The joys of packing?

When I opened my pajama drawer tonight, I thought about how many sets I'll pack for our 5 months back in the States.  And I thought... you know.... I'm gonna pack light.  Just one set.  Maybe two.

And I thought about everything that is overflowing out of my drawer.  And how I can live on just one or two sets of pjs.  So why do I have so many others?
I've been giving away so much.  Folding it all nice and giving it to our friends who will give it to others or sell it for some change.
There are SO many parts to prepare for to go to the states for those 5 months.  Right now we have about 60 items on our To-Do list.  Besides our everyday normal routine-meeting with our Thai tutors, homeschooling our two boys, eating, getting out, cultivating friendships, meetings, worship, etc.
Life now definitely feels like we're rolling down the snowy hill, unto the anticipated pure joy of seeing you all again.

Crazy how transition sometimes means saying goodbye, even when the thing you're saying goodbye to is good.

In 3 short weeks, you'll see us.  But you won't know how much time it took to pack our bags.  Or how I went to the market to get a few suitcases of Thai souvenirs, that was an all-day trip.  Or that I locked  away my grandmother's canvases and quilts, so that nothing happens to them.  Or that we had to figure out a way for a Thai-speaking doctor to fill out an English medical form for public school in California.  Or that we entrust all our belongings to our teammates as they continue to use our home for a weekly outreach.  Or that your sons and daughters may be the first American-English-Speaking friends Solas and Judah have HAD.   Or that we imagine our first interaction with you,  Cecil, I'm sure, imagines himself running up to you and tackling you all to the ground while screaming his Mexican grito.  Or that I imagine my kids being really energized to see you and know that you're probably not going to pinch Judah's face, and they boys are going to be amazed you probably don't want to take a selfie with them.
You'll see us on stage, but you won't know that we went to training especially for sharing our stories with you, or that maybe... I've spent so much time in survival mode here, these last 3 years, that I'm not even sure what to share.
Its amazing what it feels like to be the missionary on the stage, rather than the congregant.  This is a first for us, in that respect.
I know you all may think we have some of life's answers now.  But it feels like I only have what God has taught me.  And I may need you to listen for awhile, even if I'm silent, before I've reflected enough to share.
~Trace

The fruit of LBC Carnival Outreach

So two Saturday's ago we had the team from Laurelglen Bible Church here and they help us put on a town-wide carnival...and it was a blast!  We had close to 350-400 people there!!!  We had a blast.  The goal was to bless and build relationships with people in the community with a bounce house, food and raffle prizes all for free!!!

I, Cecil, invited a woman--her name is Not, pronounces Note--from the local grocery store, and she showed up with her son and his girlfriend.  They ended up getting a prize and with it a bag with pens, candies, toothbrush and a Bible.  She took it home and began to read it.  She then prayed and said, "God, I don't understand your book.  If you are really there then please send someone to me to explain your Word and your message."

The following week, which was tonight, she came to our Friday night English class.  After a fun night of games, activities and English learning she sat down with our Thai National Church Planter Knot.  Everyone was hanging out after class playing games, singing Thai and worship songs, playing music, but Knot took this opportunity--as he normally does--to share how Jesus had changed his life and the Good News of Jesus Christ.  She then told him about her prayer, and how in that very moment God was answering it, and she knew He was real and she wanted to trust Him!  He asked if she would like to make the decision to follow Jesus that night...she said yes.  

Knot then told me she wanted to receive Christ and if I would be willing to pray with them.  We walked over to the living room, sat on the floor and she told me about her prayer.  As she was praying to receive Jesus her 24 year old son came and knelt behind her watching his mom give her life to Jesus.  After that several other Christians from the community who come to serve every week gathered around her, prayed over her, and showed her how to get the Bible app on her phone and encouraged her in the LORD...what an amazing moment.  As I looked into her eyes as she was telling me about how God answered her prayer tears of joy filled her eyes, and I heard a quiet voice whisper to my heart, "this is why you came."

P.S. She is below wearing a purple shirt, and in the last two pictures she is wearing a white shirt.

Thank you TREK Team!

So thankful for the TREK team that was just here.  They served us and the Thai people for the past 7 months.  My family and I have been blessed by you all and we will love and remember you always.  Thank you for all of your hard work, service, and love for the people of Thailand.

Blessings,

The Rami

Preaching for first Time

This was 50% preaching in Thai.  Feel so blessed to be able to share my heart in Thai, even if it was only 50%.


https://youtu.be/s-G2CE8cosY
Check out the video. Click here

Solas and Daddy at Fair

Making memories with my Sola Bear.

Ramos Boys doing homeschool

Cinco De Mayo Bash