Songkran and other notes

Only two more months in Thailand. It has been like living in a dream. How can we almost be done with this chapter of life? I think life just moves faster when you are constantly interacting with new people as well as involved so deeply in the inter-workings of a ministry.

Lets dive into what has happened in the last month.

Jess and I have been able to make friends with a women and her daughter who are refugees from Sri Lanka. We have been able to eat with them a couple times, and hear their story of survival. Refugees in Thailand do not have any support from Thailand, and this family has been barely making it. But of course that did not hinder them from inviting us over to there small un-air conditioned apartment for an amazing dinner. We had been praying for them to receive official refugee status and be able to move to America, and praise God they were able to finally get that! They hope to be able to fly out by the end of July. Who knows, maybe we will see them in America one day?

Love meeting different people!

We were also able to enjoy a much needed break over Thai new year, which is called Songkran. For those of you who do not know, this holiday consists of every single person out on the streets throwing water in varying degrees of coldness at each other. Also included are people smearing paste on your face, loud music blaring, motorcycles with out mufflers roaring down the street, and a general crazy party atmosphere. It gets a little insaine, however its also a lot of fun if you are prepared for it :)
We were able to go up to Chaing Mai (northern Thailand) and visit a family friend (Melody (Long) Standford) for a couple of the holiday days. It was a much needed relaxation and a great time reconnecting, talking deeply and encouragement.

Us after braving a day of Sungkran in Bangkok!

Besides these things, we have been keeping up with our normal duties. I have been doing a lot more work attempting to set up an art show for a Well student. She is a painter and I am trying to help her get her art out to the public. When I am not doing that, I teach too.
Jess keeps on trucking with the counseling amid a lot of difficulties with booking translators. Of course she also is doing a great job teaching a class on community.
We also have been enjoying a small group from our church, as well as random hang outs with the Well students as well as our co-workers. We have made a small group of friends and also try to spend time with them.

Keep us in your prayers as we continue to try to persevere working hard to the end. Also as we try and leave well, seeing those we can and encourging the staff and students at the Well.

We are looking forward to seeing you soon!