Busy Season!

Sunni with Thai Ronald

The CFPM staff and kids

The Grand Palace in Bangkok

The hotel in Bangkok

Doug, Kevin, and Arlang working on the bunk beds

I've been neglecting my blog lately because we've been busy getting back into the swing of things now that Keely and Kevin are home. It is really wonderful to have them back! We've been doing school and enjoying fun Christmas-y activities, too. Things may be a bit more quiet here on the blog as we focus on Christmas preparations and fun and as we are busy getting ready for Baby's arrival! Two and a half more weeks! I'm getting so excited!

Halfway There!

I have to say that I really, really like my husband and daughter to be, say, no more than 20 miles away at any given time. Having them on the other side of the world is quite challenging! I miss them both, and selfishly am so ready to have them back home, yet I know that God is working in and through them, and my sacrifice is very small.

I was able to talk to them both this morning and things are going great there. They have been b-u-s-y every minute of every day, it sounds, with a mixture of ministry and projects, as well as fun sight-seeing ventures. I was so excited to hear that Keely's devotional with the little girls went well. She was caught off-guard about the time when she'd be expected to give it, and did not have the materials she'd prepared with, so she had to give her meditation from memory. I know that was a scary feeling, but Kevin said that she did a great job and the girls enjoyed it. God is faithful! I know He is showing her that even through the little things such as this.

Here's my latest prayer request: Kevin will be preaching in a women's prison tomorrow night (our time). He did not know that he'd be able to do this, and is so excited to be able to take the gospel of hope to these women. Please pray for his preparation, ability to preach with translation interruptions, and most of all, that the Holy Spirit would work in the hearts of the women who will hear the Word presented. Isn't this such an exciting development?! I can't wait to hear how it goes.

Thailand Update

It's cool to get to ride in the back of Arlang's truck in the middle of traffic!

Well, Keels and Kevin are safely in Thailand. They arrived Sunday after their 24-hour flight(s). I finally was able to Skype with them tonight, and it was so good to see their faces! The kids were thrilled as well. Annesley was sitting in my lap during out conversation, and she would periodically smile and scream with joy at getting to see Daddy's face! I think it was good for us all after almost four days with very little contact.

Keely said that her impression of Bangkok was that it was HOT, and that all the Buddhist temples and statues were sad. I'm sure it must be a sobering experience to see so many thousands of people openly worshiping false gods. They were able to tour a temple and also the home of Jim Thompson while they were there. The rest of their time in Thailand will be spent in Chang Rai (though I think they'll visit the zoo in Chang Mai with the children from CFPM). Keely seemed to be loving the kids and having a great time playing with them.

The kids and I are doing great. My Mom has been here since before Thanksgiving spoiling me completely. She works circles around me and is taking care of her baby (me!) and her grandbabies! She is such a blessing and example to me and the kids with her servant's heart and cheerful attitude.

In other news--baby news: I'm into my final five weeks of pregnancy now. It's hard to believe that we'll be cuddling a tiny new person very shortly. I'm getting so excited to meet him or her and to NOT be pregnant any more. :) I know, I know...It's a wonderful blessing to experience. However, at 35 weeks you're just really ready to wear a belt again, be able to shave your legs without grunting, and not have to eat Tums like candy.

Can I get an amen?

Thanks to all of you who have been and continue to pray for Kevin and Keely. I'll share more pictures as I get them.

Thailand Trip

It's hard to believe that my little girl will be heading to the other side of the world in just under two weeks! I am so excited for her and we are making lists of all our last-minute preparations.

About four years ago, Keely became interested in Thailand missions as a result of several college graduates from our church who moved there to serve and work. These 'kids' were Keely's Sunday School teachers and helpers, and she was impacted by their heart to serve and fulfill the great commission. Keely expressed her desire to go to Thailand on a mission trip, and Kevin told her that if she'd save up half of the cost of a plane ticket, that we would go. Well...about a year ago we realized that it was really going to happen, and we'd better start saving, too! The original plan was for me to go, too, but because of our little 'surprise', that, of course, won't be possible. But I am thrilled that Kevin and she will be going.

Keely with Donna, a friend who'll also be going at the same time.

The kids' dentist, Dr. LeBlanc, kindly donated 50 toothbrushes and toothpastes for the CFPM kids.

They'll be there for two weeks working with CFPM. Kevin will be working on translation and videos for the website, and Keely will be hanging out with the kids and taking some day trips with them. I think they're also planning to visit the prison where some of the children's mothers are incarcerated. They'll be in Chang Rai for most of their two-week trip, located in northern Thailand.

Would you be kind enough to begin praying for them? Please pray for safety as they travel and spend a day in Bangkok (which I'm a little nervous about!). Pray that they will be a blessing and encouragement to the staff and kids at CFPM, and that they'll be able to serve practically and that Kevin will accomplish much during their time there. Pray for Keely: that she will grow in her love for the Lord and for others as a result of her experiences. I'll be posting updates and pictures at some future time to share how things are going!