Northern Journeys...

The following paragraphs are excerpts from my journal...we are currently in a small mountain village called Chiang Khong, right on the border of Laos. Our internet is limited, thus journal excerpts.

From May 17th- "I am venturing into some unchartered territory...Chiang Rai. I have never before been there and I don't know what I am going to see. As we journey north on transportation much more posh than I have previously experienced in Thailand (flights are so cheap! Why have I never done this before?) I look at the two Thai men beside me and realise one thing...I am a giant. My legs are pressed uncomfortably into the seat in front of me and they have space unimaginable even as they slouch! Apparently the Khmu people we will be meeting in the north are much smaller than the average Thai person. At least I won't ever get lost in a crowd.
On our way to the airport this morning our taxi got a flat tire on an unbelievably huge and busy highway. Props to our driver who changed it in under 5 minutes!
My plane buddies just woke up and ordered themselves some "cafe yen" (iced coffee) and some sandwiches and proceeded to ask me numerous times if I wanted some. They were going to pay, and also buy something for Reg who is sitting somewhere else. They haven't even spoken to him. I love them!"

From May 18th- "Chiang Rai was similar to any other Thai city...home to fantastic markets (where I bought 3 mangos for 50 cents), tuk tuks, and plenty of foreignors. Bitsy and I explored, got lost, found Thai dancing, and di our best to get a feel for the city.
Early this morning we all piled into a van and drove literally into the middle of nowhere. we bounced down rugged roads getting deeper into the jungle's foliage, and more surrounded by tree carpeted mountains. Before I knew it the wide expanse of the Mekong River was before me and the land just beyond it...Laos. What an amazing sight! Even as I sit here and write I can hear the music floating across the river...and it is here that will likely be home within a year's time."

Today- We are still in Chiang Khong, the village just across the river from Laos. We had the opportunity to go to a village where there are some believers. They have been working for years in that place with much opposition from other villagers...these people have been faithful. We spent some time playing with the children which crawled all over us, brushed my hair, made me drink water out of toy cups (hopefully i don't get too sick), and let us love them. What an awesome time it was!!!

Just to let you all know how you can best pray for us...I have been really struggling with adjusting to this place and this culture. I think I'm experiencing culture shock for the first time in my life...I realise more and more everyday just how much satan doesn't want us in this place. The north has been a wasteland for missionaries in the past and I think that we as a team are coming to face the difficulty of this task, the mangnitude of our committment, and the vast distance that lays between us and all that we know. I don't think I have ever struggled like this before. Also, Phil has started having seizures again...he had gone nearly 4 months seizure free and then once we arrived in Thailand he had one, and then another one the following day. It discouraged all of us. It brought questions into our minds about being here...we need your prayers.

I have lots of great photos, just no place to upload them at the moment so continue to be patient and I will have plenty of treats for your eyes. Thank you to all of those who have been praying and have been sending encouraging emails and such. I have needed them more than you know at this time. You have been real God sends to me. Thank you!!!