Hello all. We've been here for three days already, but in some ways, in all the good ways, it feels like we've been here so much longer. Took a bit to get connected to the internet, but here we are and hopefully this means more blog posts - and pictures - in the days to come.
Our Team has been settling in very easily to the more relaxed, albeit very different, kind of life that is here at Hot Springs. It really helps that the majority of us have been here before. Almost no culture shock at this point, and the weather has been incredible - cool in the evenings, sunny and only 'hottish' during the day. Everything's green and flowering and very summer like here right now, such a welcome gift after leaving a cold, rainy, still-snowy March back at home.
The Hot Springs kids are growing both inside and out, and it's been so much fun to get to know our three new children better - Eg (Egarat), Pon (Waripon) and Da (Nachanan). With my limited Thai I am finding out their favourite colours, if they like school, if they are feeling well....almost incidental information in my efforts just to help them be a little more relaxed with this crazy old white lady from Canada. It's certainly my observation that there is a big change in the children from when they first arrive at Hot Springs to when they've been here a while. I've seen it with several of them now. Very reserved and less engaged at the beginning, but increasingly happier and healthier, physically and emotionally, the longer they are here.
We opened Sponsors' packages today. One of my favourite parts of the trip each year. It's like a mini Christmas. And afterwards all the kids are wearing or playing with the gifts their Sposnors sent along. Ian and Renee - the big, red bouncy ball for Rompo was a hit, although he hasn't quite got the hang of it yet, making for a fair bit of entertainment for us all. To all the Sponsors, let me just say that through Becky (our Team interpreter) I was able to assure them again that you love them all very much, and that these gifts were just tokens of all our love from Canada. They all had so much fun opening your love :).
And of course, we're talking a lot about the trip back when we bring Suradet and Yupa with us. They are so grateful and so excited. Yupa has never been on a plane before! Oh my! But we will do our best to make her comfortable. And of course, we are praying that they will feel the trip is worth it....just like we do.
Morning devotions/worship time comes early, so I will sign off for now. Thank you again to all the family members who have released us to come. And to Highview who releases me to do this each year. You have no idea.
Blessings and Sawat-dii ka,
Ruth Anne
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