MTW Thailand Team Retreat 2009

Last month, we got away as a team to the beach town of Pranburi (about 5KM south of Hua Hin, Thailand). We had a wonderful weekend of worship, relaxation and fellowship.
You can see from the pictures that our accomodations were beautiful and simple which just enhanced the relaxed atmosphere we all enjoyed so much. We heard teaching from John 15 on Abiding in Jesus and we were encouraged to do just that.

We also enjoyed the beautiful beach. The water was so clean and the first day it was so warm. It rained the following day and that cooled the water off a bit, but it was still delightful. Pictured with Adele is our friend Ying.
When I am with our team, I rarely have to worry about my kids. They are usually being entertained by someone and this retreat was no different. Bekah enjoyed following Adele around and making sure she wasn't getting into trouble.

Phii Chai and his son Joshua (pronounced "Yo-chua" in Thai) catch a few relaxing minutes on the swing at the hotel.
It wouldn't be a team retreat if we didn't play soccer on the beach. Ok, I confess, I don't play and it's only the second year of soccer on the beach, but the tradition has begun! I will say there was some pretty hard hits and scrapes that resulted from this pick-up game...and Jan was right there with them, kicking hard. =)

Another worship time in the "dining area" of the hotel.
PJ and Calvin spent much time with the Veldhorst children. Here they are with Katy.
This year, we were able to have a BBQ. We made shish-kabobs and our Thai friends roasted up some squid and shrimp too along with some naam jeem. DELICIOUS!

Here's PJ with a coconut he found. It was heavy...can you see the strain in his face? Check out those muscles!!!

We had a great time together. If you were praying, thank you! And, thank God with us for the team of people we have to work with here.

Pray for Maisie

The lovely family you see is the Tanchanapongs. They are Thai and have recently added another member to their family...Meno. Natee is a huge encouragement and support to the church plant the MTW Thailand team has begun here in Ram 2 and it was actually thru his friendship with Natee at Covenant Seminary that our team leader, Dave, came to Thailand as a missionary. This past week Maisie (shown in picture at her first birthday last year, April 4) was diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Please keep this precious family in your prayers as they see their baby girl go thru chemo and as they trust in God to do His work in them and thru them. Meno, Maisie's baby brother is just six weeks old. Pray for us as a team to know how to encourage them during this time. We know we can trust God and we know He is good. May He prove Himself faithful, once again. Thank you for praying.

promised pics from Paul's trip north

Hi everyone,

here are a few pics of Paul's time up north among the Karen people. These particular villages and people are not refugees in Thailand but are actually Thai citizens...I believe Paul said they've been here about two generations. They moved to Thailand due to persecution they face(d) in Burma. These villages are in a quite remote part of Thailand up steep and windy mountains with electricity and water sporadic.

Paul enjoyed, very much, sharing from God's Word with the believers in these villages.

This is Boonchu and Paul. Boonchu translated for Paul into the Karen language.

A view from the road of one of the villages and the surrounding mountains.

Paul and one of the Karen pastors. The Karen people wear a hand-woven style dress and as you can see, they graciously gave Paul a shirt and gave him two bags as well. And, they sent a shirt home for me as well!

Paul's time up north was amazing, but Sunday was day of most excitement there as he witnessed God's providential hand at work. The worship service was just closing when a young man ran into the church to tell the pastor that his 2 year old son was not doing well at all. He had been sick all day with diahhrea but now the little boy was unconscious. They prayed, loaded into Boonchu's truck and drove as fast as possible to the nearest hospital. Paul was scared. He said he had never been so scared in all his life. Not only for his own life (Boonchu was driving really fast on very narrow and steep mountain roads) but also for the life of the little boy. Paul really didn't think the boy would make it. They arrived at a dilapidated old hospital and immediately hooked the baby up to IV. The doctor told them that if they had gone onto Chiang Mai the boy would have died. (They drove about 1 1/2 hours to the hospital and Chiang Mai, second largest city in Thailand is about four hours from the village where Paul was preaching.) Well, the good news is that the boy started to regain strength from the IV and praise be to God, didn't die.

If you want to hear more about Paul's trip up north, just ask him when we return! I know he'd love to recount the ways God showed himself faithful during his time up north. If you would be so kind, please pray for some other teammates who are heading up to the hilltribes this Saturday. Dave (team leader) will be teaching from the Bible and three of our single women (Tang, Ying and Melanie) are going up to help with children's ministry. Please pray for safety and for God to use them mightily to encourage our Karen brothers and sisters.

just to let you know...

As of today...the six week countdown to our departure date has begun. Sad? yes. Happy? yes. Bitter-sweet is the best word to describe an experience such as leaving one place and heading to another. (In one of my favorite children's books there is a quote that I love that pertains to this coming and going that seems to dictate our lives on so many levels, "a little bit sad about the place you are leaving, a little bit glad about the place you are going. It is a time of quiet wonder..." from McCloskey's "Time of Wonder"). Please be in prayer for us. We have some throwing out of things to do (always hard for me, especially when it comes to art work of PJ or Calvin) and some organizing of things and, of course, packing. Now, in case you didn't know, I am a procrastinator. Always have been, probably always will be and I've been thinking..."we've got lots of time...no need to rush into it." Well, today I was strongly encouraged by my friend and teammate to get on the ball with it...like YESTERDAY! And, then I started thinking about our other dear friends and teammates, the Mills, who return in about three weeks time. So, that has gotten me in gear and today I started to clean and pack away pictures and knick-knacks. My goal is to have everything packed and distributed and to it's new owner or in it's rightful place before the Mills arrive on April 9. =) I want to be able to spend every possible minute with the Mills family as well as spending those last couple weeks with our dear friends here. It really seems impossible that nearly four years have gone by. I know there will be many tears in the coming weeks...mainly tears of leaving and also seeing so many growing and trusting in Christ, but I am sure there will be tears of frustration and tiredness of just getting all the stuff where it needs to be. Working here it has been beautiful to see God building His kingdom. It's impressive to see the Holy Spirit at work in lives and changing them for Christ's glory....knowing that I had very little to do with it and yet somehow, someway, God has called each of us here to live out our lives among the Thai people.

I will try to post some pics of Paul's trip up north. And, we had a team retreat this past weekend which was a lot of fun and another reminder of God's faithfulness to our team. I laughed so hard I cried one night (with Jan...I always laugh really hard with her!) and we had a blast swimming in the ocean with the boys. Adele enjoyed stuffing her face with sand...yeah, I thought one mouthful of that and that would be the end of it but Adele being Adele she had to prove me wrong! I will try to get pics of all this on here soon! Until then, please pray for us. Please pray for open doors to share Christ with those who we haven't yet had many opportunities. Oh, and also pray for a campus dinner we are having here on Thursday evening. Pray for good conversations about the Lord. Thanks for your prayers. They sustain us and God hears...
pressing on,.
crystal

Swimming Season

I read online that there are snowfalls and -10 degree weather in parts of the east and northeast of America...but here, it's swimming season! =) That's right folks...no more cold weather for our bodies, it's HOT season...and I do believe it's fierce this year! We've enjoyed several trips to the swimming pool already and we even, for the first time ever, made it to Leo Land (a swim park on the top of a local mall. PJ and his friend, Ethan, had a GREAT time going down slides. Calvin enjoyed splashing about and so did Adele. It was great to go with friends...outings are always more fun with friends! (sorry I have no pics due to forgetting my camera each time!)
Tomorrow, we are going swimming again with the mom's group ladies and their children. Please pray for this time to be lots of fun and for God to use it to build those relationships even more.

And, since I am asking for prayer requests, I would ask for you to pray for my dear hubby as he heads up to northern Thailand to visit some Karen hilltribe churches. He will be sharing from God's Word on several occassions so please pray for strength for him. We are VERY excited about this opportunity he has to go and encourage the churches there (we wish we all could go but it's not meant to be...this time!). There is a lot to share in regards to this ministry but for now, I will just ask for prayer and maybe over the course of the next few weeks I can give you all more info regarding what God is doing among the Karen people. Paul leaves tomorrow (saturday) and returns wednesday.

There's been so much happening in this part of the world that it seems impossible to catch you all up...and I won't even try. Just know that God is at work...both in us and in our Thai friends. Pray for stamina and strength for our team as we undergo much transition in the next few weeks and months. We will be celebrating two years of Thai worship this Sunday!!! Can you believe it? Well, it's true. Please praise God with us for the ways He is growing His church here in Ram 2. You, who faithfully pray for us, play a major role in what we see God doing here...and we hope you all know how much we love you and appreciate every encouraging word and every prayer offered for us and the church here in Thailand.
Have a great weekend...you might hear from me again soon, but I can't promise you anything!!!

BBQ Chicken Recipe, Part Two

Thanks for those who are interested in this recipe. The picture is of Thai "bird peppers" or phrik khii nuu in Thai (which means mouse poo chili...because it looks like it...I know, not very polite, but it is true!)

Anyway, these chilis are HOT. They are small, about 2-3 cm long and are green or red in color. If you can't find them in the area in which you live, you can substitute with another pepper. According to a site I found thru a google search you can substitute chile de Arbol, fresh cayenne or jalapeno (but it won't be as spicy) I hope that helps!

As to the dough recipe...this is from my More with Less cookbook my mother-in-law gave me a few years back (a great resource if you are missionary OR if you are concerned about the world's food resources...the Mennonites published it years ago).

Combine in a large bowl:

1 cup warm water

1 pkg. yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp)

When dissolved, add:

1 T. sugar

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 T. veg. oil

1 1/4 c flour

Beat until smooth. Add:

2 c. additional flour, or enough to make dough stiff (may use part whole wheat)

Knead until elastic (about 5 minutes). Place in a greased bowl and let rise until double, about 45 mins. Form 2 balls. Pat and stretch to fill 2 greased pizza pans. Let rise 10 mins.

BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe

This is my new favorite! My teammate, Jan, shared this recipe with us at the Mom's group a few weeks back and it is SO yummy, especially if you like a little kick in your food. I make homemade pizza dough..it's very easy to do...and if you want me to post a recipe for that I will, just let me know. Here's the recipe...sorry I don't have a picture, just take my word on it...it's good!

BBQ chicken pizza
8 bird peppers (more or less depending on how hot you like your food!)
2-3 cloves garlic
2 chicken breats, cut up in bite size pieces
some BBQ sauce (enough to cover the dough...you will use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce).
Red and green sweet peppers chopped (opt)
1/2 cup cheese

Directions:
mash garlic, peppers in crock (or mince with knife if you don't have a crock). Heat some oil in a frying pan and add peppers and garlic mixture. Fry just for a couple seconds then add cut up chicken. Fry until chicken is cooked. Place dough in pizza pan, add BBQ sauce and then add the fried chicken. Add sweet peppers and sprinkle with cheese and bake until dough is lightly browned and cheese is melted. Enjoy!

Have a blessed Lord's Day!

Here we are...all of us of New Community Church...mostly believers, some seeking, some visiting, and some absent in body. This is us. Praise God that we have this many people coming to hear the Word of God weekly! And to think we only started with a handful of missionaries and Thais! God has been so faithful and good. Thank you for your support!

and, just for fun...you know you have to have fun when you're with Thais!

for Emmy, Love PJ

All pictures taken by PJ excepting the last picture, taken by Mommy so Emmy can see both PJ and "Wolfy". As you can see, Wolfy had a photo shoot the other day...and so did Calvin! I have many more pictures of Wolfy, I just chose some of the best. =)

Note to Emmy: notice the great white shark tooth necklace Wolfy has on.

Girls Night Out!

Last night, my friend, Fone, and I headed downtown to a really nice spa. I have been reading a blog by a fellow missionary (you might remember the contest I entered way back in November thru Coffeegirl Confessions). Anyway, she was sharing (see the Feb.3 post, "Daily Break" to get a more accurate story) about how she recently was humbled while riding in a taxi when her taxi driver gave some money to the person begging for money on the side of the road. She and others related how selfish they feel when things like that happen. Well, I haven't had that experience, yet, but I did have a similar feeling last night when I was lavished on with a really nice massage. I am talking REALLY nice. Something I would NEVER have done on my own...but because Fon had gift certificates, we got to do it...together. As I thought of this great act of generosity from my sister in Christ I was humbled. I was humbled because she cold have EASILY taken all those gift certifcates and gave herself one really nice two hour spa...but instead, she decided to ask me along...and cut her time in half at the spa. Yes, I am humbled. I am afraid I would be one to take that entire gift certificate and keep it for myself...an incredibly selfish thing to do, yes, but that is probably what I would have done, figuring that I deserve it and all that.

At any rate, we had a fabulous time. It was my first time out on the town with a Thai friend. It was great. After we had our massages, we sat in the waiting area for at least an hour talking of God and life and how He is working in each of our lives. That was certainly the highlight of the night...after 3 1/2 years I can have a decent conversation with a Thai person about God. Wow, He is so faithful! Then, we headed to get something to eat and ended up eating some noodles at a little roadside eatery. (see pictures below...).

Pictures: Fon before our massages.
Fon and me, after our massages...we even got to take a VERY HOT shower..I could've stayed there forever!

Picture #3: Me, outside the spa. It was beautifully decorated and lit with candlelight.

Fon and I at the noodle shop.

I thought this Florence Nightingale quote was very fitting!

Benjasiri Park (last two pics). Very beautiful park. I found these two women praciticing some form of martial arts...wielding swords and all! I was too intimidated to ask for permission to take the photo...so I did from a good distance!

Other items of interest...an elephant or two (right on Sukhumwit Road...the busiest, traffic congested road in all of BKK), I got to ride a motorcylce taxi again (third time ever in Thailand...it's quite a thrilling thing for me,I miss riding with Paul), I got to meet a man named Ravi, who works at a tailors where I am getting some pants re-altered, I drove on Sukhumwit Road on a Friday night without any mishaps or getting lost (remember the words TRAFFIC JAM and you'll understand!) and did I mention the posh spa experience? =) It was a night I won't soon forget!

Just another manic Monday...just kidding!

Mom's Group was a lot of fun this past Monday. We had a small crowd...three women (minus missionaries/staff) but it was still fun. We made homemade pizza with the women! They LOVED pressing the dough into the pans and learning how to make pizza. We had an asortment. Thais LOVE seafood, so we made a seafood pizza, we also made a bbq chicken pizza (my personal favorite) and a Hawaiian style and lastly a regular old pepperoni and cheese. I was asked what pepperoni is made out of (what kind of meat?). Does anyone know? We all decided, for the time being, not knowing was better than knowing!!! =)

P'Pawn shared about God's love and we also talked a bit about Valentine's Day...what we do for those we love. And, as you can see from the pics, we made a heart shaped pizza too!

So, how 'bout you? What do you do to show the ones your love on Valentine's Day?

Three Years

That's a picture of my three year old. Wow, three years! I can't believe it. Calvin looks SO old in this picture to the left, but I know he's still my baby boy. =) We've had a really great day of birthday celebrating. We try to celebrate the kids' birthdays around lunchtime so that they can have most of the day to play with their new birthday gifts. Today, was no different. The last couple years I have tried my hand at making the boys fun, amusing cakes...and so that leaves me in the kitchen, the morning of, frantically trying to ice a cake that won't co-operate...but it's always worth it when they see the creation. Most of you probably know that Calvin loves all things "racecars" so I recruited Paul to help me make a cake for him. I was still the one frantically icing the cake, but at least I didn't have to worry about the shape...Paul did the hard part! =)

Now that PJ is a little older and understands more about gift giving, he, too, was frantically making a gift for Calvin this morning. He made Calvin a racecar out of Legos. I must say, Calvin was very pleased...pictured at left is PJ helping him open the gift he gave him and Calvin is saying, "wow!". It was precious!

Calvin had a little problem blowing candles out, but with PJ and Daddy helping, they didn't stay lit very long.

And, here's the finished cake. The only problem now is that we have LOTS and LOTS of cake!

Thank you to Grampy and Grammie for the Star Wars Legos (both boys had eyes as big as saucers when they saw them!) and the books.

And, thank you to Pappy and Nanny for the soccer jerseys. He loves wearing soccer jerseys. I will try to send you some pictures of him wearing them. From our family, we got Calvin a toy car Sherriff from the movie, Cars, and we also got him a service center for all his matchbox cars. I found this service center at a toy store and it brought back many, many good memories of my own childhood. My brother had a similar service station and I remember playing with that thing for hours with my brother. I thought and hoped the same would be true for our boys. So far, my thoughts and hopes are just as I suspected. They have not stopped playing with it. =)

As I write this, they are ending the day with a sword fight...and then it will be time for bed!

This weekend...

Today we installed two deacons and one ruling elder at church! Pictured from left to right is Mac, Chai, and Pat. Mac and Pat are now deacons and Chai is a ruling elder. Dr. Natee is to the right installing them as leaders of New Community Fellowship church! A very exciting day, indeed. Thank you to all of you who are faithfully praying for godly men to lead the church here...keep praying and be encouraged as He is hearing our prayers.

Paul took the boys on a little ride yesterday to the store to buy some ice cream. PJ has now graduated to riding on the back and Calvin now sits in the little seat on the front. They LIVE for this!

Friday, we joined the Bangkok homeschooler's group at the Dusit Zoo. We did a photo scavenger hunt. This picture is not of everyone in the group...maybe half? The ages range from 1ish (do they count???) to 12. We're not all missionaries and we're not all Christians but this picture we all happen to be Christians! I can't thank God enough for His bringing this group together. It's a lot of fun to go hang out with other homeschoolers!

So, the zoo itself was really nice. We had never visited this zoo before. Because we had a group of smaller children we didn't get to see all the animals. I am hoping we can take another trip there to see more of the zoo before heading back to the US...but we will have to see on that! Favorite animals that we did see? PJ's favorite was none other than the panther...and she was active too. You could see her spots even though her coat was black. And Calvin liked the hippos.

Pictured here with the bears are PJ and his new friend, Ethan. Ethan went along with us to the zoo while his mommy stayed behind with a sick little sister.

The kids lined up by the sign for Bird Island. The kids LOVED the birds. PJ saw a hornbill (my favorite bird here) and they also saw some peacocks and the male displayed his beautiful fan for the kids as well! I think the excitement of screaming kids got his attention. =)

PS: The cooler weather has left us...nice and steamy hot again...but it sure was nice while it lasted!

in case you didn't believe me...

I've mentioned the cooler temps several times now in previous posts, but I thought I would provide some proof of the fact that it has been cold here in BKK. Now, for many of you 70 degree weather is the perfect weather for you...and perhaps I will feel that way again someday but for now, we are totally adjusted to life in Thailand...and 70 degree weather is COLD! So, the kids have been bundled but I will admit Calvin has been the least bundled...the kid is a steam engine! Top picture is of Adele with jeans and a sweater on reading books. The jeans were PJ's when he was young and needless to say they are a bit big, so I had to cuff the legs a bit. She wobbled around in them alright though and it kept her warm! I tried socks but they weren't skid proof and it was just too dangerous and it was before I realized I could use the booties Grammie got herl see bottom photo!

And the second picture is PJ doing schoolwork with his hooded sweatshirt. The last picture is Adele with jammies Nanny and Pappy sent her and a new pink bib Grammie and Grampy gave her for Christmas. I will also add she had on a onesie underneath it all! Adele loves kicking her feet around with the booties because they make noise. They don't stay on long anymore. =)

In the four years we've experienced Thai "winter" this is by far the loveliest and longest lasting. The only downside is remembering how cold things get in the good 'ol US of A and I find myself wondering how am I going to live thru it? My fingers have been freezing doing dishes here (no hot water from the tap in the kitchen sink) and the cold has even deterred me from showering...I know it sounds silly but it's true! It's just too cold!!! As Paul reminds me, we will be returning when it's summer...so hopefully we can ease into the fall and winter, but I know that I will be freezing in PA this summer!

Motorcycle Mary

Miss Mary arrived safely back to Thailand nearly two weeks ago. The day she got in she had supper at our house. Our truck was getting serviced and it was dark. We had a bit of a dilemma. We did have a few other options. Option 1 was our own motorcycle; Paul could take her back and options 2 and 3 were using a motorcylce taxi or a taxi car (neither were good options in our opinion). Mary had been on a motorcyle once before and it was just for a short distance but she was gung-ho to try (jet lag and all!). So, we got her a helmet and they were off.

We're glad Mary's back. Her father passed away two months ago and so she went home for his funeral and also to take care of some of the estate stuff. I must say, we're glad to have her back!!!

For the Grandparents and other interested parties

Well, here she in high gear. Adele steamrolls right thru life these days. Today she took my camera bag, swung it over her arm, walked to the door and told me, "bye-bye". She's growing up...too fast!

New Friends

A few weeks or even months ago, I met a lady at the local park. She is Thai but her husband is an American and teaches at one of the nearby international schools, the exact one that our teammates kids go to and our beloved Miss Catherine teaches at as well. Anyway, as we chatted and I told her I was homeschooling PJ she said she has a friend who also has a 5 year old she was homeschooling and is a missionary and lived just down the street! I was amazed. So, last week, Gina, my new friend, called to see if we could get together. They came over and the kids played and this week we went to their place. Gina has a son, Ethan and a daughter, Lydia. Lydia and Adele could pass for twins...and in fact when we are together I keep confusing the two of them because they are about the same size, both usually dressed in pink and have blond hair.

We played at their neighborhood playground for a few minutes before we headed home and the kids just loved running in the grass and climbing playground equipment. As you can see, the girls both had on long sleeves due to the "cold" weather we're having but the day was gorgeous to be outside and playing. It's been fun getting to know these lovely folks and I look forward to a few more months of special moments like yesterday brought. I just wish we had met three years ago!!!

Wintertime in Thailand

Well, it's that time of year here in Thailand when the temps drop to upper 70s with a nice breeze during the daytime and at night the temps drop even more. We have to put on socks in the morning to keep our toes warm and even a sweatshirt until mid-morning. Yes, it's wintertime. Last year Winter passed Thailand over. I think we had about three days of cool temps and then summer came back with a vengeance. This year we've enjoyed several weeks of nice weather. It's been a nice respite. We've enjoyed some beautiful winter time fun at the local parks as of late. The boys have enjoyed watching for wildlife and kicking balls around and playing on playground equipment some this holiday season. It's always good to get outside and it's even nicer when you have a beautiful park in which to go. Yesterday we headed to the King's Park and Abe decided to come along. By the way, thank you for praying for Abe. Please continue to pray for God to heal his body and restore his body to good health. He will be leaving us for Chiang Mai, Thailand tomorrow afternoon. His departure will leave a hole in our home, that is for sure and he will be missed. The boys have acquired yet another uncle to call their own and will miss him sorely. As for Paul and me we will also miss Abe and the encouragement (and his jokes!) he brings to our home. We are so thankful for the opportunity God has given us to serve him and give him a home away from home.

As to the children, they are growing strong. PJ, now 5 1/2 had his first dentist appointment the other day and he did great! No cavities and he couldn't wipe that silly grin off his face when he saw Tom and Jerry cartoons playing on the video screen above the chair in the dentist's office. He continues to persevere in reading, writing and arthimetic and is doing well. He loves math, I just wish I had an equal love for it! =) His favorite book is a book about a pre-historic animal called Plesiosaurus, the Swimming Reptile. PJ roams around the house pretending to be dinosaurs of different persuasions, roaring and generally making a roucus! Paul is reading him The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder and each night's reading is greatly anticipated by PJ and Daddy both.

Calvin is also growing big and strong. He loves all things racecars. If you have a conversation with Calvin he most assuredly will tell you about racecars, in some form or other. He spends his days racing his little cars around a carpet in our living room that he transforms into a racetrack. He has a growing interest in school as he sees big brother reading, writing and doing his math. He enjoys counting and loves the number 6. =) Calvin continues to be a joy with a very laid back personality on most days.

And, finally, Adele Grace, is the little fire cracker in our home. We are discovering that she already knows how to tease and cause great distress to her brothers...just to get a reaction out of them! She is walking all over the place these days and holds her own next to PJ and Calvin. She says a few words like, "ba" which represents both "bottle" and the Thai word for "let's go". She enjoys a good sword fight with her daddy and brothers (like I said, she holds her own, that is for sure!!!) and is generally a pleasant little girl.

As we walked about yesterday at the park, we spotted some wildlife that I'd like to share with all you readers out there. The bird is a Coppersmith Barbet. He is beautifully marked with a patch of red on his neck and head. We also saw the frog enjoying the view from a lily pad (can you spot him?!)