Hello!
It's about 9 am and I am up, showered, and packing. I leave for Cambodia today. I am sad to be leaving, but excited to see the orphanage and student center in Phenom Phen. More cute kids!
Yesterday was a very long day. The Chiang Mai Zoo was really cool except for the uphill walking, steps, ramps, etc. The zoo is on the mountain, so we all trekked around for about 4 hours.; at least it wasn't the hottest part of the day. There weren't a lot of people there--we were pretty much the only "farangs or foreigners. The zoo needed a better map and signs in English, though--we sorta got lost and had to guess where we were. It only cost 100 baht to get in--under 3 bucks! Also, it was another 100 baht to see the pandas. I didn't spend the money; I've seen pandas before--and I'm poor!
We saw some pretty crazy animals. "What is that thing?!?" was a common expression:) Of course, there were a lot of animals we recognized; the security/protection at the zoo was unreal, meaning, of course, that there really wasn't a lot of fences, gates, etc. If you were motivated enough, you could definitely reach in and touch some of the animals! It was kinda scary. I almost touched the baby elephant! Also, there were twelve sleeping alligators; we threw money at them and tried to make them move. They were huge! You wouldn't have wanted to fall into that pit! (But you could have easily jumped right in if you wanted to live out your Crocodile Hunter fantasies!:) Anyway, it was a really fun day! Definitely a different experience than the zoos in the States!
After the zoo, we all piled into a taxi and headed to the local department store, Central, for lunch. There were lots of Western stores, restaurants, and clothing places. A group of us ate at Pizza Hut--YUM!!!!!! It was really good. We then had time to look around the mall--nothing much. Apparently, this is where the locals shop to look like Westerners. There were so many people there, too. It was nice to walk around by myself for awhile and just wander. :)
We then headed back to the orphanage. Same typical schedule--play with the kids, have worship time, etc. There is this one little boy, probably about 2 years old, who hung on me all night. He is sick with a bad cough and cold, so I just held him during worship time. He is so cute; his name is Lak (spelling? who knows!). I will miss him! I got a couple of pictures with him, though!
After the kids were back in their bamboo huts working on their homework and getting ready for bed, Rachel and I headed to the Night Market. Dave drove us into town and dropped us off--we had about an hour and a half! It was much less crowded the second time; we actually knew what we were doing! We both purchased a few things--I got very good at bargaining:) It was fun! Chiang Mai is a really great city; I hope to come back here one day! Especially to see the new orphanage!!!!! I just want the kids out of the huts and into "real" buildings. Of course, they don't know the difference, but it's hard to see how they live.
Anyway, that's all for the moment. I don't know what the situation for Internet is in Cambodia, so I'll try to post when possible. Thailand is like living in luxury compared to Cambodia, or so I hear. It should be very interesting and filled with all kinds of new experiences!
~Susannah
"Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be." (Grandma Moses)
"He must become greater, I must become less." (John 3:30)
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The "Squatty-Potty"
Hello friends and family!
It's about 7:45 here and it's FREEZING! I know, I know, I shouldn't complain about the weather, but it is technically winter here, and the nights get pretty cold. The days are sunny and warm though, so that is nice.
Yesterday Rachel and I headed out to the Day Market with the group from Virginia. Apparently we would have had to take 3 taxis just to get to town (we are more in the country) so that would have been quite the feat seeing as we don't even know where to tell the drivers to take us! We stopped at a little Western/Thai restaurant for lunch . . . it took about an hour and a half for every one's food to arrive--hey, that's Asia for you! I had a full breakfast meal for about 4 bucks--I didn't even eat most of it because it tasted funny, but the croissant was totally worth it. Also, the pineapple, banana, and watermelon were so delicious!
After eating, we headed to the Day Market---miles and miles of vendors selling everything! It's more for the locals, so there were more practical things at this market--kitchen stuff, shoes (oh the shoes! If only I had smaller feet! They all look at me and sneer, "You feet too big!" Hey! I only wear a 9!:) tons of cheap clothes, and lots of food. OH THE SMELLS! I saw about every kind of dead animal possible; we walked very quickly through that part! :)
Well, then, unfortunately, I really had to use the restroom (I had Sprite, orange juice, and tea with my large breakfast!) but of course, it's not a "Western" style toilet, it's a "squatty-potty" as we call it. GROSS. It's all about balance and not getting your pant legs or shoes wet. The floor is disgusting--yuck!!!!!!!!! But I survived. It even cost 2 baht--I can't believe they CHARGE you to use a hole in the ground, but hey, it's Asia!
Anyway, we headed back to the orphanage, played with the kids, and then joined them for their worship time. SO cute! There is one little boy, Booey (spelling? who knows!) who everyone calls Doc. He is good with helping those who are sick (everyone has a cold or a cough from the cold) and he is so adorable. Last night, after we helped them make a beaded bracelet, he came and sat on the porch with me. Oh I want to take him home! I almost started crying last night just thinking of leaving these kids here. I wish they could be adopted out into families, but the government here is really strict with adoption laws, etc. The kids do have sponsors from different churches, so that helps. It's going to be so hard to leave!
Today we are headed to the Chiang Mai Zoo! It should be really cool. Tonight I want to head back to the Night Market! This is my last night in Chiang Mai; I'm headed to Cambodia on Thursday (earlier than expected!) but I probably will come back to Chiang Mai with the other team members later.
Ok, that's all folks! I've got to get ready for another long day:)
I wish all of you could be here and experience this!!!! I'm glad I have access to a computer at the guest house so that I can at least update and share this with you.
Susannah
"Be in love with your life." Jack Kerouac
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
It's about 7:45 here and it's FREEZING! I know, I know, I shouldn't complain about the weather, but it is technically winter here, and the nights get pretty cold. The days are sunny and warm though, so that is nice.
Yesterday Rachel and I headed out to the Day Market with the group from Virginia. Apparently we would have had to take 3 taxis just to get to town (we are more in the country) so that would have been quite the feat seeing as we don't even know where to tell the drivers to take us! We stopped at a little Western/Thai restaurant for lunch . . . it took about an hour and a half for every one's food to arrive--hey, that's Asia for you! I had a full breakfast meal for about 4 bucks--I didn't even eat most of it because it tasted funny, but the croissant was totally worth it. Also, the pineapple, banana, and watermelon were so delicious!
After eating, we headed to the Day Market---miles and miles of vendors selling everything! It's more for the locals, so there were more practical things at this market--kitchen stuff, shoes (oh the shoes! If only I had smaller feet! They all look at me and sneer, "You feet too big!" Hey! I only wear a 9!:) tons of cheap clothes, and lots of food. OH THE SMELLS! I saw about every kind of dead animal possible; we walked very quickly through that part! :)
Well, then, unfortunately, I really had to use the restroom (I had Sprite, orange juice, and tea with my large breakfast!) but of course, it's not a "Western" style toilet, it's a "squatty-potty" as we call it. GROSS. It's all about balance and not getting your pant legs or shoes wet. The floor is disgusting--yuck!!!!!!!!! But I survived. It even cost 2 baht--I can't believe they CHARGE you to use a hole in the ground, but hey, it's Asia!
Anyway, we headed back to the orphanage, played with the kids, and then joined them for their worship time. SO cute! There is one little boy, Booey (spelling? who knows!) who everyone calls Doc. He is good with helping those who are sick (everyone has a cold or a cough from the cold) and he is so adorable. Last night, after we helped them make a beaded bracelet, he came and sat on the porch with me. Oh I want to take him home! I almost started crying last night just thinking of leaving these kids here. I wish they could be adopted out into families, but the government here is really strict with adoption laws, etc. The kids do have sponsors from different churches, so that helps. It's going to be so hard to leave!
Today we are headed to the Chiang Mai Zoo! It should be really cool. Tonight I want to head back to the Night Market! This is my last night in Chiang Mai; I'm headed to Cambodia on Thursday (earlier than expected!) but I probably will come back to Chiang Mai with the other team members later.
Ok, that's all folks! I've got to get ready for another long day:)
I wish all of you could be here and experience this!!!! I'm glad I have access to a computer at the guest house so that I can at least update and share this with you.
Susannah
"Be in love with your life." Jack Kerouac
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Monday, January 29, 2007
Let the adventures begin!
Hello!
Yesterday (Monday, the 29th for me) was a very busy day!!!!!!! Rachel and I woke up early and tagged along with the group from Virginia (did I mention they are staying at a mansion? The house, gardens, and ponds are GORGEOUS!) and we hit the ground running! We started out at a local tribal store--it had all kinds of merchandise from the local tribal villages--very beautiful purses, bracelets, blankets, bags, etc. All of the different tribes have their own style of clothing, colors, patterns, etc. The children at the orphanage all have an outfit from their own local hill tribe; they even have a program where they all sing a song from their tribes while they are all dressed up in their costumes. Of course, as soon as the program is over, the nice clothes are quickly discarded--they don't like to stay dressed up for long! Typical kids!
After the village shop, we headed for lunch at the local mall, Carrefour. I had an icky hot dog from Diary Queen--it had a very funny taste :( So then I had french fries from McDonald's--they also tasted strange--oh well. The ice cream from Diary Queen was great! I guess you can't really screw up ice cream!:) Carrefour was cool, though--lots of stores, kiosks, etc. So much stuff!
Our group then headed out to visit a home for women with AIDS. A couple from the States, Jerry and Pam, run the home. The woman make paper gift bags and cards to support themselves--they bags are really beautiful! It's an intricate skill, but with some help from my Thai teacher, I made a bag! It was really cool. The cards were all handmade and really creative and cute . . . and they were only 35 baht (about a buck)!
Jerry and Pam then showed us their newly purchased property. It is in the middle of rice fields; there were water buffalo galore! :) The new home will be for the women with AIDS, homeless people, etc. Jerry and Pam really have a heart for the people of Thailand. It was really awesome to see how God was using them!
Our next stop was to the North Thailand Mission Organization. This was my absolute favorite part! We met with David, who works with others to translate the Bible into several different languages. This man is so utterly passionate about his calling; his stories were amazing. He told us the story about how the translation of the Chinese Bible was completed, even after their only translator (a seventy-nine year old man) nearly died days before they were to finish the translation. They met with the man and prayed for him; he was up the next morning huddled over the manuscript, working on corrections. As a result, the manuscript was finished! It was an inspiring story . . . it was good to be reminded of just how casual many American Christians are about having a copy of the Bible! Also, to see how God is working in many of these countries and bringing together people from all over the world was incredible! We all do have a part! I was really moved by this humble man; he had such a heart for sharing God's Word. I'm actually getting very choked up just writing about it. I wish everyone could meet David and see the work he is doing here. He has dedicated his life to serving Jesus, even when it is sometimes dangerous and illegal! WOW.
Anyway, after the mission, we came back to the orphanage. The kids came running! They were happy to see us after such a long day (they had just gotten back from school). We then had BBQ pork on a stick with rice for dinner--YUM! After dinner was a worship time with the kids; they were so cute trying to sing "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" in English.
A group of us then headed out to the Night Market, a huge street market--you could get everything! Knock-off designer bags, jewelry, backpacks, watches, clothes, beautiful silks, etc. etc. etc.! It was a shopper's dream! It was fun to bargain . . . I bought a necklace and I bargained hard (but not hard enough, I think:) and got the price down to 300 baht (9 bucks, I think) I should have walked away. It was kinda overwhelming! So many people!!!!! If you don't like crowds, this isn't the place for you!
Anyway, we were exhausted by the time we got back (about 11 pm) so we went right to sleep. Right now it is almost 10 am on Tuesday, the 31st and it is going to be a slower day for us. Rachel and I are teaching English to the staff and children in the afternoon, so we have a little free time. We are thinking of heading to the Day Market (more for the locals and cheaper (!) than the Night Market (very touristy) . . . but we don't speak Thai and we need to get a taxi there. It should be quite the adventure! I'll try to update soon!
Susannah
"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." (Helen Keller)
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt. 12:34)
Yesterday (Monday, the 29th for me) was a very busy day!!!!!!! Rachel and I woke up early and tagged along with the group from Virginia (did I mention they are staying at a mansion? The house, gardens, and ponds are GORGEOUS!) and we hit the ground running! We started out at a local tribal store--it had all kinds of merchandise from the local tribal villages--very beautiful purses, bracelets, blankets, bags, etc. All of the different tribes have their own style of clothing, colors, patterns, etc. The children at the orphanage all have an outfit from their own local hill tribe; they even have a program where they all sing a song from their tribes while they are all dressed up in their costumes. Of course, as soon as the program is over, the nice clothes are quickly discarded--they don't like to stay dressed up for long! Typical kids!
After the village shop, we headed for lunch at the local mall, Carrefour. I had an icky hot dog from Diary Queen--it had a very funny taste :( So then I had french fries from McDonald's--they also tasted strange--oh well. The ice cream from Diary Queen was great! I guess you can't really screw up ice cream!:) Carrefour was cool, though--lots of stores, kiosks, etc. So much stuff!
Our group then headed out to visit a home for women with AIDS. A couple from the States, Jerry and Pam, run the home. The woman make paper gift bags and cards to support themselves--they bags are really beautiful! It's an intricate skill, but with some help from my Thai teacher, I made a bag! It was really cool. The cards were all handmade and really creative and cute . . . and they were only 35 baht (about a buck)!
Jerry and Pam then showed us their newly purchased property. It is in the middle of rice fields; there were water buffalo galore! :) The new home will be for the women with AIDS, homeless people, etc. Jerry and Pam really have a heart for the people of Thailand. It was really awesome to see how God was using them!
Our next stop was to the North Thailand Mission Organization. This was my absolute favorite part! We met with David, who works with others to translate the Bible into several different languages. This man is so utterly passionate about his calling; his stories were amazing. He told us the story about how the translation of the Chinese Bible was completed, even after their only translator (a seventy-nine year old man) nearly died days before they were to finish the translation. They met with the man and prayed for him; he was up the next morning huddled over the manuscript, working on corrections. As a result, the manuscript was finished! It was an inspiring story . . . it was good to be reminded of just how casual many American Christians are about having a copy of the Bible! Also, to see how God is working in many of these countries and bringing together people from all over the world was incredible! We all do have a part! I was really moved by this humble man; he had such a heart for sharing God's Word. I'm actually getting very choked up just writing about it. I wish everyone could meet David and see the work he is doing here. He has dedicated his life to serving Jesus, even when it is sometimes dangerous and illegal! WOW.
Anyway, after the mission, we came back to the orphanage. The kids came running! They were happy to see us after such a long day (they had just gotten back from school). We then had BBQ pork on a stick with rice for dinner--YUM! After dinner was a worship time with the kids; they were so cute trying to sing "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" in English.
A group of us then headed out to the Night Market, a huge street market--you could get everything! Knock-off designer bags, jewelry, backpacks, watches, clothes, beautiful silks, etc. etc. etc.! It was a shopper's dream! It was fun to bargain . . . I bought a necklace and I bargained hard (but not hard enough, I think:) and got the price down to 300 baht (9 bucks, I think) I should have walked away. It was kinda overwhelming! So many people!!!!! If you don't like crowds, this isn't the place for you!
Anyway, we were exhausted by the time we got back (about 11 pm) so we went right to sleep. Right now it is almost 10 am on Tuesday, the 31st and it is going to be a slower day for us. Rachel and I are teaching English to the staff and children in the afternoon, so we have a little free time. We are thinking of heading to the Day Market (more for the locals and cheaper (!) than the Night Market (very touristy) . . . but we don't speak Thai and we need to get a taxi there. It should be quite the adventure! I'll try to update soon!
Susannah
"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." (Helen Keller)
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt. 12:34)
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Long Live the King!
Hello friends and family!
Here I am in Chiang Mai--it is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains. At first it reminded me of Mexico . . . the stray dogs, signs, run-down homes, etc. Very Asian, though. The orphanage is situated out of the city--they have three large bamboo huts for the children, a guest house (where Rachel and I are staying) and a church. The property is also fenced in and has a nice gate. They have just raised enough money to build a new orphanage--praise God! It will be so nice to see the children in actual homes!
Speaking of children, they are absolutely wonderful!!!So sweet, beautiful, always smiling. I fell in love right away! :) Their names are so crazy! They laugh at me when I TRY to pronounce their names. Oh, about 6 kids came to the airport to meet me, Dave, and the Doc yesterday afternoon. They brought me flowers and hugged me! I knew I was a goner--I give my heart away so quickly when it comes to kids:)
Today was rather relaxed. I slept like the dead because the good Doctor gave me drugs! I was so loopy. . . it was kinda funny. I also met another team fromVirginia who were visiting for the week. Yeah, I had to re-meet them all today. Rachel, the girl from my church whom I've never met (she was at school and now is teaching in Taiwan) also came today--I am so grateful for her! It's nice to have another person who knows and understands English!
We played with the children today--I played a crazy game of "Follow the Leader" and tried to teach the kids using a Phonics book. They were so hungry to learn any and all English words. It was fun to teach them but also very exhausting. I love the way that they imitate me perfectly--inflections, tones, etc. It can get pretty amusing. Rachel and I also attended a church service for the young people at the student center. The singing was the same but in Thai, so that make it kinda hard to follow along. Pastor Dave preached a sermon, and someone translated, so that was good. We then went to a Mexican restaurant in ChiangMai--it was good (but not as good as Chipotle!:)
Now we are back at the guest house preparing for bed . . . jet lag and all. A busy day tomorrow! I will write more soon!!!
Susannah
PS. The title of the blog is in reference to the king of Thailand--he is absolutely revered. They are celebrating his reign because he is the longest living monarch in the history of Thailand. They even have merchandise everyone wears in homage--T-shirts, bracelets, etc. It's quite interesting.
PPS. I tried squirrel today . . . all I can say is, interesting. :)
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." (HelenKeller)
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 2:5)
Here I am in Chiang Mai--it is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains. At first it reminded me of Mexico . . . the stray dogs, signs, run-down homes, etc. Very Asian, though. The orphanage is situated out of the city--they have three large bamboo huts for the children, a guest house (where Rachel and I are staying) and a church. The property is also fenced in and has a nice gate. They have just raised enough money to build a new orphanage--praise God! It will be so nice to see the children in actual homes!
Speaking of children, they are absolutely wonderful!!!So sweet, beautiful, always smiling. I fell in love right away! :) Their names are so crazy! They laugh at me when I TRY to pronounce their names. Oh, about 6 kids came to the airport to meet me, Dave, and the Doc yesterday afternoon. They brought me flowers and hugged me! I knew I was a goner--I give my heart away so quickly when it comes to kids:)
Today was rather relaxed. I slept like the dead because the good Doctor gave me drugs! I was so loopy. . . it was kinda funny. I also met another team fromVirginia who were visiting for the week. Yeah, I had to re-meet them all today. Rachel, the girl from my church whom I've never met (she was at school and now is teaching in Taiwan) also came today--I am so grateful for her! It's nice to have another person who knows and understands English!
We played with the children today--I played a crazy game of "Follow the Leader" and tried to teach the kids using a Phonics book. They were so hungry to learn any and all English words. It was fun to teach them but also very exhausting. I love the way that they imitate me perfectly--inflections, tones, etc. It can get pretty amusing. Rachel and I also attended a church service for the young people at the student center. The singing was the same but in Thai, so that make it kinda hard to follow along. Pastor Dave preached a sermon, and someone translated, so that was good. We then went to a Mexican restaurant in ChiangMai--it was good (but not as good as Chipotle!:)
Now we are back at the guest house preparing for bed . . . jet lag and all. A busy day tomorrow! I will write more soon!!!
Susannah
PS. The title of the blog is in reference to the king of Thailand--he is absolutely revered. They are celebrating his reign because he is the longest living monarch in the history of Thailand. They even have merchandise everyone wears in homage--T-shirts, bracelets, etc. It's quite interesting.
PPS. I tried squirrel today . . . all I can say is, interesting. :)
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." (HelenKeller)
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 2:5)
Friday, January 26, 2007
Sleep-deprived, but alive!
Hello from Bangkok, Thailand!
Well, I made it! I've just spent the last 6 or so hours in the Bangkok Airport. I've mostly been wandering around aimlessly . . . I have a cart for my luggage, so it kinda feels like I'm at the grocery store--strange. Airports are rather odd places--so many people! I've been having fun people-watching--and I've also been getting many the curious glance--mostly because I seem to pass the same people about two dozen times! I also tried to sleep, but I'm so paranoid about someone stealing my luggage, so it wasn't that restful. I woke up in a panic at one point because I was so disoriented! Speaking of disoriented, it's about 8:30 pm on Sat. I think I've gotten about 8 hours of sleep TOTAL from the beginning of this adventure--crazy! It was about 30 hours of flying and waiting, but I'm doing fine--God is definitely watching over me and protecting me!
I will write more when I get to Chiang Mai!
Thank you all for your prayers!:)
Susannah
"Courage is being scared to death--and saddling up anyway." (John Wayne)
"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"(Psalm 91:2)
Well, I made it! I've just spent the last 6 or so hours in the Bangkok Airport. I've mostly been wandering around aimlessly . . . I have a cart for my luggage, so it kinda feels like I'm at the grocery store--strange. Airports are rather odd places--so many people! I've been having fun people-watching--and I've also been getting many the curious glance--mostly because I seem to pass the same people about two dozen times! I also tried to sleep, but I'm so paranoid about someone stealing my luggage, so it wasn't that restful. I woke up in a panic at one point because I was so disoriented! Speaking of disoriented, it's about 8:30 pm on Sat. I think I've gotten about 8 hours of sleep TOTAL from the beginning of this adventure--crazy! It was about 30 hours of flying and waiting, but I'm doing fine--God is definitely watching over me and protecting me!
I will write more when I get to Chiang Mai!
Thank you all for your prayers!:)
Susannah
"Courage is being scared to death--and saddling up anyway." (John Wayne)
"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"(Psalm 91:2)
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Leavin' on a jet plane . . .
Good Morning!
It's 3:40 AM here in cold and snowy Toledo. I went to bed at about 12 AM; I think I got about 2 1/2 hours of sleep. I'll definitely be tired enough to sleep on the plane! :)
I'm feeling both super excited and nervous this morning . . . My brain would not shut off to sleep--I kept remembering things I hadn't packed yet. I leave for the airport at about 5:15, so hopefully by that time everything will be packed, settled, and ready to go!!!!
Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers--it means a lot to me! I know that God goes before me; I am trusting in Him to keep me safe, especially as I am traveling to Bangkok by myself.
Here's what my flight schedule looks like: Detroit to Chicago, Chicago to Tokyo, Tokyo to Bangkok, and then Bangkok to Chang Mai, Thailand. Whew!!!!
I will update as soon as I'm able!
Bon Voyage!
Susannah
P.S. I've changed the settings so that if you want to comment, you no longer have to have a Google account! Comments make me happy:)
And yes, here is another poem; another "favorite"! Enjoy:)
"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
It's 3:40 AM here in cold and snowy Toledo. I went to bed at about 12 AM; I think I got about 2 1/2 hours of sleep. I'll definitely be tired enough to sleep on the plane! :)
I'm feeling both super excited and nervous this morning . . . My brain would not shut off to sleep--I kept remembering things I hadn't packed yet. I leave for the airport at about 5:15, so hopefully by that time everything will be packed, settled, and ready to go!!!!
Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers--it means a lot to me! I know that God goes before me; I am trusting in Him to keep me safe, especially as I am traveling to Bangkok by myself.
Here's what my flight schedule looks like: Detroit to Chicago, Chicago to Tokyo, Tokyo to Bangkok, and then Bangkok to Chang Mai, Thailand. Whew!!!!
I will update as soon as I'm able!
Bon Voyage!
Susannah
P.S. I've changed the settings so that if you want to comment, you no longer have to have a Google account! Comments make me happy:)
And yes, here is another poem; another "favorite"! Enjoy:)
"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Running around like a chicken . . . well, you know
It's Monday, and I am busy, busy, busy! All that last-minute stuff . . . and I still need to pack. And for those of you who know me well or have been on any sort of trip/vacation with me, you know I have a tendency to overpack! :)
Today I thought I would share my life verse. It is Psalm 31:14-15a, "But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands."
Thanks for reading!
~Susannah
And for all the poetry lovers out there . . . here's one of my favorites!
"What happens to a Dream Deferred?" by Langston Hughes
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore-
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over-
Like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
Like a heavy load
Or does it explode?
Today I thought I would share my life verse. It is Psalm 31:14-15a, "But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands."
Thanks for reading!
~Susannah
And for all the poetry lovers out there . . . here's one of my favorites!
"What happens to a Dream Deferred?" by Langston Hughes
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore-
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over-
Like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
Like a heavy load
Or does it explode?
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Countdown to takeoff!
Hello friends and family!
I guess creating a blog was easier than I thought! :) Now I will be able to keep everyone updated on my trip to Thailand and Cambodia. I leave on Thursday, Jan. 25th. I am very excited! I am also extremely grateful to my church, Maumee Valley, for not only generously providing the funds to make this trip possible, but also for their constant support and prayers. Thank you!
Please keep me in your prayers!
~Susannah
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!' " (Isaiah 6:8)
"I am just a wandering wayfarer in a strange land." (Robert Burns)
I guess creating a blog was easier than I thought! :) Now I will be able to keep everyone updated on my trip to Thailand and Cambodia. I leave on Thursday, Jan. 25th. I am very excited! I am also extremely grateful to my church, Maumee Valley, for not only generously providing the funds to make this trip possible, but also for their constant support and prayers. Thank you!
Please keep me in your prayers!
~Susannah
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!' " (Isaiah 6:8)
"I am just a wandering wayfarer in a strange land." (Robert Burns)
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