We've just been busy (no excuse) and the perfectionist in me won't allow myself to just post something casual or insignificant. Although, that's what I've decided I've just got to do. Otherwise we might completely fall off everyone's radar. We really do need your intercessions, and so I know it's important for me to keep sharing the stories of all we get to see and experience.
In the last few months, we've had a few people come visit and work along side us.
We had a Hispanic team come in March. Can I just tell you that these guys and gals are some of the most hard-working, passionate about sharing type folks that I have ever met. If we had volunteers like them here all the time, I think our mission would quickly be accomplished.
We also had a father-daughter pair come for a week. That was really fun! An old college fraternity brother of CJ's and his 13 year old came to help out for a week. They really encouraged us. They made us laugh, and they blessed us in so many ways.
Rounding out the recent guests, we had a three student team from William Carey University come on a vision trip, led here by none other than my parents. The team got to see a lot of our city and potential opportunities for future partnerships, and after they departed my folks stayed on a little longer to visit.
We had a great time with my family - well, as long as we were inside with the air con blowing on us. :) They really struggled with the heat and the deficient electricity. The food here is unusual and questionable. Even when I cooked at home for them, the meat just tastes different. Then there's the crazy traffic and so many people. It's all something I guess we just have become accustomed to, but their difficulties were a reminder to us of just how challenging a place this is to live.
They were both actually quite happy to leave our beloved Southeast Asian home when we all departed together on our family's visa run to Thailand. My mom was almost giddy.
I have to confess, we did work them while they were with us in our city. We had them going out and participating in our work. They were teaching and sharing and encouraging. They were surely quite the troopers through it all. They have earned a month of rest and recuperation for sure, of course it will mostly be spent in jet lag. I know they have many stories to tell.
Before their return to America, we got to spend a few days at the beach in Thailand. We also had a family friend come join us for a couple days. It was a real treat.
But now, we're back in the saddle, so to speak.
We've got a busy summer coming up with the arrival of new co-workers in our city and more volunteers coming our way. We just love it and we wouldn't have it any other way.
I promise better and more frequent updates coming soon.
Keep looking up!
P.S. Thank you to everyone who sent us things with my parents. Meansville BC, Columbia Academy, FBC Columbia and so many individuals. You truly showered us with love. Bless you!
