Wonderful Whirlwind ABCs (Part 2)

Here we are, continuing the whirlwind of memories from my time in the States.  Although I had a great time, I am glad to be back!

N - Not Forgetting Thai.  One of my strategies for not forgetting Thai was to review with my Thai kid's Bible story book.  It's great because the stories are familiar and the vocabulary is easy (but there are always new words to be found.)  Quiet coffee shops made for great places to do this.  On one occasion, a woman walking by noticed the letters in my book weren't the same as the letters in hers, and I got to share my story. 

O - Outdoors.  In my free time, I got in as many hikes, bike rides, and outdoor adventures as I could.  Lake Tahoe was beautiful on a sunny afternoon, and it started snowing at Frenchman's lake on my way home after a good hike.
                                              Picturesque!  (Oh wait, that would be letter P.)

Lake Tahoe, beautiful even in the winter.

P - Prayer with the ladies at Community Bible Church.  Each week I looked forward to joining the group that faithfully prays for me and many others.  It was a precious time for all of us.

Q - Quiet time.  Even in the busyness, I really enjoyed having my own room/home to sit in the quietness before the Father. Compared to the 14 sisters I lived with (and loved) in Bangkok, it was quite a change.

Zoro Snowman in China

R - Rock Climbing.  While climbing as much in as I could in Reno, I met some new and old friends.  So fun!

S - Snow.  What's that strange white stuff falling from the sky?  (Especially cold coming from 90 degree Thailand weather.)

T - Thai Students.  It was great to practice a bit of my Thai language while some new Thai friends and I made Thai food dinner for 50 people, quite a bonding experience.

Thai noodles, yumm!

U - Unexpected. While living and working overseas has been an idea in my head for many years, I never thought I would be able to say I've lived in Thailand for 2 1/2 years.  In taking some time to reflect on all God has done in and through my life and the life of my team in Thailand I am humbled and in awe of our amazing Father.

V - Vending.  Praise God that about $500 dollars was raised through the selling of the Thai goods that I brought back.  Thank you to everyone who bought items!  This money will be used to support native Thais in continuing to minister and spread God's Word to others in Thailand.

On a drive somewhere between CA and NV.

W - Worthwhile Wonderful Whirlwind - A super busy two months, made worth it by all the fun memories, great conversations, long drives through beautiful western America, and very special time with special people.

X - eXtraordinary.  While I was away, everything in Bangkok continued (of course.)  My amazing team put on an extraordinary Christmas program, sharing the real meaning of Christmas with 80+ people, many of whom had never heard the life-changing message. Also two weeks in December we had Thais preaching on Sunday!  That's definitely moving in the right direction.  Praise God!

LifePoint Bangkok Christmas Program

Y - You.  Yes, you.  Thank you to each person who made time for coffee, invited me over for dinner, or just said "Hi" at church. Thank you also to those I didn't get to visit in person, hopefully there will be another opportunity!

Z - Zipping on as God leads.  One of the questions I got the most was, "How much longer?"  My only answer is, "It's up to God."  I really enjoy the life he's given me in Thailand, and I currently don't have plans to leave.  However, there's nothing etched in stone that says I will be here for the rest of my life.  For now I'll be taking it a year at a time and continue seeking him for direction everyday.

Stateside Refreshment

 My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)

Even though my time stateside was busy, it was incredibly refreshing.  I enjoyed visiting with many families and friends.  Each visit was an encouragement as I saw more of God's big picture for reaching out to people in every continent and his detailed plan of reaching people in every community.  It began with a skype meeting with missionary friends in Spain and flowed through a dinner with friends who are serving with international students, families who are being intentional in their neighborhoods, and others who are reaching out in their workplaces.

Time with family was most special.

God's perfect timing allowed me to be home to celebrate with over 100 people from church as 13 (if I remember correctly) people publicly declared Christ as their Lord and Savior--aka got baptized.

A family day trip took us to some of Nevada's peaks where we bumped in the jeep up to mines and beautiful viewpoints.

 

I picked up climbing for the month.  A little bit outside, but mostly in the gym.  It was fun to return to a missed hobby.

 I enjoyed cooking and baking in a "normal" kitchen with all the "regular" utensils.   It's amazing how many things (such as a whisk, potato masher, pastry blender, rolling pin, spatula, mixer, etc.) you can learn to live without when they aren't in the drawers.  But when those utensils are available, they sure do help.

The real test though was cooking Thai food.  Had I learned enough from my friends to reproduce it in the States? Above-- sticky rice cooking in a basket I brought back from Thailand.  Left-- I found the type of pumpkin we use in Thailand at an Asian market!

Most everyone who tried my Thai concoctions liked them, so I guess my dorm cooking lessons were a success. My friends will be proud.  :)

Hiking and exploring God's creation with friends was another highlight.  Getting out of the concrete city of Bangkok and into the mountains, walking by (or through) lakes, and visiting Vinice Beach were all memorable moments.

 On the morning of my flight, Kendell and I jumped on friend's a trampoline before heading to the airport.  It was the perfect end to a wonderful trip.

Time

Time.
fleeting, passing, dragging, running
A most valuable commody.
Never enough. Always passing.

Rusty and me celebrating his birthday.

I have been privileged over the past few weeks to have time.  I've had time to spend with friends and family in Reno, talk to people who are partnering with me in going to Thailand, and get things in order for leaving the country.  God scheduled my time in Reno perfectly, as I have been able to help out around the house after Mom's foot surgery (doesn't her foot look cool?!) enjoy the church camp-out with my brothers and sisters in Christ, and celebrate my brother's 19th birthday (with a surprise party!)  Not only has this past month been a time of relationships but also a time of logistics.  Living overseas requires much preparation including working out banking, taxes, health insurance, visas, and travel arrangements. 

It has been a great encouragement to visit with people who are partnering with me, catch up on what God has been doing in life, share about what we will be doing in Thailand, read the Word together, and pray together.  I have also had the privilege to spend time alone with the Lord, studying the Word, praying for the team members already in Bangkok and those yet to arrive.  I have enjoyed worshiping our Savior in his creation on hikes in the area as well.  Below is the Hunter Creek hike though desert, meadows, and woods, culminating at a beautiful waterfall.

I leave to visit family and friends in Southern California this week.  Part of my time will be meeting with people to talk about reaching those who have never heard of Christ in Thailand, and part of my time will be spent with my grandparents and aunt.  Spending time with them before I leave is important to me because time is a most valuable commodity, and they are worth it. 

I fly out of L.A. on the 18th of this month.  Pray my visa comes in time and for a safe journey.