Merry Christmas Thailand, Burma, & China

Merry Christmas?! It's been a steady 85ish so it feels a little less like December than per usual. As of late, Sarah and I have made endless efforts to spread some holiday cheer... it comes in the form of really loud singing as we cruise along on the motorbike amidst the flow of Thai traffic. We're certain most do not understand what we crazy women are singing but I think we're all the merrier for it.

It's a bittersweet time being able to reflect on the year and wonder how we got here...wonder what our friends and family are doing for the holidays and sometimes wishing we were there. There is a sweet grace that is present when instead, we seek to relish the moments and not wish them quickly away, only to look forward to the next adventure. There is grace to pour out daily whatever meager offering we might be able to give, though we are most of the time stumbling through this effort... absolutely reliant but not without hope. "And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us " (Romans 5 ) And so again, there is grace to find the strong arm of our Loving Jesus who delights in our acknowledgment of Him. It's in His Presence that all fear is gone. This is our hope for the season.

We have been to the slums and seen sheets hung as hammocks for beds, toddlers playing by septic water and rabid dogs, wooden government housing held up by stilts...we have seen Chiang Mai bow to a 100 ft elephant float that contained the body of a well known monk...we have spoken with a 9yr old boy dying of HIV and no hope of health-care...we have attempted to encourage the prostitute who gave up her 10 yr career as a teacher because she makes better money in the bars...
We are taking it in! We're not sure what to do with it all yet but we'll continue to seek wisdom and direction as there is much to learn from the people and circumstances around us.

We recently made a "border run" to Burma. Quite the experience and one that I would not like to repeat :) For Christmas, Sarah and I have the opportunity to head to China for 10 days and we are elated for the experiences ahead. The family we will be with have privileged us with Chinese names, "Hayor and Bayor". They thought it appropriate that they should rhyme. Great Wall, here we come...with our flip flops, t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Should be around 30 F. Can't wait.