The Land of Siam -- Thailand

Sorry this is late ....
I spent over an hour in the internet cafe updating family and creating this post. Just as I was wrapping up, the Iternet connection at the cafe went down. After a few moments of true frustration, I remembered that in my pack was a USB flash drive! Saved by technology. I was able to save the post and return at a later time to finish the posting! So ...


Greetings from Thailand!

A new country for me (spending two nights in the Bangkok airport previously doesn't count). Friday we flew to Bangkok then Chiang Mai, Thailand. At dusk we went to our new orphanage there to see the 62 kids! As is always the case, the language of love, care, security, laughter and smiles needs no translation! They are beautiful and full of energy.

The setting is a bit more rustic than our two Cambodian orphanages, but that will change. Yesterday we met with a contractor and reviewed plans for a dining hall/kitchen/multi-purpose building. He wants to start Monday! Go God. We will see the initial progress while we are yet in Thailand!

Thailand is a beautiful country -- all of what we have seen so far anyway. It is more modern than Cambodia. It has McDonalds and other franchises, more modoern dress (less modest), and more pavement and concrete; not altogether to be considered an advantage. I still like Cambodia, though the hamburger I had last night wasn't too bad!

This trip I have done more administrative/strategy work before the team arrrives on February the seventh. I must say that those meetings have been fun and productive. There is much work that can be done in both countries and God seems to have a part for Asia's Hope to play! This week, we are planning a trip to a village in Myanmar (Burma); another country!

One minor travail has been the mosquitos; this year their popultion seems to be greater. Some of them could carry the lighter among us off to parts unknown! It is a real experience to use a native "facility" -- W.C. as they are referred to here. These are sheds, not really "closets" in which is set on the ground a porcelain container for your use. No running water here; when done, you pan some water out of a resevoir to "flush". I got surprised the other day -- they also do not have TP in them. I still haven't figured out how the natives handle that one! Anyway, it is quite a skill to do what you need to do while shooing away enormous mosquitos all trying to attack you while you are vulnerable! I could say more, but ...

The remainder of the week in Thailand will be organizing the immunizations, meeting with potential partners, and setting up the schedule for the teams trip after their arrival.

I am glad you are along with me. Keep up the prayers and encouragements. I really need and appreciate them!