Amazing Thailand

My Amazing Brothers...

2006-08-25T09:40:00.000+07:00

Frank moved up to Aggieland this past Tuesday!! After getting him situated in his dorm, Frank went out to the Aggies for Christ Freshmen Retreat, SOAR, at Messiah's Ranch. Ben and I are so excited about having him here with us. Right now, with both my brothers so close to me, I feel like I'm on top of the world!!

Who are these people???!?!?!!

2006-08-06T03:38:00.000+07:00

I don't know if the YFC is ready for this???

Avenues of Opportunity...

2006-08-06T03:08:00.000+07:00

Well, the past month has been exciting and constantly changing, to say the least. After returning from Thailand I decided to go to Texas A&M University and study a Masters in Nutrition. Then, plans changed and I began looking into other options. After a few weeks of intense prayer and times with Christian family and friends, I made the decision to wait on the Masters and start work instead.

Last Wednesday I started my job at the Texas Regional Eye Center in College Station. All of the doctors are strong christian men and are leading their office through active Christian leadership. I have been so impressed with the personnel at the doctor's office, and even witnessed one of the doctors praying with his patient before going in for the second Cataract surgery. SO AMAZING TO ME!! I praise God for stong christian males who are confident about their relationship with Christ and confident that prayers make a difference. The job is Monday-Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm, and Friday 8:00am-12:00Noon.

I will also be serving the A&M Church of Christ in a very direct way this coming Fall. Ben Wilson and I have taken on the role of Youth Intern. Ben and I have been friends for years, studying at A&M together, and our parents also grew up in the Aggies For Christ together. The Youth Program here is full of wonderful kids who love God and have hearts of gold. Ben and I are excited about the opportunity to get to know the families in the congregation and work closely with the youth. I will start that internship in the next couple of weeks.

My life is not at all perfect, or together, or even somewhat understandable to me most of the time. But, that's through MY EYES! When I stop and ask God to give me HIS EYES to see where He is taking me and the plans He has for me, the muddiness seems to get a little bit clearer. I am thankful for the opportunities the Lord has placed in front of me for the next part of my journey. I want to take full advantage of those opportunities to serve those around me.

Keep me in your prayers as I continue to step out in faith and love. You are all in my prayers.

Love, Haley

Beautiful town of Leadville...

2006-07-14T21:49:00.000+07:00

Ben and I had fun traveling together....fun for 8 long hours!! We left YMCA of the Rockies and drove to Lake City, CO. My family has been going there for 50 years or more now. I haven't been to Lake City in about 7 years, so it's wonderful to have the chance to come again!

THAI FOOD-WHAT??!?!?!

2006-07-14T21:43:00.000+07:00

YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!! Yes, Ben and I were driving to meet the family and we drove right past a small little Thai restaurant in a small little town in the middle of beautiful mountains of Colorado!! Of course, we stopped and picked up a menu and my mouth has been watering since then!! They had Tom Kha Kai!! O my goodness, the wonders of Thai food!!!

Beautiful Colorado

2006-07-14T21:29:00.000+07:00

Ben and I stopped and shot a photo at the Continental Divide, the dividing line where the water on the West of the divide runs to the Pacific Ocean, and water on the East of the divide runs to the Atlantic.

A day with the Lord in Rocky Mountain National Park

2006-07-13T09:55:00.000+07:00

Today I hiked up the Bear Lake Path in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Ben is working at the YMCA of the Rockies this summer, and I came up to visit him for a few days. Today when Ben worked, I spent the day in on the trail. After walking by three lakes, I stopped at the last lake on the trail to eat lunch and spend time reading God's Word. It's amazing how powerful and ALIVE His Word is when you're surrounded by His beautiful creation!!

Emerald Lake

2006-07-13T09:52:00.000+07:00

This is the mountain ridge above the highest lake I climbed to, Emerald Lake.

A family created by Jesus

2006-07-13T09:24:00.000+07:00

This is my family, at least three of them. You may say, "Haley, I know your family and this is not them!!" True, in one sense. This is my family in the blood of Jesus Christ.

This past Saturday and Sunday, 60 members of my family met together in Dallas, Texas for a reunion. The common bond between all of us is our love for the Thai people. The four missionary families currently working in Chiang Mai (Allens, Lees, Reagans, and Todd's), families that have previously served on the team, three Thai Christians from Chiang Mai (Nueng, Gahn and P.Wee), former two year and six month apprentices, and future apprentices all came together for fellowship, food, and a time of worship and prayer.

After spending the day together on Saturday, we met again at the Preston Road Church of Christ to worship on Sunday morning. P.Young opened the worship with inspiring words from God, as he shared with us his heart and gratitude for the Preston Road Church and their consistent support financially and prayerfully for the team. P.Sean led us in communion with Christ and P.David led our hearts through a powerful sermon!! Nueng and Gahn also shared their testimonies in front of the congregation.

For me this time was like healing to my soul. After leaving Thailand just 1.5 short months ago, I have realized, yet once again, what it means to have a family in Jesus Christ. As I sat in a circle surrounded by my Thai family, singing praises in Thai to our Father, my heart was exploding inside of me. My heart overflows with love for all of them, and I understand more about Jesus Christ love through my love for my brothers and sisters in Thailand.

Derran, Ann and Brynn

2006-07-13T09:15:00.000+07:00

At the reunion there were many "new" faces, including Brynn Reese. Derran and Ann were the first group of students to work with the Chiang Mai mission team many years ago. They also served for two years on the field, and are currently living in Abilene, Texas. Lord willing, He will lead them back onto the mission field overseas!! Pray for them as they seek God's guidance and direction.

United again

2006-07-13T09:03:00.000+07:00

Jeremy, Heather, Asia and I hung out together after church on Sunday at Zuzu's Mexican Restaurant. Jeremy, Heather and I have all returned to the states in the past six months from serving in Thailand. Jeremy just returned last week, and I haven't seen Heather since she left Thailand in January. We shared so many good memories and made so many new ones!!

My Family...

2006-07-13T08:50:00.000+07:00

We are bound together by our love for Jesus Christ.

P.Michelle Allen has mentored all of us young ladies throughout the past few years as we served the church in Chiang Mai. Top left to bottom right: Tonya Fikes, Darby Priest, P.Michelle Allen, Haley, Heather Herschberger

My close friend Kimberly

2006-05-24T10:10:00.000+07:00

How cute we are!! Kim and I were best friends since pre-school. Yes, we've had many many memories together. We used to do 4-H method demonstrations together, watch soap opers and eat sandwiches everyday for lunch, and drive around town with Kayla Kohls in the old old baby blue Ford. Kim was my first tennis partner and my favorite tennis partner. Love you girl!!

This is Kim's love!! Yes, the is the third generation puppy in the family. First came Zeek, then Tucker, and now Maverick. Wow, he's a cute one!!

They just have so much fun playing together. Maverick tore the ears off of his girlfriend, the white stuffed puppy dog. OOOPPPSSS....

I miss you...

2006-05-23T11:51:00.000+07:00

Thailand, I Miss You.
I really do miss all my family in Thailand. Tonight I showed the book ya'll all made me, before I left, to all my supporters. One person told me, "Haley, it's so interesting to read what you're friends in Thailand wrote to you. It seems like we were worried about the same things they're worried about for you. And that we prayed about the same things when you left for Thailand that they're praying as you come back to Texas. I can tell they are really your family."

Yes, Thailand, you are my family. I love you and pray for you more than you know. I think in Thai and have a hard time remembering English words. Most of the time Thai comes out first and is always swirling around in my head.

For example, today I went to Walmart and was looking at computer things. I found myself talking to myself, comparing prices inside my head in Thai!! It cracked me up when I realized it.

I Love You.

Texas, Texas, Texas...

2006-05-23T11:39:00.000+07:00

HOWDY!! Well, I arrived safe and sound into DFW on Saturday morning at 6am. I was welcomed home by three of my biggest fans: Nanny, Grandad, and Ben. Then we headed to IHOP for breakfast before going back to my grandparents house to relax. We had alot of fun catching up and laughing about old times.

Traci Eicke came out to the house to visit that afternoon and then Ben, Traci, and I drove to a friend's wedding in Dallas that evening. Lara, an aggie friend, married a guy named Tony that she has known since childhood. The wedding was beautiful and a time for me to see many good Aggie friends. I was able to catch up with Denisa, Alicia, Lisa, Katherine, Becca Cawler, Tristan, Jeff and Lisa Wischkaemper, Sara Davidson and many others.

That night Ben and I were suppose to spend the night in a hotel close-by, but for some odd reason our reservations were canceled!! So, we drove until 1:30am before finding a hotel with a vacancy! No big deal though. We're tough.

Sunday we had Frank's Graduation Celebration Luncheon, and then Baccalaurete that evening. I went to see my grandfather on Sunday afternoon, and he seemed excited to see me home. I enjoyed telling him about my travels.

Today I got car insurance and some personal items in San Angelo, and then ate lunch with Frank and his girlfriend. This was my first time to meet her and I'm really impressed. She very outgoing and respectful. She really treats Frank well, and that I like. But, you know, i'm the older sister and so I'm very picky. We'll see...

Tonight I had about 60 family and friends over who have had a part in my ministry in Thailand over the past two years. We ate hotdogs and homemade icecream, and then I showed a slide show and sang the song Bay and I wrote.

It was a great night, full of good memories and laughs. I feel like this group tonight is truly my family, just like I have my family in Thailand. They have known me since I was a baby. Now, that's something special.

He gave me a new song to sing...

2006-05-17T10:45:00.000+07:00

Well, the time has finally arrived. My plane departs from Chiang Mai in 49 hours. These next two days I'll be attempting to pack all the junk I've accumulated in the past two years, and stuff it into two suitcases. We'll see how that goes!!

Last Sunday night the Payap and Chueng Doi Churches put on a Thank You Party for me. I loved it and felt so loved by it. I had the opporunity to sing a few songs with my good friend and guitar player, Bay.

Bay and I also wrote a song together that we played for the first time at the party. God put this song in our hearts and gave us the desire to write it as a blessing to our family here in Chiang Mai and around the world. The words of the song changed three times since I first wrote them last year down at Cha-Am Bible Camp. The Lord continued to play this song in my head the past year, and this past week God brought Bay and I together to make the song into something that will touch the lives of those we love.

The inspiration came from Psalms 40 and Psalms 27. Psalms 40:3 says it perfectly what Bay and I hope for this song: " He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the Lord."

You don’t have to…
Lyrics: Haley Edmiston
Arrangement: Bay
Inspired by Psalms 40

Who am I in You? What things do I fear?
I can’t seem to get a single breathe of air.
My worlds spinning round. Loads of guilt piling down.
If I could just escape from this one snare.

Then I hear your voice, whispering midst the tears.
Child just trust me and my will. You don’t have to…

You don’t have to be afraid
of the war raging around your head.
You don’t have to be afraid
of the mess you got yourself in.
‘Cause you know you’re in My hands
I will catch you when you’re falling.
Let yourself fall down.
Into my arms of love.
I’m right here waiting.

Standing under weight that’s too much for me to bear.
But I feel what might be a single breathe of air.
I want to take the fall. But I have not the strength.
All I am is weak. I’m just too scared.

I searched for strength within myself, but I never found it.
With weary eyes I looked into his face.
He gave the strength I needed to fall.
I took the fall. He caught me.
And now I can’t seem to get enough

I don’t have to be afraid
of the war raging around my head.
I don’t have to be afraid
of the mess I got myself in.
‘Cause I know I’m in His hands
He will catch me when I’m falling.
Let myself fall down.
Into His arms of love.
He’s right here waiting.

18 Days...

2006-05-01T23:32:00.000+07:00

WOW. I will be returning to the states in 18 days. It doesn't seem like I'm leaving quite yet. The days are still going on as normal. God has given me an unbelieveable sense of peace the past few months. As the days approach for my departure I manage to stay calm. I began asking God to give me peace in the last month, and asked Him to protect my emotions and heart.

I want to update you all on a special relationship God is continuing to bless. Here is the latest on Rin:

I have a special friend named Rin. Last month Rin went on a mission trip to Singapore and Malaysia with us where she testified about her experience with the Christian family, attended worship and participated in bible study for the first time. One night after we returned Rin told me she’s trying to talk with God about all things in her life. Rin is seeking God out of a shattered life and finding a glimpse of truth. That night I felt faith in Rin. Faith that is so small you believe if you blink your eyes or sneeze you might miss it completely. Is this what God calls faith as small as a mustard seed? Faith that can move mountains and change lives?

Please pray for Rin and Rin's own faith.

Today I ate at Black Canyon with P.Ying, Un, Jit and Jennifer and then shopped for a shirt for Lara Slemmons wedding on May 20th in Dallas. Then we went back to P.Ying and Un's house and watched the movie The Perfect Man. I liked one of the lines in the movie: Love is Friendship on Fire!!! Then Ae and Melissa from Chiang Rai came to visit us. We had Suki Chang Puak for supper and then stopped by at Starbucks Tha Pha to visit my good friend Tum.

Today has been a blessing. I will follow God tomorrow as I have today. When I feel weak I will submit to His will and give Him my troubles, trusting full well that He will carry me through.

Where can I go from your Spirit?

2006-05-01T23:18:00.000+07:00

My dear family and friends I would like to share some of God's beautiful Word with you. These words have become very precious to me.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your Presence?
If I go up to the heavens you are there.
If I make my bed in the depths you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn
Or settle on the far side of the sea,
Even there your hand will guide me.
Your right hand will hold me fast.
-Ps 139:7-10

There is no where we can go that God is not there. On the days we feel everything is pink, He is there. On the days we feel that all is blue, He is there. I don't think we realize just how amazing that is, or just how much this one thing can change the way we look at life. Change our life.

Kuala Lumpar....Care Group

2006-03-28T22:46:00.000+07:00

Care Group in Kuala Lumpar:
Bay did a fabulous job sharing his testimony of his love for Jesus. The care group was touched by what he said.
Rin shared about her new found interest in the Christian family and how never in the previous 23 years of her life had she ever found true love and care like she found in the Christian family. Even though she is not yet a christian, she is so impressed that we pray for her and expect God to answer.
Jennifer and I shared about how God brought us to Thailand and why we want to serve God here. Jennifer shared about her love for the Thai people and for them to know Jesus. I shared about why God brought me to Thailand and the struggles I have faced since coming: Diabetes cost, health, eye infection last year, etc.
We left Kuala Lumpar early on Friday morning and took Su Teng along with us to Penang. Admen, a good friend of mine drove us up there.

Singapore Extraveganza...

2006-03-22T22:36:00.000+07:00

It's been a fast, furious and faithful trip! We arrived in Singapore and took a cab to Margaret's flat where the four of us stayed until Wednesday. That first evening the City Vision Youth group was over at Margaret's flat having cell group, so after we arrived we took them out to play games for a while.

Saturday morning we stayed at the house and Margaret and I spent a few hours reading from God's Word, praying and encouraging eachother. I had not seen her since December of 2004, so we had alot to catch up on. For lunch that day we went to meet Ben and Faith from City Vision, and then helped them prepare for their performance later that day. A group from Payap Christian Zone also came to Singapore and Malaysia, so on Saturday afternoon they arranged a huge youth gathering at the Pasir Panjan Church in Singapore. There were over 100 youth!!

Saturday night Bay, Rin, Jennifer and I took the MRT to see the Merlion, Turian Attraction and other tourist sights. It was beautiful...

After getting in late saturday night, we woke up bright and early for Sunday morning church. That Sunday was Rin's first time to ever go to church, and she enjoyed it. The singing was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. The rest of the evening was spent with the Payap group and Singaporean youth.

Monday momrning we met Josephine for traditional Malaysian breakfst or soft-boiled eggs, Kaya Toast and coffee, and then Ben took us around all day to shop and see the sights in Singapore. Then that evening I ate supper with Josephine, the church secretary, and she shared with me her testimony of her love for God. After that Margaret picked me up to go do Tai Chi(the famous chinese exercise). I don't know much about it actually. Margaret told me she was going so I went too. You probably would have laughed if you had seen me. I tried to model Margaret and her good friend Irene. It was a blast and I'm seriously thinking about picking up Tai Chi when I get back to Chiang Mai!!

Tuesday I met La Hong, the wife of Pak Fook who preaches at the Bedok Church of Christ. She became a good friend of mine last year while staying in Chiang Mai. We spent a few hours together over tea and prayers. She also gives amazing oil massages and so I took advantage of that opportunity. She offered me her time and skill, and I'm so thankful. This is one of her gifts from God and she blessed me with it... Thanks La Hong!!

Then I met up with Bay, Rin, Jennifer and Ben at the Bugis Shopping Center. We headed back to help Margaret with some stuff at home and then went out to meet Kellyand Irene for Chile Crab! We had Chile Crab, Black pepper crab, Clay Pot Crab, Boiled Prawn, Vegetables, and rice. Oh my goodness, I've never seen crabs this big. You could actully work hard at peeling them and then get some good sized meat! My hands were dirty by the end of that night! Irene also met us for dinner, along with two of her Korean friends.

Then we came up to Kuala Lumpar today and have been working with the TAR College Campus Minstry today. We helped lead games at English Class tonight and spent some time getting to know the new students. Most of the students at class were contacts that the Payap group made last week when they were here. We're tag teaming with them. I can see God working ahead of us, preparing the way for us to go and share His message.

Pray for Bay and Rin tomorrow, as they will share their testimonies at Care Grou here in KL. This will be Rin's first time to share and I know she will do great.
Until next time....

Cross-cultural Mission Exposure Trip

2006-03-16T16:30:00.000+07:00

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I pray that this email finds you hard at work for God. He is so great and is doing great things here in Chiang Mai. Today is an exciting day. Four of us will be going down to Singapore and Malaysia for a cross-cultural mission exposure trip for 10 days. Jennifer(6 month intern), Bay(newest brother in christ), Rin(non-christian), and I need your prayers.
From Friday til Tuesday we will be visiting the churches in Singapore, spending time with the university and high school students, serving the City Vision Church, and attending many large church activities. Then Wednesday we will take a bus up to Kuala Lumpar and spend time with the college ministry there. Bay will share his testimony on Wednesday night and help out with worship time. Then Thursday we will evangelize on the university campus and spend time with the churches English students that evening. Friday we will take a bus to Penang, Malaysia, where we will meet with the church and worship together that evening. Then Saturday morning the four of us will help out with the Children's English class by doing a puppet show and teaching. That Sunday we will worship with the brothers and sisters in Penang and head back to Chiang Mai on Monday.
God has opened up this opportunity for us, and I have no doubt that He is calling us to serve our brothers in these two countries. I also know that God has called us, Jennifer, Bay and me, to witness to Rin on this trip. She needs my God.
Pray with us, Haley Edmiston

the littleness of our lives...

2006-02-20T20:51:00.001+07:00

"Again and again we are overwhelmed by the littleness of our lives. We are struck by the ways in where there seems to close in upon us the intimate need, the demand that often provides no breathing moment sufficient to let us lift up our hearts to take the long look and to sense the ultimate meanings in which our little lives are involved. And yet for those of us who seek it out there is the time of respite and repair, when we rest our lives in the Presence of God."

-The Inward Journey by Howard Thurman

Why?

Such a small word, and yet such a large answer it demands. Do you ever think about the why in life, not such the how? How to make money, how to make my day fit together smoothly with all the little activites i have planned, how to share Jesus?

I have found that often the how question isn't exactly what I'm looking for in life.

Why?

I love My God...

2006-01-30T20:49:00.000+07:00

"I sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name...Part your heavens, O Lord, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke. Send forth lightening and scatter the enemies; shoot your arrows and rout them. Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me...as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."

Exodus 15:1-3, Psalms 144:5-7, Psalms 73:28

Retreat....Jennifer's Here!!!

2006-01-30T19:25:00.000+07:00

Jennifer arrived last Monday in Chiang Mai. The day she arrived P.David, P.Robert, Russ, Rebecca, Jeremy and I took her to a lake resort 30 minutes outside of town. We spent the night on a lake boat, eating great Thai food, enjoying the sunset over the mountains, and laughing at stories from our time here in Chiang Mai.

Tuesday morning we had a devotional on the dock...no better place to praise God than in the middle of His beautfiul creation.

If you ask me, Jennifer looks like she already loves it here!!!
My spirit was at ease with some of my best friends and My God.
The boat trip out to the lake boat took me back to childhood, when i used to ride down the Rio Grande River with my dad, mom, Ben and Frank...

CMU Graduation....

2006-01-30T19:04:00.000+07:00

Muay graduated with a Bachelor's in Chemistry from Chiang Mai University. Graduation Day is a HUGE EVENT in Thailand. Families and friends come to celebrate and spend several days taking pictures at the University with their graduate. The campus looks beautiful during this time, with flowers covering the campus.
Sunday after church we all went out to celebrate.
Tum graduated with a Bachelor's in Architecture, and Gahn graduated with a Bachelor's in Anthropology
P.Boom, Noon and Nueng have been dumb-struck...
Pang, Noon and me standing in the flowers in front of the university.

Fellowship Dinner at the Lee's House...

2006-01-30T18:57:00.000+07:00

Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner Continues. I am now going to P.Noi and P.Young's house every wednesday with a new group of friends. These are my precious girl friends...I love them dearly...

Berm was here in Chiang Mai visiting us for a few weeks. It was fun hanging out with him again.

From top to bottom: Gahn, Haley, Berm, First and Pook

At the Airport...

2006-01-30T18:50:00.000+07:00

Heather, you touched our lives and we are so so thankful for the gift of time and love you poured out to us in Chiang Mai over the past 2 years. It was hard to let you go, but we know that you will never be too far away. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Your life was ON FIRE for Jesus, and that fire spread rapidly through us. Our lives will never be the same, Heather!! WE LOVE YOU!!

Heather's last night at Starbucks...

2006-01-30T18:42:00.000+07:00

Heather's last night in Chiang Mai we all went to celebrate at the Starbucks. Over the past 2 years the Starbucks atmosphere has bred many opportunities for new friendships to begin and old friendships to grow deeper. You never know what kind of conversations you'll find yourself in when a cup of coffee is involved....

Doi Puy....oooooo uuuuuu...so beautiful!!!

2006-01-30T18:33:00.000+07:00

Last week we went to Doi Puy, a Mountain 40 minutes from the church. We had a campfire, took pictures, ate strawberries and mama, and took a walk through the forest!!

Sundown was amazing...can you tell where I am???

Heather and Haley...Watch Us Work!!! Running every morning hasn't been for nothing...

Bay and Pang enjoyed playing the guitar and singing up on the mountain...

Heather...we love you dear...

2006-01-30T18:12:00.000+07:00

We celebrated Heather's life with us here in Chiang Mai at the Chueng Doi Church two weeks ago. The whole first floor was decorated Bohemian style, with candles, dim light, and earthtone colors. This truly IS Heather's style, and we love her for it!! Heather, YOU'RE SO COOL!!!

Wee, Nueng, Pang and Tom enjoyed the evening. They have all blessed Heather's life, and she has blessed theirs in more ways that we know!!

Bay, Un, Nueng, Haley, Pang and Sak are so very thankful for Heather. We love you...

There's nothing better than playing Knot with more than 10 people in the group!! WHOOP!!

My new friend, Teacher(ajarn) Gai...

2006-01-30T18:06:00.000+07:00

Gaew, a friend of ours at the church invited us to help with an English Camp at a middle school here in Chiang Mai. Many of us got involved leading games and songs. Because of this opportunity, we got to know many of the teachers. I especially got close to Ajarn Gai, who you see in this picture with me. She had a welcoming and loving personality and made the students, staff, and us feel welcome.

the wonderful teachers we met...

2006-01-30T17:53:00.000+07:00

This English Camp was so much fun and the teachers and students treated us like royalty!!

Left to Right: Carl(friend from Australia), Haley, Teacher Gai, P.Gade, Bay

Games and Song...

2006-01-30T17:49:00.000+07:00

P.David, Rebecca, P.Gade, Carl from Australia, and I had a great time challenging the children through games and song.

"My faith is stronger now..."

2006-01-30T17:43:00.000+07:00

Clare came to Chiang Mai to teach English at a local Thai school for 6 weeks. During her second week Joshua and I met her at a Christmas Eve Party. For the next 4 weeks she blessed us at the church, and I believe we blessed her too. The last day I saw Clare she told me thank you and that she had felt so at home with the christians in Chiang Mai. Clare is a Christian, but had lost sight of God. When she left Chiang Mai she felt that she WANTED to be close to God again. I am so thankful for Clare and the friend she was to me for those 4 weeks!! THANK YOU CLARE!! Good luck this semester!! Hope to see you again soon...

Friendships were formed...

2006-01-30T17:40:00.000+07:00

Clare opened up her heart to us at the church and experienced what you would call "a home away from home" feeling here in Chiang Mai.

Student Cell Group...

2006-01-30T17:22:00.000+07:00

After cell group we sang "Love One Another" for Clare and prayed that God would protect her and give her stronger and stronger faith as she left Chiang Mai. She cried at the sound of our voices and said it was the most beautiful song she had ever heard!! PRAISE GOD!!

Christmas in Chiang Mai....

2005-12-25T16:30:00.000+07:00

This year I started a new tradition, thanks to the encouragement of Traci Eicke. At 7:30am I met Jeremy, Heather, Un, Poi, Nuch, and Nui at Starbucks. You see, in America the Starbucks is closed on Christmas, but in Thailand it's open for the enjoyment of a fresh cup of Low-fat Cafe Latte, 2 Equals!!!! It was the popular hangout spot this Christmas morning!!!!
Us girls took over the coffee shop, bringing

lots of laughter and joy this Christmas morning.

At the Missionary Christmas Eve Party I got this cool Starbucks mug, along with a coupon for the first cup of coffee----FREE!! It didn't even take me 24 hours to redeem the FREE CUP OF COFFEE!! P.Pat was my suprise Christmas buddy, and I would have to say that she picked out just the perfect gift!!

The red glittery Christmas Tree made the atmosphere SUPERB!!

Nicole's Here!!!

2005-12-10T14:37:00.000+07:00

Nicole was born at 6:44pm on wednesday, December 7th, 2005! She weighed 6 lbs and is perfect!! Preal took baby Nicole home on Friday and they are both doing great. Today, her auntie Tai and auntie Haley gave her her first bath. We did great...well, maybe???!!!?!?!
Nicole has had many many friends come to see her and wants to say thank you, from her heart.
Here are some words from her: "I would love to see any of my friends. You can come over and watch me, because i'm not ready to play yet. You can talk and play and i'll just sleep and eat. I'm up at all hours of the day, so don't hesitate to call my mom anytime of the night or day."

Worship Seminar...

2005-11-21T19:31:00.000+07:00

Last weekend two of us interns, Russ Debenport and myself, joined up with two Thai's to put together a Worship Seminar. The four of us spent Saturday teaching 15 of the Thai Christians and seekers about what it means to truly worship God. We specifically taught skills and tactics they could use leading community worship times, specifically Sunday morning or cell groups. Our church grew much because of this seminar. Our focus on the reason, Jesus, that we worship has OBVIOUSLY changed the lives of our church body. PRAISE GOD!!!

Preal's Baby Shower...and New Life...

2005-11-21T19:12:00.000+07:00

Preal became a Christian on Monday, November 7th 2005...a day I will always remember!! How amazing it has been to see Preal grow to know and love Christ with all her heart. This picture was taken at her baby shower, on November 12th. She will give birth to Nicole in about two weeks! This baby has been a gift from God, and it was because of this baby that she changed her life and came to truly know Jesus Christ as HER Savior!! Praise God for the mysterious ways He works in the lives of those who He wants!!

At the baby shower we shared good snacks with good friends. Left to right: Pang(new Christian), P. Jum( Chueng Doi Church secretary), and Neung(new Christian).

good friends...a cup of coffee...

2005-11-21T19:08:00.000+07:00

...there's nothin' like sittin' in a Starbucks with good friends and the smell of a fresh cafe latte...

Sen's Baptism!!!

2005-11-21T18:19:00.000+07:00

Sen was baptized two weeks ago! She has known that there is a God since she was young, growing up in a Christian school. But, she had never met a "real" Christian, or a christian who could teach her about Jesus, until she walked into the Chueng Doi Church three months ago. she was doing a project for school and she chose the topic, Christianity. So, she came into the church to have one of the Thai Christians help her with her project. After hearing the story of Jesus that day, her life began to change!! Now, she is growing closer and closer to God in her new life!!

Pang's Baptism!!!

2005-11-21T17:32:00.000+07:00

Pang, a CMU student, was baptized on November 10th 2005. She has known the Christians at Chueng Doi for three years now and has daily been learning more and more about Jesus. This past week God pierced her heart and she knew she couldn't live without Him anymore.

Butter's Baptism!!!

2005-11-21T17:01:00.000+07:00

Butter was baptized Sunday, November 6th 2005. This is her father, mother and sister sitting beside her. She loves God very much and is a good example to all the Christians and seekers at the Chueng Doi Church of Christ.

Butter and Me...

2005-10-16T23:57:00.000+07:00

Butter and I have become good friends over the past few months. She is the oldest daughter of P.Young and P.Noi, one of the couples apart of the team here in Chiang Mai. She is such a blessing in my life and I enjoy the laughter and joy she brings into my life and the life of those around her.

Two New Believers!!!

2005-10-16T23:35:00.000+07:00

Today Asia and Ben Todd became New Believers in Jesus Christ!! Both of them decided to put all their trust in Jesus Christ and follow Him every day of their lives!! PRAISE GOD!!

Asia with her parents, Sean and Patt Todd.

What a proud father and joyful son!!!

How wonderful is was for this mother to hold her new son in her arms!!

Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinner...

2005-10-12T15:08:00.000+07:00

This is part of the group that eats every wednesday night at David and Michelle Allen's house. We have the meal again tonight, and one new friend will be joining us. Her name is Poy and this will be her first activity with our church.

The girls of CMU...

2005-10-12T15:04:00.000+07:00

Left of Right: Sen, First, Nui and Haley
Sen came to the zone one month ago and is already falling in love with Jesus through daily bible study and prayer time.
First has been a friend of the Zone for a few months. She is beginning to call the Zone her family and is daily becoming more and more open to Jesus. She is also studying God's Word.
Nui became a Christian a few months ago. She is an awesome encourager and singer!

Beautiful city of Chiang Mai

2005-10-12T15:01:00.000+07:00

This past Tuesday morning for Equipping Time we went up on the 27th floor of the Sheraton hotel, the highest spot in Chiang Mai. We spend time taking pictures and praying over the city. It was quite breathtaking, but the presence of the Lord that morning was even more breathtaking!!

Monks and Mountains...

2005-10-12T14:56:00.000+07:00

Each morning I run up Doi Suthep mountain and all along the way I pass by hundreds of young monks, walking from their temple at the base of the mountain, down to the edge of town. They are quite humble characters, and as I run I pray that the Lord will open their eyes, so that they may see the True and Living God...

Monks and Mountains...

2005-10-12T14:51:00.000+07:00

This is the base of the Doi Suthep Mountain. These three monks were walking down the mountain to recieve the food and drink offering from people along the side of the road.

Turian's Baptism

2005-10-12T14:46:00.000+07:00

Turian choose Jesus as Lord, one Sunday morning last month, and since that time the light of Jesus has continued to flow out of her!! It was such a blessing to be a part of this day with her. I pray she continues to grow deeper and deeper in her love and fear of God, with each passing day!!

Turian's Baptism

2005-10-12T14:43:00.000+07:00

Wah hugs her new Sister in Christ, with great joy in her heart! They have been friends for years now, and Wah has watched Turian fall more and more in love with Jesus. This day was an amazing testimony to the power of God in the lives of those who seek His face!!

Chiang Mai University!! WHOOP!!

2005-09-28T14:31:00.000+07:00

Well, as you probably can see by the amount of emails i've been sending the past month(NONE!!!), that it's been quite crazy and busy around here since September!

I moved over to Chiang Mai University almost one month ago and have been learning much from the Lord during this transition time. The weeks have been filled with various activities centered about "community" and bringing new friends into the body of believers. The Student Cell Group that meets every Thursday night is strengthening, as we have several new Christians learning how to express their faith in Christ more boldly. We have started up a new English Class on Saturdays and this Saturday will be taking all the students out to the lake here in Chiang Mai for food and fun!

Community Community and Good Food!!

2005-09-28T14:30:00.000+07:00

At Chueng Doi Church we also Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinners. The four families of P.David and P. Michelle, P.Young and P.Noi, P.Sean and P.Pat, and P.Russ and P.Rebecca have opened up their homes for food and a time of sharing. Families, professional age, graduate and undergraduates are all included! I attend the dinner at P.David and P.Michelle's home and have already been blessed by their family because of this night. It is a good opportunity for the university students to invite new friends, or which our house will be hosting two new students tonight! HOW EXCITING!

Pik and Mannaw-Student Ministry Opportunities

2005-09-28T14:29:00.000+07:00

My first day on campus three weeks ago, i sat down beside a girl named Pik and her cousin Mannaw(means lemon). We struck up a conversation, and the Lord has continued to bless the relationship started that day. She is a very studious freshman and so has little time to hang out, but the Lord opened up a great opportunity for me to take some snacks to her and her friends yesterday. I showed up randomly and they were delighted. We talked and laughed and then i left. That random act of love i portrayed yesterday through the snacks may seem very small, but God's love was shown to Pik and I believe God will continue to knock on her heart. When God opens up the tiniest door, it may end up being the biggest opportunity for us to share God's love to others.

Prayer Request

2005-09-28T14:27:00.000+07:00

The church building we have been renting for many years now has no water at this time. Two months ago the water tank under the ground of the church cracked, and the price of fixing it is tremendous! We have been out of water since then, and i have been living at P.Russ and P.Rebecca's house. We are currently using water from the neighbors, and hopefully will soon be able to get water from the city. Also, our contract on the building is up this decemeber. We are yet unsure as to whether we will be able to renew the contract or not. We found out today that the owners of the builing are also going to raise the rent. As many of you understand, our church consists primarily of college students. It's difficult to come up with large sums of money at one time, either to fix the current water problem, pay the increasing rent, etc. Please keep up in your prayers. I know that God is working this out behind the scenes, so keep up in your prayers!

My youngest brother, Frank, is also in need of your prayers. He contracted juvenile reumatoid arthritis several years back and for the past few years he has had no problems. It looked as if he was completely healed. But, this past summer he came over to Thailand with my parents and on the last week, got salmonella. Upon returning to the states, his arthritis strung into full steam again and has continued to get worse since that time. He has been taking Celebrex and was noticing blood in his urine. So the doctor took him off the Celebrex and the blood disappeared from his urine. But as soon as he started back up again, the blood came back. So now he is starting a new medicine. When i was talking to him last week i asked him if it hurt him to lift weights. He laughed and said, "Haley, i can't even walk, must less lift weights!!" Please keep him in your prayers. He has a strong relationship with God and God has already used him through this pain to be an example to those around him. Pray for his endurance, patience, and reliance on God through his suffering.

A Library....What???

2005-08-07T01:13:00.000+07:00

Nui and I began work on the new Payap Christian Zone Library last Saturday. As you can see, we had lots of fun, and pray that this library will be a blessing to many students, adults, and children for years to come! Nui has decided to take up the job of Librarian. She loves reading and will do a fabulous job!!!

Nui, standing in the room where the library will soon be. Now it's pretty empty, but with a little bit of hard work and good fun, it will look quite different!!!

Amazing Turkey!!

2005-08-07T01:07:00.000+07:00

Today our Turkish friends cooked us a gourmet meal...straight from the country of Turkey!! The food was beautiful and the taste was even more delightful...

Nui, Jean and Aleine chose Jesus Christ as Lord...

2005-08-01T22:31:00.000+07:00

Tonight Jean and Aleine shared their stories of their walks with Jesus since they first met Him eight months ago.

Aleine was baptized tonight into Jesus Christ. Aleine and her fiance, Jean, are from China and moved to Thailand last year. While studying a Master's Degree in Bangkok, they heard for the first time about the Lord Jesus Christ. and have been studying God's Word for the past eight months, falling more in love with Him with each day. While visiting some friends in Chiang Mai this week they met up with David Allen and asked him to baptize them into Jesus Christ.

Wee baptized Nui into the Body of Christ. Nui is a highschool senior who started coming to the Christian Zone at CMU three months ago. Her heart was ready to hear the Word of God and the seed first planted has now fully bloomed...

Nui's life was touched tonight by the hand of God in a very special way and her tears touched the hearts of us all...

We laid our hands on Nui, Jean and Aleine and welcomed them into their new life with Jesus Christ...

Intern Retreat at the WangTan Resort...

2005-07-31T00:43:00.000+07:00

The Acu Summer Interns(Justin, Lauren, Lisa and Ryan) will be leaving today, and so this past weekend we had a Good-Bye Retreat. Around 50 people attended the activities...

.........................................................................................................................

Berm and I sitting in the garden at the Resort area...

Wah, Un, Nuch and I trying our best to climb the rock wall, BUT OBVIOUSLY not doing a very good job!!

Nuch, Haley and Wah standing in front of our camp house. Nuch has been hanging around the Zone for about 6 months and has become a part of the inner circle here at the Zone.

Many new friends joined the Intern Retreat. It was encouraging to see new faces and witness yet another beginning to a life that will be changed by our God!!

Turian(back) and Bang(front) washing dishes. It's a tradition here at the Christian Zones to eat Raman Noodles at midnight everytime we go camping!!

AMAZING! Nothing taste better than spicy Raman Noodles at midnight, especially when sharing it with your brothers and sisters at a beautiful resort...

P.Gade(back) and Noon sharing Ramen Noodle Fellowship. (Just as Traci has the Kitchen Ministry, we have the Ramen Noodle Ministry!!hehe)

P.Gade, Turian and Bombam preparing Ramen Noodles for the entire group of 40 people....what servants!!

Noon's Baptism!!!!

2005-07-27T22:13:00.000+07:00

This IS the day that the Lord has made!!! Today, Noon was baptized into Christ Jesus. She first heard about Jesus as a child and has been learning about who this Saviour is from that moment. At times she wanted to know Christ, and at times she ran from Him. But today, she has made the decision to follow Him the rest of her life.

Gahn Baptized her into Christ...
Nung and Brianna shared in her joy. Nung was baptized just a few months ago and is now witnessing another one of her closest friends accept Christ...

2005-07-21T09:35:00.000+07:00

Wah and I went to the National Park, Ob Luang, with Tim and Misty, Poi, Eddie, Berm, Sak and Gahn. We camped beside a beautiful chocolate-brown river, hiked in the mountains and beside the river, and ate GREAT CHICKEN and sticky rice!! We also found 1000's of amazing yellow butterflies on the riverbank!!

2005-07-20T23:26:00.000+07:00

P.Ying, P.Jan and I were getting ready to eat Muu Ping at P.Jan's house. We're pretty good at BBQ'ing, if you ask me!! The food was quite tasty, and of course the fun and fellowship made our evening just all the more better!

2005-07-20T23:25:00.000+07:00

Right before Tim and Misty left to go back to the states in June, the group of volunteers who went down the Phi Phi Island in the month of March got together again! We have so many great memories, and it was exciting to share with eachother how that trip affected our lives. I want to say that you to all those family and friends who gave money for tsunami relief. That money also went to support each student and myself to go do relief work on Phi Phi. THANKS!!
From Top Left to Bottom Right: Preal, Berm, Am, Yutt; Tim, Ray, Oan, Misty, Haley

2005-07-19T10:08:00.000+07:00

We had a Sunday Fellowship Meal at P.Jan and P.Robert's house last month. We grilled pork on skewers and ate sticky rice together.
From Left Bottom Corner, around to Bottom Right: Un, Preal, Oan, Bombam, Haley, Sak, Little, Nui, Gift, Poi

2005-07-19T10:04:00.000+07:00

English Camp At Baw Gaew~ Eddie had a wonderful time playing with the children, and they just fell in love with him. We were used by God that weekend as Christian role models...PRAISE THE LORD OUR GOD!!

2005-07-19T09:57:00.000+07:00

Now, aren't these the face of heaven!!

May, June & July Update

2005-07-17T23:39:00.000+07:00

Sawatt Dee Kah Phi Nong!! (Hello Brothers and Sisters in Christ),
Well, I have now been living here at the Payap Christian Zone for 13 ½ months!! It is so hard to believe that my time here has passed by so quickly! What an amazing past year this has been, and the past two months are less than an exception. We are now in the middle of the summer schedule and the atmosphere here is one of high spirits and enthusiasm for community within the brotherhood.

New Interns~
We started off the summer with the addition of two summer interns from Abilene Christian University, Justin Tuggle and Lauren Hart. Jeremy Hegi, a graduate of Texas A&M and a part of the fightin’ Aggie class of 2004(WHOOP!!), also joined our team in the month of May and will continue to work with us for the next year. Ryan Binkley and I were very excited to have these new teammates, and they have blessed our ministry in more ways than we are able to see at the moment. I praise the Lord for hearts like theirs that are willing to come and serve their brothers and sisters across the world, giving up so much in order to receive what is better!!

Baw Gaew~
The month of June was full of exciting adventures! School started for our students on June 2nd and that following weekend we took a group of 40 up to the mountain town, Baw Gaew, for an English Camp. Baw Gaew is the home to a small group of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and we went to encourage them and help build deeper relationships between them and their community. The interns and Thai students divided into groups and taught English to the elementary students using word games, sports and songs. The kids had a great time getting to know us and had the opportunity to speak English with native English speakers. After our day of English camp we worshipped with the family of Christians in their house church, and then ate dinner together in the town’s main restaurant. The following morning I opened my eyes to the beautiful forage covered mountains and fog rolling over the tops of the mountains and into the house I had slept in the night before. It’s impossible to be in a place like that and keep yourself from realizing there must be something greater in the world than you, your needs, and your problems.

English Class/Cell Group~
This summer started off with a roar as we forged out onto the Payap Campus, eager to meet new friends and begin building new relationships with those who would hopefully end up falling in love with Jesus. We spent each week day eating at the Payap canteen and walking to different areas of the university, sitting down at picnic tables with students, using the Lord’s courage to start up conversations, and praying they would have the chance to invite them to be involved in our activities. The Lord blessed our courage with many new friends, including Chet, Pbo, Tom, Jack, Noom, Bell, Ubon, Ae, Kik, Bow, Wan, Get, Ying, Fon and Elle. All of these students are now involved in our lives at the Christian Zone and are beginning to hear about the word of Jesus and coming to know Him through us!! I believe I can speak for every Christian and seeker at the Zone when I say that we were all a bit nervous, timid, and anxious at times when evangelizing on campus, but now, as I look at the numbers of new friends we have, I can see plainly how much the Lord was using us to reach His lost children.
Please keep all these new friends in your prayers. They each have amazing gifts that I pray will one be used in service for our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray they will each fall in love with Him.

Bombam~
Brothers and sisters, I want you to know a friend of mine named Bombam. I first met her last June at the Payap canteen during lunch. That day I could still speak no thai, and she helped me order my food. From that day forward she has been apart of my life. From last June until January 2005 she had very little to do with the Christian Zone and would only come to visit with me. She had some Christian friends at that time and so would come asking me questions about Jesus and we would pray together, asking the Lord to help her see Him. In February 2005 she became a regular at the Zone. She began getting to know many of the girls at the zone, and we all very quickly fell in love with her. She claimed that something in her life wouldn’t let her stop coming back to the zone. She couldn’t say the reason for her continued desire to be with us, but knew that she couldn’t run away any longer. She knew that she had to study about Jesus. It was like someone (God) wouldn’t let her stop thinking about him!!
So, in June Oan and Gift began studying the bible with her. Soon after that Gift left to return to her home town and I took her place in the study. Since that time Bombam, Oan and I have studied about Jesus, prayed together, and struggled with the Lord over difficulties in Bombam’s life. I want to ask you for prayers at this time. Bombam graduated with a degree in accounting last May and has ruthlessly been searching for a job since that time. Despite her honest, whole hearted endeavor to find a job, she is still jobless. This past week she was rejected yet again, and has come up against the toughest wall in her walk with Jesus so far. She began seeking him with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength a few months ago and laying her heart open in front of Him. When she didn’t get this last job she felt as though the Lord isn’t with her, that she can’t see Him, and that He doesn’t really care for her. But, with the help of her friends at the Zone she has been fighting these feeling, knowing they are lies.
Without a job she will most likely have to leave Chiang Mai. Her brothers and sisters at the Zone are currently pleading with the Lord to open up doors for her to find a job, but as of right now we still can see no answer. I know that the Lord is standing very near her and wants her to trust Him. She knows that no matter where she goes, she can never run too far away from Jesus. She can run but He will never let her go! Your prayers are coveted. The Lord desires to hear His children call out to Him.

Parents Visit~
On June 29th my parents and brother, Frank, arrived in Thailand and left yesterday to return to the states. We spent the past two weeks traveling to Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Kanchanaburi, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. It was their first time to visit the “land of smiles,” and they left this wonderful place with huge smiles on their faces.
During our week in Chiang Mai they had the opportunity to see all aspects of the ministry. They were involved in English classes, Sunday worship, cell group, Friday Night Activity, Sports Day, the interns Visa Trip to Chiang Rai, and evangelism on Payap Campus. We also worshipped with the Somprasong 4 Church of Christ in Bangkok, and they were able to meet and thank the ones who served me during my eye delimna in March. I am thankful for their flexibility and desire to get to know my friends here in Thailand. I love the Thai people and can tell that my family loves them as well, because of the difference the Thai’s have made in my life.

2005-03-22T22:53:00.000+07:00

A group of students and interns from Payap and Chiang Mai Universities traveled down to Phi Phi Island for a week of hard work in helping clean up after the tsunami. This picture was taken after we worshipped with the brothers and sisters in Phuket on Sunday morning. You can tell by the smiles and we were looking forward to our trip!

2005-03-22T22:51:00.000+07:00

Haley, Ae, Julia, Oan, Preal, and Tom sunbathing on the ferry from Phuket Town to Phi Phi Island. We were ready for a week of hard work and serving our Lord Jesus Christ together as a body of believers!!

2005-03-22T22:50:00.000+07:00

Preal and Amp singing worship songs together during a night devotional.

2005-03-22T22:49:00.000+07:00

Haley, Preal, Julia, and Oan having fun on the beach!

2005-03-22T22:48:00.000+07:00

Preal and Haley sharing the bible verse Galatians 6:9. Preal helped me write the verse in Thai, and we worked hard at memorzing that verse while in Phi Phi.

2005-03-22T22:47:00.000+07:00

We made lots of new friends our first day, and had fun getting our hands dirty!!

2005-03-22T22:46:00.001+07:00

Lek hard at work moving wood out from under and dock our first day of work.

2005-03-22T22:46:00.000+07:00

Oan and Haley spent time visiting with the citizens of Phi Phi. This family has a clothes shop right on the ocean that was hit in the tsunuami, but have now opened again for business.

2005-03-22T22:44:00.000+07:00

Sak and Haley sweep up trash off of a street.

2005-03-22T22:43:00.000+07:00

Each nite we had a time of worship and sharing with the Christians. Before our group from Chiang Mai arrived there was only one Christian on the entire island. He is sitting in this picture below the curtain on the right hand side. His name is Robin, and was a great encouragement to us all during our time in Phi Phi! THANKS ROBIN FOR ALL YOU DID IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST!!

2005-03-22T22:41:00.000+07:00

This is the Sports Bar which we made into our Tool Shop. I worked in this Tool Shop for the two weeks I stayed in Phi Phi Island.

2005-03-22T22:40:00.001+07:00

A beach on Phi Phi Island that was completely destroyed by the waves.

2005-03-22T22:40:00.000+07:00

This part of the island is located at the edge of the mountain, and you can see much debris has been pushed up by the wave. The people who were able to escape the wave ran up the mountain you can see in the upper right hand corner.

2005-03-22T22:36:00.000+07:00

Volunteers when we arrived were working to clean up the mess. The entire island looked similar to this picture when we arrived, and gradually, because of the hard work day after day of 100's of volunteers, changes could be seen.

2005-03-22T22:33:00.000+07:00

Volunteers when we arrived were working to clean up the mess. The entire island looked similar to this picture when we arrived, and gradually, because of the hard work day after day of 100'

2005-03-22T22:31:00.000+07:00

On the morning of the tsunami this area was filled with 100's of small bungalows, each holding anywhere from 1-5 people. The tsunami not only stripped the leaves off the coconut trees, but completely wiped all of the bungalow's either out into the ocean, or into a reservour a few 100 meters behind this area.

2005-03-22T22:25:00.000+07:00

O and Haley shoveling mounds of dirt out of an alley that was in the direct path of the waves. We worked each three mornings cleaning out this alley full of dirt, broken water pipes, trash, sand, concrete, and other debris left by the waves.

2005-03-22T22:23:00.000+07:00

WOW!! It's amazing what a determined group of young people can get done when they put their hearts into the job!! PRAISE THE LORD..

2005-03-22T22:22:00.000+07:00

Preal and Haley working together to move the heavy wheelbarrow full of glass, concrete and other debris into the trash pile.

2005-03-22T22:21:00.000+07:00

Rebecca, one of the interns at MaaChaa, working hard to clear out the debris the tsunami left behind.

2005-03-22T22:20:00.000+07:00

Yutt and Haley hanging in mid air inside of one of the houses destroyed in the tsunami.

Phi Phi Island Update

2005-03-16T20:09:00.000+07:00

Family and Friends,
I am writing to you from Phi Phi Island, a beach resort off the coast of Phuket Thailand. I traveled down here 1.5 weeks ago with a group of 20 group Chiang Mai. Once we arrived the Lord began to use us in amazing ways. Before we came the on the entire island they had the amount of tools for cleanup that could be counted on one hand. Now, after our arrival we have opened up a tool shed that hold tools ranging from screwdrivers to chainsaws!! Those tools were bought with money coming straight from the supporters in the United States who gave money for the tsunami victims. THANK YOU!!
The money that you gave directly went into scholarships for 5 Thai students from Payap University. They spent a week here working with their hands from 8am til 6pm, shoveling dirt, moving trash, cleaning out a bakery, and many other jobs. The work they did came directly from their hearts. On the way back to Chiang Mai last Sunday, one of the girls who is not yet a Christian commented about the work she had the chance to do while in Phi Phi. She said that for the first time she learned what it means to give unselfishly from your heart. She came for one week, worked harder than she had ever worked in her life, and left the island with nothing but a heart that had been touched by the love of God. Not only were the lives of the native Phi Phi Islanders touched by her service, but her eyes were opened to the kind of love that each of us is called to give...the pure and endless love of JESUS CHRIST.
I am working under the NGO Hands on Thailand and you can see pictures and get a more detailed update in the next few weeks by checking out their website. I will be putting up pictures of our work shortly, and I thank you for your patience. As of right now, I will be returning to Chiang Mai on Sunday, March 20th. Keep us in your prayers!! LOVE<+>< Haley

2005-02-24T22:59:00.000+07:00

Family from BangTao who recieved the new boat two weeks ago. The fisherman and his wife have six children.

2005-02-24T22:57:00.000+07:00

No matter what our circumstances, there is ALWAYS a reason to have joy!!

2005-02-24T22:56:00.000+07:00

One of the small children in the family who recieved the boat.

2005-02-23T00:16:00.000+07:00

Praise the Lord. In the darkest times, His SON still shines...

2005-02-23T00:15:00.000+07:00

Mr. Sonly, the owner of this boat. He sold his boat, and it was given to one of the families in BangTao.

2005-02-23T00:13:00.000+07:00

P.Gade and Haley standing in front of the beautiful beach at the back of our hotel.

2005-02-23T00:12:00.001+07:00

A picture of the beach front in BangTao.

2005-02-23T00:12:00.000+07:00

WHAT??? Haley on a motorcycle? We spent some of our afternoons delivering goods to families in need.

2005-02-23T00:11:00.001+07:00

Look at what those Aggies can accomplish!!