More Pictures of the kids

Yotin

Joe

Phaan

Sarina

Kaleb

Orphanage

Last year at Christmas we decided that next year we wanted to serve others and share the reason of Christmas with others. We looked into going to an orphanage in Thailand. We decided to spend some time on the beach and then a week serving. We were hooked up with an amazing orphanage outside of Phuket, Thailand.



This orphanage has 9 kids ranging from 4-14 and 3 staff member kids as well. These kids are raised the Thai way and are not up for adoption. They live here until they are adults. It is such a loving environment. The kids are great and it has been wonderful.






We brought with us 4 of our teacher friends and it has been a great blessing. The guys have been working on some construction projects and the girls have been with the kids. Megan and Kimberly have been cleaning machines and Matthew, Isaac and I have been playing with the kids.

We can’t wait to come back and serve some more. These kids have truly touched ALL of our hearts.

more pictures to come

Thailand

We started our vacation and went from Dalian to Guangzhou, Guangzhou to Bangkok, and Bangkok to Phuket. We were able to check our luggage to Bangkok. We were a bit worried because we only had an hour between flights. We knew we would have to hustle to make it. We knew there was a later flight if we missed the first one so we were feeling okay about it. Well when we arrived in Bangkok there was an angel waiting for you. She swooshed us away and we blasted through customs and to the check in counter. She was taking care of our luggage so that was nice. We boarded the plane with time to spare.




We landed around 7:15 and went to get our luggage. NO LUGGAGE. It was still in Bangkok. The nice thing was they delivered it to the hotel and it was waiting for us in the morning. It did not turn out to bad. The first night was a little rough due to not having sleeping bags but we made it work.


The next morning we got up and had an amazing breakfast. Remember we live in China so this was a true treat for us. Our eyes were big but our tummies could not handle it. :) We then spent the day at the beach. It was nice and beautiful.



We took a boat tour to Phi Phi island. When on the speed boat Isaac turned to us and said " I love being IN my Christmas present". Both the boys were trilled with the adventure. We stopped at many islands and snorkeled or swan. It was the first time we had snorkeled so that was a true treat. Besides the jellyfish stings, we did okay. The fish were amazing. We fed the fish bananas and they would come and eat right out of our hands.


Our guide told us his story about being here during the 2004 Tsunami. He was out doing a tour and was running a bit late. He saw big swells but thought nothing of it. He then headed to Phi Phi Island but one of his friends in another boat stopped him. He told him not to go in there because nothing was left. Boh thought he was joking but looked at his hands and his friend was shaking. HE knew something big had happened.

Christmas eve we spent the day on the beach and ate at an amazing Thai restaurant on the beach. We were frequent visitors there.


Oh Christmas morning we woke and called home. So nice to chat with family. We wished everyone a Merry Christmas and we were off to ride elephants. It was a fun Christmas day.

We are now at an orphanage here in Phuket (just outside of the city). We are serving and doing what we can do. Doug and I both have had some stomach issues. NO FUN. More to come

Christmas

We are in Phuket, Thailand!!!! We wish you all a Merry Christmas. More pictures to come.

Love to you all

Technology

These were made in Technology class at school. The boys wanted me to share their work. Enjoy :)

Publish Post

Is it possible

the singing to Isaac

Matthew being sung too :)


I will get a better picture .. this week

Matthew and Isaac had their "kid party" this weekend. Is it possible they are almost 7 and 8. where has the time gone....

Doug was a star again and made the best cupcakes... Mommy made the worst frosting but they were good sports about it. China butter is so different then what I use back home.


Lightsaber


Lion... for our animal lover

the amazing Daddy


more pictures coming from the actual birthday :)

December

ready for the concert



December brings winter concerts, cookie making, birthday parties and fun...

This week we had our winter concert. The boys were so excited. Matthew played an instrument and Isaac sang his hear out.

hockey pucks :)


not really sleeping but sure are CUTE


beautiful!!!


I made hockey puck cookies this week. The boys must have been outside when I did it because when I brought them out for desert they were shocked.. This picture is for Kristen, my former teaching partner.. see even in China, I can make them :)

November

Boys with their "sister"

We had a great Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for. This year we had 4 Thanksgiving meals. Thankfully not in one day (there was a time in our life that we were crazy and did that). We started out by getting a $5 a pound turkey with our friend the Maddens. I know $5 is a bit much but it was worth it. We had a great meal and visit. Then Campus Village had a potluck and those are always fun. It is nice to see everyone and share a meal with them. Then on Thanksgiving, Lisa the owner, treated the teachers and staff to Thanksgiving. Then on Sunday the teachers had a potluck and celebrated Thanksgiving. It was a week of food. We had to work on Thanksgiving and that is always strange. Then Friday we had a professional development day.








We have so much to be thankful for.....

Random Pictures

My dear friend and running partner, Sarah, her husband " New York" and us.. Last year at the end of the year party.

Kids at church


the most amazing sweet potatoes.


they were really purple!!!

boys with Mr. K at the aquarium


Out with Mr. K and Ms. Timms

Love this picture.. high school student took it. She is amazing.

My friend Trisha and I at church... they leave in a few weeks to go back home. :(