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Endless Summer

October 19th, 2017 Leave a comment Go to comments

 

I know it’s October, but there’s no sign of fall here at all! If I didn’t have a calendar in front of me, I wouldn’t believe another two months have flown by. The past few months have brought subtle changes to the weather (i.e. a little more rain), but the temperature remains the same pretty much all the time (hot).

So. Now that I’ve finally found the elusive “endless summer” I’ve always wished for… I find myself day dreaming of crisp fall air, oversize sweatshirts and apple cider. Isn’t that just how it goes?

October has been many lazy days with all the kids being out of school for the entire month! Sort of a “summer break.” Some of the children went home to their villages to visit family last week, but everyone is back home now. We fill the days with chores, picnics, fishing, chatting, taking walks, and lots and lots of board games.

Before school let out for school break in October, the kids all had to take “final” exams. The exams are given twice a year and determine whether the children can move up to the next grade level or not. We spent the last week in September studying and practicing after school in order to be ready. Mary (the oldest child here) is best in her class in English subject. Last month she had the chance to compete in a speaking and reading competition. Mary won and will be the one to represent her region (Chiang Rai) at the National’s in Bangkok in December. We are very excited and proud of her!

In September, Kahlan and I traveled 5 hours by bus to Chiang Mai to take care of some visa paperwork. We spent three days there and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sneak in a couple adventures! While there, we visited Chiang Mai’s famous night bazaar and an elephant rescue camp outside the city. We both agreed the elephant camp has been our favorite experience so far! When we got to the camp, we became elephant owners for a day! Each of us was given an elephant to get to know and take care of for the day. After learning commands the trainers use, we fed, cleaned, bathed, and finally, rode them from the river back to camp. Be sure to check out the new pictures in the gallery for a peek at our trip!

Praise Report:

I had a health issue in September that required a few hospital visits. I am doing well now by the grace of God. Thanks to the many people who prayed for me during this time.

We found out this month that we will have 2 visitors coming from the states in January. One visitor is Kahlan’s dad, and the other is a close friend of mine. We are so excited, and feel blessed to have some familiar faces coming to see us. We are planning to get away and see some of southern Thailand when they come!

 

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