They will know we are Christians by our LOVE!

Hello everyone!

We made it through songkran with much R&R to be thrust into daily life and then some :) However, I have a great story to share that came out of the chaos! Hopefully you can stay with me as storytelling isn't my forte!

Jodi, one of the students who has lived with us over the last couple of years received news from her University that her student status had been

terminated. She called her supervisor and met with her several times over the following days but to no avail Jodi could not re-enroll as the enrollment for this school year had already been closed. All of this was terrible news as Jodi's student termination was of error. To make it all worse her parents are very upset with her and place most of the blame on Jodi when truly it's not her fault. In there eyes she has caused them to "lose face" putting their whole family in shame. Through the last week or so we have spent much time encouraging Jodi. As I write Jodi is in China we will miss her as one of our own family but we know this will be a good time for her to grow even closer to God as her faith will be tested. We are confident that she will be a light shining in China for her family and those around her! There is much possibility that she will be returning to Thailand in the next 6 months to a year so we are praying and looking forward to the day she returns to fulfill her dream of getting a masters degree from a good Uni. here in Thailand! The next part of the story.....

The night Jodi left we had our English class. In the English class we have 3 Chinese students and 2 Thai students. It just so happened that that night we had been talking about how our different cultures display affection. For example it's normal for men to kiss each other on the cheek in some European countries, however, this is not normal in America. One of the things we had talked about was if guys in America normally hug girls that are their friends and so on... so we explained that usually men don't hug female friends unless it's a hug goodbye to a dear friend, it doesn't happen on a daily basis :) We later learned that hugging in China was reserved for family mostly. Not long after that, it was time for Jodi to go. I came down all teary eyed with her, already having said my goodbyes. Jodi gave Jared the biggest bear hug I've ever seen a girl give :) The students sat in awe at the display.

Jodi drove off and we continued class breaking off into pairs so they could practice speaking english with each other. Jared's partner asked us why we came to Thailand. So he proceeded to tell her "that God had told us to come." She then asked if we were "Christmas." He then replied, "Do you mean Christians?" She said "yes, you pray before you drink water and eat." Jared then proceeded to very briefly tell her why we pray, why we love people, why we love God, why He loves us, and why we ask God for answers and direction in life. This was HUGE. The only thing LuLu had heard about Christianity was Christmas, a couple of her acquaintances were Christians, and she new the names Adam and Eve. She had never heard about Jesus. She had never heard the name of Jesus! Later all three of the girls commented on how much Christians loved each other having witnessed Jodi's love at times when they would see each other out in the community and what they had witnessed in our home that night. They concluded it was very good! Praise God that the doors are now wide open for these girls to learn more about the love of God! We will continue to cultivate our relationships with them and see what God does!

Isn't love such a powerful and amazing testimony! Be encouraged that if you take the time to love others around you they will take notice!

Thank you all for praying for us.

Goodbye Photo with Jodi and Candy

February 2011

It's starting to warm up here! The average is about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the beginning of a rapid incline in Temp. Yesterday I had to run the AC for 10 min. just to cool down after mopping the floor. Not a good sign considering soon The average temp will be somewhere in the mid 100's. Sweat :) On the top of our to do list is to go out and purchase a few more fans and some sun-blocking curtains. I'm sure your all feeling sorry for us as your freezing in the snow and ice.

Jet is now standing almost on his own and in attachment phase full force. He is also the big-toe sucking monster. In Thailand it is custom to take off your shoes upon entering a home. ALWAYS. Often Jet will be playing on the floor and then all the sudden... ewww he's trying to suck or chew on your toe! Very Gross and not so polite for guests. Considering the status of the foot in this country. AAAHHH!! Maya is still learning the tough lessons a three year old must learn. Everyday feels like a repeat. I'm sure it will sink in sometime. I have seen some hopeful glimmers of improvement as she moves towards the age of 4. Four just so happens to be my favorite age in Children so... I'm waiting and waiting for the 4 year old to emerge :)

Jared did well in his job interview but unfortunately didn't get the job. That's ok though. We are in the process of discovering what's next here in Chiang Mai. We are researching and looking at many different things we can do here. Please keep us in prayer as we are in the middle of some big and a bit scary decision making. We will let you all know the plan as soon as we are sure! Stay tuned :)

Please pray for peace over our family during this time of searching and decision making. These times can be a bit stressful for our family. We are already a bit stretched as it is ;O We are continuing to trust in God and seek Him in everything we do. Your prayers are so important to us and we need them. Thank you for the time, energy, and money you put towards making it possible for us to be here. We are on the edge of a breakthrough to the next step. Thank you for believing in us and working with us to help make a difference in peoples lives.

This is Jody telling us about a Chinese desert consisting of beans, nuts, and other ingredients.

Back from Tachilek!

Just thought I would update you all. We made it to and from the border all safe and sound. We had a slight hold up on the Burmese side when they wouldn't accept our U.S. currency because of a mark on one of the bills. Who can get a perfect one these days? Anyway, we didn't have anymore money and fortunately Maya and Jet's big blue eyes convinced the guy to accept the money and let us through. I looked online when we got back and apparently they have been more often than not wanting to be paid in Thai baht rather than U.S. dollar lately. It's more expensive to pay the Thai baht but next time it might be what we'll do as to avoid the hold up.

Second in the updates... Jared got a call from Dara and he goes in for a group interview a week from Wed. Please pray for favor and the opened door if it is God's will. Also pray that we will find out sooner rather than later whether he is hired.

And last, we have been hit hard with attacks recently on our emotions and thoughts. A lot of things are pending right now on Jared getting a full time job. Both of us feel this is the next step right now so we are persevering in trusting God and waiting patiently; this is easier said than done at times :) Our family is very tired from all the moving and changes in the last 2-3 years, mostly concentrated in the last year, so we are hoping that God intervenes soon to provide us some rest and stability so we can move forward in His work.

Thank you all for your love and support. Hope you guys stuck in ice and snow are staying safe and warm. Your in our prayers.