June 29—Settled in Chang Mai, Thailand
Dear Loved Ones,
This past weekend we made our move from Myanmar to Chiang Mai, Thailand. We are safe, settled, and already shifting into a routine
here at the youth hostel. In our last few days with the Khongs, we were able to visit the beach, relax, and have some quiet time with God to prepare for Thailand. There were some sad goodbyes, but we all left knowing we have new family in Myanmar.
Chaing Mai seems like a completely different world. We got here late in the evening so we woke the next morning to some very persistent
roosters and some very eager children. The hostel is surrounded by the mountains, and we are very thankful for the fresh air. We had a great weekend with the kids and were able to connect with them before we began the week of teaching. Their love is so simple and refreshing. They love immediately and desire to serve us any way they can.
We led the Sunday night service and had so much fun. Some of the girls taught us a song and dance that we all did together. For the next three weeks we will be starting the days by leading devotions at 5 am for a 1/2 an hour, a 1/2 an hour of exercise and a 1/2 an hour of English. After breakfast we will do English studies for a few hours and an hour of Christian studies in the afternoon. The hostel has also bought some land that we will be helping them build and plant on, in hopes to eventually move there permanently.
Prayer Requests
Please continue to pray for Tamwe Christian Center in Myanmar. Their ministry is in need of a bigger building as they grow. Also, our team needs prayer as we are re-adjusting to the different surroundings and circumstances. We ask for prayers of wisdom as we are confronted with the individual needs of the children as well.
Thank you so much!
Team Myanmar/Thailand
Shout-outs
Madison: Hey wonderful friends and family—So I miss you all more than I dislike the rooster that wakes me up in the morning lol. I really do love and miss all of you. I've had some crazy experiences that I can't wait to tell you all about! The kids here are wonderful, and I'm
finding more and more things that make me cry out of both love and sadness. I look forward to telling you all about it! Have a happy 4th of July. Kat- Happy belated Birthday!
Manna: Hey family and friends! I think about you daily and miss you all so much. I really love being in Chiang Mai with the fresh air, and
I love getting to run in the mountains with the kids. Please remind me to tell you about the bee in my skirt and the dragon size gecko I share a bathroom with. Yes, both stories ended with me screaming like a fool. I love you!
Bri: Familia! I love you so much! Can't wait to share stories with you guys. Stories where I'm sure you would not be embarrassed to call me one of your own... haha! Josh! Hopefully you wont be embarrassed either! To my Hope family, I love you guys and hope you are having blessed summers! To all who have supported me, know you have blessed my life tremendously!
Ang: Things are going well, and it is fun to watch how excited the team is to play with the kids here at the hostel. I am loving all the
new and fresh tropical fruit in SE Asia—rambutan (aka Harry Potter fruit), mangosteen, fat bananas and, of course, yummy mango. I was smart enough to not get anywhere near the durian though. Mom, I am actually eating pineapple pieces despite the years of refusing to get near it. I've got 3 hours of English class to teach in the morning, so gotta run and plan for that! Miss everyone! I am so grateful for your love and support. (p.s. I was thrilled to find a version of Photoshop CS2 on this computer!)