Thai adventures

My time here in the beautiful, free country of Thailand has just about come to a close. I've had some of the most adventuresome, enjoyable times. I thought I'd share a couple short stories and a few pictures before I leave.

One of the highlights was the "Flight of the Gibbon." My friends and I went an hour away from Chiang Mai into the mountains, which are covered by protected rain forest. It was one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. The whole jungle was nearly untouched, and apparently the place has monkeys, gibbons, snakes, and tigers. Fortunately I didn't see any of the scary animals.

Anyways, the five of us were put with two Germans and two guides. Our guides, Mike and Mao, where from Laos and Cambodia, respectively. They were so much fun and loved us because we are funny and open (and cute!) For a few hours we wore harnesses and zipped across the jungle from huge, towering trees on ziplines. It was so fun and crazy. I felt like I was flying. Plus, we got to be in the midst of the jungle, which was amazing to see His creation in such a way.

Then on Friday, I decided to go on a bike tour of the outskirts of Chiang Mai with my friend Christine. It was just the two of us and a very nice guide, Ya. So for five hours, we rode bikes all around the city and back roads. We visited countless wats and temples, a former leper colony, a bakery, a candy factory, markets, ancient ruins, and a Thai elementary school. It was wonderful to bike the long, empty roads, which were surrounded by enormous flowers, little wooden houses, and mountains. Again, I just felt so blessed and free.

Thanks for your thoughts! I feel like a different, new person now. This trip has been like therapy. Now we're off to Xinjiang, China for 10 days. We won't have Internet, so I'll be in touch in a couple of weeks. Please think of us, especially as we go from 90 degree temperatures to -10 degree temperatures. We will be in Siberia...

Lastly, here's some more pictures!


(Visiting a waterfall).

(Our Flight of the Gibbon group, plus two random Germans).

(Taking off on one of the ziplines. Once a ballerina, always a ballerina).

(On of the many wats we biked to).

(With my fellow Nanchang friend, Christine, on our bike trip).

(On our half-day bike ride).

(A random rickshaw driver who always smiles at me).

Thai Musings

Our conference is quickly coming to a close. I don't particularly enjoy week-long conferences (not that I go to many of them), but this conference has been pretty wonderful. It is a privilege to hang out and worship alongside 600 like-minded people who have seen the Father working in amazing ways. So many of them, especially families, have sacrificed nearly everything to serve in Asia.

I feel my body (and soul) being renewed daily. When I return to China, I think I will be better prepared, especially knowing that He is faithful and true no matter where I am--even if that place is a polluted, concrete jungle like Nanchang.

Speaking of jungle, after the conference we'll be making an excursion into the real, nearby jungle. I'm pretty excited and I'll make sure to tell you all about it! Thanks for your thoughts! I know now more than ever that I can't do anything on my own.

I'm leaving you with just a few random pictures of our time in Thailand so far...


(Want to eat some yummy bugs?)

(Jodi and the Mae Ping river).

(One of the many portraits of the King).

(A random elephant near our hotel).

(With Jodi and her friend at a flower market, plus my new haircut).