see a doctor, especially since I will be leaving for Bangkok tomorrow night. The doctor decided to give him an antibiotic, some ibuprofen, and a decongestant. All that plus the cost of the doctor's visit cost $2.58.

Some things in Thailand are very expensive, but apparently a doctor's visit is not. For which we are Very Thankful! martin.

Long Live the King

There has been a week long celebration of HRH the king's birthday (Dec 5).

The whole country goes into celebration mode. He is 82 years old, and one of the world's longest reigning monarchs. The Thai people revere him as god, and the respect for his royalty is seen and felt throughout the whole country. Negative criticism of this monarchy is never heard on the streets, and any one who publishes anything negative, is put in prison. Even though Thailand is in the rift of political polarism, all parties have the same level of respect for their king. It is a beautiful thing, and I think all countries and kingdoms of this world would do well to take a close look at their respect and loyalty. Customarily he makes a speech on the eve before his birthday, but this year he was not able to because of hospitalization. Please pray for him.

Jordan and I went to a huge celebration here in Chiang Mai, at http://www.tatnews.org/events/events/2009/nov/4589.asp There were perhaps over 10,000 people there to raise a candle to the king, and to watch the fireworks display. I don't think I have ever seen a fireworks display quite like this one. It was phenomenal. Also, I don't think I have seen that many people in one place singing a song of tribute to a person and raising a candle to show there reverence. It was an amazing, and burdening sight.

Below you will see some pictures of the Royal Pavilion built in honor of the king. Inside are many murals of the king and the good things he has done over the years for his people.

Just remember, this is one location in Chiang Mai, which is one city in all of thailand. Every where in every city, this praise and worship is taking place right now. martin.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It is certainly a different Thanksgiving for us...

the neighbor's turkeys are gobbling when they should be roasting, we will be wearing short sleeves and sandals to the Thanksgiving table, everyone around us is going on with daily life.

The only thing familiar is the smell of pumpkin pie in the oven.

What am I thankful for on this Thanksgiving day?

• God's faithfulness - tears come just now to my eyes as I reflect on how God has brought us through this year. How often I fail. I get upset, I get lonely, I get tired of cultural changes. But there is a beautiful golden thread running through this crazy quilt of mine, and that is God's faithfulness. I am finding more power and grace than I ever dreamed. Not because of my performance, but because I can't perform.
• Family - our two sets of parents who partner with us through their love, support, prayers and good advice. A husband who loves me and cares about my heart. Our children who are growing, learning, exploring life.
• Luke & Anna Deaton are here just now - what a blessing to share this special day with them. We are making good memories, laughing and talking together. Its so fun to share with them what makes up our daily life.
• I am thankful for this "broadening of my horizons", this stretching of my comfort zone. Diversity is not a curse, its a blessing.
• Tonight we are invited to a Thanksgiving dinner at IGo. I will just be honest, I am thankful for a yummy traditional dinner that only required pumpkin pies from me! IGo is such a blessing in our lives just now. We enjoy going there for church and also getting to know our brothers and sisters there.

God's blessings to you, dear friends. May your eyes be lifted up above the turkey and trimmings to Jesus, the only One who fully satisfies.

learning swoop de doos and curlicues

Well, its been too long since I have wrote on our blog! Now on a quiet hot Sunday afternoon, I have some time to catch you up a bit on what I've been doing.
My days fill up fast with laundry, washing dishes, home school, fixing meals, and taking care of the children. I do have a helper who comes two days a week, and she cleans and does other things for me.
One thing I have recently added to my plate, is Thai language learning. It is so difficult, and for every "rule" I learn, it seems there is five exceptions! Often I feel very tired and my brain fried after my hour long class. However, I just started learning the Thai script, and it is exciting to see a bunch of swoop de doos and curlicues turned into real sounds and words in my mind. I praise God, because I dreaded language learning. I felt defeated before I even started, and Martin & I prayed often about it. I am slowly learning how much my Father cares about me!
D. is also learning Thai, and we are excited to see how well she's doing. Our teacher, Ang, comes during the boys' nap time, so it usually works well. Ang is a Christian, and I have been so blessed by her. She gives God all the glory for her ability to teach and thanks Him for the little things, like a cup of water not spilling over our school work. We have so much to learn from these first generation Christians!

Children's Ministry

We just experienced another children's ministry night. It was such a blessing! Our friend Ang, came again this friday night and played with children, then taught them a couple of Christian songs. This time the boys were less interested, but the girls were very involved, and seemed to enjoy it very much. Just before it was time to go home, she had them all stand in a circle and join hands. Then said a prayer. She had them shut their eyes. She taught them that they need to talk to God just like a normal conversation, and to ask that God would listen in Jesus' Name. She taught them that they need to believe what they are saying or asking to God. she taught them to say "amen" when they were finished. I don't think any of them have ever prayed before. I am so exited about this opportunity. I also feel burdened about it. They are hearing these Truths for the first time in their life. We are praying that God would provide someone ( a thai christian) to come and help us in this ministry. We are also praying that God would not only continue working in these children's lives, that they might be saved, but also in their parent's lives as well.
One little boy named June (age 10) opposed the work almost all evening. He kept calling the other boys especially his younger friend to not join in the singing, and especially the prayer. We are praying for him. He comes from a very hurtful home. Would you like to join us in praying for these dear children?

Two Roosters and a Grandma

The other morning Rachel and I were enjoying our quiet time when all of a sudden a couple of roosters flew over our fence and began exploring our yard. To us it was no big deal. It is pretty common for chickens to come over for a while to scratch around for something good. They usually leave after a while. Well, this morning was different. The grandma living directly behind us poked her head over the fence and made gestures like she wanted us to catch the roosters and give them back. Our dog was tied up, so we weren't too worried about it. Rachel didn't quite understand them. So she just smiled, then went back to putting breakfast on the table. Then another grandma showed up, and did the same thing. They were very nice about it, but felt quite sure that the roosters were in danger or something. Maybe they thought we were in danger. Maybe they thought...well, we're not sure what all they were thinking. Except that it became obvious that they wanted them back. So, with breakfast on the table...we began our chase. These roosters are big! They have long legs and run not a little like a small ostrich. Picture if you will, Rachel and I trying to corner these big guys, then pounce on them, not loosing a feather. All the while both grandmas are watching. One is wringing her hands and the other is clapping and cheering us on. Finally, the bantams ran under some bushes and I was able to slide an arm under and grab for a drumstick. Squawk!!! Success! One down. One to go. Around the house, up on the porch, over by the dog... back up... dart this way, that way. Finally, it tried to squeeze into our garden. Squawk!!! Mission Accomplished. Grandma 1 thanked us and bowed very honorably. Grandma 2 smiled and basically thanked us for the entertainment. We sat down to breakfast. Such is cross-cultural ministry. Our days are full of experiences like this. We never know if we are doing it quite right. We just pray that as we interact with our neighbors that we will learn their culture, and obey the promptings of God's Spirit. God is at work here, and we are always looking for ways to join Him. Even if it means catching a phantom bantam. martin.

genuine love

Yesterday I was treated to a "foot treatment" by my 5 year old daughter. She went all out with a cool wet rag first, then 2-3 different ointments which she tenderly rubbed in to my feet. She looked up at me and said, "I have been wanting to do this for a long time Papa. Do you know why I want to do this Papa?" "Why?" I said

"Because I love you so much, Papa." A hot tear began to roll down my cheek as I thought about her unconditional, unfeigned love for me, and compared that with my love for Jesus. Do I love Him that much. Do I love Him in word only, or am I constantly begging Him to let me "massage His feet" so that I can express my love to Him. I confess that as I searched my heart, I found I was coming up short of that kind of love. It made me weep inside, all the while she kept lovingly soothing my feet. It humbled me that she took the lowest part of my being, my feet, and confidently took them into her hands to cheerfully show me how much she loved me. How dirty am I willing to get to show my Lord and Saviour how much I love Him? Somehow it made me feel like I was the child, and she was the adult ministering love and grace to me. How is this possible? Father, I pray that You will inspire me, and fill my heart with more love to Thee. I have come up so short, and I pray that no earthly affection would ever steal the love I owe to Thee. Thank you for saving me. Now, enable me to love Thee and Serve Thee in any place, condition or circumstance. Your Son, Martin.

family trip to the south

We took a two week trip to the south of Thailand. We had basically 4 objectives for this trip, and it seems that we reached all of them.

1. See more of Thailand, and get more of a burden for the millions who live here.
2. Visit Dave K. and Michael S. who are living in Ranong, and working amoung the sea gypsy people.
3. Meet up with Rachel's brother Jon and his wife Chris in Bangkok.
4. Get away and relax. Rejuvenate from the stress of the last 6 months.
We had such a wonderful trip. God blessed us with health and travelling safety. We drove the whole way. Bangkok was interesting driving, but not as horrific as I imagined. We spent 1 week on an island called Payam. It was very beautiful. We were dissappointed about a few things like the expense of things on the island, the abundant mosquitoes, and a few other things, but over all the weather was gorgeous. We were basically the only tourists in our whole bay, so it was very very quiet and private. Praise the Lord! We had much time to think, pray and meditate. Oh, and play in the water too. The work that Dave and Michael are doing is so inspiring! The Mokan people's villages were destroyed in the tsunami of 2004, and has left them very open to the gospel. What better way could a couple of single guys live life, than working amoung a people group like this. God bless them! It was so good to be with family again. Even if it was for only one evening. We could feel their love and support for us which meant so much. By driving all over Thailand like that, we were able to see so much of the country and people that we wouldn't have seen from the window of a bus or airplane. As we drove through city after city, we kept commenting how MANY people there are without knowledge of God. May God move our hearts with His Heart. So, we are praising God for a good trip, and now we are so thankful to be home again! Praise the Lord for His wonderful works along with us. martin.

The Poor have the Gospel preached unto them.

Today we went to Thai church we had never been to before. After the service the pastor was telling me about some of the outreaches they are involved in. One group goes to a slum area in the city where the people are very poor. There are many problems there. Some of the parents work at night and there's no where for the children to go. Some of the parents get drunk and fight each other, and the children are caught in the middle. There's many more problems as well, and some too deplorable to write. The good news is that the gospel is being preached to them, and some of the children are believing in Christ, and God is changing their lives. I thought of the Scripture that says "the poor have the gospel preached unto them." Praise God! I asked the pastor how we could be in prayer for his church, and he said that God would provide the funds to build a safe house at the slum area for the children to come to in the evenings when they need somewhere to go. The house parents would help them with their homework, and also teach them the Bible. I was inspired and blessed to see these things today. Praise God! .martin.

Saved from the Lions

Yesterday I bought this can of roll on deodorant, and on the front is a picture of a lion. When Dinah saw the can and the picture on the front she said, "What does this do Papa? Keep the Lions away?"

Let the little children come unto Me...

This is one little girl who we often see on a big bike, riding by herself around the village. She likes to come over on Friday nights. She is quite feisty with the other children, but is quite sweet to our family. She seems so hungry for love...one day I hugged her, and she looked at me, startled, and then smiling, hugged me back. We don't know much about her home life, but it doesn't seem good.

Another child who likes to come play is Bon. He is probably about nine. Already influenced by evil, drawing grotesque images on his legs, but still loves to shinny up our tree or play UNO. Sometimes I wonder what the spiritual world looks like. What forces are beckoning him? And who will do battle in prayer for this boy's soul?
- Rachel

Field Trip

Yesterday, Oldest Daughter and I went on a field trip with my language school. It was quite fun. We went to a pottery village which is actually our neighboring village. We saw how they make pottery, and interacted with them to practice language skills. We even were given a lump of clay and told to make whatever kind of vessel we want to with it. They will bake it then give it to us later. It's not as easy as they make it appear to be. I thought often of Jeremiah's trip to the potter's house. I also thought about how yielded the clay is in the hands of the potter. That is exactly how we are to be in the hands of our Heavenly Potter. Am I willing to say whatever and wherever to HIM today? If so, then I am living in His will. Martin.

Trip to Woot's village

Last weekend I took a trip with Woot, to his village for a couple days. We checked out the youth hostel, and it is coming along quite well. It is much cooler up there in the mountains. That felt good. Except taking an outside shower was very cold. I had a very enjoyable time and thank God for safety. Martin.

Water

We just want to take a moment to thank our Heavenly Father for His protection and guidance in our lives. It may sound simple, but God works in the simple little details of our lives, and in Him we live and move and have our very being. Therefore, we give Him thanks. Rachel and i have been having some stomach trouble the past week. Finally we both began to feel prompted to get our filters changed on our drinking water tap. There is a series of 3 filters and a 4th that make the water potable. So Yesterday i stopped at the store and bought some new filters, when we took the old ones out, and dumped the water in a bucket, the water was totally black, and the filters were completely clogged with dirt and filth. So, now we have clean drinking water again, and we are anxiously waiting to see if our bowels respond positively. God is so good, and HE really Does take care of His children. Rejoice with us! Martin.

Rain and Living Water

Today it poured! We haven't had a good hard rain for quite a while. It was deafening. Sheets, buckets, cats and dogs...whatever description you like to use to describe some of the hardest rain you've ever seen would work just fine. It was great! Ah! thirsty ground, thirst no more.
What about my thirsty soul? I am hungering after a deeper intimate love relationship with Jesus, and a greater burden for souls. Jesus has promised that out of my belly shall flow rivers of living water. I am longing for a continual, deep draught from clear cool water of LIFE That flows from Christ's heart. O, to Know Him deeper and fuller, and then boldly make HIM known.
Over here one thing is for sure...because of the heat and humidity, after a good hard rain, plants and things really grow!
Surely it is the same in my life. After a fresh baptism of the Presence of Jesus in my life, a lush trail of life follows me with all Glory and Praise ascending to our Father. May it ever be So. martin.

2 great needs

I am quite convicted of my great need in two areas: 1) A fresh revelation of Jesus Christ, and to grow deeper in communion and fellowship with Him. 2) To know the true value of a soul, and that God would move me with His compassion for souls. martin.

Here are a couple of applicable quotes by William Bramwell*

"Do you rise about 4 o'clock every morning? and in order to do this, do you retire to rest as soon as your work and meals are over, or do you sit and chat with the people? Do you give yourself to reading and prayer? I say, give, give yourself to these. Are you never in company above an hour at once? When in company, do you turn all into profit - into religion?"


"How is it that the soul being of such value, and God so Great, Eternity so near, and yet we are so little moved...?"


*They Knew Their God - Volume 1" By E.F. & L. Harvey and E. Hey

Fit Soul? or Fit Body?

..."we dread malarial fever, and fear lest it should get hold of us and drive us out of the mission-field. Should we less dread this spiritual malaria, the fever of a restless soul...surely this is the most dangerous form of fever possible. A fit soul in an unfit body is doubtless uncomfortably crippled, but it is not wholly ineffective; but what is the good of a fit body with an unfit soul inside of it? It may as well go home at once for all the fighting it will do in the mission battlefield." Amy Carmichael

Please pray for us. This is Warfare, and we feel our un-doneness. We will not give up, but we do need your prayers.

First Visitors

We just enjoyed a visit from John and Debbie Rumble.
It was such a blessing to be with them again!
We packed a lot of things into just five days...
the children had plenty of ice cream and rides with John
on the motorbike, we went to an elephant farm
and to see Nui's mother, and another day we went to
Compassion Home, a youth hostel for orphans and village
children so they can go to school nearby.

Anniversary Trip

Since Martin had a few days off, right over our wedding anniversary, we decided to take a little trip. We stayed all night at the project where our friend Wah works. This project, called UHDP, is a test farm where they raise gardens and animals. They then help nearby poor villages in learning to raise their own food, plus assisting them in other ways. The next day, we visited two villages - the first one was one UHDP is helping. The next one was tucked away in scenic mountains, with lots of farming around. This village is tribal Chinese, and very touristy.

Nui's Mother

We just found out today that Nui's mother's tumor is cancerous. We don't know what they are planning to do, but they are quite devastated. Please remember that Nui is the only Believer in all of his extended family. Unless she sees and believes, she will face an Eternity without hope and without Christ. May God give us grace and wisdom as we care for them during this tough time.

Prayer Request

Today we went to see an old friend, Nui, and his mother. Martin met Nui about 10 years ago, and we have stayed in touch with him. He is a Christian, but his family is not. He called this week, saying his mother has a tumor and would Martin please come and pray for her.
So this morning, we mazed our way to the other side of Chiang Mai and on out to his mother's house. We sat and visited with Nui and his mom (while Andrew tried to climb out the window). She has a tumor on her liver, and they will find out on Monday if it is cancer.
The room we sat in seemed to be an echo of her life... proud pictures of Nui's graduation, a tv, some offerings to take to the Buddhist temple. After a while, we decided to pray. As I held her hand, and prayed for her, I had to hold back the tears. She goes towards Monday with no loving Jesus to hold her and speak words of peace and comfort. As a Buddhist, death is about being reincarnated. The ultimate goal is reaching the highest level of reincarnation, non-existence... the opposite of eternal life. I just can't imagine facing the possibility of cancer with no hope in death.
However, back in the room, was a picture of a beautiful waterfall. Like the woman at the well, this woman is seeking to quench her thirst with stagnant water. Will you join us in prayer, that the Living Water might flow into this home, filling her cup so that she thirsts no more? We are praying that her tumor is not cancerous, and that she might be healed. Most of all, that she would see God and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rachel.

Internet returns

Praise the Lord! We now have internet service again! two and half weeks of trial and error...finally, it is back on. So, we are so thankful, and feel like we can connect with the outside world a little bit better again. Praise God. martin.

Internet Issues

On Monday June 8th, we moved some desk furniture in our office. In order to do so, I had to unplug the modem from the phone jack. When I went to turn everything back on...we had no internet connection. So, no worries, I figured that all I needed to do was simply call the internet company and have them reset the digital signal. (Tech support, in English, sounds just the same over here by they way.) The first company I called told me to call another company, so I called that company who said to call the company I had just called... Some Technology friends of ours offered to help us...after trying new routers, phone cables, many visits to our house, cable guy coming out...day after day of hoping for internet connectivity and not getting any...guess what??? We Still don't have internet at our house. It has been very frustrating and challenging.
But, God is So merciful. He is so good! We are so thankful for His Loving, Discipline in our lives. How is the best way for us to learn patience? it is through trial and testing. These things have been coming in to our lives on the royal platter of God's Grace to give us the opportunity for Christ to be formed in us. Thank you Lord.
May God bless you richly as you deal with the manifold wisdom of God and His loving discipline in your life as well.
When we get it back up and running we'll be sure to let you know. Martin.

Being a Falang (foreigner)

You know those people you get so impatient with? The ones who have immigrated to America, and still don't speak English. Oh yes, the ones who get up to the check out and have to have the salesclerk count out their change. Well, guess what... I am now one of 'em!
I can't even do a simple thing like buy hamburger.
After a recent trip to the grocery, Martin and I were talking about this. In the past, its been so easy to look at these foreigners as "dumb". Now we find ourselves right where they are. Almost every single thing we go to do is different. Now I admire their courage. Its not easy to move to a new country. - Rachel

Pictures

I don't have much to write this week, so I will just share recent pictures!

Lang gwige

"by-yan-naoy", "by-yan-yai", The name of two very special characters that when written basically mean "...ETC." Anyway, as my teacher names them and I repeat them I am very aware of the fact that they are going in one ear and out the other. By the way, those two characters are special, meaning they are outside of the 44 consonants and 28 vowels that comprise the Thai language. Another interesting fact is that there are 2-3 obsolete consonants in the Thai language, but rather than simplify it by getting rid of them, they have chosen to leave them in there. Hey, foreigners need something to do when they move here right? How about memorizing some alphabet characters and pronouncing them correctly, while placing them in their correct class and tone rules...all the while knowing that you will never use them. "...ETC."
Anyway, I am in the thick of language learning.

From 2009-04-23 april

Tom Brewster says that language learning IS ministry. hmmmm. I wonder if he ever moved to Thailand. Actually, the other day I was riding my motorbike and praying inside my helmet, when it hit me...it was just a thought, no worries. The thought hit me that, we are living our calling. We don't have to wait for two more years to experience what God has called us to Thailand for. Even though we don't know right now who (specifically) we will be serving in two years, that doesn't change the fact that we are, right now, experiencing the calling of God in our lives. My prayer changed from, "God show us where you want us to serve..." To "Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! Thank you for leading us to this place so that we can serve you in this way." So, I guess if I can keep that attitude, then I can agree with Tom, that language learning is ministry.
Another development is that I have been asked to teach English to a few people at a technology company which is owned by some friends of ours. So, Wed. was my first time of doing that. It will only be two 1hr. sessions per week. But, these students are not Christians yet so I am praying about how to share truth with them while teaching them computer phraseology and grammar. Martin.

Bua Tong Waterfall

Yesterday, we took a little drive to a waterfall we heard about. It almost seems unreal, because you can walk up it. The rocks are very gritty and its not slippery at all! The pictures don't show how pretty it really is! The water looks muddy in the pictures, but it is clear and what you see are the whitish brown rocks below.
I thought about how probably 95% of the people who visit this place don't give God the glory for creating this. Isn't the variety of His creation wonderful?!

Recent pictures

Click on the slideshow to enlarge it, if you desire :)

God is Good

Sawasdee ka. We have been very busy, and then for some reason I am having trouble getting on this site. Here's what we have been up to:

• Last week, we moved to our next house. There was a lot of extra work involved, since the house wasn't quite ready to move into. It was a big challenge, but we were so thankful to receive help from some people at IGO.
  
• Martin did quite a bit of shopping for a vehicle for us. So far, he gets around on his motorbike or we all go somewhere in a borrowed car or get a taxi (songtaow). I am happy to say that he found a four door small pickup. Now I get to learn to drive stick shift and also to drive on the other side of the road :|
• The children have had some sickness this week. A had fever first, and now D & T have it.
  

This time of transition into life here is difficult. It seems like I am no longer good at anything I used to be good at. I can't even figure out what to buy at the grocery, or drive, or talk to my neighbor. But there are some things that transcend culture and language... smiles, and love, and my Father. He is here with us. He still is smiling upon us, even when I can't see it. Rachel

Happy Easter!

I wrote this post on Easter, and then couldn't get on the blog to post it!

We were walking to church this morning. Already late for church. Already hot and sticky. "It doesn't feel like Easter at all," I thought grumpily. Then I began to think that days like today are really what Easter is. Easter is not family ham dinners and tulips and cool spring mornings. Easter is the power of God, the same power that raised Christ and triumphed over all things. This power in my life triumphs over less than perfect circumstances. Oh thank you Jesus!! Rachel.

Im Jai House

We are just getting home from a most Remarkable evening! 9 years ago I stayed at an orphanage called Im Jai House for 2 months. then over the years, Rachel and I have been back quite a few times. They have been through many things over the years. Some things hard and sad, other things good. The director (Ladda) got married a few years back and we sort of lost touch. Well, tonight she was back and so they threw a huge party for her, and invited us to join them. What a joy. It was such a blessing to be there and such a blessing to see so many of our old friends. The orphans that were little children back in 2000 are now in their upper teens and look so different. But they remember us, and we remember them. May the Lord bless Im Jai House. We plan to go back often, but don't know exactly how the Lord will call us to minister there.martin.

Songkran Festival

The Thai New Year (Songkran) is coming up on April 13-15. Here's some information about it from Wikipedia so you know what we will be enjoying! Maybe our next post can include some personal experiences :)

The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water. People roam the streets with containers of water or water guns, or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passersby. This, however, was not always the main activity of this festival. Songkran was traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends and neighbors.

Besides the throwing of water, people celebrating Songkran may also go to a wat (Buddhist monastery) to pray and give food to monks. They may also cleanse Buddha images from household shrines as well as Buddha images at monasteries by gently pouring water mixed with a Thai fragrance over them. It is believed that doing this will bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year. In many cities, such as Chiang Mai, the Buddha images from all of the city's important monasteries are paraded through the streets so that people can toss water at them, ritually 'bathing' the images, as they pass by on ornately decorated floats. In northern Thailand, people may carry handfuls of sand to their neighborhood monastery in order to recompense the dirt that they have carried away on their feet during the rest of the year. The sand is then sculpted into stupa-shaped piles and decorated with colorful flags.

Some people make New Year resolutions - to refrain from bad behavior, or to do good things. Songkran is a time for cleaning and renewal. Besides washing household Buddha images, many Thais also take this opportunity to give their home a thorough cleaning.

The throwing of water originated as a way to pay respect to people, by gently pouring a small amount of lustral water on other people’s hands or over a shoulder as a sign of respect. Among young people the holiday evolved to include dousing strangers with water to relieve the heat, since April is the hottest month in Thailand (temperatures can rise to over 100°F on some days). This has further evolved into water fights and splashing water over people riding in vehicles.

The water is meant as a symbol of washing all of the bad away and is sometimes filled with fragrant herbs.

Songkran is also celebrated in many places with a pageant in which young women demonstrate their beauty and unique talents, as judged by the audience. The level of financial support usually determines the winner, since, to show your support you must purchase necklaces which you place on your chosen girl.

To see some pictures of Songkran, click here.

Hello! Just thought I would give you some misc. info on our life now...

• Housing - we are currently living in the moobaan (housing development) where Martin looked around in Nov. We are in a duplex; we have 2 bedrooms and 2 bath so its working fine. Not alot of room outside for the children to play, but its ok for a short time. Next week, we plan to move to another house we are committed to for 3 months. We could stay there for up to 10 months, while the current tenants are home on furlough. However, we would like to find a place of our own to rent after our committed 3 months are up.
• Weather - it is so hot! Monday night Martin & I were sure it got hotter during the night instead of cooler! Woke up at 6:30 this morning to 78 degrees with 66% humidity. There is a nice breeze now and then that helps. We are so glad for a/c in our bedrooms! It poured down rain this evening, and cooled off for a little while.
  
• Children - they are adjusting to life here. Its still probably the greatest stress point for Martin & I. We have so much we are dealing with, and then they are fussy & clingy. Only by God's grace are we getting through each day! Right now, their highlights are: riding the motorbike with Martin, playing in the water, walking to the neighborhood store for ice cream. D & I have been starting some school. T loves to play in the water and I found him this morning out playing with a hose in his p.j.s!
• What we are doing - Martin is busy doing things like: getting stuff together for his schooling and meeting with the school (he will start on april 20). and getting things worked out for our new rental, plus running errands. I am doing laundry, washing dishes, being a mother. This morning we all went swimming and that felt great :)
  

Some recent pictures

Here's a slide show of our last few days in Washington and first few days in Thailand!

Welcome to Chiang Mai, Thailand

Yesterday I was driving along on my motorbike along with 10-15 other motorbikes and few cars whizzing along. When I heard a ambulance inching up behind me with it's siren on. All 3 lanes of traffic were full, motorbikes were squeezing past me on both sides, and I thought, "what do I do? Should I get this thing up on the sidewalk? What do people in Thailand do when sirens blow? I guess I'll watch these guys in front of me and see what they do, and then try to do the same..there, there is a car that seems to be slowing down and trying to get out of the way. Ok. I think i'll stop here at this curb, and let it past." So, the screaming ambulance worked it's way past me, then in a few minutes alone with the rest of the crowd I had passed it again. As the traffic came to pretty much a dead-lock, a nurse jumped out of the rescue vehicle and started running up ahead. It was interesting to watch the helmets in front of me craning to see what had happened. Soon I came to a little accident. there was an older foreigner checking the damage. there was a motorbike laying over on the ground with 6 or so people all gathered around. By the time I arrived at the scene, the nurse had found out that this was the 'wrong accident' and starting running on up ahead. approx. 1/2 mile ahead I finally arrived at the real accident. There was a motorbike laying over out in the middle of the 3 lane highway. There was the nurse. There was the man with his head in the nurses hands. Then I was past the scene and the sound of the siren soon became a distant beep behind me...Welcome to Chiang Mai!!!

We are here!

Its hard to believe that we are actually in Thailand!
The flights went good, and D & T did so well. Andrew got pretty fussy and stir crazy, but I expected that! Asiana Airlines is so courteous, and I would highly recommend them. The stewardesses take their job seriously, and are constantly ready to serve you. The first flight was 11 hours long from Seattle to South Korea. Our 55 min. layover in Seoul was cut short, and we got to our next flight in the nick of time. This flight to Bangkok was 6 hours long. Andrew burst into tears when he realized we were heading to another airplane seat! So I sat down feeling very stressed. But this flight was full of friendly Asians who enjoyed him. People behind me started clapping at A, talking to him, and taking his picture. I just had to laugh! My nice private life has ended... Often during the flight I looked up to see someone standing in the aisle or behind us, watching us curiously! One lady looked at A and just started laughing and laughing. Maybe its the red hair? Or maybe it was me... : /
Seriously, that is one area I am praying for grace in. I am someone who likes my space, and to have people watching me constantly, and trying to "help" me, is very hard. The Thai people love to help and serve you. May God help me to not be a proud American who thinks my way is best, simply because its my way.
We spent the night in a hotel in Bangkok, and got some horizontal, which felt so good! I was so glad the children slept too. Flew to Chiang Mai this morning, and got our temporary house. It is alot nicer than I expected. Went to Big C (Walmart/mall type of store) for lunch and a few necessities. It is quite hot and the children are ready to hit the pool! :)
Well, think I will go nap with the children. Much love to you, my family & friends! I miss you so much already.