Halfway there!?!?

Seems like time has flown by since we left for Thailand. We have already spent a few days in Bangkok and then 3 weeks in Chiang Mai! There are so many stories to tell about our time. For now I will just update about how we are as a family, stories for the trip will follow when we can.

First thing that has been really amazing about this trip is how we have been able to adjust. The girls hit the ground running in Bangkok. No jet lag at all! Both girls slept for a long time on our overnight, 12 hour flight, and were ready to go the day after we arrived. They have also loved all of the Thai food that has been available. The picture here is of us on a cultural tour 2 days after arriving. Thanks for all of the prayers in this

area, they have worked!

The Thai culture has been great, but we have been really busy since we arrived, so not much of a warm climate experience (for those not familiar, warm climate cultures are more laid back than cold climate). With really hot and humid days it just seems to take it all out of you by the end of the day. Aria had stopped napping before we left the US, but has taken a nap almost every day since we arrived. So we spend most of our break times just trying to rest a little before heading out again.

Here is a

picture of one definite difference in Thia culture, that truck is a Songthaew. It is the primary public transportation for us and for most folks outside of Bangkok.

This is the view from inside of a canal boat, one of the ways we traveled on our cultural tour. Seems like we traveled by all means of non-live vehicle available that day.

We have had many opportunities to make friends around Thailand and interact with the people. There have been great ministry opportunities and opportunities to just talk to people and share life. We even took some time to celebrate Anya's 7th birthday with a trip to the park. Thanks to everyone that sent cards and birthday wishes, Anya was overwhelmed when she received all of the cards and gifts that morning.

So I will wrap up for now. We hope to post more often as we go, but thanks for all of the prayers and support that everyone has given. We are loving Thailand but definitely need all of the prayers and support during all of the changes and reaching out.