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.