tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63020397733733199242024-03-27T19:53:52.214-04:00Highview To Thailand!Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.comBlogger329125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-39186739630031510382024-03-26T10:19:00.001-04:002024-03-26T10:19:23.931-04:00Crosses in Gardens <p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcRKlLClaSDVxI1lTJUiEs_Drr4jxg4DDfai6QYR1a_QcaTjSg0mxLVG1ahup9TonYAquzHvD-74oUed7GKNhYNoTn-RtpWKP5j7gFbxruP9hR29ne0Gy1hXVMesLaI9J7G2C1Rp097oxcSJS60EKduJbqIQMrnGYZgisoExjI_5zZhd-7jtGZHTmsCAF/s4928/DSC_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcRKlLClaSDVxI1lTJUiEs_Drr4jxg4DDfai6QYR1a_QcaTjSg0mxLVG1ahup9TonYAquzHvD-74oUed7GKNhYNoTn-RtpWKP5j7gFbxruP9hR29ne0Gy1hXVMesLaI9J7G2C1Rp097oxcSJS60EKduJbqIQMrnGYZgisoExjI_5zZhd-7jtGZHTmsCAF/s320/DSC_0238.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross on the Hill at Hot Springs<br />Photo Cred: Dave Driver<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Crosses in gardens seem more real, somehow.</p><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, let's put them on our places of worship, and wear them around our necks, or hang them on the walls of our homes to remember, to identify ourselves with this Sacrifice. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But we all know these are sanitized symbols. </div><div style="text-align: left;">So it's good for us, sometimes, to go outside. </div><div style="text-align: left;">To reflect beside the rough wood of it. </div><div style="text-align: left;">To be more real about it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Crosses in Thailand feel more real somehow. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Inside or outside.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe because they stand in stark contrast to golden domes.</div><div style="text-align: left;">But just in case I'm tempted to point fingers, </div><div style="text-align: left;">we Christians tend to glitter too.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Drawn to the bigness of it, I guess.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Different ways to point to God.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Again, no pointing fingers.</div><div style="text-align: left;">There's room at the Cross for this.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But still.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Crosses in gardens seem more real.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In some ways of thinking, </div><div style="text-align: left;">suffering is to be avoided at all costs.</div><div style="text-align: left;">There's another stark contrast for Thais.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Christian Thais.</div><div style="text-align: left;">We worship a God who suffered.</div><div style="text-align: left;">All the more reason for crosses in Thailand to feel more real.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Inside or outside.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There is no 'spring' in Thailand, either.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nothing to 'cross' over between equinox and resurrection.</div><div style="text-align: left;">No cultural expression of a celebration of dying that brings life.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Not seasonal.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Not like we do.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All that's left is what is real.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Crosses in gardens.</div><div style="text-align: left;">And hope piercing a recycling of despair.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All of us at New Family Foundation wish you all the very best, </div><div style="text-align: left;">most real Easter ever.</div><div style="text-align: left;">And if you get the chance,</div><div style="text-align: left;">go visit a Cross in a garden.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Some surprising encounters have happened there before.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeye3NAjDyTUOgyU7INLpLq_5tJolNwRBJ4yp8Z-67WTAGUE9Hqb9z2Aa1g1j9AxTynD4q7bomzJaogduwEL6us3aqVeinW0p5mihE8Le6tjD_DSzb_pfzElwVxzqWCGZqxj2FSSzOaynj7yKoTFCfOtrvk4RQ-uz6uBttuuRtwf75ti3N-Z6HqVVdXVb/s960/Logo%20update.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="960" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeye3NAjDyTUOgyU7INLpLq_5tJolNwRBJ4yp8Z-67WTAGUE9Hqb9z2Aa1g1j9AxTynD4q7bomzJaogduwEL6us3aqVeinW0p5mihE8Le6tjD_DSzb_pfzElwVxzqWCGZqxj2FSSzOaynj7yKoTFCfOtrvk4RQ-uz6uBttuuRtwf75ti3N-Z6HqVVdXVb/s320/Logo%20update.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-48570967305293642892024-03-20T08:09:00.002-04:002024-03-20T08:09:15.037-04:00Celebrating a Remarkable Woman<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKhEvDyTYQ8lLkaATiX2FpgfWvTS04l3PS7njGCoEuhkRB0T0YCdG6tyGktiNJX9gSmvcSanARi_pnPasKBBGOK2kiaQlA_VN_Pnt4LDTPAqCEGFSalwZA_d_4gBTnGnLIZZagK9nrkMdOXnQPcSl_jBVJ3Jbi4tg3bBXTYW9vXQuikne0579KwTL3rxq/s320/Yupa%20with%20flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKhEvDyTYQ8lLkaATiX2FpgfWvTS04l3PS7njGCoEuhkRB0T0YCdG6tyGktiNJX9gSmvcSanARi_pnPasKBBGOK2kiaQlA_VN_Pnt4LDTPAqCEGFSalwZA_d_4gBTnGnLIZZagK9nrkMdOXnQPcSl_jBVJ3Jbi4tg3bBXTYW9vXQuikne0579KwTL3rxq/s1600/Yupa%20with%20flowers.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Happy Birthday to one of the most amazing women I know!</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">It's not just that she, along with her husband Suradet, have for the past 16 years, welcomed so many children into their care. That alone is heroic and admirable and incredible all in itself.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">But to know Yupa is to be graced somehow with the measure of her faith. It's as if the deep spirituality and powerhouse of her inner strength sort of sparkles off onto you. You can't help but get some on you, somehow. To be prayed for by Yupa is truly a great gift.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">So, on this birthday, we again celebrate that God has given us such a treasure. </span><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">And we pray blessings over and abundant. </span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">As you have given, may it be given unto you.</span></div>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-51652248536343187662024-03-14T09:29:00.002-04:002024-03-14T09:29:52.320-04:00Essentially Uncomfortable - Thoughts on Cross-Cultural Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMjwX1UVBVhHBv1FZH6UQ0x3fPgfjRfjsti-2WdlUqqOBTeDMXVkoO_gWuwuiLusYEcBsYzidhis12UrTAYo9kLNSFXiW9ZAlRpTXCeYV2QpgrX3TmJphumD62iqs-Uebq7SCIZmbNSKnVK1QakIVCj3kauaykSkl7T2KnKlbOx8wXdkJDcz5uN73ev7X/s4608/20220116_093900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMjwX1UVBVhHBv1FZH6UQ0x3fPgfjRfjsti-2WdlUqqOBTeDMXVkoO_gWuwuiLusYEcBsYzidhis12UrTAYo9kLNSFXiW9ZAlRpTXCeYV2QpgrX3TmJphumD62iqs-Uebq7SCIZmbNSKnVK1QakIVCj3kauaykSkl7T2KnKlbOx8wXdkJDcz5uN73ev7X/s320/20220116_093900.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I stand for a while on the patio enjoying the warmth of this March sun on my skin. It's 16 C out here at the moment, and I'm loving it. In the roller coaster ride of temperatures we've had in Ontario over the past several weeks, this peak is welcomed as a hopeful hint of the true Spring that is yet to come.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Chiang Mai right now, temperatures are peaking at 39 C. March is one of the hotter months. I know this because I've been there then. This was at the beginning of our times going back and forth, before we figured out that November and February are much more conducive to meaningful participation for <i>farangs</i> who can be easily laid low by the extreme heat and humidity. July and August are okay for visits too, because by then the thermometer in Thailand had fallen way back down to similar temperatures we would be having in Ontario, making it feel so much less of a shock.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And there's the interesting thing about temperatures on any given day. Whether you feel it's hot, warm, cool or chilly, all depends on what you're used to, what you're expecting, what you've just come from. Me basking in the warmth of 16 C on my patio in March is the same as me, shivering at early morning worship time at Hot Springs in the 16 C chill. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7a7pNfltE8D1quFJ6qGS6yADhW7MA3F25KjZ1FMhiNgSskYvwgNlD5ljXFXOGAg-qmHZlwSrqWeb8hVZeKz2wAeIxfvQ-Lc9XYagVHrwlJ9dJEDNuYYKVVkHr5LsLXL_gNoHi8_H0or54QjUzjwBua40C9QS0lOaec61vDLt6BwBKjVuN5HAIHNdas44c/s4608/Feb%2014,%2019%20248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7a7pNfltE8D1quFJ6qGS6yADhW7MA3F25KjZ1FMhiNgSskYvwgNlD5ljXFXOGAg-qmHZlwSrqWeb8hVZeKz2wAeIxfvQ-Lc9XYagVHrwlJ9dJEDNuYYKVVkHr5LsLXL_gNoHi8_H0or54QjUzjwBua40C9QS0lOaec61vDLt6BwBKjVuN5HAIHNdas44c/s320/Feb%2014,%2019%20248.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suradet, a bone-chilling 16 C</td></tr></tbody></table>It reminds me, as I stand in the sunshine on my own back patio, of how much, if left to my own devices of temperament, I might prefer to avoid having to make such adjustments. Not just in temperatures, but in almost everything. When I get comfortable, I sort of want to stay like that. My routines, the food I eat, knowing where my toothbrush is, waking up in my own bed, communicating in my own language, driving on the 'correct' side of the road...all of it is well within my ability to navigate comfortably. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Except, of course, in perpetuity this is no life at all. And everything in me is unspeakably grateful that regularly I have the great gift of being flung way out there into all manner of things that require me to adjust, to figure things out a different way, to be surprised and pushed and challenged and made uncomfortable enough to become oh so much more human.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I remember when I was first planning Team trips to Hot Springs. There was a long list of things I thought I could do to help make sure everyone was comfortable. I didn't want them to have to experience the same degree of disorientation and shock I did my first time out. But then I heard, "Don't deprive your Team Members from the same essentially uncomfortable opportunities given you."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These thoughts come to me on my patio on a this "warm" March morning, likely because I am gearing up now to bring another Team with me in November. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And I'm already praying for them.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-29183090149241155102024-02-27T12:32:00.003-05:002024-02-27T12:34:01.001-05:00Eighty Five Days and Counting<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvSNQmZj2DPi0vH5IlonoVpNrJ2tnexOoHmSE0B1rpsA3gbTDcXErUh_kEr_3pZSije3lq-UP6CIDw3ToBdcK_iuwXk_FKLuSco9SEXGhyFysAeF90p6IhgL6_TZLzwPyOBnjLhO7_3tUZZ-NpRZ12bDIDFGjCTc_gZJip6xZ5IFW2e9Xi2r_85HYIkHj/s3687/IMG_20231109_160255415_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2553" data-original-width="3687" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvSNQmZj2DPi0vH5IlonoVpNrJ2tnexOoHmSE0B1rpsA3gbTDcXErUh_kEr_3pZSije3lq-UP6CIDw3ToBdcK_iuwXk_FKLuSco9SEXGhyFysAeF90p6IhgL6_TZLzwPyOBnjLhO7_3tUZZ-NpRZ12bDIDFGjCTc_gZJip6xZ5IFW2e9Xi2r_85HYIkHj/s320/IMG_20231109_160255415_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Angela Schultz</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>To be honest, it begins the moment I board the plane in Chiang Mai on my way back to Canada. My heart sets a countdown. One, two, three...like a quiet little tick, tick, tick. </p><p>How long until I can come back? </p><div style="text-align: left;">Since the pandemic, I think it's been worse. That stretch of 2 years 8 months and 11 days was brutal. And it had its own set of implications on my connection with the children, for sure. That's a big space between when you're 10 and when you're 13, as was the case for many of our girls. So who is this white lady again? And where was she when everything was all so awful?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, the disruptive factor of longer absences is definitely always on my mind. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And it lays heavy on my heart. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And it goes with the territory.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just to be clear, I love my life in Canada. I am rich in relationships. My grandchildren live close to me, and they are very much part of my life. I deeply appreciate the benefits of living in the true north, strong and free, even with our health care, economic, and general state of government challenges (which are real, but in no way compare to what others on the planet have to contend with, just sayin'). I am always glad to be back in my own bed, and to settle myself into the comforts of home. I'm crazy about my husband and always glad to get back to him.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's just this reality about my life now. Both places feel like home to me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In a very real way, I'm always homesick.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the past eight-five days I've been holding my own pretty much okay.</div><div style="text-align: left;">There was an unusually intensive fall to recover from.</div><div style="text-align: left;">There was a longer-than-normal jet lag to recover from.</div><div style="text-align: left;">There was Christmas in all it's glory to plan and then enjoy.</div><div style="text-align: left;">There was an equally missional Haiti Dinner and Auction to participate in.</div><div style="text-align: left;">And under it all, there has been and continues to be an all out effort to prepare our house to sell this spring. (More on that as things unfold. For now I'll just reassure everyone that we're NOT leaving KW, as that seems to be the first question about the move.)</div><div style="text-align: left;">So I've been fairly occupied.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But now?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On my list now are things like "Email travel agent for airfare costs for July and November." And, "Begin work on Bible Lessons for the 'This Is My Family" unit for July." And "Map out cottage plans to coordinate with next visit to Thailand."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And the countdown on my heart is louder.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In all of this I am so glad for the companionship of other missionary pastors who get it. Through reading their excellent books, articles and autobiographies, I know that this sense of having my heart ache in different directions is par for the course. It's just something we must learn to live with as part of this unique and humbling call to that 'other place' where God has allowed us to serve Him. Hey, Paul knew it too. Just try reading through any of his letters to the churches, which make up most of our New Testament by the way, without finding some expression of overt longing for the people in that place.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of you might get this too. Anyone who loves anyone who is far away is probably on a countdown of their own. Love does that. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some missions organizations function differently. They discourage emotional connections for a whole lot of their own reasons. And while I obviously disagree, and we approach this and other missional partnerships very differently, I do admit the risk is there. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is hard.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But it's oh so worth it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eighty-five, eighty-six, eighty-seven...</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tick, tick, tick.....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-54045263571061381052024-02-19T07:47:00.002-05:002024-02-19T07:47:52.985-05:00Family Day Praise<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cdkX8lzoX4VjJwmdb0kqklgHrKU0oBuFp_ArOL0N8s1Iq_4WCZyK1rcfF8x4blAlQnP0yRFDIK69tZGNmM7wO8frqe-LglEihZVAiru-PwXMoFVxPsBbAFrzrIyv5K8VBrCoyZh3IAv1Sa5Y0ptRFxQcKIPSzvOUjwFijle7SideSUAt-yy1LdetMnsu/s956/Group%20crop%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="956" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cdkX8lzoX4VjJwmdb0kqklgHrKU0oBuFp_ArOL0N8s1Iq_4WCZyK1rcfF8x4blAlQnP0yRFDIK69tZGNmM7wO8frqe-LglEihZVAiru-PwXMoFVxPsBbAFrzrIyv5K8VBrCoyZh3IAv1Sa5Y0ptRFxQcKIPSzvOUjwFijle7SideSUAt-yy1LdetMnsu/s320/Group%20crop%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>May the righteous be glad</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>and rejoice before God;</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>may they be happy and joyful.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>Sing to God, sing in praise of his name,</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>extol him who rides on the clouds;</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>rejoice before him -- his name is the LORD.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>A father to the fatherless, </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>a defender of widows,</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>is God in his holy dwelling.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>God sets the lonely in <b>families,</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>he leads out the imprisoned with singing.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>Psalm 68:3-6</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>Not for one minute do we take for granted</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i> what an incredible gift it is to be belong to a family.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>On this Family Day, </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>we are so grateful to all our Sponsors and Supporters. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>Not only do you help us provide the basic needs of life, </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>and the opportunity to further our education,</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>you also have given us the place of healing, safety and stability </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>we so desperately need in order to grow up strong.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>We join with the psalmist is offering praise to God</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>Who, by His good grace, placed us together </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>to be a family for each other.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtnW5i-5XCEZNeSslgEz8f7Sw0inhJsw5qIGP0TZamj63EK4oKKqKctmzvfsb6JHAKNg6Xnn2VjAKxKLrJG6b2LtG3MTp2PkjWUPz135pRN_Ldh8GTRCSgLDmrEbpDqhsewzK1z91ybOy32TfgunJ1R-fpUqeXkVU9iUuRhMFE2R87fp7Z1uELYk9lN4k/s960/Logo%20update.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="960" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtnW5i-5XCEZNeSslgEz8f7Sw0inhJsw5qIGP0TZamj63EK4oKKqKctmzvfsb6JHAKNg6Xnn2VjAKxKLrJG6b2LtG3MTp2PkjWUPz135pRN_Ldh8GTRCSgLDmrEbpDqhsewzK1z91ybOy32TfgunJ1R-fpUqeXkVU9iUuRhMFE2R87fp7Z1uELYk9lN4k/s320/Logo%20update.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The mission of the New Family Foundation </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">is to </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">provide a loving home </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">for at-risk and orphaned children</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">in Northern Thailand</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">to help them achieve their best potential in</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">education, vocation and service to society.</span></div><br /> <p></p>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-75768500788589707032024-02-05T03:24:00.001-05:002024-02-05T03:24:50.249-05:00Congratulations Bell!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpEzs_floTKHGFZxY3jPYZDElZmMvRDOQ-UW1HWftJ2n3WfO84DOKXQQdJa3ndZrDYGeWT0wImJxAgrrqrTLuUqldyBESnzb1vduaRZfjckvNwKKFLyexvZDsRZN-BbaL6c4hGJJoHuG2oussUF1ZCre0vVAG4r1OaD_-DO5_Dtv-vwMZ2Skyw_407iO1/s2048/With%20parents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpEzs_floTKHGFZxY3jPYZDElZmMvRDOQ-UW1HWftJ2n3WfO84DOKXQQdJa3ndZrDYGeWT0wImJxAgrrqrTLuUqldyBESnzb1vduaRZfjckvNwKKFLyexvZDsRZN-BbaL6c4hGJJoHuG2oussUF1ZCre0vVAG4r1OaD_-DO5_Dtv-vwMZ2Skyw_407iO1/s320/With%20parents.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Congratulations and blessings to Bell, daughter of Pastors Suradet and Yupa, on the successful completion of her high school studies at Ambassador Bilingual Academy in Chiang Mai!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are proud of your accomplishments as a student, and delighted to see you develop into a godly woman eager to serve Him. You bring such joy to our family at Hot Springs, and to your Canadian Grandparents, Ken and I, as well. Blessings and prayers for your future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-38919680949846148192024-02-04T07:44:00.000-05:002024-02-04T07:44:01.014-05:00When Far Away Is Close to Home Part 2 - Esther Weatherall<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXroTebNbq5ieSoUENYI5JhF77eu0M8WK7fV1Txe48usVTupSwAch-zm9FZt0J3G8IX2TKLtw783I8e81D6-_2v3revWyIOp3w9VEZ35e6c-Pdpz9pRl6-T5sB-CIkk2tBSaZA076gPGWHh3rTNrSPadH31csI-vS1R1ygLgcRrGVy02x3FBgtpdyiQyLa" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1100" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXroTebNbq5ieSoUENYI5JhF77eu0M8WK7fV1Txe48usVTupSwAch-zm9FZt0J3G8IX2TKLtw783I8e81D6-_2v3revWyIOp3w9VEZ35e6c-Pdpz9pRl6-T5sB-CIkk2tBSaZA076gPGWHh3rTNrSPadH31csI-vS1R1ygLgcRrGVy02x3FBgtpdyiQyLa" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Looking forward to hearing from Esther Weatherall this morning at Highview.</p><p>Esther has returned from more than a year in Phuket, Thailand, serving with For Freedom International working to empower those who have been marginalized or exploited by human trafficking. Her report to us is full of God's power and presence in that ministry, and will include an update about her plans for the coming year.</p><p>Hope to you see you there.</p><p>10:30 a.m. at Highview Community Church Kitchener.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNYnnP4JzCSj6dra6_J4qBiySkd917p8mzbe6K2NJ_xXj50VRvzW_PsrRcv6axbW3ff30yF_87NQbP4nqJLMf6XVSQrKpItXKo8aUf42pjltQ5TxLAr6LwFNG1JhSY9RKO-DXuxIf8fo0zvT8OTSs5DtMYFKpgqm4CfVAeG-StHiXwPsNmpGSRbrbbt9c/s1536/VistingEsther.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1536" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNYnnP4JzCSj6dra6_J4qBiySkd917p8mzbe6K2NJ_xXj50VRvzW_PsrRcv6axbW3ff30yF_87NQbP4nqJLMf6XVSQrKpItXKo8aUf42pjltQ5TxLAr6LwFNG1JhSY9RKO-DXuxIf8fo0zvT8OTSs5DtMYFKpgqm4CfVAeG-StHiXwPsNmpGSRbrbbt9c/s320/VistingEsther.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esther (2nd from left) with Roger, Karen and Norma in Phuket last November</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-69213712772739702212024-01-26T14:31:00.001-05:002024-01-27T16:29:37.678-05:00When Far Away is Close to Home<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG5CN3_m7e6bXs4aHf486sEf1RtlYn50FBL-dGVLppCnQmeZ-E2Vl9f-ytEG1wvnx11qKM-DnX2BadjtKHFvwxAG_nEpZigoW9lRprX0PDv15kqF4UGluHJVIBTYbcSwF3ELBJzC7pkZyEamy344k55RS4-kLowO4ecg2l1Mq4h_QTR5ubX_UMgDt2Cq8R" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1100" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG5CN3_m7e6bXs4aHf486sEf1RtlYn50FBL-dGVLppCnQmeZ-E2Vl9f-ytEG1wvnx11qKM-DnX2BadjtKHFvwxAG_nEpZigoW9lRprX0PDv15kqF4UGluHJVIBTYbcSwF3ELBJzC7pkZyEamy344k55RS4-kLowO4ecg2l1Mq4h_QTR5ubX_UMgDt2Cq8R" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;">"The One Suitcase that Made It"</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;">"Only a Boy Named David"</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;">"A Leisurely Stroll Down the Goat Path"</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;">"Jenga Jamboree"</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;">"Insert Your Name Here"</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;">Plus more...</span></i></p><p>We are so looking forward to telling these stories this coming Sunday at Highview Community Church.</p><div style="text-align: left;">The Team that went to visit our Thai family last November has gathered the best of what we experienced and observed as God's very real presence and interactions with all of us while we were there. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7VLGBj1o5qlxZdKzAKlhUlqxffPykO6T2x5jBfZHfgkC1jg4Sz7YewqnXIBaWN1yAhnBEnX0WYdg5LeYveAVjZdiDx3fjNOZImxvCL-2qP0LRXH0TRSwboYLwslzQJUCEvjAMyXgyGFSJdWn9lCUZrkSVpyg6XzhaPxJb83z4xdYFmv3q8g0Q4gFn-tg/s4608/20231116_163242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7VLGBj1o5qlxZdKzAKlhUlqxffPykO6T2x5jBfZHfgkC1jg4Sz7YewqnXIBaWN1yAhnBEnX0WYdg5LeYveAVjZdiDx3fjNOZImxvCL-2qP0LRXH0TRSwboYLwslzQJUCEvjAMyXgyGFSJdWn9lCUZrkSVpyg6XzhaPxJb83z4xdYFmv3q8g0Q4gFn-tg/s320/20231116_163242.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We have pictures to show and a video to share. You can even buy some Thai coffee after the service to help support New Family Foundation's Property Development Project.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This will be the first in a three-week series that features the wonderful partnerships God has given us as a congregation, moving us up and out of our own cultural comfort zones to see His hand at work in places far away on the globe, but very close to our hearts.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are at all within driving distance, we'd love to see you there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><i>WHEN FAR AWAY IS CLOSE TO HOME</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Thai'n It Together: November 2023 Team Report</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><i>Highview Community Church</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><i>295 Highview Drive</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><i>Kitchener ON N2N 2K7</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><i>10:30 a.m.</i></span></div>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-86312276130799370002024-01-15T11:46:00.003-05:002024-01-15T11:46:44.223-05:00"Winter Festivities"<p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">Can we really ever call it "winter" in Thailand? I suppose if it's Christmas, then New Year's, and the nights are a little cooler, it counts. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I described in the last blog ("Christmas Lights" December 21) celebrating Christmas looks and feels different for our kids at New Family Foundation. So I thought I'd just share some of the photos that I've received. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope they warm your cold Canadian winter day :).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i><b>Christmas Fun</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-JjjyTbndV2D_BkLx_PxjFb1QZTpI-IbNVw4Q3sXwQViAYqyMUnNJtXVl0yt7dvwYoCgtwoDMKUt3zvnMk_55u8_NnbHfo-OqYpNDbrYuRiSXR8e-GTtl_nAGHkDsvxuPBTnxNAEWAsG3OjsJsZFg1fi4OpVTNTP3K1EUgsVi3s4k3JA_-EnR5sxp8LTG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-JjjyTbndV2D_BkLx_PxjFb1QZTpI-IbNVw4Q3sXwQViAYqyMUnNJtXVl0yt7dvwYoCgtwoDMKUt3zvnMk_55u8_NnbHfo-OqYpNDbrYuRiSXR8e-GTtl_nAGHkDsvxuPBTnxNAEWAsG3OjsJsZFg1fi4OpVTNTP3K1EUgsVi3s4k3JA_-EnR5sxp8LTG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Receiving Our Christmas Cards from Our Sponsors!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgagf3laBiHBcHlrut16w9cpgHSjjtHI7tukcJ_bjB8X2Rmn2wuhLTxFWwQIA6NMgsFLN6tOgvb31Dkfd8Cekw-XlyvleeYRMqEFJ_90O-iOTEC9MVPF9t-lIg54GD1rpBXl0mt9FyohpY8ZZLGi4qxNrjWrWPIqShSIkDFPdLfquiSU3Rmewck6EGefz6f" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgagf3laBiHBcHlrut16w9cpgHSjjtHI7tukcJ_bjB8X2Rmn2wuhLTxFWwQIA6NMgsFLN6tOgvb31Dkfd8Cekw-XlyvleeYRMqEFJ_90O-iOTEC9MVPF9t-lIg54GD1rpBXl0mt9FyohpY8ZZLGi4qxNrjWrWPIqShSIkDFPdLfquiSU3Rmewck6EGefz6f" width="135" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking up some pounded sticky rice, hot dogs and pork!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAnv4RHGUsQYLNNO8-NbV8iMJ-me8sjpQupG-NMY3mk8f_h5LdwkXbO8K1NufXDRwBZlIKEs5JrXpPNLhBjS54oOxUtkYtO6SjeE5QE2KzN9hm06XbJEhT06vwKiGAZyaUmVqv5CVMZvXE6SuBDMo1FZmFChTylZOOMjCHokMZqIyr6E_TO74us0H_n-2z" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAnv4RHGUsQYLNNO8-NbV8iMJ-me8sjpQupG-NMY3mk8f_h5LdwkXbO8K1NufXDRwBZlIKEs5JrXpPNLhBjS54oOxUtkYtO6SjeE5QE2KzN9hm06XbJEhT06vwKiGAZyaUmVqv5CVMZvXE6SuBDMo1FZmFChTylZOOMjCHokMZqIyr6E_TO74us0H_n-2z" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hosting a Christmas Party in Yupa's home village.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi86Paf0mwNvTfQuAPgcOgB5_C9-NinwY0NlGiyQYcQH83hnh1_twI4lJmLVsVNYM8dGUb8HcV3M7zLx7Rfd265a6qW9hlTZG6VHnHwL7Niw0_KmvHKNRkrqloQptDjB8R0fN8vwObun9wBtPcnMjXhBRCiQqB2AcuS7rG-vWtF9XXDhzdW6JrBP9d7ixau" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1706" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi86Paf0mwNvTfQuAPgcOgB5_C9-NinwY0NlGiyQYcQH83hnh1_twI4lJmLVsVNYM8dGUb8HcV3M7zLx7Rfd265a6qW9hlTZG6VHnHwL7Niw0_KmvHKNRkrqloQptDjB8R0fN8vwObun9wBtPcnMjXhBRCiQqB2AcuS7rG-vWtF9XXDhzdW6JrBP9d7ixau" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Worship Celebrations</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i><b>Thailand's National Children's Day - January 12, 2024</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA21dNN4ktqp9aPmc0bESxyFtIFB-oOriU7CaCcB7uK5dF3kTGjjJjUnjA8_gEEhatyFl5IKUakPygwtjz6LpFv8WGaZOwU-oJNFjE78I7qvTefzMb7bf0hkIvhY8vcrHFRfhsLaK9Uh-Qlv4_4JxSnEWFhwOzFDUz9vldgYwYoytg0Ma1ETWuVVKIjhga" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1773" data-original-width="1330" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA21dNN4ktqp9aPmc0bESxyFtIFB-oOriU7CaCcB7uK5dF3kTGjjJjUnjA8_gEEhatyFl5IKUakPygwtjz6LpFv8WGaZOwU-oJNFjE78I7qvTefzMb7bf0hkIvhY8vcrHFRfhsLaK9Uh-Qlv4_4JxSnEWFhwOzFDUz9vldgYwYoytg0Ma1ETWuVVKIjhga" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wanmai and Beemai on a 'ride' at a Children's Day party in Sahakorn.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN-hNRjLsyVTWTXbCJ5fB6R1KDy8xhOzJH6WOHTUSeW97yEUmzFvWrbLFQzMhRjur5hWfNhE3BMA4XHVFbITeZlYACNDBdzs7g9Zk7Z8ku3GU7siKHZaJRfA8FA67xxaQ9DYa6Y9CpAKhGPn9sedopJ9CptIWpYGLPe0d_ZZ1P3YjNLd4Dhh87RONRSwwx" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1773" data-original-width="1330" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN-hNRjLsyVTWTXbCJ5fB6R1KDy8xhOzJH6WOHTUSeW97yEUmzFvWrbLFQzMhRjur5hWfNhE3BMA4XHVFbITeZlYACNDBdzs7g9Zk7Z8ku3GU7siKHZaJRfA8FA67xxaQ9DYa6Y9CpAKhGPn9sedopJ9CptIWpYGLPe0d_ZZ1P3YjNLd4Dhh87RONRSwwx" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pakin and Goon in their fun car.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtCDyUzIbPaNt_ECcWBB7blLf_fm-PFMJcb4WE7opR7VMw1jQoz1Y5Zq6VNqUqBgrbTZ1vCom27ubYI5JQqXdX3sPVFent_8cmlKDWkofcEAOmSQrWnmqKtqVjAgyoX47H-vRP7YXUHFk_Ed29XEbSxiHKG6XNRGPZIF0-4W8BtSdD_gKHsp_apSLc6-jY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="492" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtCDyUzIbPaNt_ECcWBB7blLf_fm-PFMJcb4WE7opR7VMw1jQoz1Y5Zq6VNqUqBgrbTZ1vCom27ubYI5JQqXdX3sPVFent_8cmlKDWkofcEAOmSQrWnmqKtqVjAgyoX47H-vRP7YXUHFk_Ed29XEbSxiHKG6XNRGPZIF0-4W8BtSdD_gKHsp_apSLc6-jY" width="276" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suradet and Yupa are invited to hand out the snacks at the Sahakorn Party.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lots going on these past months since our Team visited.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It sure feels like a long time since we were there. Maybe it's just that I'm missing the warm weather and sunshine. But of course, I'm missing way more than that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>Heads up. </i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>If you're in town or nearby, </i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>the November Team will be sharing our stories </i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>at the service at Highview on Sunday, January 28th. </i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>We'd love to have you join us.</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>295 Highview Drive</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Kitchener ON N2N 2K7</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-53429952761277872802023-12-21T10:56:00.004-05:002023-12-21T10:56:52.590-05:00Christmas Lights<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXsgbXx9GmJ9hAYS26vjxTI2Tv_mJXDIrnLBfwa1FjLArZ_iu1IMxD7iX75RHD61_sA_K82WkeoUpxw8u8fHY-e9qZoWkqxwZYkl7o2ni5sEsIY-0pXZTYZvKB28KmTx5vUn49z1lZlNNySf5SBD7IoJkntZVvldO2_5R1UoG_qeG68FKHHEIzZWdizdC/s4608/20231219_172159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXsgbXx9GmJ9hAYS26vjxTI2Tv_mJXDIrnLBfwa1FjLArZ_iu1IMxD7iX75RHD61_sA_K82WkeoUpxw8u8fHY-e9qZoWkqxwZYkl7o2ni5sEsIY-0pXZTYZvKB28KmTx5vUn49z1lZlNNySf5SBD7IoJkntZVvldO2_5R1UoG_qeG68FKHHEIzZWdizdC/s320/20231219_172159.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i> It's not a holiday in Thailand.</i></span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Come Christmas morning, our kids at New Family Foundation will not be waking early and heading down to the Christmas tree. They won't spend the day in their pjs playing with new toys, or having a special Christmas breakfast, or watching a Christmas movie, or playing board games.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Come Christmas morning, December 25th, they'll wake up early, yes. They do that every day. They'll gather for what I expect will be a special Christmas morning time of worship. Then they'll head out to do their chores, get dressed, eat breakfast, and head off to school.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Christmas Day is not a holiday in Thailand.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before you feel too sorry for our kids, please know that they have already been enjoying Christmas treats, special meals and extra fun throughout the month, as is the way of celebration for Christians in Thailand. The church has been decorated since December 3rd. Christmas songs have long been incorporated into their twice daily times of singing together. An Sunday, December 24 will be a special service indeed, including the lunch afterwards for everyone in attendance.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJg4RTqWF9O1v5aNSid1bP9iJ7CIQRFqo3tdD3uWScbkbVWiVurJrSv10St8rzcZ4S7AUSY0a0kmQFVRXkSakeC8uIEpF4T1WMiGBZLmc1c_-jU6z-AGD6821EqiN7jkTTiW3GpCAwDTVuNfzYbpYe78-1dxVGXfoY3SPc7Xg_l_UNVDUxZwRC7pZbPFBt/s2048/404241461_253505900783119_4814135280804371951_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="996" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJg4RTqWF9O1v5aNSid1bP9iJ7CIQRFqo3tdD3uWScbkbVWiVurJrSv10St8rzcZ4S7AUSY0a0kmQFVRXkSakeC8uIEpF4T1WMiGBZLmc1c_-jU6z-AGD6821EqiN7jkTTiW3GpCAwDTVuNfzYbpYe78-1dxVGXfoY3SPc7Xg_l_UNVDUxZwRC7pZbPFBt/s320/404241461_253505900783119_4814135280804371951_n.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As well, we have collected cards from each child's Sponsor and that will be given to them at a moment over the holidays when they can read and enjoy them. We've made sure there will be some funds to buy a few extra 'presents', to be opened likely at the same time the cards are given. But this will be in keeping with the fact that our family is big, and gift exchange is not really a 'thing' at Christmas, even among Christians. Not in the simpler way of living that is the reality of our children's homes of origins, or even the surrounding culture. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's interesting to me how much of my own cultural expectations I can still place on what I hope for my Thai family. I actually can't help but wish all my happy Christmas morning rituals into their reality. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And yet. It strikes me that our children have a different kind of Christmas opportunity. While not a holiday, Christmas Day will still be acknowledged. Sometimes Christian pastors are invited to speak to a school assembly to tell the Christmas story. And whether or not that happens for our kids this year, they still get to be Christmas lights, shining the goodness of Jesus into their world.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>We want to take this moment now to thank every one of you who has been with us on our journey through the year, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>and many for much longer.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>Your love and support mean everything to us.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>We wish you a most meaningful Christmas season</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>and a New Year filled with the blessings of God.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-35757863663894520422023-11-25T21:21:00.000-05:002023-11-25T21:21:13.242-05:00Fun Factor Plus<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBGm-y8Hnn532KpAKhjFX0SmOWfdlcZ3ijwTpaNYoBEOW7ZQKSDBGQ5dRupSkXrlUP69dr2PCD61AOthZ_vwCaCae-fY2ggJuKsDX040i3xdoQbv9BtY6exAuww-5aIWNmFfh_hJpFs7Rs-lLyXrv69NCWvFgxDkfWMkgFuFDAoo38xc7aoR3du-MbCZG/s4608/20231125_113512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2240" data-original-width="4608" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBGm-y8Hnn532KpAKhjFX0SmOWfdlcZ3ijwTpaNYoBEOW7ZQKSDBGQ5dRupSkXrlUP69dr2PCD61AOthZ_vwCaCae-fY2ggJuKsDX040i3xdoQbv9BtY6exAuww-5aIWNmFfh_hJpFs7Rs-lLyXrv69NCWvFgxDkfWMkgFuFDAoo38xc7aoR3du-MbCZG/s320/20231125_113512.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Bai teo" means 'out for fun', or a little getaway or outing. That was us yesterday.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">With an early start, a stop along the way to pick up our lunch for later, and at least one bathroom stop, it took us the better part of the morning to get where we were going. Even before that, you can only imagine what it would be like to prep 17 kids and 7 adults for a day trip. And even before that, the girls had to get all dressed up. Best not-school-not-church clothes. Make up even. </span><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSQ9DNbX7roc271gpcMWs_Wj6EXymA2feg8k_0W4Ta67jR3J96HsimKCXM_Scipo-eJodSZJePIzgjW9Kwd3oOPQEmvxdudf47RzEdcQeasMsaJ65hPAkGPx74DcdkmS30a7bnocRSNXvXq_4Awsx3o2Ns0SkOLU_WMiKrceJKWbrghLmU2ZvpaAVBIah/s4608/20231125_120059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSQ9DNbX7roc271gpcMWs_Wj6EXymA2feg8k_0W4Ta67jR3J96HsimKCXM_Scipo-eJodSZJePIzgjW9Kwd3oOPQEmvxdudf47RzEdcQeasMsaJ65hPAkGPx74DcdkmS30a7bnocRSNXvXq_4Awsx3o2Ns0SkOLU_WMiKrceJKWbrghLmU2ZvpaAVBIah/s320/20231125_120059.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">When you're in such a big family, these times are rare. Better make the best of them. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">But finally we were off on our rollercoaster adventure.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">The word 'rollercoaster' probably conjures up something of an amusement park environment for most of us, at least it did for me when Yupa suggested this for our 'bai teo' this visit. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">In actuality, we ended up riding more of a jungle coaster, with some fast turns yes, but more just coasting along the tracks that took every advantage of the gravitational pull down the side of the mountain. Appropriate amount of nervous laughing in the line. Pairing off of the smaller ones with an adult of one of the older girls. Happy screaming around the first fast corner, and big smiles coming up the track at the very end.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Next to lunch, where we found a restaurant willing to let us bring to the tables the chicken and sticky rice meal we had packed, while we ordered several plates of 'som tum', a spicy papaya salad that almost every Thai child will tell you is their favourite food.</span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyloIzVANR6JiIdWd84Ey2AZmKDnYYzTOmKfJDyEsv_KK-gUNzg0OnGVrYu_3xLuip4rtbHvrTF0a1BVRR6MiAzs90qx0qUEZoNUUeS1DsLOQrogQgFldn9i2GKES_7LCVyaaKBQNbVbiMdv-FpvZqA5hUaaBk2crUpk5I23AZpTseHCOE6l8Ho5pBMFv4/s4608/20231125_120050%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyloIzVANR6JiIdWd84Ey2AZmKDnYYzTOmKfJDyEsv_KK-gUNzg0OnGVrYu_3xLuip4rtbHvrTF0a1BVRR6MiAzs90qx0qUEZoNUUeS1DsLOQrogQgFldn9i2GKES_7LCVyaaKBQNbVbiMdv-FpvZqA5hUaaBk2crUpk5I23AZpTseHCOE6l8Ho5pBMFv4/s320/20231125_120050%20(1).jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">From there off to the Queen's Botanical Garden for a magical 'canopy walk' under the tropical rain forest, some happy browsing through the greenhouses, and a visit to the display of tribal villages. Some of the children gave little cries of recognition at the familiar, jumping on the riding card, or climbing up into the huts. Beemai even 'played' at making a meal around the fire pit - just like how she remembers from her village.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Last stop was the Museum of Science, still on the grounds of the Royal Garden. But it was getting later in the day, we zipped through, truth be told. But I was still glad we could expose them to the excellent interactive learning stations, and even just enjoy the wonder of God's creation in the displays of flowers, forests and minerals.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">So much fun. All of it. And so much more.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">We talked about it at supper. The whole picture of the benefits of these kinds of trips. Fun, yes. And all by itself, that's worth it. To bring joy and lifted spirits and a sense of wonder at how great life can be to this family of gathered children...yes. Fun, yes.</span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKiJpx69w7eTryyHvYINN3IpfZ3NaVQfRswXL-3yrDfVcqi1zjS7PdOlylDemoBgseJh4O3yJM88oV0RfPAG5QXPA6cZ_WJ8YXA9GILVVgSpsCx6XHRc69REyj_bGuH35QmEeScWcEjDuRp8qCIphTvawPe0MzR9pSfchZd6doMSNvxQ5rlvjam8yoxe5/s4608/20231125_133427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKiJpx69w7eTryyHvYINN3IpfZ3NaVQfRswXL-3yrDfVcqi1zjS7PdOlylDemoBgseJh4O3yJM88oV0RfPAG5QXPA6cZ_WJ8YXA9GILVVgSpsCx6XHRc69REyj_bGuH35QmEeScWcEjDuRp8qCIphTvawPe0MzR9pSfchZd6doMSNvxQ5rlvjam8yoxe5/s320/20231125_133427.jpg" width="156" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7iC3onu51B6ERxtwmlQkRGCBfBT5-u7zMl1TrfVdsNYV6521by5-2NmPFteCvLebvm0A46Yl5Cp9iJ81Ug2BregiMrIa19WQLfJnPQEZqOMmt_lKvcr5PleasGWQyXyxht29MSDkVKRLSXHUOgz02Gpr-v2whsIpkcRvb1U5dUK6p7ss-hJokA74c-6u/s4608/20231125_120810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2240" data-original-width="4608" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7iC3onu51B6ERxtwmlQkRGCBfBT5-u7zMl1TrfVdsNYV6521by5-2NmPFteCvLebvm0A46Yl5Cp9iJ81Ug2BregiMrIa19WQLfJnPQEZqOMmt_lKvcr5PleasGWQyXyxht29MSDkVKRLSXHUOgz02Gpr-v2whsIpkcRvb1U5dUK6p7ss-hJokA74c-6u/s320/20231125_120810.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">And.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Think of everything else that happened.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">More exposure to urban life for children who've never seen a city before coming to live with us. So important if we want to encourage them to become influencers in their own country.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Making good memories to hold on to, balancing out early childhood experiences that would not be so happy. And making them together with our family. Forging relationships that can last a lifetime.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Allowing them to observe various occupations along the way, allowing them to add to their repertoire of 'what I might want to be when I grow up'. As Karen pointed out, maybe some of them will be curious and want to study more science when they get the chance to choose. Or engineering, as in 'how do you get a coaster track to stay in place on the side of a very steep hill/' or 'how did that canopy walk bridge get built?' And so much more.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">And the encouragement that they are loved and important. That their Sponsors would make sure they didn't just have the basics, but the fun extras as well. That God would have written this incredible story to connect us from the other side of the world.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-l3zfrP17nlq8z2gkefoPe3tsiPVYLwN4IjobD1si8U6jBOBSpNwOzPEyASIYhZ5uScpZydWcKp-rJXpbv-2tQB0RyJx6Bsj5TGVje9KJc2QhF48RaodLyYjCZnIt9H0FwdgOgdk_nr0v1AFcQaJ0zw_RZvoD_jpWeYkdO04bcTd_6OJiTYSuse8kFGb/s4608/20231125_133628%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2240" data-original-width="4608" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-l3zfrP17nlq8z2gkefoPe3tsiPVYLwN4IjobD1si8U6jBOBSpNwOzPEyASIYhZ5uScpZydWcKp-rJXpbv-2tQB0RyJx6Bsj5TGVje9KJc2QhF48RaodLyYjCZnIt9H0FwdgOgdk_nr0v1AFcQaJ0zw_RZvoD_jpWeYkdO04bcTd_6OJiTYSuse8kFGb/s320/20231125_133628%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div>You are seen. You are loved. You matter. Let's go have some fun. and then some.</span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcx_uclYTB3zzIdvdYi9VLYAeNDo_aXPe4ekBluiase70I5i0v-uSglIiUcizqqnQhhZZeXwwSF0tK5Ce0yid7tBc0K9bigsmkD2473n1bNnENunbBd86SFj3RilFKoLZo8ZK3OUVD3UpC2phinvdUuW7RBKeDRFbU7WsbM09jYUK1dCIigvOYmmmFk5p/s4608/20231125_150423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcx_uclYTB3zzIdvdYi9VLYAeNDo_aXPe4ekBluiase70I5i0v-uSglIiUcizqqnQhhZZeXwwSF0tK5Ce0yid7tBc0K9bigsmkD2473n1bNnENunbBd86SFj3RilFKoLZo8ZK3OUVD3UpC2phinvdUuW7RBKeDRFbU7WsbM09jYUK1dCIigvOYmmmFk5p/s320/20231125_150423.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Our thanks, our gratitude is enormous for this.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">I know many of our beloved supporters might never be able to come in person. But yesterday - and every day of course - your presence was very much with us. Your love was tangible. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">You were very much the PLUS factor for our day of Fun.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-75619514149027617132023-11-22T20:42:00.002-05:002023-11-22T20:42:20.067-05:00All the Moving Parts of All the Things<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxapZuXGY9nuhBgOMSK99CE5caZaX06RHWnpk1f1b0giavYu7r5Y3eS6jiAkzumOgFWK8wyko5FsKeZDjpdO-DG-jj_Vl0-RY6d0niS7mMPJg8YSHXGynCRT3s5wlFX_PO7ohu_-T0zyAh6EnWn88EdxZOSqpdBlJ0HqidG0qjiKc9LNR9pza8F6jJfdv/s4608/20231111_060936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2240" data-original-width="4608" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxapZuXGY9nuhBgOMSK99CE5caZaX06RHWnpk1f1b0giavYu7r5Y3eS6jiAkzumOgFWK8wyko5FsKeZDjpdO-DG-jj_Vl0-RY6d0niS7mMPJg8YSHXGynCRT3s5wlFX_PO7ohu_-T0zyAh6EnWn88EdxZOSqpdBlJ0HqidG0qjiKc9LNR9pza8F6jJfdv/s320/20231111_060936.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him."</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Romans 8:28</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">A cooler, clouded sky hangs over the morning, and it seems fitting somehow. We are welcoming this day with faith for God's leading in all that is presenting itself to us.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">For one thing, it's a day of comings and goings. I've mentioned this before, I think, that a unique feature of our time together as a Team is that we haven't really spent the whole time together as a Team. Roger and Karen will return from Phuket this afternoon. Norma and Angela will return to Canada later this evening. Flight times and vehicle capacities make two trips necessary. There's a fair bit of packing, texting, and synchronizing of watches going on.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Of course, this means a time of goodbyes this evening. Bitter sweet in that we come here willing to give our hearts away, and end up leaving pieces of it behind. Every. Time. Angela and Norma are already expressing their feelings about it all. And truth be told, as we've said around the table, if something doesn't hurt about leaving maybe one shouldn't have come in the first place.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">A harder thing. Yesterday we had the sad and difficult task of informing one of our girls that her father had passed away. She had already lost her mother three years ago, and had found the grieving difficult. This has hit her hard. We're only into day one of the mourning process, and she has stayed home from school today to regain her composure a bit, and just shadow Dtu in some every day chores, slowly, as she's able. The circumstances of the death were difficult enough that I will respect the privacy and not include the details here. But it is just an added layer to the weight of it all.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Travel stress, grieving, health concerns. All coming together on this day. I have in mind a scene from a movie, I think it's from one of the Dr. Strange episodes, where all the buildings, the streets, everything is heaving and moving at odd and impossible angles, while the characters battle for their lives. At any moment the ground gives way and a new stance is needed to keep your balance and keep the danger at bay.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">And while I don't want to portray any sense of real danger or inflate anyone's experience of disorientation - mostly we are staying calm and going with the flow as best we can - there's a certain theological picture in the movie reference that reminds me of something essential.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">When so many moving parts are in play, and it seems rather confusing and disrupting to me, there's a God at the helm, controlling the levers, orchestrating everything according to His plans and purposes. And even as we face what we cannot control, we trust in the One who's in charge.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">"All things" include, well all the things. And while Romans 8:28 has sometimes been given a bad rap for its glib recitation to people in pain, it's still true. Either I believe it or not. And I do believe it. With my whole being.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">So, if you are so inclined, prayers are welcome.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">For comfort for one young girl.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">For travel safety for four Team members.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">For wisdom in caring for and leading our family here through a time of support in mourning.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">For all the comings and goings and moving parts of a day that hold so much potential to see what God will do.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Amen and amen.</span>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-72200653919558600122023-11-16T08:56:00.000-05:002023-11-16T08:56:03.954-05:00"Only A Boy Named David" and Other Clips from the Highlight Reel<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-B7Udg8WmHZC_0H7jIUXA9a4iNy2tkfTHOhprTkpe9m0pMWFgDp7YOIK-Tu6_yQoDti7WWTi8tBpBaPOywrehSq4YJjsHlzXjrHZzceEG4d8uww0xCZN-fL6cHnjovOwelq5jFT0bMhq5xq480qBtQxo6Qpxl3HwFbwMZzSCEpujdrBsgGI_ZGuv4qy3/s4608/20231116_163247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-B7Udg8WmHZC_0H7jIUXA9a4iNy2tkfTHOhprTkpe9m0pMWFgDp7YOIK-Tu6_yQoDti7WWTi8tBpBaPOywrehSq4YJjsHlzXjrHZzceEG4d8uww0xCZN-fL6cHnjovOwelq5jFT0bMhq5xq480qBtQxo6Qpxl3HwFbwMZzSCEpujdrBsgGI_ZGuv4qy3/s320/20231116_163247.jpg" width="156" /></a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">We’re all saying it today. How have these first few days gone by so
fast?</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That weird sense of time is only made more ‘warpy’
because of a transition we’re experiencing as Roger, Karen and Norma head south
to Phuket for a visit with Esther. As
well as being one of our own from Highview, and Norma’s niece to boot, Esther
has been serving with For Freedom International in Thailand for over a
year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w18Llz5xNLez_XOVPDrUEGGTXjtHZq7r70YRkH1ZnK4-sq_2Klgs5mfSR2F7GopGuAk-GHqvcSAeHHyqzvpE9t6ScSbt8mpe86LoIkxq3bXg0xq8X_QTpVOGKr_B8xrzYJ3WiZQAJJAaN2q32UAQMozFZn7NiZHMNSNeFRX7-uoWfsK9HgZ_W8GtIy3Z/s4608/20231116_162347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2240" data-original-width="4608" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w18Llz5xNLez_XOVPDrUEGGTXjtHZq7r70YRkH1ZnK4-sq_2Klgs5mfSR2F7GopGuAk-GHqvcSAeHHyqzvpE9t6ScSbt8mpe86LoIkxq3bXg0xq8X_QTpVOGKr_B8xrzYJ3WiZQAJJAaN2q32UAQMozFZn7NiZHMNSNeFRX7-uoWfsK9HgZ_W8GtIy3Z/s320/20231116_162347.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing">It will be a fun excursion for them, and a perhaps
quieter dynamic for Angela and I who will remain at Hot Springs, and it’s all
good. But it’s also a little sad
because, well, we were all really enjoying each other’s company so much.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It has gone fast.
Days have been full. A lot of
hopes for how we’d spend our time here have already seen fruition. Particularly for Roger and Karen whom we have
dubbed our ‘camp activity directors.’
Jenga and Dutch Blitz, both with ‘some assembly required’ energy
spent. Sneaky math games with dice. For all of us, the reading. For all of us, the opportunities to simply
get to know the kids better.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MEdM64oViYTXT8dIxZTO9mQ8xaktXZJRC5x5nn7PkOsK5qQEmACKiNGUXywZN1nNuQpO5VfsoH8zKrTyANFSsqKbQ32g8NxXlhNloRuq-mMSeK9i0zoVD786zdDv16wejOSDpwKELHejb_m3vBnr4WM55x9WBXE66nGYdmB8OR7JyS_k3suLyCt2i46U/s4608/20231115_111403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2240" data-original-width="4608" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MEdM64oViYTXT8dIxZTO9mQ8xaktXZJRC5x5nn7PkOsK5qQEmACKiNGUXywZN1nNuQpO5VfsoH8zKrTyANFSsqKbQ32g8NxXlhNloRuq-mMSeK9i0zoVD786zdDv16wejOSDpwKELHejb_m3vBnr4WM55x9WBXE66nGYdmB8OR7JyS_k3suLyCt2i46U/s320/20231115_111403.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Tonight at supper we imagined our ‘highlight’ reel so
far. Being part of the worship team on our first Sunday morning. Moments of comprehension breakthroughs with
certain kids in our reading groups.
Karen, Angela and Norma giving a rousing rendition of “Only A Boy Named
David” one evening at worship time. The
joy and wonder on the kids’ faces when they’ve seen themselves in a book. Little mishaps with a plate full of rice that
shouldn’t be so funny but are. Working
together with Dtu and Anu in simple, everyday tasks. Watching the delight on faces building the
Jenga tower for the first time. Yesterday’s
outing to Doi Sutep and today’s to the Thursday morning market. All the good food.<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplfnkeJkOif4z27SEGbt4-cyV9ucQ4FU84y-i1iWcnFIHZYIQz8jugM6c3dMBKyVvRAfeeVPkt9pXMdq-bwRygTp_wPhayHHturaw159tdCvOreu1_kKdw-uOkwH9ViMnMPHJPr7GAk_-W5N-dNTXAQZ5v0NChm1rs3Rlq8OK77snjpTWj87CIs0HGmCm/s4608/20231115_101242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplfnkeJkOif4z27SEGbt4-cyV9ucQ4FU84y-i1iWcnFIHZYIQz8jugM6c3dMBKyVvRAfeeVPkt9pXMdq-bwRygTp_wPhayHHturaw159tdCvOreu1_kKdw-uOkwH9ViMnMPHJPr7GAk_-W5N-dNTXAQZ5v0NChm1rs3Rlq8OK77snjpTWj87CIs0HGmCm/s320/20231115_101242.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But what we keep coming back to is how well we are
navigating this experience together. How
easy the conversations are. How much
we’re able to talk about what we’re learning and experiencing. How safe is the emotional environment, and
how that’s providing a good spiritual space to simply give and receive. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is so good. So
good. It’s been a long, long time since
a Team has come. Almost four years. And since it’s so important that we keep
sharing this thing we do with as many people as possible, it’s so, so good to
realize that it can still happen in such gentle and redemptive ways.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnFXheH4jFzuqWsIBI94rO7bQTqCQe8MRLK51iDDkzX3ldIdngDWO_5fk5SI1Ll1xIHhp3zIV_quiNieNsdGH-GV9Kgrablb-iM_nRmMYfuOunUnq1N__AteE4W9kmoQQyfVRpu6Uk3UEngevyPw3G3jMzaIjf45pmmRMs48C9GqrpNMlB6ZY6AW7nWCC/s1279/IMG_20231116_0655158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1279" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnFXheH4jFzuqWsIBI94rO7bQTqCQe8MRLK51iDDkzX3ldIdngDWO_5fk5SI1Ll1xIHhp3zIV_quiNieNsdGH-GV9Kgrablb-iM_nRmMYfuOunUnq1N__AteE4W9kmoQQyfVRpu6Uk3UEngevyPw3G3jMzaIjf45pmmRMs48C9GqrpNMlB6ZY6AW7nWCC/s320/IMG_20231116_0655158.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Roger Bowman</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> We deeply appreciate the extra work and loving care we
receive from our hosts. Suradet and
Yupa, Dtu and Anu are incredible. The
same warmth and hospitality and welcome the children experience in this
household benefits us greatly. Most
people who come here say that it’s been a place of healing. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Some Team Members have been helping to do a little bit of
my job for me in these first days, sending home pictures and anecdotes to
Sponsors of their specific children. I
am hoping to get to more of that myself in the coming days, now that jet lag
and the initial adjustments have settled down some.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Meanwhile, here’s a few shots of our ‘highlight’ reel.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Thank you and thank you for all the love and support to
get us to this space.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-29605430242149393612023-11-13T09:10:00.003-05:002023-11-13T09:10:56.408-05:00Books and Books and Books<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eguVGiXZ1H-YdkSc56yBfRttY6hjBkKcRNAuKITrvufnomdQbYUZBDgJlXP39vjXQtZ3OmmIGFzBhdOz3wQHEMh7Ei0L5FZcLgVJhndRKooLq2WUYRFxlaBJs8jFbfhOJ8TW6JtUkKeOP-vs_tPMBBvhNKr7uRn7qItKwTqDShCtzVWV3jbLfDwBMHzl/s4096/IMG_20231110_170057810_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eguVGiXZ1H-YdkSc56yBfRttY6hjBkKcRNAuKITrvufnomdQbYUZBDgJlXP39vjXQtZ3OmmIGFzBhdOz3wQHEMh7Ei0L5FZcLgVJhndRKooLq2WUYRFxlaBJs8jFbfhOJ8TW6JtUkKeOP-vs_tPMBBvhNKr7uRn7qItKwTqDShCtzVWV3jbLfDwBMHzl/s320/IMG_20231110_170057810_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">No nap today!
That’s a hurrah on two counts.
One, it means jet lag is pretty much had its way with me by now, and I’m
on the other side of it. Yay for that.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But more importantly, and much more fun was that it made
for a great afternoon of sorting and culling our Hot Springs English
library. By the end, we were left with
six bins with a fairly equal assortment of books, based on reading levels,
subject matter, and simple variety. This
means that later this afternoon when the kids get home, we can each take a bin
for a more balanced reading experience. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">By the end, I was also left with no small sense of
realization as to just how beautifully our library has grown these past several
years. When we started the reading
initiative here, all we had were some library discards from various and sundry
sources I really know nothing about. It
was better than nothing, but in another sense, enough were in such rough shape
that it sent a vastly different message than “Books are our friends,” or “Reading
is fun!”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgM6_DjaS80-IWgoKXZZw3BpibvGJKawlpHhnodBOP_MVzgrY2PghllKSRBA4m9oVDsHOOxijuj1mEpweGvKUhI12fSADR1vYpxZWFBEog1D6KcO5zrHfl8vJcMeKCgGQbJHXXdfXOAh69encx0DXPRLJAHHoDxzVhdu-0vvR_FlJlJA5lWv3stCMH_OFK/s3460/IMG_20231109_161253542_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2195" data-original-width="3460" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgM6_DjaS80-IWgoKXZZw3BpibvGJKawlpHhnodBOP_MVzgrY2PghllKSRBA4m9oVDsHOOxijuj1mEpweGvKUhI12fSADR1vYpxZWFBEog1D6KcO5zrHfl8vJcMeKCgGQbJHXXdfXOAh69encx0DXPRLJAHHoDxzVhdu-0vvR_FlJlJA5lWv3stCMH_OFK/s320/IMG_20231109_161253542_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Over the years, and through the generosity of friends and
Sponsors from within and outside of Highview, we have gathered quality reading
material that is not only a joy to interact with but communicates a better
level of respect for both reading and, quite frankly, our kids. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Side note: Getting
something new is a ‘thing’ here. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_2dIEOUInJ7N13gkwjeIQl63v4AK2ol6QCJ0oBCeIh1bkc2uLDU3WADENn_wZFAHmA5-PPXsVw1qHJ5974PUjpkaaSXZUrJMjsFduw9cT8mdycRzonl7raevj5PES0pJUQ3SiWj-3Jqt9Q9LTe5H3BRfnRMlH312weTqSppgFbBNT-T-yQQ4cmM-t8RR/s4608/20231113_200518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2240" data-original-width="4608" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_2dIEOUInJ7N13gkwjeIQl63v4AK2ol6QCJ0oBCeIh1bkc2uLDU3WADENn_wZFAHmA5-PPXsVw1qHJ5974PUjpkaaSXZUrJMjsFduw9cT8mdycRzonl7raevj5PES0pJUQ3SiWj-3Jqt9Q9LTe5H3BRfnRMlH312weTqSppgFbBNT-T-yQQ4cmM-t8RR/s320/20231113_200518.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing">This trip, however, we’ve been able to up the ante one
more level. Through the generosity and
expertise of Cheryl Wilton (retired English Learning Intervention consultant)
and her associate Pat Harrison (of Blueberry Hill Books), we have
added some first class early readers written and designed by people who really
know how children learn to read. The books donated by Cheryl and Pat were added
to the bins today, and will be show-cased in this afternoon’s reading time.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But that’s not even the best of it.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Cheryl has created for us no less than four books that
were written and designed to depict the life of our family here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No kidding!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The pictures and the story lines are all about us!</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Four books all about us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And each of the nights at evening worship when I’ve pulled them out and
called the kids forward to gather around, their wonder and delight at seeing
themselves in the books is written on their faces just as clearly as the text
on the pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“Everything we need for life and godliness….”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a phrase from 2 Peter 1:3 I quote often,
claiming that promise for each step of the way as we raise up these sensational
human beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And here’s just one more
example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not go out and seek this
professional assistance for our English learning initiative at Hot
Springs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It came to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So a huge thank you to Cheryl Wilton, who is our primary
contact and enthusiastic source of learning materials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And also to Pat Harrison and Blueberry Hill
Books, which you can check out for yourselves at this <a href="https://blueberryhillbooks.com/can/">link.</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We’ll be hearing more about all of this as the days go
by, for sure.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Especially since we just found out today that the younger
kids won’t be going to school tomorrow (something about a sports tournament
happening on their campus that they are not involved in), so we’ll have the
whole day with them.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Yay and yay!</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-82547738299552628162023-11-11T05:21:00.005-05:002023-11-11T05:21:54.587-05:00A More Settled Saturday<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUBzL-4RmxVdQTG-K8OUBOGiRT7a2RwbAAvFBJeZ7xmutt5h2I64Yp1rckzrD3oq7v5BFS01GrQhFoxYNFBm95ZdpEDmOf20-m-EuXEPB0uoyp0ev3A_RKGlJYY5P0KJTG4wC6ciQlan-XaSYusseHJeFyEYvOqWZM3NXJTGackO6i8lqlPuav6-ES4jHc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="320" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUBzL-4RmxVdQTG-K8OUBOGiRT7a2RwbAAvFBJeZ7xmutt5h2I64Yp1rckzrD3oq7v5BFS01GrQhFoxYNFBm95ZdpEDmOf20-m-EuXEPB0uoyp0ev3A_RKGlJYY5P0KJTG4wC6ciQlan-XaSYusseHJeFyEYvOqWZM3NXJTGackO6i8lqlPuav6-ES4jHc" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">As a whole the Team agrees that our jet lag is lessening day
by day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personally, I have had the best
sleep yet last night, and wake to the happy joy that is any Saturday morning
anywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have no plans but to invite
the children to the table in the guest house and begin the creative work that
will be a little something-something for our Sponsors this Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A pink sky covers the early morning chores of the
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, they are singing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, they are laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we comment on this as we stand together
down on the driveway to welcome the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At breakfast plans are only slightly altered to add a quick
visit to the new property, and to excuse Roger from the card making so he and
Suradet and visit a hardware store for supplies that will aid in a little building
project they have in mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roger is
disappointed to miss the card making, but never mind.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAR16PWIa484GQPnWh259MisXPCS1yF3Y-2M66wJwZKzC7OD9ovsCq2nqYBiuqhNSY-1gyEm2am1txR0w_9lKNoW9rbWHzn45GjfXfxA7wbdXUHUppEwR_OB8uRHZD_dMqMqY5n0bS-Q8uVS4fkNmFcQtJfjenzGP1mWI-WE6o17KYStpjTiAyDSeR0qJ/s4608/20231111_091017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2240" data-original-width="4608" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAR16PWIa484GQPnWh259MisXPCS1yF3Y-2M66wJwZKzC7OD9ovsCq2nqYBiuqhNSY-1gyEm2am1txR0w_9lKNoW9rbWHzn45GjfXfxA7wbdXUHUppEwR_OB8uRHZD_dMqMqY5n0bS-Q8uVS4fkNmFcQtJfjenzGP1mWI-WE6o17KYStpjTiAyDSeR0qJ/s320/20231111_091017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">A few pictures here for now, because the trip to the new
property is a thing unto itself, to be highlighted in its own posting over the
next few days. But wow! So much work has been done, and it looks
great!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4X66UuAHyXAof3xTNO2H7Z86YedQ3fw5_8OmEv_yLuFcKU4gC6yuaBuNbUrTaYe8iTPzhUBINB8niXXW6pT3UO8NRhA22Nc9EakJEN5pWlUTKjHmmwDzpyPhzBxTl7x4B_MYYShWc8tgzSIEa67EiZHuMuh-5j4KNwgrOP1bxI3QfioGNt0vShd39bsk/s4608/20231111_094523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2240" data-original-width="4608" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4X66UuAHyXAof3xTNO2H7Z86YedQ3fw5_8OmEv_yLuFcKU4gC6yuaBuNbUrTaYe8iTPzhUBINB8niXXW6pT3UO8NRhA22Nc9EakJEN5pWlUTKjHmmwDzpyPhzBxTl7x4B_MYYShWc8tgzSIEa67EiZHuMuh-5j4KNwgrOP1bxI3QfioGNt0vShd39bsk/s320/20231111_094523.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Back to Hot Springs and the happy chaos of pulling out all
the paper, scissors, and glue, along with special card-making cutters courtesy
of Norma. It’s messy and sparkly and imaginative. More singing.
More laughing. And, wow, do we
ever have some good creations to bring home with us!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeVGJf5BfFZVz9zY2sQEg7D8z5tMv_BLkKD-bmDCzNK_D5L6g_eZnghVXDLhGRK4zQNgh86fQnldp9WZsTypMVMfwoZ5lhdMR2eSbvXrlG4UzqwZZtQbjwYsp5ckNVWd8JzHRucQCOjGJZuNATsJS4O0gmIhfYoD-Zszqkt54NfQ5qcJPqNFpZ5DgYV9n/s4608/20231111_105203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeVGJf5BfFZVz9zY2sQEg7D8z5tMv_BLkKD-bmDCzNK_D5L6g_eZnghVXDLhGRK4zQNgh86fQnldp9WZsTypMVMfwoZ5lhdMR2eSbvXrlG4UzqwZZtQbjwYsp5ckNVWd8JzHRucQCOjGJZuNATsJS4O0gmIhfYoD-Zszqkt54NfQ5qcJPqNFpZ5DgYV9n/s320/20231111_105203.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">I still need a nap, and it’s lovely. We won’t read to the children on Saturdays
and Sundays. It’s okay for everyone to
have a little break, even as we want to encourage the eager start we’ve had.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Soon will be supper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then our evening time of worship and continuing our learnings about
David.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got a good video lined up about a
dog waiting for the signal to gulp down the treat perched on his nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waiting is hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David knows this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can learn from this.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It would be easy to forget the significance of this
particular November 11<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is no historical involvement in Thailand with the World Wars that inform our
Remembrance Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one is wearing a
poppy, no 11 a.m. moments of silence, no gathering around a memorial to hear a
bugle played.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Still, for of our freedoms to come and go, because as
Canadians we have a global presence and the means to travel, we are grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">May peace prevail in all the places of the
earth where war still ravages humanity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">And Praise to the Father who has gathered this
precious ones together in such a safe place.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-42615556160830211232023-11-10T00:06:00.005-05:002023-11-10T00:06:33.040-05:00Still Unpacking<p><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOtB0wRhxLUqMrL_hxlWKjR48SjhY14fYma0fhq4Kd-x-dX4s1tdKc4SOR831xtu4BMW0FN7HuiHX3bMri0Qz6zmxOQ1IFEYugWOSLMvKH5chU6PpuI1grA4mUnfZ1dMVWtSfVaYJcFDoyT3OjqcgGU-jyeJW6dRGYXGaZTe987QNCj5Fm2B3mdim-v-Q/s4928/DSC_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOtB0wRhxLUqMrL_hxlWKjR48SjhY14fYma0fhq4Kd-x-dX4s1tdKc4SOR831xtu4BMW0FN7HuiHX3bMri0Qz6zmxOQ1IFEYugWOSLMvKH5chU6PpuI1grA4mUnfZ1dMVWtSfVaYJcFDoyT3OjqcgGU-jyeJW6dRGYXGaZTe987QNCj5Fm2B3mdim-v-Q/s320/DSC_0825.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For me it’s Friday morning and with the delay in the
arrival of our luggage we are still not fully unpacked.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is messing with the ‘what day is it’ deal even more
than usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last Sunday in Ontario we
lost an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’m sort of feeling
like I’ve misplaced a couple of days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can the week have already gone by and our
stuff is still in such disarray?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With a Team of five, it meant we could bring more. So, when I say ‘our stuff’ it’s not just our
clothes and personal items, but five large suitcases full of teaching supplies
for Bible lessons, prizes for our English reading program, and an array of
crafts for both some fun and also a little special something for our Sponsors
(shhhh).</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As an added bonus we’ve also been able to bring along
significant material to teach both reading and writing skills, courtesy of some
generous hearts with professional expertise who will be named, but later. I have yet to fully unpack all of it, as I
said. And their contribution is worthy
of a separate posting complete with pictures of the children interacting with
what they’ve sent. So, stay tuned.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Today we should have the space and perhaps even less-spinny
heads to sort and organize. Yesterday we
headed to Chiang Mai to exchange our Canadian dollars into Thai baht, and visit
Yupa’s Mom in hospital. Our timing was
perfect as we got to pray with her just before her surgery. To respect her privacy, I’ll just say that
this is a welcome outcome after several months of health issues, and she is
expected to be home and on the mend very soon. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Also of note, is that this was at McCormick Hospital
which I referenced in last Sunday’s (was that just last Sunday?) online sermon
at Highview on Daniel McGilvary. It was
an additional bit of historical interest for the Team, and another moment of
respect and awe for me towards this truly inspirational pioneer missionary to
Northern Thailand.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Later in the day we got to do our first reading time with
the kids. Honestly, there’s something
pretty rewarding when they asked already for us to do this on Wednesday, our
first day. And when we asked for another
day to recover from the trip, they were understanding but clearly
disappointed. So when we finally did
bring out the books and the little ones came running, well… It’s one of those pictures I keep in my heart
to remind me why we do this.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It's not lost on me, as we sit and work out the
difference between “chick” and “chuck”, or “goat” and “toad”, that these two
eager young lads in front of me are not lethargic from hunger. They were when they got here. In fact, one of them had to be lovingly
coached not to overeat to the point of vomiting, a response sometimes seen in
children who still don’t trust that there will be enough to eat tomorrow.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Our jet lag has settled down into mostly being just about
not sleeping through the night. And it’s
hot, so there’s that to add to the late afternoon sense of hitting a wall. But we remain in good spirits, taking care of
each other, curious to seek what God’s got in mind for our time here.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Have I mentioned how great this Team is? Have I mentioned it’s not the same without
Megan?</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I think I promised more pictures in yesterday’s
posting. Let’s see if we can do better
today.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-70145688719942642302023-11-08T19:57:00.006-05:002023-11-08T19:57:31.960-05:00First Days Daze<p> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIrexzCCVNzDX5y6JBEPFJywlJYyAIHNc7cg4ZEWCHZ2Iga1rvFOwQA_JmYY_6tNnQqoqDHUGI3OlOwzeGjLdHQ4Kavw3iPo-8q6uCI4Fptp0w-z9KL3sSYcnisLswOeJVrpQZXGCcMcufeVS7yDRzp-J4zzq3qqX6v1-AFoGj6hMbUqG9vUJxicEzRjn/s4608/20231109_070534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2240" data-original-width="4608" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIrexzCCVNzDX5y6JBEPFJywlJYyAIHNc7cg4ZEWCHZ2Iga1rvFOwQA_JmYY_6tNnQqoqDHUGI3OlOwzeGjLdHQ4Kavw3iPo-8q6uCI4Fptp0w-z9KL3sSYcnisLswOeJVrpQZXGCcMcufeVS7yDRzp-J4zzq3qqX6v1-AFoGj6hMbUqG9vUJxicEzRjn/s320/20231109_070534.jpg" width="320" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Jet lag and travel recovery become the priority every
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this time, with my own health
issues being a thing in the final week of preparation, then a last minute
cancellation by one of our Team members due to COVID, a delay in Toronto right
at the start of our trip, a consequential Hollywood-style sprint through the
airport to catch our connecting flight, and then not having our bags arrive
with us, these first 48 hours in Thailand have been just a tad more
disorienting than usual for me.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Except, while I’m certainly feeling the physicality of
it, what’s been lovely is how quickly we’ve been enfolded into the gentleness
of this place, and how that’s helped everyone be so chill about it all. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>This is a good Team.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>And we miss Megan so I’ll mention that here, and probably
a few times over the next little bit. For
those who don’t know, Megan had been preparing with us for months to join in
this adventure. But she got in on a
‘sharing’ of COVID that happened amongst our community of faith just before we
were set to go.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Timing is everything, as they say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we miss her, and continue to wish her a
speedy recovery.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Yesterday we laid low. Took a little walking tour of the garden and
animal pens. Named a baby pig. Visited Hot Springs Park where we had
lunch. Slept in the afternoon. Greeted the kids when they got home from
school. Prepared the little gift bags to
be ready for evening worship.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Here’s a fun thing.
Only one out of ten of our checked bags arrived in Chiang Mai when we
did. And just to give some background,
five of our checked bags were dedicated to gifts and books and reading
incentives etc. The rest were our own
person clothing and such. The one bag
that came with? It was the one that held
the arrival gift bags and goodies we had hoped to be able to give out the first
night we were here. So, we were able to
do that! So happy we were able to do
that!</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Evening worship was lovely. Happy dancing moments. Glad words of welcome and greeting. Introducing everyone to everyone. A few words about missing Megan and trusting
God’s goodness. Then handing out the
bags. Then being done but not done with
getting-to-know-you conversations happening for Sponsors meeting their special
kids for the first time, and generally trying to remember names.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Around the table afterwards we just simply talked about
the goodness of this day. And just after
that – out bags arrived!</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So, for today we’ll be ready to keep going with the flow,
only feeling a tad fresher I should think.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Thinking about heading into Chiang Mai to exchange our
money at the banks at Big C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we’ll
see where the day takes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hopefully more pictures. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For everyone who’s supported us in any way whatsoever,
our grateful thanks over and over again.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-30404854707645792052023-10-23T10:20:00.002-04:002023-10-23T10:20:36.465-04:00Bibles and Broccoli Stems and Bai Teos.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPHiq1iH4nbTNSC26sL05okg2c8Xl8g8TrBcdHUNV_JaiojQofGTnCFdCzPfJRGDt8J7Txb8o3MFTZd8AXPORdqTEjusJhT01nQE_Xz2JEp1ElAymLuPl8U0zw6tp4KfqwuGRupKePS6TaKM5GVfiySczXXgnYDCLh0DUd6wigHP963o8QfnqyKGAVJls/s1440/NF%202023%20Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPHiq1iH4nbTNSC26sL05okg2c8Xl8g8TrBcdHUNV_JaiojQofGTnCFdCzPfJRGDt8J7Txb8o3MFTZd8AXPORdqTEjusJhT01nQE_Xz2JEp1ElAymLuPl8U0zw6tp4KfqwuGRupKePS6TaKM5GVfiySczXXgnYDCLh0DUd6wigHP963o8QfnqyKGAVJls/s320/NF%202023%20Group.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">One of my first mentors in cross cultural ministry told me that just like I'll always speak Thai with an accent, I will also 'do culture' with an accent. I am finding this to be true.</span></p><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">And one of the more 'accented' bits is the difference between the perspectives of privilege and poverty. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">A trip to Niagara Falls can really bring this forward.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">In Thai 'bai teo' means 'out for fun,' or more simply, 'an outing'. Saturday was that for a group of us from Highview, and we had a great day. Ken and I were responsible for the cost for eight of us (ourselves, our guests, and three of our grandchildren), which we'd budgeted for, of course. But it's no surprise that this adds up.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Suradet often asks how much something costs. This is not impolite, just a matter of curiosity and comparison, and trying to understand Canadian economics. And inevitably, when told, his response is one of shock. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">The shock is more than just that between the value of the Canadian dollar and the Thai baht. Much more.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Anyone who was with us on October 15 for Suradet's sermon knows that, when he was a child, one can of tuna was the entire portion of protein for a family of six for the entire day. And not every day did they have that luxury. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">When I was a child, my parents brought me to Niagara Falls. Often.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">New topic, same point. Broccoli stems.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Usually Ken and I eat them. Peel off the outer layer, then chop into cubes and throw them in with the tree tops. But on the day we had the reception for Sponsors and Supporters, there was so much going on in the kitchen, that in preparing the veggie tray, I just threw the stems into the compost.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Yupa fished them out. She very respectfully explained that you can eat these too, then wrapped them up and put them back in the fridge for later. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Like my Thai Bible.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">A few years back, when my Thai/English Bible was falling apart, I asked if we could visit the Christian Bookstore in Chiang Mai so I could buy a new one. Yupa had another idea and brought out some duct tape, which she very artistically used to put my Bible back together again.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">She, too, was raised in a very different environment than me.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">And I am brought to that humble place again.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">I don't like it.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Being reminded simply by example and contrast, how very privileged my life has been and how this permeates everything, hurts my heart.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">But I'm glad for it.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Back to the day trip to Niagara Falls. When we talked about it afterwards, after they had stopped trying to add up how much the day has cost, I asked them.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">"In 16 years of caring for the children, and all the personal sacrifices you have made, how many times have you had a holiday?"</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Reluctant nods of, 'oh okay, we get it, sort of.' Because they never do, not really.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">I have no problem budgeting for a one day outing to one of the seven wonders of the world to bless these incredible heroes of faith and tenacity and compassion. And to include my grandchildren and other friends in the experience of making memories together with them. No problem at all.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">But I am also deeply grateful for the ways our connection presses me into places of my soul that need some attention. For how it makes me think twice about spending money on something I could do without. How it makes me realize just how much God has given me, and how much He wants to make sure hungry children have food, and what that has to do very directly with me.</span>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-54666143305237355292023-10-14T09:08:00.004-04:002023-10-14T09:08:41.610-04:00This Is Not A Christmas Tree....Probably<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4-fSTH7vEVem36S3VUjkUEsK4Fd2frF0X6F6fG8abDKbnD7zTN6zSk0MfxNkJYRc-CwLq2BUUUBVSz9U4r-j8CsNFHVIehfBIRmyrDk9AXNoUBDy9dvlKOzFI2366VfwyqkyL0367-rEuVshK7dDTIIG9wJIFjoHubn4z-q2uMdx_smhNA8BTjTcAHjF/s1477/387493852_833120635140046_1886034917370067191_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1477" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4-fSTH7vEVem36S3VUjkUEsK4Fd2frF0X6F6fG8abDKbnD7zTN6zSk0MfxNkJYRc-CwLq2BUUUBVSz9U4r-j8CsNFHVIehfBIRmyrDk9AXNoUBDy9dvlKOzFI2366VfwyqkyL0367-rEuVshK7dDTIIG9wJIFjoHubn4z-q2uMdx_smhNA8BTjTcAHjF/s320/387493852_833120635140046_1886034917370067191_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Here's the riddle of the day:</span></p><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">How are this tree and Christmas connected?</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Answer:</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">The tree is on the new property New Family Foundation is currently developing. That is the project for which we are raising funds at tonight's music and market event. And the market bit is where you can start your Christmas shopping!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">See what I did there? :)</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">What you can see around this tree is the 'gift' of the excavation that has recently taken place thanks to the funds raised in the spring and summer of 2021 "Dollar for Dollar Campaign". </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Again, there's a good connection if you look for it.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">And connection is what it's all about tonight.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Your connection with amazing things happening for at-risk and orphan children in Thailand.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>"A New Home for Our New Family"</b></i></span></span></div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><div style="text-align: center;">Music, mini market and dessert night for the purposes of raising funds for the next steps </div><div style="text-align: center;">in the development of our new property.</div></b></i></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="text-align: center;">7:00 to 8:30 p.m.</div></span><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="text-align: center;">295 Highview Drive Kitchener N2N 2K7</div></span></b></i></span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">All market items are directly from Thailand.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">There's even Thai coffee!!!!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Come and be inspired by what Suradet and Yupa will say in their own words about what happens when we get connected in meaningful ways.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hope to see you there.</span>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-15144302656248328712023-10-10T15:56:00.004-04:002023-10-10T15:56:57.887-04:00When You Have to Move But You Don't Really Want To<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FVH1gWbnrxc3YGO1AwS-M1nccH3dqF_c07rIDCd-v1Q8GMDg0UTnmppSCp6OsTwpnQ0tLZwJ-G6CZqK5_Ae1uuoU8q4Fu7FgKA98xzU1luR0umdIc2khEaUm98Jb_jRcNpu7c1WgbStUMWpXJhsj9WK_xmOhwKszTBUbMaMTx9Q_vhQAIcWsUEeDBhpM/s4128/January%2026,%202018%20021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FVH1gWbnrxc3YGO1AwS-M1nccH3dqF_c07rIDCd-v1Q8GMDg0UTnmppSCp6OsTwpnQ0tLZwJ-G6CZqK5_Ae1uuoU8q4Fu7FgKA98xzU1luR0umdIc2khEaUm98Jb_jRcNpu7c1WgbStUMWpXJhsj9WK_xmOhwKszTBUbMaMTx9Q_vhQAIcWsUEeDBhpM/s320/January%2026,%202018%20021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Morning breaks or sun is setting, either way the sky over Hot Springs covers a place of healing and peace. We are out a little ways from the big city, down a road that has built up over the years, but would still be considered "out of the way."</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoAMpQaCHdM81xYkmTTkceLZEICZghWyCuf3v-vcVFnxrAKqB61MqXUJvGlBqu7ttd0V7GazjZgm3Dl7LP4Md8eO_GlfEESmydo-JgA6AT9UMPQAKFRqSAU5TGhzlAH_wrlIIHmdNQ1ED7fs1EDH0WOdrBknaAc2iv1mq_rM4_peUWTgoLtSSHaqG0Und/s4608/20221115_160749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoAMpQaCHdM81xYkmTTkceLZEICZghWyCuf3v-vcVFnxrAKqB61MqXUJvGlBqu7ttd0V7GazjZgm3Dl7LP4Md8eO_GlfEESmydo-JgA6AT9UMPQAKFRqSAU5TGhzlAH_wrlIIHmdNQ1ED7fs1EDH0WOdrBknaAc2iv1mq_rM4_peUWTgoLtSSHaqG0Und/s320/20221115_160749.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing">A long driveway sets us back from the road. Behind all the buildings is a steep hill covered in trees. A decent path off to the right of the kitchen takes us past a well cultivated garden to the goat pen beyond.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">We're talking about 10 acres of space for kids to run and learn and live and love.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmZs_71tk4-fcIiXGNf_sLQVotSHWaoHoPKpE0XP0dIyCY5wswTlJ4bG1ix4clDhDGMLkt43k9WGajBKhTnDE-2V8RoYu4FOX5bGdOCbCKM-8WodcA0a1WkthadOeahtAXeJoOO3dusBkIn2XWt2RdY7W6yu-XM2zrEfJQlniw5m8EfepheP456psmt6s/s3888/IMG_3818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="2592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmZs_71tk4-fcIiXGNf_sLQVotSHWaoHoPKpE0XP0dIyCY5wswTlJ4bG1ix4clDhDGMLkt43k9WGajBKhTnDE-2V8RoYu4FOX5bGdOCbCKM-8WodcA0a1WkthadOeahtAXeJoOO3dusBkIn2XWt2RdY7W6yu-XM2zrEfJQlniw5m8EfepheP456psmt6s/s320/IMG_3818.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is the property on Hot Springs Korean Methodist Church is situated, and where Pastors Suradet and Yupa have, for the past 15 years, welcomed at risk and orphaned children into a now rather larger, and always loving family. They were at-risk themselves as children. When they realized what God had given them in the property assigned to their new church plant, opening their arms to the children just seemed like the right thing to do.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Fast forward to today and...we're moving.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Why would we ever want to leave this place? </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">We don't. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">But we have to.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Here's why.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">With the onset of military rule in 2014 new requirements
for children’s welfare came into play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Rightfully so. Previously the loose and unregulated 'understandings' around the care of at-risk and orphan children left room for far too much that would not actually be in the best interests these small vulnerable human beings. So it was due time to tighten up the requirements. </span>Among these requirements was that of having <i>children’s homes</i> established on
‘deeded property’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">The property on which
Hot Springs currently sits is ‘crown land’, and while it is legal to build a
variety of structures on it, for example a church, it is not deeded, and therefore does not fall
under compliance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Also, there's the fact that the Hot Springs
property is owned not by Pastors Suradet and Yupa or even their local church, but by
the Korean Methodist Church of Thailand, as I've already said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is therefore necessary that we strive to relocate the children as
soon as we can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do have a buffer. Since we are in active process of becoming compliant, and also because we
have a legally registered office address on deeded property, the children’s
home we currently have is in no immediate danger of being shut down. Plus the entire country, like the entire world, has had so many things put on 'pause' that it is not seen as a delay when not much has been done during the years of COVID.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">But at any given time we could be served notice. So we're moving.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eHCC8iAKJo0HXrWrH9aZVpGrUK0TdjaQSZkyhf8tpXkLu7PV8hnrf2Qbm4to6uIXAdvjntq5mU3eVX5tqKkQX7PggYc8RsnhcvhewH5CzmxKsMiDt_dOdfEpujrqCxcAiqyjWQ_z8sSfWCEnJiGSWJUckhX9CL_pEeGDNEaJYW2Fc_2g_yYH4v5rHRIa/s1477/382940136_1370714487157338_497294026776074951_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1477" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eHCC8iAKJo0HXrWrH9aZVpGrUK0TdjaQSZkyhf8tpXkLu7PV8hnrf2Qbm4to6uIXAdvjntq5mU3eVX5tqKkQX7PggYc8RsnhcvhewH5CzmxKsMiDt_dOdfEpujrqCxcAiqyjWQ_z8sSfWCEnJiGSWJUckhX9CL_pEeGDNEaJYW2Fc_2g_yYH4v5rHRIa/s320/382940136_1370714487157338_497294026776074951_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing">That's why the development of our new property is so important. And that's why, during this current visit to Canada, we wanted to let Suradet and Yupa speak for themselves about it all.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b>Saturday, October 14, 2023</b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b>7:00 to 8:30</b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b>Music, Mini-Market and Dessert</b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b>295 Highview Drive KIT ON N2N 2K7</b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b>We would love to have you join us for a mini concert upstairs, a mini market downstairs, and an opportunity to partner with us in these excited next steps for New Family Foundation.</b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_NffC0gT10QASh4WBhVATrM9ok8yema0Pzm87G0dn2teB09gSANAEM95ajXNurbXBh6a6xzs0R3zg0E7Ef_CUnitNsmL3dtI9SkgFdIvo0Se7tDp7020BMh_LteZLu0UC1YtbNTB_zxa1PppFK8QU24u9N5zrfIfZ12lFn8EqesY3SLtClqo13Llvj6K/s960/Logo%20update.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="960" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_NffC0gT10QASh4WBhVATrM9ok8yema0Pzm87G0dn2teB09gSANAEM95ajXNurbXBh6a6xzs0R3zg0E7Ef_CUnitNsmL3dtI9SkgFdIvo0Se7tDp7020BMh_LteZLu0UC1YtbNTB_zxa1PppFK8QU24u9N5zrfIfZ12lFn8EqesY3SLtClqo13Llvj6K/w90-h89/Logo%20update.png" width="90" /></a></div><b><i><span style="color: #226474; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #226474; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></b></p>“The mission of New Family Foundation
is to provide a loving home for at-risk and orphaned children in in Northern
Thailand to help them achieve their best potential in education, vocation and
service to society.”</span></span></i></b><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-87792928031854876432023-10-03T04:04:00.004-04:002023-10-03T04:04:34.977-04:00It Goes Both Ways (And So Do We)<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5tlHMQr8AC10BUWAjLMivzcYiHyH8z24M6Ig4yPO4Ghbih1A0Icl2dH4gH2ze2ykAI7VuIKXC8Gu-agRwSUpYDM3pPG2ZVazbv4-3wp9QXhjaoMqrCOFBRd19kLomskfOlUPqBoQTa4wHmLOjmOwHQSuZmYgPSLY4zTlFulkTNquv93qCy7cHFqLcVEF/s574/SYB%202%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="574" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5tlHMQr8AC10BUWAjLMivzcYiHyH8z24M6Ig4yPO4Ghbih1A0Icl2dH4gH2ze2ykAI7VuIKXC8Gu-agRwSUpYDM3pPG2ZVazbv4-3wp9QXhjaoMqrCOFBRd19kLomskfOlUPqBoQTa4wHmLOjmOwHQSuZmYgPSLY4zTlFulkTNquv93qCy7cHFqLcVEF/s320/SYB%202%202023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yupa, Bell, Suradet<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The great anticipation is almost over. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Soon, God-willing, they'll be here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It doesn't happen very often, Suradet, Yupa and Bell coming this way. Mostly it's us heading there. Seems to be our first default when we think of partnerships in far away places. We are the ones that 'go'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And yes, in November a Team from Highview will do exactly that. To visit and encourage and help with English learning and go out and have some fun with the kids. We'll take a few out trips as well, just to get a better feel for the culture. And we'll share with each other what we've learned about following Jesus and how God's Word speaks into our Thai lives. That's what a short-term missions trip in the context of a long-term relationship looks like.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And when that's a true partnership, and when in reality so many on this side of the planet might never get to the other, it's also a deeply good thing to bring them here. To visit and encourage and meet the Sponsors, and help us with our understanding of what it means to be raising a family of 22. We'll do a few out trips as well, because Niagara Falls is actually one of the seven wonders of the world. And we'll share with each other what we've learned about following Jesus and how God's Word speak into our Canadian lives. And they will teach us so much about living by faith. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over the past 15 years as we have been walking this adventure together, the development of a true reciprocity has become a hallmark of this partnership. We have so much to learn from and give to each other. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anticipated arrival is October 7. That's this Saturday!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then the next weekend, that's when a lot happens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saturday, October 14 is our night of music and market and dessert at Highview (295 Highview Drive, Kitchener ON N2N 2K7) from 7 to 9 p.m. "A New Home for Our New Family" where they will tell us first hand what's happening on the property in preparation for the next steps in development.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sunday, October 15 is when Suradet will tell his own story of childhood poverty in a Sunday service dedicated to highlighting the work of New Family Foundation. "One Can of Tuna" is the title of his sermon. And we'll hear from Yupa as well. All this also at Highview of course.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyone who's met them feels it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Their lives are inspiring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Their faith is powerful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can't wait to share that with everyone again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uFdnkyDjr0fpMewGEhz6lYAvDjB1r-TB8uQ_vXi9noHrDN-1xmWWNH0YDbdJ4AF4TnCnE-5k-pCFStyPGGsH8xlz57FxM6O8am95ELnlFqLyJgk1bwT_Zqlh-PtNeEbAALAl5hhmrDqlcR_athXYxeLwj7hw941MaP3awZeBXAPI-TLkqK4yARzz1YaN/s960/Logo%20update.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="960" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uFdnkyDjr0fpMewGEhz6lYAvDjB1r-TB8uQ_vXi9noHrDN-1xmWWNH0YDbdJ4AF4TnCnE-5k-pCFStyPGGsH8xlz57FxM6O8am95ELnlFqLyJgk1bwT_Zqlh-PtNeEbAALAl5hhmrDqlcR_athXYxeLwj7hw941MaP3awZeBXAPI-TLkqK4yARzz1YaN/w200-h199/Logo%20update.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #226474; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">“The mission of New Family Foundation
is to provide a loving home </span></span></i></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #226474; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">for at-risk and orphaned children in in Northern
Thailand </span></span></i></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #226474; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">to help them achieve their best potential in education, </span></span></i></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #226474; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">vocation and
service to society.”</span><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-43703164789315983272023-09-26T08:21:00.004-04:002023-09-26T08:21:55.568-04:00A Big Thank You For a Big Effort<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ea_SZT9UXeh-njMBPFZER5l3PiU1WvfYbDUKFf4OUvV1D9DOAmhXwcDPnDyuPM64kbot3k8YLFs7gTikHvuw8oiJu56dcQlBoNK-qStDsNONlmQ59mk0e2cQsOCZu_S6I3q5nYMUMurUcONVw5wa0kIbPNZMTuM1Z-ReNOPKKUN0qttaVsl-ZemjmkCP/s4608/Wara%20portraint%20August%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ea_SZT9UXeh-njMBPFZER5l3PiU1WvfYbDUKFf4OUvV1D9DOAmhXwcDPnDyuPM64kbot3k8YLFs7gTikHvuw8oiJu56dcQlBoNK-qStDsNONlmQ59mk0e2cQsOCZu_S6I3q5nYMUMurUcONVw5wa0kIbPNZMTuM1Z-ReNOPKKUN0qttaVsl-ZemjmkCP/s320/Wara%20portraint%20August%202023.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wara - Theological Studies</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> So delighted to report that Saturday's Garage Sale to raise fund for these three deserving young women was a resounding success!<div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Total amount raised: $1,600.00.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>And because of continued inquiries from those who could not be there, that amount could actually be more before the day is done.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqH4DWqxgm-BwMIVso4UHwXelB-0OcCAZbqyTmhmgcuL8CuVLVS_YzM2r3ex8_Syhcu0vVO5QurgFDJDOdy5Zc5yrICyljexpXNTlI9ueK2SZk-xryfXEcVenQUJCfMMmYsjoj49KMqOJYrlj891izyjwpHdr_euw9qT_4ksKCnDoCJlUlgtingNZqed1/s1188/Tae%20portrait%20August%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="851" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqH4DWqxgm-BwMIVso4UHwXelB-0OcCAZbqyTmhmgcuL8CuVLVS_YzM2r3ex8_Syhcu0vVO5QurgFDJDOdy5Zc5yrICyljexpXNTlI9ueK2SZk-xryfXEcVenQUJCfMMmYsjoj49KMqOJYrlj891izyjwpHdr_euw9qT_4ksKCnDoCJlUlgtingNZqed1/s320/Tae%20portrait%20August%202023.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tae - Business and Horticulture</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>Beyond the money, however, other successes of the Garage Sale should not be overlooked.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A raising of general awareness of the needs of at-risk and orphan children in Northern Thailand.</li><li>The deep encouragement for Wara, Tae and Da themselves. You have no idea what this means for them.</li><li>The deep encouragement for their parents, raising and launching such a large family, to know we have their backs on this.</li><li>The good connection with the immediate neighbours of Highview Community Church who came out to support our cause. And who also received an invitation to come join us on Sundays any time.</li><li>The comradery and bonding of the Garage Sale Team itself, as we put out good effort together for a cause we all believe in, helping to shine the hope of Jesus into a world that needs Him so badly.</li></ul><br /></div><div>As always, Thank You seems inadequate all by itself.</div><div>But we say it anyways.</div><div>With all our hearts.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60uRXJM-J4TyBhbUrJ1qWREQQ9sMvQLpd1MllCBYyAUPqE8E354liMs00zA4BSe3e-cMeW8fvKyO6lI6W-OnIrUAzlET5c9YylZcxUlTmrYAZnHIxYAPVrfrIE-YG_edyUP_lA53AAiOb0VyozrwUjp36-Wyc5R73oi7hQOBGqVdkxblHXfxFfpMZykVz/s738/Da%20portrait%20August%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60uRXJM-J4TyBhbUrJ1qWREQQ9sMvQLpd1MllCBYyAUPqE8E354liMs00zA4BSe3e-cMeW8fvKyO6lI6W-OnIrUAzlET5c9YylZcxUlTmrYAZnHIxYAPVrfrIE-YG_edyUP_lA53AAiOb0VyozrwUjp36-Wyc5R73oi7hQOBGqVdkxblHXfxFfpMZykVz/s320/Da%20portrait%20August%202023.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Da - Nursing.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> I will let Yupa, Director and Home Parent, have the last word: (straight from Google Translate)<p></p></div><div><span class="jCAhz ChMk0b" jsaction="agoMJf:PFBcW;MZfLnc:P7O7bd;nt4Alf:pvnm0e,pfE8Hb,PFBcW;B01qod:dJXsye;H1e5u:iXtTIf;lYIUJf:hij5Wb;bmeZHc:iURhpf;Oxj3Xe:qAKMYb,yaf12d" jscontroller="Gn4SMb" jsname="txFAF" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #d2e3fc; color: #3c4043; cursor: pointer; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="ryNqvb" jsaction="click:E6Tfl,GFf3ac,tMZCfe; contextmenu:Nqw7Te,QP7LD; mouseout:Nqw7Te; mouseover:E6Tfl,c2aHje" jsname="W297wb" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">Thank you so much for loving the children and we pray that God will bless and increase you in everything. I see the love of Jesus in the Highview Church brothers and sisters and family. Father Ken and Mother Ruth are honored to have everyone.</span></span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #3c4043; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span class="jCAhz ChMk0b" jsaction="agoMJf:PFBcW;MZfLnc:P7O7bd;nt4Alf:pvnm0e,pfE8Hb,PFBcW;B01qod:dJXsye;H1e5u:iXtTIf;lYIUJf:hij5Wb;bmeZHc:iURhpf;Oxj3Xe:qAKMYb,yaf12d" jscontroller="Gn4SMb" jsname="txFAF" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: whitesmoke; color: #3c4043; cursor: pointer; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="ryNqvb" jsaction="click:E6Tfl,GFf3ac,tMZCfe; contextmenu:Nqw7Te,QP7LD; mouseout:Nqw7Te; mouseover:E6Tfl,c2aHje" jsname="W297wb" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">People who love and care for little people like us, thank you very much.</span></span></div><div><span class="jCAhz" jsaction="agoMJf:PFBcW;MZfLnc:P7O7bd;nt4Alf:pvnm0e,pfE8Hb,PFBcW;B01qod:dJXsye;H1e5u:iXtTIf;lYIUJf:hij5Wb;bmeZHc:iURhpf;Oxj3Xe:qAKMYb,yaf12d" jscontroller="Gn4SMb" jsname="txFAF" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: whitesmoke; color: #3c4043; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="ryNqvb" jsaction="click:E6Tfl,GFf3ac,tMZCfe; contextmenu:Nqw7Te,QP7LD; mouseout:Nqw7Te; mouseover:E6Tfl,c2aHje" jsname="W297wb" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">
</span></span><span class="jCAhz ChMk0b" jsaction="agoMJf:PFBcW;MZfLnc:P7O7bd;nt4Alf:pvnm0e,pfE8Hb,PFBcW;B01qod:dJXsye;H1e5u:iXtTIf;lYIUJf:hij5Wb;bmeZHc:iURhpf;Oxj3Xe:qAKMYb,yaf12d" jscontroller="Gn4SMb" jsname="txFAF" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: whitesmoke; color: #3c4043; cursor: pointer; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="ryNqvb" jsaction="click:E6Tfl,GFf3ac,tMZCfe; contextmenu:Nqw7Te,QP7LD; mouseout:Nqw7Te; mouseover:E6Tfl,c2aHje" jsname="W297wb" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">God bless</span></span></div>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-57907562191105151752023-09-23T17:11:00.004-04:002023-09-23T17:11:56.960-04:00Thank You!!<p> <span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">We cannot say it enough!</span></p><p><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KqzAiVRjjfgGwjoyoLdq31cm5B2ILcPWE3vV20iM4RvgnWo0vsD8i07CGsQKh0lRMIi1RnTrsFh4AY31dcdtLxzAfvGRBiEG4oekffjkMrJHJjrq5NtFenni3DmZIetafuVPwGELsNHeEb9I38wStYRaV0k-uudzx4riXwBobOZWRLJOkR0Rb7D8p2md/s3200/courtney-hedger-t48eHCSCnds-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2136" data-original-width="3200" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KqzAiVRjjfgGwjoyoLdq31cm5B2ILcPWE3vV20iM4RvgnWo0vsD8i07CGsQKh0lRMIi1RnTrsFh4AY31dcdtLxzAfvGRBiEG4oekffjkMrJHJjrq5NtFenni3DmZIetafuVPwGELsNHeEb9I38wStYRaV0k-uudzx4riXwBobOZWRLJOkR0Rb7D8p2md/s320/courtney-hedger-t48eHCSCnds-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><p></p><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Total raised today, to help Wara, Tae and Da continue their post secondary education:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">$1,223.20!!!</span></b></div><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">This goes a LONG way in Thailand.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">And it means the world to us!</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Every person who donated items.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Every person who came to sort and clean yesterday.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Every person who helped us promote this.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Every person who showed up today to assist our shoppers.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">And to all the shoppers themselves.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Thank you!!!!!</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">God bless you!!!!</span><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_ybBdW7kVltZJEdDpiH_sBwL-YAhmmXz7ynGcVoPZO6tL9OU8FcbQH5BzXmTJfJoOP9gecbIaFJDI0rkSUYjUEoyYkTCxSBJd6YWkTOPjOZKGbFAAmM1f-0m6bzm5BcpAYCZyk-Skdwc8tNNfLzDjhfCuLoS-A_Ko9WmTfrxRHoelnykn1gSdjGFGnGx/s960/Logo%20update.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="960" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_ybBdW7kVltZJEdDpiH_sBwL-YAhmmXz7ynGcVoPZO6tL9OU8FcbQH5BzXmTJfJoOP9gecbIaFJDI0rkSUYjUEoyYkTCxSBJd6YWkTOPjOZKGbFAAmM1f-0m6bzm5BcpAYCZyk-Skdwc8tNNfLzDjhfCuLoS-A_Ko9WmTfrxRHoelnykn1gSdjGFGnGx/s320/Logo%20update.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-6838954437597545002023-09-20T08:04:00.000-04:002023-09-20T08:04:21.379-04:00Training Dragons<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXldWzH_cTeqYSUOyogPOCaM6WTMzRZXBNsuHx7xPSjxiuVz44-JzxVfq5AGxmKPSkJx08WOd8lub74_ZImIo7n4bhkju_03Flo8uxtmDWRrIxKf4CNxq7M_CmRoMW-rhTvK7EQbS9LbLGrDjCBlD2cBIC8n_a45pWz4ARbyFybMtGbezgJ_KzEevtXCJf/s1478/Kratae%20to%20school%202022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1108" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXldWzH_cTeqYSUOyogPOCaM6WTMzRZXBNsuHx7xPSjxiuVz44-JzxVfq5AGxmKPSkJx08WOd8lub74_ZImIo7n4bhkju_03Flo8uxtmDWRrIxKf4CNxq7M_CmRoMW-rhTvK7EQbS9LbLGrDjCBlD2cBIC8n_a45pWz4ARbyFybMtGbezgJ_KzEevtXCJf/s320/Kratae%20to%20school%202022.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">It was always the giggle with Tae. And a bit of held back mischief in her eyes, as if she knew an amusing secret. But then, at the smallest prompt, a big burst of laughter. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">And she’s grown so tall. One of the lovelies. That’s what I like to call our teenage girls. And she is all graceful and strong and stepping out into her almost-adult life. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">We all went to the movies once. It was the ‘bai teo’ (out for fun) of one particular visit. And a big deal too. You can imagine what it’s like to take a family of 23 out to the movies. Doesn’t really happen all that often. And while the overall cost is not as astronomical as it would be here, it’s still a fair bit of the budget to take into consideration. Especially if you’re getting popcorn.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Plus, there’s the logistics. Getting us all there, parking, getting out of the vehicle. Getting us all up the escalators (many for the very first time), around and around to the top floor of the mall where the theatres are. Buying the tickets. Buying the snacks. Finding our seats. Even before the movie begins, we’ve had several little adventures.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Most the of children, especially the younger ones, the ones newer to our family, are all bug-eyed and clutching. So quiet. The big city is so different from where they were born, and even from where they live now.</span><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwzw8CLExDNrA1-YWKbYnf0a-8e3tJ7NYxXSvm7AGumJCvqfRC4u9tfdrApQ4Q1lR9fqWIFJJH99buJ_KgMWE5Le2Ah0WfVOU_Uc0zcunMppRyBFawD9Rf7c-PcOEuiosWrGiaFmeY1qfPkanZ72IIbz8iH3TaFm3yFOrqacUf-j401uNuDOft3vmBPtG/s912/movie%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="912" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwzw8CLExDNrA1-YWKbYnf0a-8e3tJ7NYxXSvm7AGumJCvqfRC4u9tfdrApQ4Q1lR9fqWIFJJH99buJ_KgMWE5Le2Ah0WfVOU_Uc0zcunMppRyBFawD9Rf7c-PcOEuiosWrGiaFmeY1qfPkanZ72IIbz8iH3TaFm3yFOrqacUf-j401uNuDOft3vmBPtG/s320/movie%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">The lovelies, however, are over the top excited. We get to go to the movies!!! This never happens! Tae isn’t the only one with giggles and bursts of laughter on this day.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">But. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">At one point the lovelies realize the title we’ve chosen. “How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”. It’s the conclusion to a series from Dream Works based on the novels by Cressida Cowell. It’s animated.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Wait, what? Tae is brave enough to express a concern that is apparently causing some consternation all of a sudden. She comes to me in an unusual show of questioning an elder. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Cah-toon?” she asks, using the Thai word borrowed from English. There is no attempt to hide her disappointment. All this hype about going to the movies, and Ahjahn Ruth has the nerve to take us grown up girls to a movie for meant for babies? </span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you know the “How to Train Your Dragon” series, or anything by Dream Works for that matter, you will know that the animation is sensational and the storyline compelling. The teens in my family are all over this. But with no context, Tae isn’t so sure.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">I lay my arm across her shoulders and pull her in a little. “Chorp mahk.” You will like it, I promise. She nods, and is polite, but obviously not entirely convinced. </span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">We watch the movie. It has such a sacrifice-for-love ending that most of us are crying. Goodbye beloved dragons (spoiler alert, oh too late, never mind). Tae is crying. We file out of our seats and we catch each other’s glance. She comes to me, still weeping, and says meaningfully, somewhat dramatically, “Chorp, mai chorp” Like, not like. “Chan cojai” I understand. It really is a tear jerker, just sayin.’ </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Tae grows things now. She’s studying horticulture and business with the goal of being an independent business woman with her own garden selling flowers and produce. This is a common and very solid career path for Thais, who value the entrepreneurial spirit. She’s living in residence right in the city of Chiang Mai. I bet she’s seen more movies by now. </span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">She came home to Hot Springs when Ken and I were there this summer. Just to see us. And she’s still very much one of the lovelies. </span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmBAZHGqpa2UHSSdpMRI_wI1gEd6HZW-FBjRZwOoXalvIGhXTBsjWEXCRLzmYJsFGEm22QPeyZH12nn9d7IqpVhOHtFXJ6qxBvxK-HeE50lUyXgWyLhcrSQX6pldhl5LUfAXtJJ282DqwUyGQOYWmzYHB0sxD9LYHMlET3GfK28QapRoPZSSdyII32zq5/s2592/Tae%202023%20August.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2159" data-original-width="2592" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmBAZHGqpa2UHSSdpMRI_wI1gEd6HZW-FBjRZwOoXalvIGhXTBsjWEXCRLzmYJsFGEm22QPeyZH12nn9d7IqpVhOHtFXJ6qxBvxK-HeE50lUyXgWyLhcrSQX6pldhl5LUfAXtJJ282DqwUyGQOYWmzYHB0sxD9LYHMlET3GfK28QapRoPZSSdyII32zq5/s320/Tae%202023%20August.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">This is what all the fuss is about this Saturday at Highview.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Our Garage Sale is to raise funds for Tae, and also Da and Wara, to continue their education past high school, giving them every opportunity to follow their own path into adult life.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Highview Community Church </span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">295 Highview Drive, Kitchener</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Come see us from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.</span><br /><br /><br /></div>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302039773373319924.post-25018860151058097682023-09-19T07:56:00.004-04:002023-09-19T07:56:43.384-04:00When They Iron Your Underwear<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kYhxMcbUx45F451RsD2enEjlsdrOPnzRWtZh1Q-ycI1i68GDhb8CLSzFSSvorlN7Qv7wFx_Iw1JlGXi2cVov1w2vX9dLpVTgOacTYNIKruWc6qvyg-ZKxfy_kLaHoU1yb5wNre93x13V954PwZEKJnXeEjLctq-dQkRTrTM9Zg0nQj4YYzku3NSRn8Tw/s3696/DSC_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3696" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kYhxMcbUx45F451RsD2enEjlsdrOPnzRWtZh1Q-ycI1i68GDhb8CLSzFSSvorlN7Qv7wFx_Iw1JlGXi2cVov1w2vX9dLpVTgOacTYNIKruWc6qvyg-ZKxfy_kLaHoU1yb5wNre93x13V954PwZEKJnXeEjLctq-dQkRTrTM9Zg0nQj4YYzku3NSRn8Tw/s320/DSC_0407.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">I firmly believe that a sense of humour and a whimsy for fun are essential qualities in a pastor. That's important to this story.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">First, we have to state that a feature of our time at Hot Springs is that we are treated as honoured guests and very definitely not invited into the domestics of things. When it comes to laundry, I'm not allowed to do any of the hanging on the line (we have no clothes dryers at Hot Springs), and it all comes back to me so neatly folded. Anything cotton or wrinkly is ironed. Ironed? I don't even do that for myself at home. Sigh.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">I sneak in as much as I can when no one's looking, but truly, they really don't like it when I help clear the table, try to wash dishes, or clean my own bathroom. Believe me, I've offered countless times, all with adamant refusals. Which leads to the sneaking I've mentioned, and a little bit of family fun.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">One easy sneak is taking in laundry, because, well usually no one is looking. I was making such an attempt on a day when Wara caught me. Mind you, this was my own laundry, my own underwear that I was gathering. But Wara came around from behind the hedge, saw what was happening, and made the usual fuss.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">'No! Ajahn Ruth, please let me do that for you!' I protested, clutching my underwear protectively. "Chan ow chewy." I want to help. You all do so much for me all the time. This is a small thing.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">'But don't you want us to iron those first?' she asked pointing to my underpants. Full stop. I think my mouth gaped open just a little.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Iron our underpants? What!!!!??? I'm somewhat horrified that all this time, all these visits, they've been - gasp - ironing our underwear! This is so not how I would want them to spend their precious free time. There's taking care of us, but -- this is ridiculous!</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">I convince Wara that my underwear is just fine as it is, thank you so much, and I come back into the guest house.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I just found out they iron our underwear!" I announce to the Team. Everyone is equal measures impressed and distressed. I'm just shaking my head as I put my clothes away.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Later, when the first opportunity comes, I pull Yupa aside and express very sincerely that, while we so appreciate all the excellent care we are given when we are here, please, please let's not iron underwear anymore.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Yupa looks confused. I say it again, and I look up a few words in Thai to be sure I've got it right. Then from Yupa a sudden big smile.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">'Oh Ahjahn Ruth. We don't iron underwear!! I think Wara was making a joke.'</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Yup. She got me good. We laughed hard at this one.</span><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ED4XoFfM76_BADE7obvwuJ4tYaTg7QdM-_zPgmYi53wBAIaZsMYkg-01Eq6N2iFvbZEYmXa63JCIeFM4y_l8Gab5qxjrAzr55YmhFyX5suIpveR4ivl1fullfRqt4mI0GmHmeor2chcNva0bZaaQv1ygJdiVvRQsW513CN1x3kAEjIGOGs60bii_LIar/s4608/Wara%20portraint%20August%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ED4XoFfM76_BADE7obvwuJ4tYaTg7QdM-_zPgmYi53wBAIaZsMYkg-01Eq6N2iFvbZEYmXa63JCIeFM4y_l8Gab5qxjrAzr55YmhFyX5suIpveR4ivl1fullfRqt4mI0GmHmeor2chcNva0bZaaQv1ygJdiVvRQsW513CN1x3kAEjIGOGs60bii_LIar/s320/Wara%20portraint%20August%202023.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">And this is the young lady who is now in her final year at Bangkok Bible College. Currently she is serving in a 9 month internship before heading back to the classroom in the last leg of her journey towards becoming a pastor. And we couldn't be more delighted to support her in this.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">As well as having a sense of humour and whimsy, Wara has proven to be full of warmth, insight, integrity and kindness - exactly the kind of pastor anyone would wish for. Her biblical competency is also apparent in the brief but well-spoken devotional she shared with the children one morning when Ken and I were there this summer.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Our Garage Sale on Saturday is all part of this.</span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br />Raising money for our Student Fund, so that Wara, and others like her who would not have this opportunity, can continue their studies past high school. A rarity in some parts of the world where the education of girls especially, is still a 'thing'.</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">From 8 to 1 Saturday, September 23</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">at Highview Community Church </span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">295 Highview Drive, Kitchener</span><br /><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Who knows? You might find a treasure.</span><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">You'll certainly be helping a treasure. :)</span></div>Highview Thailand Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09839816070191010970noreply@blogger.com0