So Worth It

I can't believe how quickly the time is going, although, it really shouldn't surprise me, I guess, since it happens every time.

Here we are beginning our second full week already!  So much is happening, and lots of pictures are being taken, even though I would describe our time as happening in a very pleasantly quiet and steady kind of pace.  Other than a few stops to nearby coffee shops, and a quick trip into Pao Pao (think Dollar Store meets Costco) for supplies, we've basically stayed put here at home.

We need it.  Jet lag takes its toll, and we have yet to experience some of November's more typical 'fresher' weather, with the rainy season lingering and the humidity hanging heavy in the air.  

Not to complain.  The Team is doing remarkably well, with two small group English lessons already under our belt, even before we tuck into this week's more consistent schedule of every afternoon after school.  Having both Cheryl and Pat, retired English teachers, on board, and the benefit of specifically targeting reading and writing activities has made an observable different in the children's engagement and progress.

Sunday was wonderful, as expected.  Honestly?  I think it's just the deep goodness of worshiping together with brothers and sisters who are entirely different and completely the same all at once.  That's the unity of our connection.  And it was especially palpable while we took Communion together. 

 

Our little group of ladies even gave a special rendition of "You Are My All in All," accompanied by our music teacher Pat.  But I have to say that the part I liked the best was the worship dance performed by Wanmai, Beemai, and Somjeet, to the track of "I Believe (The Creed)" by Hillsong.  And the great thing was the it was one of the older girls, Tangmo, who did the choreography and led the younger girls.  

It was, of course, fun to have Esther join us for Sunday morning, and then stay to hang out and chat and just speak English.  Her entire ministry here is 90% in Thai, and that gets very wearing, so we were happy to provide familiar company.  

And so begins week two.

I will say that I am noticing the inflation, even in the little stops to 7-11 and the coffee shops.  Everything here is proportionately more expensive than it was last year at this time, maybe even since last March when I was here.  Part of my 'task' when here is to rework our 2025 Budget with Suradet and Yupa to help make up the deficit, looking for where we can cut back if that's even possible.  Yupa is probably the most frugal person I have ever met.  So we're already counting every 'satang' (Thailand's smallest coin value).  

But more that our pragmatic, reasonable efforts, we continue to present our need before God, expecting good things.  In the almost eight years we have existed as New Family Foundation, we have never been disappointed.  And if I ever get anxious, all I have to do is remember His faithfulness in the past, and the fact that on that very first visit I heard Him say that these were His kids.  He's got this.

As I have alluded to in a few places already, Sponsors and Supporters can expect a year end Christmas appeal sometime very soon after our return to Canada.  I have a little surprise from the market in mind.  Just putting that teaser out there.  

And here's Pakin's amazing smile just to say it's all worth it.  Because it so is.