This picture was taken yesterday, March 4, 2006. Calvin is growing SO fast!  

Weakness yet again

I’ve been in bit of a funk the past week since Paul’s mom left. PJ has been gone in the mornings to the place where he is babysat and the baby and I have been home while Paul is at school. While Calvin sleeps I try to get some Thai review in before heading back to class next Tuesday! I have thought about posting but just didn’t have much to say because my mind is processing so much right now…and if I had posted the post would come out like this one has…messed up and convoluted! But, hey, I need you to listen and I need you to pray!
At Helen’s suggestion I am reading a missionary biography entitled “Once Bitten”. It’s about two missionary doctors (married) who served here in Central Thailand with OMF. It’s a good read but so much of what has been written really speaks to my own heart (as Helen said it would!).
Anyway, this is yet another post about my own weaknesses. Of course I thought I was doing pretty well in the weakness department…sorta stopped praying for God to show me my weaknesses (I had enough of that sorta pain for awhile) but it’s hitting again.
I totally feel like a failure. I feel like I fail a million times a day and then some. It’s hard to admit that to all of you, my pride rises within me but it’s true. I fail my God, my husband and my children. I know that this is a direct result of my sin…that sin being mainly pride among others, but chiefly pride! As a result of my pride, however, sins of impatience and selfishness are common in my life. And as we have really started to hone in on disciplining PJ and also using Scripture to teach him why this is bad or this is good (Scripture should always be our standard as Christian parents) I am finding myself wanting. If I can’t exemplify this character, how will my child? If I am being impatient, won’t he naturally be impatient too? Of course he will. If I am being proud of heart, won’t he be also? So, this realization (AGAIN!) about my own proud heart is hitting home. This time, however, I am really seeing it affect PJ. I am seeing firsthand how my attitude affects the entire household…and the past weeks it has not been pleasant.
Some of you may already be justifying why I am feeling this way…I can hear you now…”the poor thing, she just had a baby, her hormones are all out of wack”, “she’s living in a foreign country with two small children and trying to learn a foreign language on top of all that”, “she’s away from all that is familiar and comfortable, who wouldn’t be unpleasant and impatient at times?” Well, I can assure you, it’s simply my sin. So, don’t pity me but I beg you to pray for me. Pray for God to continue to crush my pride (as painful as I know it will be) and make me more into the image of His holy Son, Jesus Christ. So often, I want to pretend to all of you that I am fine and that all is well in the world here but quite honestly it’s hard. I see, almost daily, the spiritual battle that we are in. Satan would love to defeat us (and by us I mean Paul and I but also our team, other missionaries and You!). He is working so hard to bring turmoil on a daily basis…and often he wins because I allow my pride to get in the way of serving and loving others (right now, that is mainly my family.) Oh, how I HATE my sin and just wish it could go away. I say things I shouldn’t, think things I shouldn’t, don’t say things I should, don’t do things I should and in the midst of all this, I know there is God and His marvelous grace. He is able to refine me and conform me. But once again, I must “surrender my rights on all levels” (another Helen Roseveare quote)…not an easy feat for me. My mom said something to me the other day that has really stuck with me. She said that for so long (while me and my siblings were growing up) she didn’t have love. She loved us but she didn’t discipline us with love and basically she wasn’t living I Corinthians 13*. I remember when my mom discovered that passage and hasn’t stopped preaching it since. I remember times of anger towards a friend or being hurt by someone and wanting to lash back at that person but my mom would always remind me to LOVE. How I hated to hear her speech but I knew I needed it. Anyway, the other day mom said something else. She reminded me to discipline PJ in love . I fear I have not been faithful to disciplining in love. I fear that if I don’t allow Christ to rule in my heart with His love then my sons will grow to be bitter towards me and God. So, I know this post is pretty convoluted and messed up but I am begging for your prayers. For God to show me His grace and truly refine my proud heart into a loving, humble heart that seeks to serve others instead of myself. I am no longer the only one involved (I haven’t been for a long while now, I just have chosen to ignore it.)
*I Corinthians 13:1-8 says,
“And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am NOTHING. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain NOTHING.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not PROUD. It is not rude, it is not SELF-SEEKING, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
LOVE NEVER FAILS. But where there are prophecies, the will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

BEWARE! Elephant Crossing!

Since Paul's mom only had three days remaining of her stay here in Thailand AND since we have a newly acquired vehicle we decided to go on a thiaw to Khao Yai National Park here in central Thailand. When we got to the Park PJ asked if we would see an elephant. So, I said, "Well, let's pray and ask God to allow us to see an elephant but at a safe distance." (At the time we were walking thru some jungle to see a waterfall and saw some fresh evidence of an elephant and I really didn't want to see one up close and personal!) SO, the day went on. We saw some wild monkeys, sombar deer, birds but then as we were driving along we saw this huge, male, WILD elephant! It was so exciting and scary! We were not very far away from him and he was trapped between our car and another so he wasn't happy about that either. He started running towards our car at which time Paul quickly put it in reverse and then the elephant turned and went down into the woods. So, we got to see our elephant and GOD kept us safe. It was so cool to be able to say to PJ..."see how God answers prayer?" He kept us safe and showed us an elephant but not only that a male elephant with tusks!" We had a great time exploring this jungle and the weather was SO cool...much cooler than Lopburi. All in all it was a fun thiaw.

How the Lord Provides

Last night as we were just sitting down to supper, our phone rang. It was the OMF regional director here in Central Thailand asking to speak to Paul. I handed Paul the phone and then waited for him to get off. Now before I tell you the significance of that phone call I must first tell you of a struggle I personally have been having. If you are a faithful reader to this blog then you know that we purchased a motorcycle in October. It greatly increased our ability to get around and get things done here in Lopburi. We no longer had to take public transport with all our bags in tow (along with a 2 year old and a pregnant woman!). It was amazing how convenient it became for Paul to run out and get butter, milk or fruit. But then, we had Calvin. And even though I rode the motorcycle as a pregnant woman up until my last month of pregnancy, we are not taking the baby on the motorcycle…we do have some sense. SO, I quickly realized that I was going to be locked up in a house much of the time except for when I was at school. Paul and I realized back in December that not having a vehicle is a problem (especially as our family grows) and realized that we haven’t been praying about it. We totally trust God to provide for our every need and we knew that when His timing was perfect He would provide…as He has proven to us so many times. So, we started praying, not very faithfully, I might add, but we did start praying. Thankfully, God is faithful even when we aren’t, but I do digress.
So, back to the phone call…
The director called to give us the phone number of a missionary family leaving for furlough (tonight!) who needed someone to take their car for six months! He thought we wouldn’t mind having that offer and called us up. As I write this Paul is picking up the car!!!
After Paul got off the phone and shared this good news, I could hardly believe my ears. Had God really answered our unfaithful prayers, so soon? Yes, He has done it again! Now, I will ask you all to continue praying for a vehicle for us in 6 months but please praise God with us for this provision of His gracious hand. I still can hardly believe it!

"Bumping up and down in my little red songtheow"

So, you didn't think we all rode the motorcycle to the zoo, did you? We took the red songtheow* to the zoo and here is Grammie and PJ enjoying the ride. PJ especially likes calling them to stop to pick us up!
*a songtheow is a pick up truck with two bench seats in the back with a metal roof. When you want to get off you push the buzzer and get off and pay the driver. It's a cheap and easy way to get to where you want to go.

The Peanut Man

And even this goat wanted some peanuts from Paul. It's funny, this goat has the run of the zoo it seems. Every time we visit the zoo, he's out and about running around, bumming peanuts from whoever he can! 

Yet Another Trip to the Zoo

For anyone who knows my lovely husband you know how he absolutely LOVES the outdoors and animals. So, when we go to the zoo, I think Paul has much more fun than even PJ! Yesterday we took Grammie to the zoo one last time before she leaves to go back to the States. We found this young monkey had climbed out of his cage and was eagerly waiting for some peanuts. Of course Paul had to touch and even try to coerce this monkey into his hand. The monkey's instincts kept him from climbing completely onto Paul's hand but at one point he had three of his four legs on Paul's hand. 

For Grampy...with love

Even though it's late PJ, Calvin and Grammie made this Valentine for Grampy. We LOVE you Grampy. PJ carefully drew some trucks and helicopters on the Valentine too!

An Updated Picture

This picture is for all of you Mission Chairpersons. We realize that the mission conference season is upon many of you in the States. Please feel free to download this picture if you need it for your conference. We so appreciate all the support, both financial and prayer, that we receive from churches and individuals. We hope that you truly feel in partnership with us because without you we wouldn't be able to be here. Thanks again!

Guest Writer: Helen Henry "Just a few thoughts"

Hello everyone! I have now been in Thailand for two weeks and have decided that the best way to describe Thailand is to say it is a land of contrast and spiritual darkness. There is bright color and activity all around. Noise and smells of one sort or another are everywhere. The traffic is not like anything I have ever seen in America and yet there don’t seem to be many accidents, at least I have not seen any. One thing that immediately struck me, even as I was going from the Bangkok Airport to the apartment house is that people are up and socializing all night! There seem to be places to eat on every street and of course that adds to the aroma (literally) of this country.

Lop Buri is very different from Bangkok. Here there are no taxis and less of a Western evidence although that is still all around us. The streets are more narrow and there are many more dogs which always makes a walk interesting. The people have their home and business in the same place and the door always seems to be open. This is also the way of life for Paul & Crystal. If their outer door is open, it means you can come in for a visit. But be careful, you may end up inviting them to share dinner with you! That takes a lot of energy and time out of what you think of as a schedule. And in the middle of all the “drop-in” visitors, Paul and Crystal have to study and take care of two little boys, plus the usual household duties.

Here is something interesting. Feet are considered the low point of your body. You never bring your outside shoes into the house, in fact you really should not wear shoes in the house at all. Don’t carry your outside shoes through the house either and don’t point your feet at anyone or use them as a tool as in moving something with your foot.

Gifts given to you are to be opened in private and must always be wrapped.
It is very hard to put my thoughts into words in describing this country…you have to see it to understand it. I can tell you this. I am learning of what I can do without and also how much I need the Lord to sustain me in my walk here because everything is so different from what I have always known. Don’t expect anything to be a certain way…you will be surprised at what you get. Appearances can be deceiving and yet there is positive side to everything. The smiles and giggles of the school children is universal and the generosity of the people is humbling. This is a land of spiritual darkness with spirit houses everywhere and the people living in a bondage of fear to these spirits. We know that our only hope is in the salvation of the Lord and that is the message that will free the Thais. Please continue to pray for Paul and Crystal and all the other Christian workers here in Thailand and they strive to bring this message of hope to the people.

A great smile from PJ!

 

10 days old

 

King Narai Festival in Lopburi

Yesterday the langauge center took an afternoon fieldtrip to King Narai's palace grounds right here in Lopburi. My teacher, Khruu Ann, led the field trip and Paul and Grammie joined in. Here Paul and Grammie are pictured with some elephant topiary. On February 16th a huge celebration will begin here in Lopburi that will honor this king (he reigned a long time ago but you would have to ask Paul or his mom when because I don't know right off the top of my head!) His palace and grounds are basically ruins now but the wall behing them is part of those ruins. 

Got Milk?

Ok, I have to apologize for the piece of pancake in PJ's mouth, but really, isn't the milk mustache worth it? He thought it was really funny that he had a milk mustache too. 

We've enjoyed some other visitors in the past days as well. Here PJ and Calvin are pictured with some neighbor girls that we've gotten to know a little. It was a joy to see their excitement for us and to stop in and meet Calvin. How quickly word flies that we are back in town! 

Of course Phii Lina loves loving on baby Calvin too. PJ's not sure what to make of that. Phii Lina says that Calvin has a thai nose...we'll see how it grows! She also wanted to give him the thai nickname of Taw...which means turtle...but as Calvin's parents we aren't too keen on that name!

This sign welcomes us as we opened our back door. Notice, Jan and Jose even remembered Grammie! 

PJ had fun playing with Jose with this ball he received as a "big brother gift" from Faye. He learned a new phrase...."are you ready?" which comes out "you deady?". PJ continues to do well but we appreciate your prayers for him as we have seen him struggle a little with the new arrival and he's trying to make sense of it all. 

A BIRTH-day Celebration

On Monday we had a spontaneous Birth-day party for Calvin. When we arrived back in Lopburi on Saturday we were greeted with our house decorated with balloons and streamers along with all kinds of party foods, including this cake. Our friends, Jan and Jose did the decorating of the house. As you can see from the cake, the Thais take great pride in cake decorating. It is quite an art here! We felt so welcomed back to our home here. So, on Monday we received a phone call from our friends Faye and Beth (students here as well) asking if they could bring us supper. We said "sure" and they popped in. Then we saw Jan and Jose come in the gate and invited them over after supper to eat cake with us. Phii Lina also popped in. So, the party was on and everyone seemed to have a great time. I know I really enjoyed it. It was encouraging to see that we have a family here in Thailand...both in Bangkok and in Lopburi that loves us and celebrates with us and weeps with us. So, I am going to post some pics of the "party." I hope you will enjoy! 

At the Zoo

A trip to Lopburi isn't complete without going to the zoo. Here's Grammie and PJ posing with the gorilla. 

And they're off...

Here's the trio...I am happy to report they made it there and back safely. 

"Cool Grammie"

Here is the one and only, Grammie, getting ready to mount the motorcycle! This morning was her second ride on the infamous bike. 

Getting ready for a motorcycle ride

Today Daddy took PJ and Grammie to the zoo. It was the first time in three weeks PJ rode the motorcycle...so he was very excited! Here he is fiddling with his helmet. 

 

In Grammie's Arms

As many of you know, Grammie Henry flew out to Bangkok to be with us during this time. It has been wonderful having her here and of course Calvin enjoys his cuddle time with Grammie (and so does Grammie!). 

Brotherly Love

Here is PJ giving his new baby brother a kiss on the forehead. He seems to love his new baby brother even though he is having some trouble sharing mommy sometimes! So far, he has been very gentle and careful with Calvin. 

My Labor Team!

This picture was taken just after Calvin's birth. Kim, our teammate, was there with Paul and me. It was great to have such wonderful coaches. 

For My Mom

This was me on January 30th around 11AM or so. I went into labor that afternoon around 4 or 5 PM. This picture is for you, Mom! 

Introducing the Newest Member of the Family

Well, I am sure most of you have been checking this blog daily to see when or if this baby has arrived. I first must apologize because I fully wanted to get this out to you all sooner but our internet has been down in Bangkok and we just returned to Lopburi on Saturday. Without further ado...Calvin Lewis Henry was born the morning of January 31st...at exactly midnight! He weighed in at a whopping 4.2 kilos (we have found out that this is 9.24 lbs. for all of you North Americans!). My labor was VERY quick...about 7-8 hours from start to finish (compared to PJ's labor of 25 hours!...thank you for praying!). Both Calvin and myself are doing well and even PJ is adjusting quite well to his new baby brother. Please continue to pray for all of us as we adjust to sleepless nights and the new addition! I will post some pictures very soon!
Thanks again for all your prayers. I was able to have another natural birth and God once again provided me with the strength and encouragement I needed to do so. Paul and our teammate Kim were both there and I wouldn't have been able to do it without them! Ok, gotta run...