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Here I sit. After one week back in America and Thailand is a thing of the past. Being back is an amazing feeling but the people, places, and relationships are very much missed. I am still in touch with many of our friends through email nearly every day. They are in my thoughts and prayers. This is when you realize it is up to God. You cannot be there for them anymore. Even communication through email is hard because of the language barrier. But that is when the realization comes. . .God is in control.

To Krabi

For the last week we were able to travel down to Southern Thailand and explore the Andaman Coast. From snorkeling and rock climbing to braided beards and bungie jumping, a fun time was had by all. Here are a few pictures just to take a look.

Snorkeling on Hong Island

Long tail boats

Climbing in Railay

Amazing Islands

To Chiang Rai...

CHIANG RAI: For the last few days we were able to visit Chiang Rai. Here are some pictures.

Soccer with the locals

Thai warriors

Chiang Rai mornings

Mian woman

Chiang Rai views

Produce

Life is a routine...

BANGKOK: Life in Bangkok has become a routine. Off to 7eleven for breakfast. Back to the church to edit video. Off to the streets for lunch. Back to the church to edit video. Help teach an English class or two in the evening. Bible study after that. Find dinner somewhere in between and end the night hanging out with our Thai friends, discussing the Bible or helping sharpen their English skills. Life has become a routine. I used to dread routine but I have found that routine is good. It is what people get used to that makes them comfortable. If it wasn't for routine I wouldn't know my "smoothie Lady" friend and her three cousin's that now attend our Church. If it wasn't for routine I wouldn't get my everyday smile at the 7eleven for my daily dosage of soymilk. Yes routine is a good thing. And I am happy that this has been discovered in Thailand. I think getting past that adrenaline rush of being a student missionary that you can so easily get on a 1 month mission trip is key. When the "mission" becomes a way of life that is when you know you are . . . a missionary


Hong (my smoothie friend), Aey (cousin), me, Mariam (my faithful translator)


Magdeline and Mary (my Thai mothers)

KELLY: Our fearless leader and companion over the last 5 months has left us. Her time in Thailand is over and we miss her greatly. Life is changing everyday but we are adjusting. But some people just can't be replaced.


Kelly, Mariam, me on our last Sabbath together

Time's of Jumping...

To Mission College and Beyond...

BANGKOK: After our trip to the Northeast things have settled down and we are back at our church plant in Thonburi. I didn't realize how much I cared about the people here at our church until I didn't see them during our trip. The trip was fun and we got a lot accomplished but I was happy to be back home with the people I love. Please continue to pray for our church plant. Our head pastor, a missionary of 5 years, went was called away and we have a new pastor. His name is Prateep and he is a new graduate from Mission College. At the age of 23 this is a big project to take over. He is one of my favorite Thai's and is definately the man for the job. Please keep him and all the missionaries here in your prayers.

NEW CHRISTIANS: Since we have been back from the trip to the Northeast there have been many new visitors to the center. Some of my students from before have been wondering about our beliefs as Christians. I started Bible studies with them last week and they are eating it up. We started with creation and have now come to the start of Jesus' ministry on this earth. Please keep them in your prayers!

OTHER SM'S: Check out the other Student Missionarie's Blogs. Cory, Robin, and Kelly. We all have different perspectives on our experiences and I don't always have time to post. Check them out!

MISSION COLLEGE: This weekend we were able to go and visit Mission College. Prateep took us to his house less than a mile from the campus and took us around the town. From hiking to the White Buddha to riding motorcycles we had a great time.

COMMENTS: It IS OK to comment my blog. This would help me know who (if anyone) reads this. Thanks!

To the Northeast

NORTHEAST: For the last week Robin and I have been travelling with the former Adventist Mission President of Thailand across the Northeast. We have been filming at every stop. Our days include long drives in the back of pickups sleeping on the piles of our equipment, filming re-enactments of Thai conversion stories, and arriving at the next Adventist Church tired and soaked in sweat. The pastor of the Ubon church has been a great help and has hooked us up with numerous church members to interview and film. We have imported the footage onto our portable handy Mac and are ready to have our new Thai editor, Goi, start editing. But for now it is Sabbath and back on the road tomorrow.

Adventist Church

Bikers

Friends for a day