I'm excited to share all the ways that God showed up with His loving heart and hand in the details of my time here. On Tuesday evening, the swelling in my legs, ankles and feet became severe. The skin was stretching and pulling and I started to have discoloration in my feet. Walking became difficult and I couldn't feel my toes. I was starting to get scared and when I went to bed I put a prayer request on Facebook. The next morning, the swelling was barely reduced and I was disappointed. I just didn't want this situation to distract me or cause me to be unable to focus on the work I am doing here. Out of nowhere a thought came to me. I remembered I had compression socks with me that I wear when I am flying. So I put them on and within minutes the pain started to diminish. I wore them all day Wednesday and by the afternoon most of the swelling was gone. By Thursday morning it was 98% gone and I felt no pain. I believe the prayers of my friends worked and God gave me the idea to try the socks. I am thankful that this situation did not hinder me here.
Another obstacle on Wednesday occurred during the accounting work. I hit a few snags and was unsure of what to do. I was getting concerned that I would not be able to give Bill the help he needed. We took a break for lunch and we went to this little outdoor restaurant and met this dear Thai woman. She bragged to Bill about her son and grandchildren. Her soup was delicious and I enjoyed the experience. When we returned, we decided to pray about the accounting situation. Susie prayed that when I returned to my computer that the answer would be staring me right in the face.
No joke - I logged back into Quickbooks, looked at what I had worked on, and immediately saw what needed to change. One little tweak and the obstacle was overcome.
The best part of Wednesday was the evening. Each Wednesday evening, Bill and Susie eat dinner with their kids and afterwards they have a time of worship and a devotional. They had asked me to lead the devotional this time. The food was good and I got to experience things I never could have imagined. The best part was the worship. To see these high school and college aged kids worship with all their heart was just amazing. They really love Jesus and it shows. For the devotional, I talked about my favorite subject - the difference between religion and relationship. I used my own testimony as an example and I brought out the same trivial pursuit playing pieces that I used in Cambodia.
After the devotional, Bill asked the kids if they wanted to ask me questions. At first, everyone was shy and quiet. Bill kept prodding them and eventually they started to open up. At first, the guys were the ones asking me questions. Then, one of the girls got brave and began to ask me very well thought out questions. The challenge for these kids was the they had to ask the questions in English. They all can speak English but they are intimidated to do so. Seeing them challenge themselves and be brave was wonderful. Pretty soon they were smiling and laughing and I really believe Jesus was smiling and laughing right along with us. He loves to see His kids enjoying themselves. I have quoted my friend Veronica Reilly many times and I will quote her again: "its important that we benefit from the riches God has placed in each of us." The evening was very rich as I shared with my new friends.
Thursday morning was more accounting work. When we left for lunch, I had no idea what was in store. Bill and Susie took me to a place that took my breath away. It was a cute, Victorian, well decorated restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. The inside was like something you would find at Volant Mills. When we got to the outdoor dining area, I gasped. It was all I could do to not scream or squeal like a school girl. The dining area had the most gorgeous view of the Chiang Rai mountains. It was literally the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I love mountains and Susie knew that and she knew I would go nuts over the view. I could not stop taking pictures and videos. The food was AMAZING!!!! I started off with butterscotch iced coffee. I had spinach and cheese samosas for an appetizer. I then had a yummy salad followed by Sea Bass and veggies in a white cream sauce. All while staring at the most beautiful mountain range. You could see the colorful roofs of Thai homes and there were plants and shrubs with flowers that gave a pop of color. But I could not stop staring at the mountains. I honestly expected to see Jesus physically appear over the top of the mountain and walk toward me. The place was heavenly. After seeing that I was ready to be raptured! I figured I could be like Enoch and just walk with Jesus over the mountain range and disappear. I realize I am being dramatic but I really was beside myself with joy. I think I have more pictures of the place than the rest of my trip combined.
We returned home and after a few hours all of the accounting work was finished. Bill and I accomplished everything we desired to do.
After dinner, Bill and Susie gather the kids to take pictures with me. They are all wonderful kids and I just LOVE the relationship that Bill and Susie have with each one of them.
One of the girls, Lydia, is studying art and she is a painter. She does EXCELLENT work. I asked Bill and Susie if I could buy one of her paintings. I would love to have one and I also wanted to encourage her. She agreed to sell one to me - which Susie will have to ship to me - too big to pack. After I had picked one, the sweet girl decided to give me another one!
Words honestly cannot describe how precious of a gift this trip has been for me. I have been blessed far beyond any way that I have been a blessing. I have had the chance to meet the most amazing people and experience things that I could have only dreamed about. I believe this trip was a gift from God. It was also a gift from the many people who sent me here, both with finances and especially prayer.
I thank God and I thank all of you.
Tomorrow is my last day in Thailand. Bill and Susie have scheduled for me to see some sites and I fly out in the evening. I will not blog again until I am home. Thank you all for following along with me on this trip of a lifetime.
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