Tutoring and taking into the next step

So when Tracy and I were approached a few months ago in regard to teaching English I jumped at the idea.  I must say that I had some reservations because it has been a few years. Since I have taught English.  I have had a blast getting to know Jay and Kim.  We have met for the past month and a half and it has been a wonderful experience.  It is not only fun for me it is, more importantly, it has been a great opportunity to get to know them.  As far as evangelism is concerned we recently went through Genesis chapter one...that was such an incredible experience.  The next time we meet we will go through chapter two.  I am praying that as they learn with regard to creation that The Lord would speak to their souls.  So I am looking forward to future teaching moments with them, and I really pray that the Holy Spirit works in their heart.

Traditional Night

So Tracy and I went to a Thai cultural dinner and traditional dance.  This was truly a marvelous experience.  I noticed all so the exquisite and delicious food that was offered.  I looked around the room and noticed many families sitting literally on the floor and enjoying their meals on cushions.  In the states no one would want to sit on the ground or families wouldn't bring their small children to an event such as this one.  But I was pleased to see small children enjoying the food and live entertainment.  The tradition dancers were certainly interesting, especially when their fingers and hands were bent far back.  One of the most entertaining parts was when they asked me to go up on stage as a volunteer and dance alongside other volunteers.  Of course I didn't want to be culturally insensitive so I went up there.  This night was a great experience learning more of the culture of Thailand.  It seems that every time I am able to have these opportunities to learn more about the culture the deeper my understanding is of the people and world of Thailand.  The very end of the show consisted of tribal dances outside, and there were many talented individuals from the North of Thailand.  It was especially wonderful to be with the Pinault's and Owens.

Cecil

Teaching English

So Tracy and I met Kim at the coffee shop we go to about every weekday after we drop off our boys at school.  Kim asked Tracy and I if we knew someone who would teach she and her boyfriend English.  So today was the first day of our lesson.  Had so much fun with these two!  Was able to hear a little bit about their life and consequently I was able to share how Jesus changed my life and why I am in Thailand...I think this is the start to a wonderful relationship.  So grateful to The Lord for this opportunity.

The car!!! Here it is!!!!!

Hey guys!!! 

Tracy and I just wanted to express to you all how thankful and grateful we are to have you behind us, thinking about us, praying, and financially giving to help us get this vehicle!!!!  You have no idea how much of a blessing it is!!!  Seriously!!! It has enough seats to bring Thai friends with us different places...AND when The Lord allows and opens the door for the adoption of a future child into our family, we will already be set with with a seat in our car and in our heart for him/her.  So I know words can not do justice to how overwhelmed we feel by your love and support....THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEART!

PS. When you come to Thailand we'll take you on a spin!

Cecil

Language...phase 3 complete

So Tracy and I recently completed our 3rd module and just finished with the exam!  So each module is one book, each book has approximately 20 lessons and each lesson has anywhere from 12-20 vocabulary words.  Recently it has been a struggle to just continue with language on a daily basis.  It feels like we are hitting a wall, and just really trying hard to persevere.  We have been in Thailand for approximately 7 1/2 months and have been studying Thai a little over 6 months.  Tracy and I have recently incorporated into our schedule a morning and afternoon sabbath rest...which has been very life-giving.  We have noticed that we just keep going with little reprieve and have noticed signs that we would head toward "burn-out" unless we paced ourselves and incorporated rest and time to enjoy The Lord during our weekly routine.  I am grateful for friends who encourage us to pace ourselves and whose lives have been very refreshing to Tracy and me.  I must say I am very jazzed about this next season of language as well!  We are finally going to start reading and writing!  I have been studying it on my own and I am so excited to focus in on it full-time.  Please continue to pray for us as we go deeper in language, the culture and our friendships with Thai people..I feel that the more I get to know them the more I have a heart filled with love and compassion toward them.

Cecil

In Thailand as it is in Heaven

Gangee's visit--AKA Jana

So we had Tracy's mom, Jana, come and stay with us recently.  Such a great time of being with her and we certainly were so blessed to have our sons have a wonderful opportunity to spend time with their grandmother.  We are so blessed to be able to stay in contact via technology and how Jana would be able to have the courage to hop on a plane and travel across the world to be with us.  We pray that The Lord would continue to bless her and Bob.  We love and miss you Gangee and we look forward to seeing you again!!!!

Cec

ACTION in Thailand

So Tracy and I had the wonderful opportunity to do a few day orientation with these wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ.  I was able to connect more with the guys since they stayed with us for a few nights.  It's really ironic...up until a few years ago I was the one going on short term mission trips and looking up to the long-term missionaries, now Tracy and I are in the position of a "long-term missionary.  Such a great honor.  I had such a blast hanging out with these guys...their energy and zeal for Jesus and his Gospel was so refreshing and inspiring.  I know every team that comes probably won't be like this team but I look forward to being in a position to encourage and bless future short-term teams with a passion for the things of the LORD.

Cecil