We’ve now been here for a month. We are living more simply, but also more abundantly and joyfully, than ever before. The path to get to this place was rocky and steep, but it has only made attaining the summit that much more rewarding. Friends and family ask, “What are you guys missing…?” And while there are some things we want to complain about (i.e. missing family celebrations, tacos, candy, and Mac ‘n Cheese) the answer is nothing. Nothing is really missing. We are living in God’s will and, for the moment, basking in the victory of walking in obedience… We know struggle will come again to our lives, but for now, joy, peace and contentment prevail.

Life Here

Last week, I traveled to the DMV in Chiang Rai to get my Thai driver’s license. I was pretty nervous anticipating questions on Thai driving law and parallel parking. Not to mention driving situation here is chaotic. Mostly the driving rules seem to be more of suggestions. It’s common to find cars driving in the wrong lane, down the middle of the road, or stopped on the highway for no other reason than that the driver saw some bananas to pick.

Luckily for me, the driving test included no actual driving! It did include: identifying the colors red, yellow, and green, having my blood pressure taken, and watching a video which was mostly footage of car crashes. An hour later I left with my new drivers license in hand! The longest part of the whole process might’ve been nodding politely while the DMV clerk showed me pictures of an “American actress” she once met while she recounted the story of their meeting. The story lasted about 17 minutes and was completely in Thai. For the duration, I only understood the words “American” and “Actress”.

We’ve made trips to the morning market with the kids, gone swimming at a local pool, started a Wednesday night bible study for the children, attended parent teacher conferences, and traded notes with the kids on our favorite foods and what life is like back home (for both us and them).

Kahlan is doing really well in school. Her favorite day of the week is Friday because they practice swimming and Taekwondo. She has expressed some frustration that they have not yet been allowed to karate chop each other. Not even once.

Praise report:

We have been blessed with another pair of hands to help. Just a few days ago, a woman from Burma (Ms. Rebecca) joined us at the children’s home. She was set to join another ministry in Burma with her brother and that opportunity fell through, she prayed about the situation and was lead here. Now when the Pillon’s leave for the U.S., I won’t be on my own. I know this is an answered prayer. Thank you everyone who has been praying for us!

Finally, we have a young woman named Claire coming from Texas to help for six weeks beginning Monday. We are excited for her to join us! Her and I will be visiting Cambodia in July to distribute water pasteurization indicators (WAPI’s) to the villages, along with some rice, sugar, and clean drinking water.

Please keep praying for us! We love and miss you all…

In Christ,

Monika and Kahlan