Malaysia Visa run

So we are in the process of changing our Visa from a student Visa to a work Visa, so we had to leave the country.  We decided to go to Malaysia because we've heard a lot of great things about it and because we were in need of some R & R.

It feels strange being a such a beautiful place enjoying ourselves because as a "missionary" there are certain expectations about suffering.  But we have come to terms with the Lord wanting us not to burn out and to enjoy the gifts He gives us.  So with that said, we are grateful for His goodness.

Barber Shop

So I've been getting my hair cut from the Barber that is literally down the street, and for the past 9 months it's been pretty brutal.  The guy has been super unfriendly, he literally grunts when I go in and say hi, just so you know he's not a grumpy old man, guy's only a few years older than I.  But it has been, quite frankly uncomfortable and even awkward at times going in there.  I've tried on several ocassions to strike up conversations and just about each time it goes no where.

I have actually at times just stop trying. I thought to myself, "if he doesn't want to talk, that's fine with me, now I don't have to work through communicating. But as of recently I have invited him to the gym and and I think I actually saw him smile.

Today however, was the greatest break through! I brought my boys to get haircuts and we had an amazing conversation. We were all actually laughing hard at one point.  The reason was because I was trying to let them know I wanted the boys' haircut to be short because it grows so darn fast.   And the word I used fir "grow" was "sprout".  That's when they all had a good laugh.  It was around that time I was able to have my longest conversation with the Barber and his wife.  We had a good chat and I was able to find out where he was from, how long he's been cutting hair and how many siblings he had, and that he doesn't really like Muay Thai--which I think is a first because most Thai guys love to at least watch it.  Come to think of it I have never seen any other foreigners, except Andy Owen, go in their to get their hair cut. They fell in love with my boys, which is no surprise. And at the very end my boys said "thank you" in Thai and gave them a big hug.  As I was walking out I thought to myself, "Lord, you know there were many times I just wanted to go to another place that would be easier, more friendly and accepting, but I'm so glad I didn't. Thank you Lord for giving me the perseverance and endurance to keep at it and now, finally, I was able to, somewhat break into his life."

Thankful that Jesus pursues us like that.

Cecil

VISA Run

Well, so it looks like we're going to have to do a Visa run so we will be heading to Malaysia.  We are excited about having a little break.  But we sure would appreciate your prayers as having a change in our Visa could become pretty complicated and stressful.  Not sure if we will see any of these places but I just wanted to give you a taste of Malaysia.  We will be leaving early next week,

Cecil

Future Team

                             

So we would just like to introduce you to our future teammates! Jon and Bonnie Esau!  They have two fantastic children, Callie and Merick.  We met the Esau family back in 2009 on our Vision Trip to Thailand.  We really "hit it off" and we're able to really connect with the Esau family.  They have been in Thailand for just over 3 years and they currently live in Chonburi--about an hour from Bangkok.  We recently took both our families to the Province that we're praying The Lord leads us, with is the province of Rayong.  Just so that we are clear it is not 100% that we would move to that province, but we do feel that The Lord is leading us in that direction.  In fact, our team is not necessarily complete.  We may have other people or families join our team, but as of now it would be at least the Esau's and us.  Please continue to pray for our families, that The Lord would continue to guide us in a might and unified way.  We are praying about our families moving to the new location either March or April of next year.  Thanks for taking the time to read and for being interested on how Jesus is involved in our lives.

Cecil

The Tingle Family

I, Cecil, feel so blessed to have Bob and Jana Tingle as my in-laws.  It was so wonderful to have them come over and be able to see our life and be part of the rhythm of Thailand.  The boys LOVE seeing their "Gangee" and "Pop Pop."  It truly is amazing to know that someone can jump on a plane and in less than 24 hours be walking into our front door, but not before they take their shoes off of course...I mean this is Thailand after all 😉.

We love and miss you guys so much...thank you for coming to visit Gangee and Pop Pop.

Cecil