update #3... i think i forgot to post #2. sorry! (if you want it, e-mail me!)

i don't know what to feel. christmas came and went like a week-end event. it wasn't for the hype. it wasn't for the show. if you wanted to celebrate you had to make an effort. and we did! we had a barbecue with sea food (amazing... my favorite!). Carolers came to our house, we put up the christmas tree along with the presents and did a lot of Christmas baking as well. the ladies here really (at the house) got into the christmas season, which was so cool to see it real and not a "routine" atmosphere. for most of them it was actually the first time to celebrate either as a follower of Christ or at all. it was amazing to see the difference in the ladies outlook... they had hope and joy and meaning. this was as a family (the 8 of us who all live in the same house along with close friends).

we also celebrated christmas corporately with ladies from the bars on the 17th. may came out for a fun filled night. we packed the palce while we played games, had amazing food, and just really good fellowship. for most of them it was the first time they had been introduced to Jesus. joy is the only way to sum up the whole night. joy was just electric throughout the party. i loved hanging out with the ladies. they probably show me more then i can ever show them... at least that's what i think. they just have such patience, dedication, determination and love for their community. they are all amazing women. it was also really amazing to see God use the whole night for so many people. the servers couldn't believe that these ladies came (Thais usually don't associate with someone who is lower in standing then themselves). the Thai volunteers also had a similar response and were just amazed how many people came. the ladies who came all seemed quite taken aback as well... and to say the least, i was amazed by it all. bonita was quite touched as "Home of New Beginnings" has been grounded in prayer for Thai leadership who can eventually run the organization, and all the voluntters and hosts were Thai. it was amazing to see God just work in each of our hearts.



i loved this christmas. it's been hard being away from family and knowing that everyone is having fun at home, but it's been much more rewarding to know that i'm exactly where Christ wants me, regardless of whether i can see the "quick" results or fully understand why, all i know is peace. and this peace is deeper then meer understanding. Christ is with us regardless of the circumstances. whether it be financial, geographical, or emotional... God is here. and guess what? he's omnipresent as well (good thing!). but, honestly, i just want to bless you for all of the blessings of prayer and joy which you have given me just by being you. your prayers, your caring hearts and your correspondence with me has been so much appreciated... thank-you all so much

as for the future, we are leaving to go to Northern Thailand tonight (well, 4 am!). we're going on a "trip", which i am excited for bonding time as well as relaxing time with Christ. please pray for travel safety as well as visa "issues". my education visa expires on the 4th of next month and i will have to get it renewed when i go to school on the 3rd (i start thai language classes then! woo hoo... you could pray for that class). please just pray for a smooth transition from one visa to the next as i know that it can always become complicated. thank-you so much for your prayers and thoughts.

thank-you again... and praise God for his faithfulness wherever we may be!