Low Season in Beautiful Koh Lanta

We knew we were going to Bangkok for our visa/medical run and knew we wanted to get away from the city to relax for a few days. One of A's teachers recommended we check out Koh Lanta.  We are so thankful for his advice!

We found tickets super cheap ($41 round trip) and hotels at about the same price!
It was low season there which meant quiet and peace.
Living in a city of 12 million, we were thrilled to be somewhere where there were less than 2000.
We were a little concerned that it may all be too good to be true so our expectations were a little low but wow!

Just Wow!
Beautiful mountains on one side,

Beaches on the other...

With such a beautiful walkway in between the two.

It was like we stepped into a postcard.

This was the ferry ride from Krabi to Koh Lanta.

Our kids' favorite spot was the pool - the water was warm enough to be comfortable but cool enough to feel amazing in this heat.

Beautiful Lanta

Since Brian and my trip to Phuket many years ago, this is the image I always see when people mention Thailand. :) Such amazing beauty.  Such a blessing to be able to enjoy our God's magnificent creation.

We enjoyed the animals too. :)
The funniest thing that happened...
The monkey -
This little guy went from being "Oh Mommy look how cute he is!"

 to "AGHHHHH, where is he? Where is he??"
This little monkey actually tried to open the doors to the car (and would have succeeded had they been unlocked) then he jumped to the roof of the vehicle looking into each window.
B thinks they are probably frequently fed by humans through the windows...
One of those, "I wish I had the camera rolling" moments.  It was HILARIOUS!! The kids were jumping around and screaming, the monkey hoping all over the car...
A memory we won't soon forget. :)

My favorite interaction with animals though was definitely the elephants (these gentle giants are my favorite land animal).  Ours were pretty hot and kept splashing herself (and us).  ;) Aren't they just beautiful creations?

The food here was spectacular as well.

"The Beautiful Restaurant" was perfectly named.  I have absolutely never had a view like this.  Continuing to just sit and marvel at His creation, we sat for a while to try and take it all in.

We found this area with tidal pools so B took the kids to see the "laboratory". :)  Truly, God's creation never ceases to amaze me.  We had much fun finding crabs, water cucumbers, sea stars, snails and many other critters.

Anyone know what these flowers are?  The were so beautiful and smelled fabulous too.

Our last night here the Creator of heavens and earth gave us the most lovely sunset.  I rushed to get a picture of it while the kids and Brian went for one last dip in the pool.  My quick photo shoot turned into an opportunity to share truth with an Iranian lady. She stated she was  "born Muslim" but having seen much violence, experiencing no peace, she decided there was no god.  

She asked me if I had faith. 

I replied, "Yes, I am a Christian." 

Then she asked a great question.  

"Yes, but do you really have faith? Many say they believe but that don't really have faith."

Her statement reminded me of the truth James warns us of in the beginning of his letter. 

 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

"Yes, without faith, without trust I have no peace, no purpose.  He is my rock, my shield, my shelter. He meets all my needs and more.  He reveals Himself to me time and time again."  

"How?" she asked

The first thing the Holy Spirit brought to my mind was Meisi, her story, adoption, her adoption, my adoption as a child of God, the incomprehensible, unconditional love we have for Meisi, giving me a glimpse of His love for me as His adopted child.  

His child who is far from perfect, a sinner prone to wander, to sin; yet, His love is unending, His love so great He sent His only son to die for me and for her and for you.  

Why do I believe the Holy Spirit prompted that?  Well, she immediately told me their story from beginning to end with a desire to adopt but having "doors closed."  They have again began a journey to foster refugee children in Sweden where they now live. She thought our story was interesting and said she too could understand how I could see God through that. She said she and her husband have discussed how it must be wonderful to experience peace through faith in a god.  

No decisions were made that night but seeds were planted, watered.  

I continue to lift her up that He continues to draw her to Him, she and entire household.  

That they may know Him who truly is the way, the truth, and the life and that they can experience His peace that transcends all understanding, the peace they long to have.  Will you join me in lifting up the billions who are like her?  Also asking for boldness and obedience among the body, asking our Father for more workers - the harvest is still plentiful but the workers are still few.   

24+ hours in Bangkok with Kids

We went to Thailand a couple weeks ago for a visa run and to do some medical tests, followed by a few days of rest.

We had visited Bangkok years ago (before kids).
Traveling with kids is totally different than traveling with them.
Still wonderful, but very different.
Kids cause us to notice immeasurably more things we probably wouldn't have noticed before kids.  :)

We had a plan, a list of things to see and do.
We researched what part of the city to stay with kids...
Let's just say - a great plan doesn't always come to fruition. :)

Our journey started with a blessing and surprise! We arrived about seven hours earlier than anticipated. Hong Kong Air rebooked us to a much earlier flight due to anticipated weather issues. Getting to leave early from the airport is definitely a first!

Our first adventure here was a boat ride down the canal.
Did you know that Bangkok is called the "Venice of the East"?  Rightly so, there are many canals to travel and this seemed to be the quickest mode of transportation for us in this enormous city.

 However, our kiddos (especially our little man) preferred this mode of transport - the Tuk Tuk.

 Even had some "party lights." ;)

Our first night we stayed at a lovely guest house.  The kids enjoyed the playground and interaction with other families there.

 Love this girl, I often wonder what is going through her amazing mind.

We started the day off with a trip to the hospital for medical tests then off to our list of tourist destinations.
First on list- The Grand Palace.
Their faces says it all here.. the heat and humidity was intense.

The structures truly are stunning.
However, it seemed like a weight being carried while walking through.  Such emptiness in the worship of Buddha, emerald Buddha or whichever other.

 haha...no idea what Mei is doing here, but she is smiling. :)

Don't you love Brian's paints (I have since stolen them - so comfy!!). I remembered girls needed to wear long skirts but forgot men needed long pants.  They sell for twice the price outside of the Palace (or you can borrow/rent something to cover yourself).

Ian enjoyed the selfie stick...
We still haven't mastered the art of it yet.

Inside this building is the Emerald Buddha.
Along with many people from various nations burning incense and bowing to worship this very small idol (about 30 inches tall) made of green jasper (not emerald, surprising huh?).  He even has three changes of clothes made of gold.
While inside we prayed that the one true God would reveal Himself to these people.
That the truth they are searching for will be found in Christ alone.
That the weight of darkness we felt there could be lifted and eyes opened to see, minds and hearts opened to understand and believe in the only One who can provide the peace for which they desire.

The kids were pretty much done after the palace, but we managed to squeeze in one market before heading back to the hotel.  Each wanted to try something new and each were equally disappointed. However, we are so proud of them asking to try things.   :)

We went back to our hotel for the night.  The guesthouse was full so we found what was said to be a "family friendly hotel."  (insert chuckle)
This was the street.  By day, it looked like many streets here, full of shops and people.

The sign below is a bit misleading.
I definitely don't love Khaosan but we thought the Ronald was cute as he gives a Thai greeting.
Khaosan is where you'd want to stay if you wanted to party all night.
I would not recommend this area for families.
Earlier in the day a drunk Brit asked B if he could buy our little man.
No idea if he was joking or serious, but sadly this happens so much in Thailand (and around the globe).  Such a broken world we live in.  Depravity was easily seen here.

Our hotel was pretty cool looking with Thai beds on the floor.
However, our room literally vibrated - not exaggerating, from the music played outside.  It was like we were trying to sleep inside a club with music blaring so loudly even my ears hurt.
However, by the grace of God two out of three kids slept.
It did finally stop somewhere between 2-3 am.

This is the view from our window.

Definitely the highlight of Bangkok for us -

Oh so yummy!!
We got 2 1/2 dozen - lol

On our original "to do" list was to go up into the Sky tower that overlooks Bangkok.  Since the kids were not handling the heat well, we skipped it.  As we flew over Bangkok, Ian said, "Look Mommy, here is that tower we missed!"  :)  

We stopped back in Bangkok on our way home after some rest in a much quieter area of Thailand and hit a few more favorite spots.  Filling up on the American "luxuries" before heading home where these don't exist. :)

 Can you tell we really like Krispy Kreme?

 We have 7/11 in our country but they don't have slurpees!  Thailand 7/11 does though! Woohoo!

As we were leaving the airport, one of the workers at the duty free store gave our kids Lindt chocolate balls!  People are always giving them things, this was a huge treat though - Lindt chocolate - yummy (at least I remember it being yummy, they inhaled it so fast I didn't get a taste). ;)

So thankful our kids get to experience different cultures and countries.
Also thankful how He often uses trips to other places to help us appreciate where He has us. :)
At one point Aili said, "Mommy, Bangkok makes Ch look sparkling!"
Not sure I would choose Bangkok as a destination again soon, but thankful for the experience.
Nonetheless, our trip a little further south was amazing and provided the rest and relaxation we needed.
Beautiful pics of God's creation to come in the next post. :)

Let Summer Begin!

Sometimes I am amazed when I finally sit down and look at the calendar.  The days go by slowly, yet the weeks fly by.  Is it really already summer?

Amidst all the transitions, we are praising the Lord that our big kids finished strong this school year and we are so very proud of them.  Each child is given an award at their school, all equally wonderful to receive.   Ian was awarded the "Overall Great Character" Award for all of 1st grade.  It meant so much for us to see that he is taking to heart the things we try to teach him, the things we pour into him.  It means so much to hear the teacher say that he is such a sweet boy. Admittedly, parenting is sometimes often exhausting.  We are frequently left wondering if they are listening to anything we say.  Then there are those moments where we see it, we hear it and we give Him glory because it is only through His transforming power and grace that a human heart can change and be molded.  I love my little man and enjoy seeing him grow. 

Aili was awarded the "Creative Writing" award.  Those who know Aili and know the struggles we have had through the years on writing can understand that we were shocked, truly floored with glee for her.  

I went back through some of her writing this semester and I see the improvement.  Her penmanship, her ideas flowing...  Months before we departed the states, friends sat with us around their dining table interceding with us as we were truly nervous how the transition from homeschooling to international school would go - mostly because of the writing issues we faced.  I remember how we specifically asked the Lord to give her a teacher that would inspire her to write.  One who she admires, respects and desires to model.  The Lord was so faithful.  Aili's teacher was such a gift to us.  She did all the above and more.  She helped her grow in her writing skills - tremendous growth but more importantly she helped her grow spiritually.  So proud of my girl and her growth in not only writing but in her walk with Jesus.

The last day of school her teacher gave out these fantastic summer devotionals and Aili has been faithful each day to do them.  

They really are great for this age group.  You can check out the pages here...
I have to say, walking in and seeing her do this on her own, sends my heart singing praises to our Lord.  We continue to pray He leads and guides her, that she hungers and thirsts for His Word and continues to desire to be more like Him daily. 

We are super proud of our kids, they truly are blessings from the Lord.  We certainly all have so much growing to do (us parents included here) and are thankful for the continued transformation He does in each of us. We must press on Mamas.  Keep pray'n, keep walk'n the walk, and talk'n the talk.  It is hard, oh so hard many days, but so SO worth seeing the glimpses of His hand moving in their lives.  

As summer has officially started for our kids, we continue doing seven hours of study each day.  Before the kids were out of school, we wondered how we could do it.  We have been seeking His guidance and wisdom for a few weeks preceding summer on how to approach this break, making it fun for the kids, relaxing with family time while still getting our studies done and engaging the community.  He is faithful.  Our first week has gone pretty well, with only a few moments of break down. 

A huge reason for this is the gift of our new Ayi (nanny). She is such a blessing.  She plays with Meisi everyday (and now the big kids too).  :)  Not the best picture but hopefully you get a feel for the preciousness of these moments. :) She has the toy stethoscope around her neck treating "Marshall" Meisi's toy dog.  Apparently the babies were sick too, so they doctored them up that morning.  :)  

Another thing that helped is doing a little planning for the big kids (yes, the prior homeschooling mom who loved having a written out on paper calendar reappeared - still old school y'all, someday I will move into this new technological age).  The kids helped me color code it.  They followed it pretty well this week.
By the way, these schedules are free to download through the passion calendar, click here.

All three kids are here with our Ayi in the morning doing chores, then doing whatever the above schedule indicates.  We chose to schedule theme days: things like arts/crafts (Make it Monday), reading (Tall Tale Tuesday), exercise/playing outside (Work-out Wednesday), pretend play/school worksheets (Thoughtful Thursday), play with toys/games (Fun Friday).  Each afternoon the older two have a language tutor from 1-3 (it isn't too intense - they mostly play games in this language). They only have screen time once we are home and all chores/class is done.

After they come home we are usually done with class and studies so we can have fun together.   This is an answer to prayer as we have struggled since we arrived to be able to complete our studies before midnight - always having it on our mind as to what or how we were going to get it done, therefore; never been fully present with our kids.  Surprisingly, summer has helped!  Not having to get our kids ready in the mornings (and them being great sleepers), allows us to wake early to get at least an hour or two of studying done before class.  This way, we are done when they come home from the language class and we can play together, cook together, bake together, and have family worship. :)  

Friends, sanctification is continuous and I continue to relearn each day that I MUST trust Him (with the big and the little things of life), laying down my prayers and petitions at His feet.

He is faithful.
He alone gives peace.

Peace that all my planning, all my worrying, all my trying to fix it myself can never give.
His peace transcends all understanding.  I'm a bit of a control freak so laying it at His feet doesn't come naturally for me, but when I do (and when I leave it there, not trying to take it back because my lack of patience wanting it done yesterday).. - oh how He fills me.

Something I noticed the last couple weeks in that verse,  it doesn't say, "with thanksgiving make your requests known to God and he will grant all your wishes."  No.  As much as I enjoy Disney, our lives are no fairy tale and our God is certainly not a fairy godmother... He is so much more! What He gives is so much better! He gives us what we need for our real life we live in this broken, fallen world.

"And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Peace.  Peace that will guard my heart and mind.  Just writing it and thinking it, knowing I have experienced His peace is relaxing.  Relaxing to rest in Him, to trust Him.  Not saying it is easy (especially for those of you, who like me struggle with control and patience), but try it.

Give it to Him.
Leave it at His feet.
Meditate on His word.
Sing Praises to our God through the tears, through the laughter through the good and the bad.
Let Him fill you, let His peace pour into you guarding your heart and mind.

Let Summer Begin with our hearts and minds guarded with peace.
Now, go enjoy these precious blessings He has given!