Off for October

Faithful blog readers, I'm off to Michigan for a retreat. As my dad said earlier today, "All you do is retreat. You never go forward!" He was just kidding. This missionary retreat will be good for a retreat so I can then go forward. Please pray for rest and renewal. Talk to you in November.

2 Sadnesses

Usually this blog is full of fun. But its also for the purpose of explaining life as a missionary. So here's one of the tougher sides...

One of the tough things as missionaries is when people pass away while we're on the field. I read a book one time explaining that we grieve twice. We grieve once far away and not able to return. Then when we get home and recognize the hole in our lives, we grieve again though everyone else around us is over it or at least farther along in the process.

While I was in Thailand, through a tragic car accident, my nephew died. It was really hard to handle from Thailand. Last night, for a family celebration, I got to see my aunt, uncle, and cousins again for the first time since I left. It was great to see them, but the words not said were hard. I wanted to apologize for not being home. I wanted to console them. I wanted to say I missed Hunter. But we did give big hugs and start life from here onwards.

What was my present?

Inside my 9month late birthday present was chili beans, beef stew, and face lotion. That would have been fun to receive on the other side of the world. But not here. I have all of that here!

Mail Mistake

Just now, my dad called letting me know the birthday package he sent me 9 months ago just made it back to his office. He mailed it to THAILAND 9 months ago! It's the only mail I never received. How funny and crazy. So, now I get to see my present!

Calls Requests Speaking Engagements

I'm feeling a bit like a concert performer today as I make dates for sharing with people about God's faithfulness in Thailand. (Just look on the right for the latest dates.) It's all very good and exciting. Just wondering if this is at all like the life of Derek Webb or someone as he roams the country. (I just went to his concert last week.) Maybe I should write something on the side of my Toyota Camry so people know its my touring vehicle. Ok, ok, I'm not anything like Derek Webb in singing ability, but I can speak in Thai. Sometimes that leaves mouths gaping. I'm thankful to be home and sharing.

Speaking Blunders

Last week, on the way back from Atlanta, we stopped at a Mexican restaurant to eat. The guy asked, "Tres personas?" I responded with "Chai." Yes, that is Thai for "yes." My brain is so confused.

While speaking to my church two Sundays ago, I referred to "ruling elders" as "rulers." The church really enjoyed that, but I responded to the laughter with "I can't speak English!" :)

All my messages I've left on answering machines lately have made no sense! And today when I answered the phone, my friend thought I was an answering machine!

Tips on my Thai from my Thai waiter friend

I went to Thai Orchid for the THIRD time today. Yep, everyone wants to go downtown to cool Asheville, so I went too. Sam works there, and has lived in America for ten years. He visits his homeland once a year to care for his parents. He bought them a house in Pattaya (about an hour from Bangkok). He says he knew a Christian once "who tried to convert him." Funny use of words but he didn't elaborate much more. He doesn't mind that I am a missionary there. His Thai vocabulary is a little "rusty" from being here so long, but today he gave me tips on my language skills. Sam said I use too strong of fluctuation with my tones and I need to calm them down and "soften" my speaking. It is nice to have a Thai friend here, but I'm still looking for more!