"Not for the foreseeable future."
That was the way long time missionary Mike Flinchum put it in his newsletter to supporters, reporting on the cancellation of his three month stay in Thailand that had been planned for later this year. For many good reasons, I am following his more experienced lead, and the guidance of my family and Highview's leaders, in deciding on my next visit.
Bottom line: It won't be for quite some time.
Last year at this time I was there. With Norma and Sheldon and Becca and Esther. Over the past two years I've visited no less than five times with various other team members, or on my own. Five times within twelve months! And now.....
As an update, Thailand is actually doing very, very well in all things Covid, as I've previously reported. As of this date they are holding on to their incredibly low number of Covid-related deaths; 58. Quite impressive when you consider the population is over 70 million.
Canada, while on a good trajectory for the moment, certainly can't claim such a clean record. Thailand's borders are closed to all international travelers, and for good reason. And risks for travel outside our own cities even, let alone an international airport, are still significant enough that no one is suggesting it's time I pack my bags any time soon.
Pause for a big and serious sigh.
Because.
However.
The wonders of the internet make some things possible, and I welcome those connections now with more wonder and gratitude than ever before.
Organizationally, legally, this is so important. The nitty gritties between Highview Community Church and New Family Foundation require something called 'reasonable oversight'. It's the kind of careful connection both governments expect in order to maintain good accountability and keep our charitable status on both sides. Normally this is done by the frequency of visits and the meetings of the Management Committee that happen in person while I'm there. Right now, well, it's the marvel of the long distance, virtual meeting that we're all getting more and more used to that's making a degree of that possible. Agendas, minutes ,reports, decisions...all done together.
Relationally, emotionally, this is even more important. As we've said all along, this is so far past being anything even remotely resembling a 'project' and is a true partnership in every sense of the word. Family. What this means is that we are apart as family right now. Far apart.
Except.
It's possible, apparently, to still participate in a time of simple worship. What a gift to this over-stretched heart.
And.
I'm strengthened somewhat by the realization the other day in a Facebook messenger conversation, when I was joking around about something personal, something you'd only dare joke about with someone you were close with. And I was suddenly and quietly deeply glad that there'd been enough language learning, and enough cultural immersion, and enough trust built over these past twelve years for that to even happen.
The kids are doing well, back at school and adjusting to Covid restrictions required to keep them safe. Suradet and Yupa are troopers, settling into new routines to adapt to what it means to keep the kids safe and also make sure they get their education.
Life goes on and the goats have babies and the garden grows and the rainy season begins and they all have long lazy naps on Sunday afternoons because the rain sort of does that to you.
There's been some small but good progress on the new property project, but even that is put on hold now, somewhat because of Covid and mostly because of the rains.
Photo Credit: Foon Narin
