Making Home in Thailand

I'm here!!!! It has been a few days now, and I still can't believe that I am here and that this is going to be home!!! We arrived at the (brand new) Bangkok airport on Tuesday afternoon after 20 some odd hours of travel. We had absolutely no problems going through customs (praise God for his faithfulness) and gathered all of luggage in one piece. Nothing was lost, broken or misplaced!! So awesome!!
We were warmly greeted by the amazing people from Team 2000 with flowers in hand, smiles upon their lips and nothing but encouraging things to say!!! What a great scene to come upon for our first few moments in the country.
We exited the airport to be welcomed by that thick, hot, moist air that instantly clings your clothes to your body, makes your hair curl and your skin sheen, and then piled everything into a van. We also somehow managed to stuff ourselves into that same van (Reg and I were crammed in the back surrounded by luggage...at least we were insulated had we crashed) and they made a gracious stop at one of many Starbucks to cool our tempurature confused bodies and then proceeded to Chon Buri...where we are now.
Check your maps...it's on the eastern seaboard just north of Pattaya...this is the home of Team 2000, other members of our organization and they are hosting us and are doing their best to make our adjustment into life here smooth, comfortable and somewhat normal. I am so grateful for them as they have been through this same experience 6 years ago and remember these thoughts and emotions as if it were yesterday. They have scheduled some things for us, such as checking out the local aquarium (which I have to admit is so super cool!!! Seahorses are unreal! They are perfectly formed, just smaller, from the moment they are born!! I was blown away by God's creativity in the things he has made below the water's surface...some of which we shall never see), hearing their stories and the things that are going on in and around Thailand, joining in on their hip hop ministries (no joke, the guy who leads this thing has won breakdancing compatitions in Thailand. He's unreal), and eating at many of the different restaurants in the area. The rest of our time is pretty much free. I'm really thankful for that as this is quite a big adjustment...I'm no longer visiting this country...I live here.
So that is what has been going on for us recently. We shall be here in Chon Buri for at least the next week and then will be making a trip up to Northern Thailand to connect with the people we shall be working with. I will continue to keep you all posted.
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts and emails. I really appreciate them! Some prayer requests for this beginning phase of this journey...my jaw: I have a horrible case of TMJ and it has been more painful than I think it's ever been. I would love to be healed! Bitsy: she has been battling a cold and a very sore hip. Love to see her up and running at full strength again. And just for our team in general...we are all quite vulnerable right now and I can sense that Satan would love to get us down and discourage us before we even begin. Pray that God would protect us and help us to recognize lies and claim victory in not only our own lives but in the lives of the Thai people. And last but not least: for this country!!! Something you see a lot of at the moment are people wearing really large amulets around their necks...they believe that it brings luck and wards off illness and other such things. It would be amazing to see people in this country take hold of Jesus and trust him with their lives!!! It is already happening so continue to pray!
I have to admit, I haven't taken many photos as of yet...lame lame Jessica...but I shall soon and then I will post them. I love you all and miss you lots...please let me know how all of you are doing. Oh! I also have my phone up and running now so if anyone wants my cell number or my skype address just email me and I can hook you up!!Peace.