Thailand!

After we landed in Bangkok, being nearer to the front on this flight than any of the others, we were able to get out quite quickly and headed to immigration, luggage pick-up and finally customs. Made it through all the check points at the airport after picking up our mass of luggage. Did you notice that small word - all? What a blessing it was that it all arrived with us, not one piece missing, we were so thankful. So we headed down with 4 carts of luggage and started watching for Mike & Marilee, (Laren's sister and her husband who have been living and working here for 4 1/2 years now, but in a different part of Thailand than which we will be working in).  We were all lined up following Laren as he lead the way. Then up ahead there was Mike waving his hand above the many people's heads.  What a thrill went through our tired bodies to see someone we had been anxious to see, someone we loved, family.  Then all of a sudden both Miles and I (we were pushing the last 2 carts), didn't know where Mike, Laren or Lexi went.  It was as if they just disappeared.  Then we spotted Mike again coming back towards us from a door that lead outside.  All at once we were all together, Mike, Marilee and our family out in front of the airport in the 86 degree F, humid air.  We gathered around and had a thanksgiving prayer of our safe arrival. The car was loaded with our many pieces of luggage, and 7 bodies and prayed again that God would give us a safe 1 1/2 hour journey by car to M & M's home in Ayutthaya.  We visited and shared all the way home as we watched out the windows at our new and fascinating home, Thailand.

What fun it was on Friday, to go with M & M to various places such as the local stores to pick up a few items we needed. Driving on the "wrong" side of the road, seeing the beautiful different birds and rice fields, the people, the way the people live, the various smells, etc, etc.  The only thing that could have made it better would have been not being in the middle of our bodies time zone switch over! But keeping busy and interested in our surroundings and fellowship definitely helped.

For lunch on Friday it was fellowship meal to meet the Griswolds, Knechts and Lundquists.  Miew stayed home (she is part of the Buddist Study Center Team who lives with M & M and has been a huge blessing to them in every way imaginable.  A delightful person that radiates Jesus in everything she does.), in the morning while we went to town to make all kinds of delicious food which was taken for lunch. Instead of eating right away, everyone was so busy talking, getting reacquainted or acquainted for the first time that it took awhile to start the meal.  Laren and Marilee while youth had gone to the same church with Greg and Sue Lundquist, in Tacoma, Washington. In fact, they reminded Laren that he painted their house one summer while he was earning money for college.  After eating, the eight children, ranging from 7 - 18 years began playing games and soon several fathers along with Miew was involved.  No one wanted to quit, but it was Friday afternoon with baths and things to get done, besides wanting to get to bed on time for us and the Knechts as we had both just arrived Friday Morning and jet lag without question was present!

The sense of connectedness, closeness and same purpose was very present in that initial meeting among the missionary families.  It was such so special to our family.  Everyone of our children had a age appropriate friend who they felt bonded to almost immediately.  Lexi had 3 girls besides herself who were instant friends.  Now of course we will not be near any of these people while we are up north, but we will be near them in all prayer and a common purpose.  This was such a powerful way to start our time here in Thailand. It made our hearts sing.  Another gift from our loving, caring heavenly Father.

How good it was to fall asleep that night not only because of our very tired bodies, but because we were finally here in Thailand, we were among family; both literally and spiritually. Our hearts were comforted and at peace.  Our time here will fly by, we know.  Everything experienced is precious in the whole skeim of things, in our mission trip experience.  Their will be a lot of adjustments, especially when we get to the school/orphanage, but we will adjust in God's strength and continue to trust Him to lead.