Happy Christmas

Merry Christmas to you all! I most definitely miss you my family and friends this year, but I have such a peace and joy about being here in this place. Last night on Christmas Eve our team met and shared a dinner of tasty food that we all made late in the evening , followed by singing and some fun times. I am blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people. I wish you all God's peace and joy this Christmas. Lots of love,

Anita

lovely kids

On Sunday there are two groups of children meet with Aida and I in Bang Phli. We teach them English, give them sweets and snacks, and just love on them. It is a great way to build relationships with them and thier families, and it is exciting to see what new doors have recently opened. I will leave you with some pictures of thier lovley faces!

a computer, thanksgiving, and political chaos

I have a new computer...or so it seems. I have had some problems with my little trusty laptop over the past year. Problems such a it crashing, viruses attacting it, sound, and hard drive issues...and some more issues on top of those! But no worries...yesturday after several trips to the shop, some very nice people were able to graciously help me...and everything is FIXED! And so for little money, I feel like I have a brand new computer, that runs so well. I like it, and I hope that it lasts for a while. It is a wonderful source to connect with all of you back home. Although I do not have the internet at my apartment, I am able to go to a coffee shop close by and connect there with my computer...which is so nice!

The past few days the political situation in Thailand has escalted to higher heights. Whether you have been following or not, I do not want to go into detail, but within the last 2 years there have been a number of Prime Ministers in power, and the political system here has been unrestful. There is a lot of unrest betweeen mainly two sides, and as of now both opperating airports in Bangkok are closed, as they are overtaken with protesters. The future is unknown as to what actions or force will take place to bring resolution or change. We would appreciate your prayers for peace and safety in this place.

My family and friends, I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving yesturday! I sincerely missed you all, and wish I could have been there to eat and chat all day. Yesturday was a typical day here for me, but nevertheless, I am extremely THANKFUL for all of God's blessings in my life. This year has been a wonderful year, and I have so much to be thankful for. I love and miss you all!

check my flickr site for some pictures as of late...including a visa run to Laos.

Loy Krathong

November 12 was Loy Krathong. The second largest festival in Thailand. It is a festival celebrating and giving honor to the water...rivers, canals...any place with water. I ventured into Bangkok with some friends and was able to expirience some of the festivities in the evening. Last year I went to Nam Deeng, a community in Samut Prakan to the local canal. It was very different and neat to see this celebrated in a different place in Bangkok this year.


At the beginning of the week our team took a few days and had a retreat at a lovely place in Bangkok. It was a refreshing time for all. I was really encouraged as we were able to learn from one another, and seek the heart of God for this nation. I am amazed at the goodness of our God. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. I do not say it enough, but EVERYONE of you are greatly appreciated. Lots of love.

Of Favorite Hymns

I cannot believe that it has been almost one month since I have updated this. My appologies, I won't wait that long again! The following is the lyrics to one of my favorite hymns of all times. I love it, and I wanted to share it with you. This song speaks to me so greatly, and has been an encouragment to me recently.


The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

Refrain

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

When years of time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Refrain

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

Refrain

The Hospital

Recently I started going to a local government hospital twice a week. I go and visit different patients that do not have any family or friends to come visit them. It has seeming to be a great open door and a good expirience as I am able to relate with the nurses and medical staff there as well. Every time I go, it always grips me, and I am reminded of the precious gift that life is. Just the simple act of sitting and talking with the people there brings me great joy. It is such a simple act, but I am excited as God has given me such love and grace for these people. Since there are many patients in one large room, many people are coming and leaving quite often, so everytime it may be someone new that I visit. If I can just brigthen thier day in a small way, and they are able to see a glimpse of just how much they are loved by our Father, it is worth it. Please pray with me that he would continue to show his ever present love, and the story of restoration to his people.

Hua Hin

This past weekend, I took off to Hua Hin by myself for a few days of relaxation and refreshment. It was so good to see a new place, to rest, and be encouraged. It rained off and on during my time there, but that did not stop me from enjoying the beach. I explored a small mountain called the mountain of chopsticks, read and wrote some, and really just had a lovely time on my little vacation. Here are some pictures...

Goodbye Sharon

Sharon left yesturday to return to America....this will be the last farewell for awhile, pretty soon will will be welcoming new team members!
Sharon, you have made my first year here so wonderful. You are an amazing women of God, with a pure love for the Thai people that shines so brightly. He has used you in marvelous ways these last two years. Thank you for your friendship, wisdom, and love that you have shown me. I know your many Thai friends, and our team will miss you greatly. May the Lord continue to bless you!

Likit Jet

my neighborhood.

Friends Friends Friends

A New Baby!

Welcome Silas Rhodes Mast! He was born on August 23rd. Candice is doing well, and yesturday I went to the hospital to visit the little handsome boy and his mother. ...here are some pictures!

Claire and Eliza couldn't wait to hold thier new little brother!

In Pictures...

Meeting a friend from High School who live in Japan, in Bangkok for Dinner one night...Me with her friends.
Celebrating a Mother's Day BBQ in Bang Phli with this generous family.

Throwing a birthday party for "NongTii" a little boy in the nieghborhood....he is the one in the spiderman suite!


Pii Wanna our friend who lives in Bang Boo..her and her husband sell Sushi at thier stand in Lotus.

LIfe continues to move on.. I am reminded of the Lord's faithfulness and new mercies each day. I am in the process of beginning to teach English in to people in my community. I am not sure what it will look like, I would appreciate your prayers. It is not something that I would have expected to be involved in.....but I know God's ways are so grand and bigger than my ways. I truly believe it is an opportunity to build, and deepen relationships, and I pray that he would use me in whatever ways he would desire.
Also on Saturdays Aida, Reyna, and I have begun to go to Bang Boo, and have a class working with children...teaching them English..songs..Bible Stories...I am very much excited for this... I am finding myself really enjoy it. Below are some pictures of friends, and life recently. Thank you for reading, and for your faithful prayers.

Some friends from Bang Phli...leaving the airport, I love this picture!

Children in Bang Boo
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I hosted a little party in my apartment with our Thai friends on Sunday. Sooo much fun!
Sharon and I drinking some Starbucks.

My friend Miew and I met for dinner last week. She used to live in my last community with me.

Farewell REACHers

On Thursday morning the REACH team,(6 women) left Thailand to go back to America. They have lived here the past 8 months, and have been a HUGE blessing to our team in so many ways. I have appreciated thier friendship, encouragement, and creative ideas...I cannot express it! They added so much energy and joy to our team! I am blessed to have known and worked with each person.
I pray God's blessing upon each of you as you return, and through all the transition, and begin new things. We will miss you so much! Thank you for all that you have done...you have made an impact here in Thailand.
Here are some pictures at their going away party!
We played a game of eating not so apealing Thai foods...such as rotton black eggs... Brittany Won!!!


Enjoying some delicious Thai food...and celebrating Colleen's Birthday was well.