political situation in Bangkok is going to be uncertain for a while. I’ll update my checklist for short-term teams to

explain how we can plan better in this situation, especially with respect to last-minute cancellations.

Our first term of five years in Thailand has been a great journey of ministry as well as self-discovery. There was a

lot of learning we had to do, and it wasn’t always easy. We started by learning Thai, all four of us, and the girls also

had to deal with culture shock. Timothy was only three when we first arrived, so his (reverse) culture shock was

more when he visited the states three years ago at the age of five. I had grown up in Thailand, so my transition was

totally pleasant. Lydia was eight and had to leave her friends and award-winning school; so it was hard for her.

Sarah had spent all her life in Seoul and Los Angeles, surrounded by Koreans, so it also took a lot of effort for her

to adjust to a new environment the first two years. Five years later, we’re glad to be back but also miss Thailand at

the same time; our languages are kinda mixed up, and we have to remember to put away our trays at McDonald’s.

I’m excited to be visiting many of you over the next few months. I have a lot to share, and I’m also eager to hear

about what’s been happening in your lives. This furlough will be a great time to reflect, pray and think about

creative strategies to help my Thai friends over the next five years; I’ve come to know a lot of Thai leaders who are

making a difference. Random: I’m also dreaming about solar powered street lamps to light up Chonburi Center at

night!