July 30, 2016 Chiang Mai, Thailand

On the window sill of our house

A walkway in one of the parks with mountains behind

     We give thanks to our God for a good trip and safe arrival back in Thailand.  We had a good trip back to the states and were thankful for visits with family and friends.

One of the beautiful flowers of Thailand

       We prayed beforehand that God would guide our visits as we knew the time would go quickly, and we had doctor visits, many supplies to purchase, visit with our family in Minnesota and also Sher's family in Pennsylvania.  Consequently, we trusted our God in all this and sought to do the best we could.  

Liesl and Evie at the Mall of America

      At the last minute (thanks to my wonderfully patient husband and the help our great travel agent Terri Berger), we extended our stay by eight days.  As the time grew near to leave, I was finding it very difficult to leave knowing my mom's death was imminent.  We knew that the next flight to Thailand was already booked, and we felt the pressure of being back to Thailand for the birth of our first Lan Chai (grandson).  In God's providence, my mom went home to be with the Lord four days after we returned to Thailand.  Once again, we trust our God in the timing.  I am currently reading through Proverbs, and some of these verses were a great help--what a great treasure is the Word of God!  Proverbs 20:29 "A man's steps are directed by the LORD.  How then can anyone understand his own way?"  Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails."  Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."  It was hard not to be at the service, but Matthew, Dave and I shared our thoughts on a video that was included in the service, and our son Jay also assisted in the service for which we were very thankful.  Though things do not always go according to our plan, we can still see God's hand and find blessings in the midst.
     I am grateful I had my mom for so many years--she was 92, and I am grateful for her godly influence in my life.  I have thought much about the apostle Paul's words in 2 Timothy 1:5.  I am reminded of the sincere faith which first lived in my grandmother Mary Clara Graham and in my mother Wilda Elizabeth Graham Miller.  Both were Bible teachers of note and apt students of the Word and both instilled in me a love for the Bible.  My mom and I shared the joy of memorizing scripture together.  She was a wonderful, caring mother--the epitome of all that a mother should be!  What a blessing that I have a godly heritage--parents who led me to the source of all wisdom and hope, the Lord Jesus Christ. I am appreciative that my children also had the opportunity of knowing and loving my .  Both my children and I had the benefit of her many prayers on our behalf.  After long months of plodding, heavy steps, and an often arduous journey, she is dancing lightfooted on the high peaks and is with the Savior she loved.  And I believe that she and our son, Jonathan, have have had a heavenly hug there.  

    

     We arrived back in Chiang Mai for the rainy season--some rain almost every day, beautiful butterflies, and many, many snails (ugh!).  

And yes, it is still warm--90's most days--but the rain brings some coolness with it.  Our poor brains had to adjust once again to driving--reverting back to the familiar and then reverting back to what we had learned here in Thailand.  We turned on the wipers instead of the turn signal for the first couple of days, and I kept going to the wrong side of the car to get in when Dave was driving.  :)
      We are anxiously and not so patiently awaiting our first Lan Chai (grandson).  Please pray for good and safe delivery and a healthy baby. Audrey has done great through this pregnancy, but we are all ready! 
      Finally, we continue to covet prayers for pastoring our international church--that we will be a source of encouragement to those who minister in various places.  We pastor a parade of people who come and go for various lenghs of time and have already had to say goodbye more times than we'd like.  Please pray that God will use us here as He sees fit.  Pray that our lights will shine for Jesus--for open doors to share the reason for the hope we have.  Pray that we have good health and strength to minister.

  "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 Thess. 2:16

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