Back in the USA

Sitting in the Chicago airport...finally feeling the full impact of the trip and especially the fate of the refugees in Mae Sot and Ban Naam Kaem.    I can't help but cry.  The purpose of this trip was to show God's love through Christ and in our actions.  We loved on these kids and their pastors too, we reminded them that Jesus loved them no mater what.  They reminded us that our work is never done.   I will never forget this teaching.  Thank you God.   

Last day of visit......sigh.

I have mixed emotions today since it is our last day in Thailand.   We made great use of our time and visited the ancient city of Ayutthaya.  I have always wanted to see these beautiful stupas and chedis.   The highlight was Billy taking his first elephant ride.   His mom loves elephants and it was a fantastic way to view the city.   We finished the day with a family dinner consisting of Thai and American food.   I surprised the group with a birthday cake for John and Nidnoi who both celebrate birthdays next week.  

We are going to really miss everyone after being here for almost a month but Billy and I are both a little home sick and ready to love on our family at home. 

Wednesday June 26-Grand Palace and Royal Temple

We took a boat from the cousins' house to the Grand Palace.  It was a lot if walking but beautiful.  Anne used to play here as a little girl when her grandfather would visit the palace. I think it is a really special place.  

Later we were going to watch a movie but went on a long shopping trek to find a soccer jersey for Billy's friend.  Success too!  We ended the evening at Hard Rock and met Bob Jones, one of my fraternity brothers.  Great visit! 

Tuesday June 25-Back to Bangkok

Heading back to Bangkok with John and Billy.   We will spend our last days in Thailand with uncle Thee, aunt Mu, aunt Ben and cousins Nidnoi and Noina.  

Upon arrival we decided to visit Kaosen 

Road..,,tons of Farongs!  A bit crazy too! I think Billy got an eyeful.   Scorpions on sticks too!

Monday June 24. I love Khonkaen

After leaving Kalasin on Monday we went to uncle Sathit and aunt lot's house in Khonkaen.   Khonkaen is now where all of the Thai movie stars or "superstars" as they are called here live.  

I really live this town.  Anne's cousin Thun also lives here with his wife and 3 kids.   Thun and I had a great time 18 years ago in Bangkok and I am really happy we are spending time together. 

We visited quite a few temples here with their family and the King Cobra Farm too! 

Lots of kilometers, lots of water buffalo

We left Ubon this morning with uncle It and cousin John.  Before leaving we stopped and paid respects to Anne's grandparents' memorials at the temple and said good bye to aunt Som too. 

Over the next couple of days we will visit dinosaur fossils, numerous temples and cousins in the northeast part of Thailand. I am really hungry for some Lao good and this is the best place in the world to get it.  

Tonight we are staying in Kalisan.  We just visited a street market where there was a beauty pageant happening...pretty boys ( yes, boys) called Ka-Toeys in Thai.   Generally accepted here but still awkward for Farongs. 

Family is love in any language

Billy and I are now spending some time with family in Thailand.   His great Uncle Thee and Uncle John have arranged for some great visits in Bangkok.  Yesterday we arrived in Ubon Rachatani where my wife, Anne, was born and raised. Here we are visiting Billy's great aunt Som, great uncle It and his wife Thik.  (It sings too) We also met John's girlfriend, Mook, she is great.