Harrison Hot Springs- Canada

These past 3 days have been some of the most refreshing days that we have ever experienced. They are just what the doctor ordered! :)

Good-byes to our grand-kids at the Chiang Mai airport; always bitter-sweet!

Those days in Thailand before a trip are always super busy getting ready to be gone and this time was no exception.

Laya and Noel had a great send-off at the Bangkok airport.

Once we landed in Washington there was the usual tasks of getting cellphones back in service, some USA errands and a very happy first meal at Five Guys.

It just happened to be one of the first restaurants we saw, but nothing beats a good 'ole fat juicy American hamburger after eating rice for days.

After helping Laya and Noel get some of their errands taken care of, we drove them to their first host home in Canada. 

We want them to have time alone with their contacts, but we purposely did not make arrangements for our first night.  We wanted the flexibility of being adventuresome.  Harrison Hot Springs in Canada was suggested, so we tried it out and were thrilled.

It is a little resort town with a beautiful lake that is very un-populated and quiet. We walked everywhere and enjoyed the fresh cool air sooooo much. Coming from the tropical heat, it has been so glorious to enjoy this weather. 

We stayed in this old little cabin right on the lake that reminded us of our own (musty) little cabin.

It felt a little venturous knowing that we were in another country- although there's really not a huge difference.

The lake is really pretty quiet without much activity, but maybe it was because the weather was cool- which was GREAT for us. This water-park was pretty cool and made us think of how the grand-kids would love it- and yet it was so so good for us to have this time alone.

I spent so much timing walking just to enjoy the cool fresh breeze, stopping to listen to these really good percussionists.

Weeping Willow Trees are always a favorite of mine because 1) I had one in my front yard growing up in Jesup and spent countless hours playing underneath it and 2) I don't think I've ever seen one in Asia which makes me really miss their beauty.

Sasquatch (Bigfoot) is said to have originated here in the PNW so his souvenirs and footprints were everywhere, even at the chocolate store.

Yep, Sasquatch was seen a lot. After a very busy past few months, this time together for just Mike and I has been so refreshing. After Canada we moved down to Washington--with even more beauty to take in.

DIY lighting in our home

When we moved into our home 19 years ago, there were around 28 of the dreaded "boob lights" throughout the outside and inside. It is the most common type of light fixture here in Thailand and initially they did not bother me.  I just figured that's what came with houses here.  Over the years, I realized, I did not have to live with these fluorescent, bright, and  unattractive lights and little by little we have replaced them and are now down to just 11.  I looked at options on the Internet to disguise them a bit but have chosen to just completely replace them.

Here is one of the remaining ones, that still needs replacing. 

A favorite replacement is this one in our entry way.  I am thankful for the way in Thailand, that I can take a photo of something I like to a shop and they can replicate pretty close from the photo and make it for a small fraction of the price. This one I found in a handmade store that was a pretty close to one at Restoration Hardware.  It was about 1/10th the price.  I did not give them a photo for this, because it was already in his shop.

We have replaced three boob lights in the downstairs area with these and I really like the story behind them.  I enjoy trying to use Thai products as much as possible.  One of my favorite DIY's was when we put up the Thai vintage enamelware plates in our kitchen.  Bet you can't guess what these baskets are?  I found them at a roadside shop and the fisherman use them to trap their fish.  They hold them with a bar at the top and when they see a fish in a shallow body of water they push it down to trap the fish. I think they make pretty cool light shades, too!  Now I just need some ideas for those remaining eleven. 

just getting away

Mike and I are going through one of the busiest times of our lives. A few people who know that, have suggested that we get away to a hotel for a break.  That sounds like a great idea, but it just has not been possible lately.

God who is sovereign and knows everything, allowed Mike and I to have a few days get away- just before the whirlwind started. We had just finished being dorm parents for a week in Ranong at the Kids Homes and decided to stop at a nice hotel before returning to our home  A week later, everything changed unexpectedly with Nok's death and I just came across these photos today that I had never shared.

God knew that we needed that and I still think back on those few days about it being so relaxing and refreshing.  There is just a relaxation and detoxing that comes with going away from our responsibilities with only the two of us.  I think every couple should do this 1-2 times per year and make it a priority in those busy schedules. I honestly think "getting away alone" is one of the best things that we can do for our marriage relationship.  Especially for vocations where you work with people day in and day out.

What I enjoy most or suggested elements......

-we don't know anyone there- it's just "us"

-there are not responsibilities and no expectations

-extended uninterpreted times with Jesus are the best

-I wear what is most comfortable, no make-up, no fussing with my hair (especially since we use a motorbike to get around)

-we wake up each day with no plan for the day (that is VERY unusual for me)

-there is time to just read, think, sit, and soak in the salt water ocean or pools
-hopping on a motorbike and driving around the island, with no agenda.

Enjoy these memories with me:

The pool at this place was the kind of pool that I could sit by all day long.

Infinity pools are my favorite. 

I don't think anyone can deny how majestic and wondrous the never ending view of the ocean is.  It is definitely one of my favorite places to go to unwind, rest, and get refreshment. 

While walking along the beach one afternoon, we still saw memorials to people who had died in the Tsunami more than 11 years ago. It's really because off that monstrous wave that hit Thailand December 26, 2004 that we began our work in the south.

I am thankful for the chance to have marriage getaways and always look forward to the next time. Thanks Mike for making it a priority with me. 

from churches to temples

It was pretty special to have Pastor Matt from Judy's home town of Jesup come to the GPro Congress a few weeks ago in Bangkok. Jesup Bible Fellowship is one of our ministry partners, so after the congress was over we invited him to come up and visit our home. His time was short, but after church on Sunday we took him to a well known temple up on a mountain that overlooks Chiang Mai. Doi Suthep is a busy temple to see Buddhism in action.  I took my camera this time and as I noticed how sobering and interesting it was for Pastor Matt, I felt like we'd love for more of our friends to get a chance to visit.  Instead, I'll share a few of our photos from the visit for you to get a small glimpse.

idols everywhere you turn

There are many ways to make merit, including ringing these bells around the outside walls of the temple. 

Thai's of all ages come to this temple to make merit.

There is such delicate details in all of the architecture. 

Psalms 115:4-8

I enjoy this view of the city of Chiang Mai from the mountain, especially when it is a clear day.

After the temple, we drove up a bit further to visit a hill tribe village and walked through a garden to get there. 

I had not been up to this village in years, and it has turned into more of a commercial market area because of tourism. Even still most of the products are hand-made by the hill-tribe  women.

They often sit and work on their sewing as they wait for customers in their store.

As farm kids ourselves, we always enjoy a chance to get out of the city. The air was cooler and fresher up on the mountain. Thanks Matt for visiting us and giving us a chance to enjoy more of Thailand's beauty.

Allen's from UofA to Orlando

We love the work that Michael produces with his camera.  This was one of his last projects at the University of Arkansas where they have worked with Cru for the past 5 years.  They will be moving to Orlando, Florida to work with Broken Phone Booth which is a ministry under the Jesus Film Project. Both of these are still ministries with Cru. We are hoping that they can get their new financial support amounts raised in the next two months so that we can help them with their move at the end off the summer before returning to Thailand.

Watch this and enjoy hearing what God has done in students lives at UofA this last year.

Cru Vision Dinner 2016 Final from Michael Allen on Vimeo.

Celebrating America in Thailand

Who say's that American's can't celebrate July 4th in another country?  We certainly had a fun day being patriotic today here in Thailand!

We started the celebrating with what seemed to us an "American fun activity" floating at the quarry, paddle boarding, and cliff jumping (for the kids) with three other families.

Mike and Nathan got in a little target shooting at our house.

We ended tonight being as American as possible in Thailand:
-Marisa decorated her house with all Americana- so so fun!
-Four families shared the meal
-We wore red,white,and blue
-Grilled hamburgers, brats, potato salad, baked beans, sweet tea, brownies, patriotic decorated cake, etc. (sorry that I have no picture of that beauty)
-Said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang "God bless America"
-Front yard fireworks and sparklers.

We are thankful tonight for America, for friends who feel like family, and for real family (the Foltz's) here to celebrate holidays with.  Thanks Jon and Marisa for a fun day!

Siam Niramit with grand-babies

The middle day of the GPro Congress (Sunday) was a half day off and it was much appreciated because of the intense schedule.  Our group opted for the Siam Niramit cultural show. Of course, it was fun to enjoy it together with part of our family.

We were all actually very impressed with the whole experience.  They would not let me take my camera inside, but it is said to be one of the largest stage productions in the world, with over 100 performers and more than 500 costumes. The sets were amazing and it told about Thailand's culture and history.

Before the show started there was a lot to see and do outside of the theater.  Yay... for more elephants!

The grand-kids enjoyed having some other kids here to interact with during the congress.

Sweet Hayley Ann! 

Sisters, who did NOT plan to be matching.. just happened!

I love the way she is adoring her daddy here.

Lola Mae is a chill baby and was so easy to take a long cuz she just watches the action.   

Back at the hotel, I took a few more photos of her.

She turned 9 months while here in Thailand.

Her eyes melt me every time!

Ellie Faye is a good big sister and will be 3 next month. Missing you little sweeties, thankful for all the fun times that we had,  and look forward to seeing you again soon.