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)